Contemplated Turbo Build
 

I decided a while ago to get myself a fun and powerful sports car. After a great deal of research I acquired a 2003 Sport Edition in Canada (1.8, 11" brakes, 16" wheels, stiffened undercarriage, LSD, and a six speed manual transmission. No A/C.)

I got it running, fixed several various pain in the ass gremlins in the engine, installed some nice tyres, and it is now my daily driver and I am enjoying it very much. Outstanding items remain with better rotors and pads but that can wait until the existing ones wear out.

Now, it is time for the turbo-charger (there is no other option.) I have no desire to create a monster (yet) and want to plan out the upgrades in sequence.

It is with some hesitation I start yet another noob thread. However, most of you folks sound like a lot of people I know. Will deal.

I was hoping to get it done in the following sequence:

1) Engine management and a wide band O2 sensor. Drive it around and figure out how it all works and get used to it.

2) Upgrade the exhaust (full flow 3") and replace the old catalytic converter (130,000 km). Drive around with the extra noise for a bit.

3) Install the turbo kit (with intercooler) and enjoy.

4) Upgrade the injectors and clutch and raise the boost.

I was planning on spacing this out a few months at a time. I'll be sourcing complete kits where-ever possible. I own and fly old piston driven aircraft and am used to nursing engines performing at the edge of what they can do.

Would the most practical route be to just start with a MegaSquirt and wide band sensor? And then get the rest from Flyin' Miata?

You're on the right path, and your plan is a good one.
I'd say yes to both, many would agree.

Replace step 2 with step 4 and combine step 2 into step 3.
<br />
<br />ECU
<br />Injectors
<br />Clutch
<br />Turbo kit + exhaust.

Yup, I would do the injectors at the same time as the engine management, wait until the turbo to swap in the exhaust. I don't think you could fit a 3" onto the stock manifold anyway, and buying twice would be a waste of money.

I'd do the clutch sooner rather than later, and consider putting in fresh, maybe stiffer, motor mounts at the same time.

Maybe MS as Step 1a (get it running on MS) and upgrade injectors as Step 1b?

Yes, perfect plan.

I like doing MS first, then injectors later. Most preinstalled msq's are for stock injectors. So there is less you have to mess with on the first start up to get it running. If you are a complete newb and do MS and injectors there are more places to have problems.

I like your plan, but agree with the comments about doing the exhaust and turbo at the same time. A 3" exhaust without a turbo in front of it is miserable loud. I have vids in my build thread showing the noise difference between 3" without turbo and 3" with turbo. Check it out and make up your own mind.

https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...t-80371/page6/

Do you have E85 available in BC? If so, size your injectors appropriately and enjoy the benefits of moon shine!

Keith

A progression of Ecu, injectors, clutch, and finally the hardware and exhaust system makes good sense.

The wide band O2 sensor requires some welding on the exhaust, I presume. There would be no need to remove the existing sensors, and the ms would be able to operate with the original sensors for starters?

You can just replace either of the oem oxygen sensors with the wideband and no need to weld

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>MS needs wideband for tuning. MS ignores the stock sensors.</p><p>2 other thoughts: Front port may be too close to exhaust, rear port is behind a Cat. Neither is ideal.</p><p>EDIT: I drove into the&nbsp;local muffler shop and he welded a bung on, where I specified,&nbsp;in about 20 minutes, for $15 (IIRC). Included a plug which&nbsp;I later replaced with a sensor.</p>

I have ran both LC-1's and AEM UEGO's in the stock header in the front O2 port with absolutely no problems on multiple miatas. I would not hesitate at all doing it for a few months until you go turbo.

no such thing on n/a

<p>OK, thanks Shuiend and 18. Front header port makes good sense then.</p>

Are you saying you can't install a MS without a wideband O2 sensor?

Can you? Yes.

Should you? Absolutely not