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I have a 1.6 1990 Miata, and I'm looking for do the simple bolt on turbo job. And by simple I mean really simple (Manifold, Turbo, Exhaust - run low boost).
My question is (besides the one whether that will actually work, or am I going to need a new ECU/fuel pump/injectors?), what will I need to do to get it complied? Does anyone know an auto engineer in Sydney?
Cheers!
Ollie

Without an ECU, it most likely will run like crap...

Many kits come with a piggyback adaptor for your ECU as well as an extra injector or two.

If you're looking to go as cheap as possible, look at second hand kits of not only turbos, but superchargers as well, as these should be easier, and cheaper, to fit as you don't require as many modifications to the exhaust side of things.
As you only want low boost, a supercharger will also do the job for you very well.

I'm not saying just go for a supercharger, as I still believe a turbo is more efficient, but if cost is a big concern, you may end up getting out of it cheaper with a supercharger.
Expecially if you can find a good second hand kit to bolt on.

Either way, you will have to have either a new ECU (lots of time to tune) or a piggyback made for the kit (easy to fit and tune).

Good luck.

Boosting your pride and joy will make it feel like a new car.

Can't remember where I heard it, but apparently the stock ECU will cope with about 2psi without pinging.

Don't mean to burst your bubble, but unless you really know what you're doing, cheap and turbo don't often come in the same sentence.

Have a look at the HKS kit if they are still available. They are very easy to fit as a DIY project as you dont need to drill the sump for the turbo oil return line. They come with a preprogramed intercepter module to look after the fueling and timing. It will need to be complied though. Check out the AVO kit too. It' a bit more complex to fit than the HKS kit but I think their basic 1.6L kit is already emissions compliant but I could be wrong.

But I warn you that boost is very addictive. Some of the basic kits are hard to upgrade so when looking around you should consider how easy it is to extract some more power out of the kit later on.

Forced induction = more air in. Unless you also increase the fuel supply your Air Fuel Ratio will be out and the thing is going to run lean. I'd be very, very hesitent about running any boost without increasing the fuel somehow.

Basic turbo kits running low boost (5-6psi) have all included some method the incease fuel supply. Some (HKS, AVO, FM) have very basic, non adjustable piggy backs, while others like the Greddy include a fuel pressure regulator.

If you want to go budget and get that psst feeling without the $1000-$3000 expense of a stand alone ECU, you have some cheap bandaid options for fuel. For example, 190hp fuel pump and/or 1.8l injectors and/or adjustable FPR and/or Jaycar DFA. A combination of a couple of those along with reducing your timing to -6 can give you enough fuel to run 6-7psi and not lean out.

However, you'll probably get sick of the compromises of the band aid set up and want to go down the ECU route eventually. The problems with these band aids is that you have no timing control, and you will have a big lean spot when your factory ecu is running in closed loop and then you hit boost. Both problems can be fixed by further bandaids (eg Bipes timing control and a FM O2 box), but by the time you get all these you may as well just get a standalone ecu and be done with it.

As far as engineering goes, search the forum for Sean's interesting write up on the legalities of turbos in NSW.

I have only one thing to add.

http://www.miataturbo.net/forum/

Make sure you read the FAQ before asking any questions... if you read some of the other posts there you will understand why I suggested this

J

What you need to do to get a turbo engineered in NSW (Short version):
Ensure turbo and associated fittings meet legal requirements (eg recirculating BOV)
Have car emissions tested (at either botany or penrith RTA. Thankfully doesnt cost you anything)
Visit engineer

Fuzzlet wrote:What you need to do to get a turbo engineered in NSW (Short version):
Ensure turbo and associated fittings meet legal requirements (eg recirculating BOV)
Have car emissions tested (at either botany or penrith RTA. Thankfully doesnt cost you anything)
Visit engineer

And unfortunately Fuzzlet has a long version of that story as well

So if I did happen to go ahead with the turbo option, would I need to upgrade brakes for compliance? I know it's not looking good, but for future's sake?

No, you shouldn't have to upgrade.

That's good news. Hey sorry to keep being a complete newby, but if i went to a wrecker and poached an ECU from BPT (found in Mazda Familia GTX's/Ford Laser TX3's) (assuming I could find one), could i just use that and then get it tuned? Or would it just die? This is going off the idea that i bought simply the turbo, manifold and exhaust?

No it would not be able to be 'tuned'. I don't even think it would fit the NA6 wiring harness plugs let alone fire up in order to then die...

I hope you realise that a manifold, turbo and exhaust is not a complete turbo kit. Please do more research on the Internet, speak to MX5 owners in your state who have done turbo conversions and also chat to MX5 specialists who have experience in doing turbo kits.

Do not take doing a turbo conversion lightly if you want it to work well.

Fuzzlet wrote:What you need to do to get a turbo engineered in NSW (Short version):
Ensure turbo and associated fittings meet legal requirements (eg recirculating BOV)
Have car emissions tested (at either botany or penrith RTA. Thankfully doesnt cost you anything)
Visit engineer

Please read it may help, no need to get an engineering cert. in NSW.
Ted

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/ ... v_2007.pdf

mx52nv wrote:I hope you realise that a manifold, turbo and exhaust is not a complete turbo kit.

No of course not i am well aware this isn't even CLOSE to a full kit, i was just hoping it might be easier if i didn't want to spend some big bucks and all i wanted was a small small increase in power. However after further research it's looking mighty grim. I'm probably better off saving and buying the complete kit down the track than spend small dollars here for big disasters down the road.

On a COMPLETELY different tact, how about Qaud Throttle Bodies?
Haha

Cheers!