Turbo Miata experts in Phoenix?
 

:noob: here. Just bought a '90 with what appears to be an old Begi kit. Has the airbox for a flat filter, small FMIC, and tiny Turbonetics turbo.
engine bay pic...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v...0/IMG_4478.JPG

I am not new to turbos (have a 3000GT VR4 also), but am a complete noob to miatas. Spent quite a bit of time searching on here already just familiarize myself.

Started poking around under the hood and found out that my FMU was not hooked up to vacuum (only boost) so idle fuel pressure was high. Prob not a big deal but fuel purge valve, by canister in engine bay, was missing one vac line. Fixed that also but makes me wonder what else is not correct. By the way, I already have an AEM wideband that I need to get installed.

I do not see any form of ignition controller. Haven't checked base timing yet. Only running 5lbs and don't notice any timing pull from knock while doing a pull, so hopefully no damage done.

What is this or what was here??? There is the black connector, plus you can see that two other wires (white/red, black/white) have been tapped into at some point...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r...0/IMG_4479.JPG

Any turbo miata experts in Phoenix area want to help look over my car with me and point out what needs to be done and/or purchased to make this reliable and more boost friendly?

couple car pics for fun...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4...0/IMG_4480.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...0/IMG_4481.JPG

Nice car, flat filter turbo kit is new to me!

tkae a picture of the turbo. I bet it's an old aerodyne turbo.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1312548352

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1312548352


This is not a problem, the FMU only really does anything in boost, the stock fpr needs vacuum to reduce the fuel pressure at idle.

probably had some sort of ignition retard device on it. the whte/red wire is 12v, black is ground, and that white wire is the crank signal.

Odd turbo kit.

Honestly I'd ditch the FMU and go with a Megasquirt.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3...0/IMG_4483.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3...0/IMG_4484.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s...0/IMG_4485.JPG

Damn my engine bay is dirty! But give me a break, I've only had the car since Saturday.

Agreed, but the FMU is already on the car. Just trying to keep it simple for now. I already have a twin big 16G, AEM EMS, E85, dual aeromotive 340's, 3000GT project car that is sucking me dry:) Trying to give the miata a safe tune and somewhat reliable. Supposed to be just a fun weekend car with wife or a go-cart to go to store with one of the three kids.:facepalm:

I may consider Megasquirt if the costs for it, all sensors, and bigger injectors aren't much more than what I need to add on piggyback style.

I'll probably throw an ignition retard on. Looks like Bipes is the way to go, correct? Probably shouldn't be driving it until I make sure base timing has been set lower until I get a MSD or Bipes.

Thanks for the help so far guys! Still hoping to find someone local to look it over for an extra set of eyes.

Forgot to mention that previous owner says it has a Walbro fuel pump. From the whine in my ear at idle, I would tend to agree!

I live in Tempe. I've made a living wrenching for a long time. If you need help, let me know. We can inspect your car and give you peace of mind.

turn the key over and listen for a whine, if it does than chances are it does have a walbro. if theres a whine when its running sounds more like the altenator to me.

That's the cam angle sensor.

The white / red wire is the +12 supply, the white wire is the CKP (Crankshaft Position) output, and I suspect that the wire you describe as black / white is actually black / light green, which would be the ground.

I suspect that there was an ignition retard device spliced into it at one time.

Only audible whine at idle. (Road noise and wind drowns it out at speed.) Comes from rear. I'll pull it out when I get time and check.

Checking the base timing tomorrow. Still need to install wideband, but it's damn hot in the garage, so I'm not real motivated.

just out of curiosity, anyone have any idea what turbo I have?

welcome to the forum man, i love off of the 51 and 101. Hit me up if you need anything. If you just want to keep it running without really going all out just get something to retard the ignition and get a safe tune on there. I know a few people at UMS that may be able to help ;)

Also if you looking for a local non-car specific forum with a bunch of cool dudes check out www.teamv-locity.com

pics of vr4?

Some of these pics are without spoiler. I was fixing the active aero motor at the time. VR4 suspension/wheels are completely stock. Has 4x4 look going on...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...2/IMG_2851.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R...2/IMG_2848.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...2/IMG_3645.JPG

VR4 is currently out of commission with a spun rod bearing. Gathering parts for a forged rebuild, big turbos and E85. Already have forged crank, twin EVOIII 16G kit, AEM EMS, dual pump/dual feed fuel system (aeromotive 340 x2, Stainless lines, FPR, and billet rails.) Just need rods, pistons, clutch, and 1000cc injectors. Shooting for 600+awhp and 600+awtq.

Looks like you have a '90 miata same as me. Have you inspected the crank bolt and key yet? Mine has 116k miles, so it's due for timing belt soon anyway. You want to come help, don't you:)

Cleaned engine bay a bit...
Valve cover looks like ass, but I'll probably get it powdercoated when I do a timing belt change.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...0/IMG_4486.JPG

anyone have a used Bipes for sale?

Used Bipes on the way. Thanks rharris19!

Ordered wideband bung and a-pillar single gauge pod. Hopefully I receive everything by this weekend, so I can get everything installed and start upping the boost safely. Hoping for 8-10psi.

Hey man! I never post on here, just creep and search. Dreaming of turbo'ing my Miata.

3000GT guys ... we either get vipers, corvettes, or turbo miatas I guess. LOL!!

//Ryan

Nice VR4, I've always liked those. Welcome to the site.

Hey Ryan, time for you to turbo your miata! At least a DIY mis-match of parts will match the look of your car;) jk!

What's funny is my wife and I thought about getting a Viper or NSX and ditching the VR4. Decided to get a cheap/fun RWD car instead and finish my 16g build on the VR4.

Thanks and Thanks! Paint on the VR4 is in GREAT condition for 19 years old. Wish I could say the same for the peeling white on the miata:)

sure have. i have a 156+k on my OEM engine and it still runs strong. Best time to check it out is when your are doing the timing belt. Dont hesitate to send me a PM if you need a hand.

Thanks and I might take you up on that!

Hoping to get the fuel and timing sorted this weekend, but I might not receive all the parts by then. Gonna try to do a better job touching up the exterior than the previous owner and take care of some rust on the tray under the brake master.

Ordered a black boot cover to hide the top when it's down.

Will be installing Bipes and o2 clamp tonight. Had to buy an inductive timing light today. Miata coil/plug wires did not like the old non-inductive one I have. Shocked the piss out of me a few times! Also didn't always make a good connection so I couldn't be certain what the timing was set at. Looks like base was dialed back to 4*. Should be much more responsive down low when I set to 10-12* base with the Bipes!

The DIY faq by Braineack and the search function are definitely good resources. Took me a bit to find install instructions for the o2 clamp since I bought one used. Good ole Google did the trick though.

Anyone know a good place to dyno in Phoenix? Gonna get it close with street pulls but would like to throw it on a dyno to check my work:)

Also, recommended settings on Bipes for conservative tune in AZ heat with piss 91 octane we have here?

Planning on...
12* base
8* retard
1* per 30C Air Temp
2000/3600 Start/Full RPM

Hoping to up boost to 8 psi. I should have the fuel pressure, but I only have 1.6 injectors:(. Also, not sure if I'll have the knock control with 91 octane and just a small intercooler to go above 6 psi.

Some pics to keep it interesting...

Quite proud of my wideband install. Even got to use my welder:) View from driver's seat...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U...0/IMG_4489.JPG

Engine bay cleaned up a bit, still needs work, but this definitely is a driver, not a show car:fawk:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y...0/IMG_4492.JPG

Interior is pretty mint, except faded to blue carpet behind seat and tan top that has been dyed black:jerkit: That will be covered by the black vinyl top my wife won for me on ebay:makeout:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D...0/IMG_4491.JPG

I'll get it out of the garage this weekend and post some exterior shots even though I seem to be talking to myself:loser:

Looking good, keep up the work.

Getting conflicting info on ecu pinout on 1.6 for installing Bipes and o2 clamp.

The instructions with Bipes says...
Ground, 2A or 2B, Black
+12V, 1B white/red
Air temp, 2P red/Green
Airflow, 2O, red
CAS, 2E, white

Pinouts I have seen here on mt.net for the 1.6 have been in conflict with the above. What is right???

Also, Need o2 sensor pin for installing o2 clamp. Is that 2N, red/blue?

Thanks!

This thread/post confirms the instructions with Bipes and also confirms 2N as o2 sensor. Hopefully I can relax and continue install...
https://www.miataturbo.net/aem-59/aem-f-ic-1-6-miata-installation-guide-sticky-56537/

theres a whole forum of miata dudes on CR.net in phx.

I'm one of them. Let me know if you need anything.


Welcome

Everything all buttoned up and new boot cover...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0...0/IMG_4503.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z...0/IMG_4500.JPG

Car runs very well at 6psi. FMU is set up pretty darn good with restrictor on vacuum and dual check valves on needle valve.

Taking it in today or tomorrow to get it emissions tested.

Unfortunately, I may end up selling it. Found out last weekend, we are expecting our 4th child! Need to upgrade my wifes BMW 540i to something MUCH bigger. May sell off the Miata also to help fund a new family mobile.

Any idea what it's worth? White paint is crap and flaking, but the rest of the car is nice.

Passed emissions with flying colors. Ran the piss out of it to heat up the cat, then turned the base FP on the FMU to lean it out. Think I would have been screwed otherwise. They were getting into boost quite a bit more than I thought they would.

Nice looking set of cars there, welcome!

Looks like there are several of us PHX locals on here... meetup?

Or throw a roll bar in that thing and get out on the track with it!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H...0/IMG_4513.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J...0/IMG_4519.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X...0/IMG_4515.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4...0/IMG_4521.JPG

Car is running very well! Did a nice drift around the block:) Decided to throw it up on craigslist:( Would like to free up some cash for a minvan for wife and/or finish my VR4.

Just bought a built longblock for VR4 and need to get 1150cc injectors, clutch and FMIC so I can get it going.

craigslist link...
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/2583575571.html

Car is sold! 3 hours after posted on CL. Time to pull the motor on the VR4 and get it finished with some 600awhp E85 love:)

Thanks for everyone's help. Maybe I'll be back someday and do it right with megasquirt and more boost:p