Researching
 

I'm new to this forum. I've been on miata.net for a few years and decided it's time to turbo.

I've got a '94 with 150k on the clock. I'm looking to put some boost in but just how much is still up for debate.

I'm still learning my way around this forum so I'm sure I'll ask some stupid questions, but I promise to use the search button before I post anything!

Here's the first stupid question, in case anybody here knows the answer:

With an upgraded clutch, how much boost can I safely put through the stock trans and rear end? I read 250-300whp through the rear end in the FAQ but it didn't say anything about the tranny; and I don't know how much boost that is.

Also, is there a general ballpark estimate for how much boost equals how much power, with and without an intercooler?

Skid, welcome to this forum. Since your car is a 94 (1.8L) I don't think you'll face any issues with your transmission at that power level.

With regards to boost and power, I'm sure you know that's going to depend on the size of the turbo you end up choosing.

Now, pics or ban! :giggle:

Here's some pictures. I haven't done much to it. Just painted the wheels; really.

Is there a thread somewhere that gives basics about turboing? (besides the DIY Basics thread) some basic questions I can't seem to find easy answers to are bugging me.

What are the boost levels that are common?
____ on stock clutch
____ on stock pistons/rods/head
____ on stock block... that sort of thing

What needs to be replaced for those boost levels and how much power can be expected from them?

I'll keep looking for answers but if somebody could point me in the right direction that'd be great.

low (5-8psi); < 170rwhp
15-18psi; 250-300rwhp
same as above

I wouldnt worry about the block untill you plan to run more than 300rwhp, it's more about the torque produced than the boost level. Keep knock in check and nothing should fail.

So this means I can run pretty much whatever I want without worrying about grenading the trans? If that's the case, I might try for 200 at the wheels. Sounds like I'll get that with about 10psi and some injectors from an RX-7 or something.

trans is still up for debate, I haven't heard of many failures, and certainly not at 200rwhp.

at 200rwhp, you shouldnt worry about anything but the tune.

The big honcho just gave you some really good pointers. ;)

BTW, nice car.

I suggest you read every thread below Cjernigan's and braineack' respective sigs. Once you do, you'll be ready to ask more questions:)

Thanks, it's actually a little shinier now after it got repaired from a couple parking lot dings (one hit and stay, one hit and run, front and back respectively)

I will read those threads. Thanks for the info! I like this forum so far.

first thing to learn is that power is made my mass air flow rate, not boost. power levels made by a big turbo at 6psi will be drastically higher than that of a small turbo at the same boost level. Boost is NOT a measure of power...

200 whp makes the miata pretty damn fast and fun, but you will get bored with it after 2-3 weeks (i did). I would build everything with the intention of pushing the stock motor as far as it will go (275-300whp). If you don't run that much to start, you will eventually want the head room. It's cheaper to build big from the start.

Ski, I'll just point you in the direction of the FAQ in case you haven't seen it:
https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4288

bangor eh? some real nice roads up that way and east of there on the coast. got to check some out when i was up in brooklin last fall. turbo miata would do well.