Stories of turbocharging

[siu_loong_bao]

Hi All...

Ok, here's the question...

Can I turbo charge my 1989 1.6L MX5 on a tight budget, say, around $2500 - $3000?

I've been searching on ebay USA and also get to cast my eyes over the turbo kits being offered for sale in Australia ocassionaly. But since I am not mechanically-skilled, I am afraid of buying anything as I don't know what a complete kit comprises of.

You may ask, why don't you take it to a professional or \"go to AVO\"? But then again, the cost factor and also the fact that I may be 'stooged' into buying something i don't need as part of the turbo-ing process remains very high. I did own a R33 at one stage and also a s13 180sx - but seemed like I wasn't getting the right advice from those workshop garages (which will remain undisclosed for now).

And, also from reading of members who have turbo-ed their MX5s - seriously, is it a very easy process? Or is there alot of angst, blood, ssweat and tears?

I just want my MX5 to at least take on a stock r33 gtst...And I assume that because the MX5 is lighter, 150Kw is all I need.

Can someone now tell me what I need (or what completes a full turbo kit)?

This is what I've managed to come up with:

1. Turbo
2. Turbo manifold
3. Front pipe & dump pipe
4. Intercooler (FMIC I assume)
5. Aftermarket engine management
6. BOV

Better still, has anyone done a complete install and tune themselves for their 1.6L and in Melb? Maybe we can come to some arrangement for you to advise me of what to buy and can then install/tune it for me?

Let me know your thoughts!

[Alex]

I know boags did it on a tight budget, I'll try and find the link when I get home
for now here was his thread
http://www.aus-cartalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=24472

[Insurgence]

the avo kit for NA has been engineered?

are you planning to get your car engineered? that alone will take up a lot of $3000?

<offtopic>btw how does the s13 compare to mx5? i am considering getting a cheap s13 as a 'drift dog'. have i been watching too much anime and bestmotoring? please talk some sense into me </offtopic>

[sprx3]

Hi All...

Ok, here's the question...

Can I turbo charge my 1989 1.6L MX5 on a tight budget, say, around $2500 - $3000?

I've been searching on ebay USA and also get to cast my eyes over the turbo kits being offered for sale in Australia ocassionaly. But since I am not mechanically-skilled, I am afraid of buying anything as I don't know what a complete kit comprises of.

You may ask, why don't you take it to a professional or "go to AVO"? But then again, the cost factor and also the fact that I may be 'stooged' into buying something i don't need as part of the turbo-ing process remains very high. I did own a R33 at one stage and also a s13 180sx - but seemed like I wasn't getting the right advice from those workshop garages (which will remain undisclosed for now).

And, also from reading of members who have turbo-ed their MX5s - seriously, is it a very easy process? Or is there alot of angst, blood, ssweat and tears?

I just want my MX5 to at least take on a stock r33 gtst...And I assume that because the MX5 is lighter, 150Kw is all I need.

Can someone now tell me what I need (or what completes a full turbo kit)?

This is what I've managed to come up with:

1. Turbo
2. Turbo manifold
3. Front pipe & dump pipe
4. Intercooler (FMIC I assume)
5. Aftermarket engine management
6. BOV

Better still, has anyone done a complete install and tune themselves for their 1.6L and in Melb? Maybe we can come to some arrangement for you to advise me of what to buy and can then install/tune it for me?

Let me know your thoughts!

hey bud, i can say now that you will get a lot of people saying all soughts of stuff on here about why you shouldnt & so on & so forth, first of all, if you want it done i say do it, ive got myself a avo kit (for my nb as nb's are hard to get turbo kits for) & a greddy emanage ultimate, its the best thing that i have done to my car. Now you have cheaper options for the na, & can get a full greddy turbo kit inc computer (emange blue or ultimate) for around your budget, im sure there are people that can help you fit it in melbourne if you need a hand & some of us even have the right tools for the job that they had to buy to get the job done. ;)

if you do end up getting an emanage ultimate computer i will be happy to help you tune it & help you out with it if you get stuck. Im also in melbourne & a few others in melbourne have done the same thing so if you want to catch up with us im sure we can & should all catch up again & show off the different ways of getting a similar result...

but to answer your question it is possible with the top end of your budget & if you want to get pretty technical with it it wont cost a lot more

what side of town you on?

Zoran

[siu_loong_bao]

Zoran,

Thanks for the offer. I am keen to get it done and in the western suburbs, however, happy to take it around town.

The only \"snag\" is that I am in Dubai working...But the reason I was enquiring now was that I can get my friend to do the running around for me (What are firends for??? Hehehe)...

So I suppose I should go search for a 'bolt-on\" GReddy Kit and buy an E-Manage Ultimate Unit, is there anything else I should go buy?

You see, I've got the MX5 itch recently and also wanted to get my widebody JDM kit installed too.

The list of mods I want to complete is endless, hence, working on a tight budget.

Zoran - I'll PM you at the time when I know I will be returning to Melb...Should be doing it within 3-8mths (or when I am back for a 2 week vacation).

Insurgence - If you get a cheap S13, make sure it is a SR20det or don't bother. CA18's are getting old and limit your mod potential. There are plenty of SR20det mods for sale also. Why don't you just tubro your MX5 and go drifting with it? I saw this great youtube clip of a white MX5 in the States drifting in a parking lot...That is exactly why I have the itch to mod my MX5...

On another note, I've got 5 more months before I can do a personal import of my 2001 Audi S4 to Australia from Dubai and do a left to right-hand drive conversion...That will be fun.. *sarcasm*

[Caffeine]

perhaps this would do the trick...

[sprx3]

perhaps this would do the trick...

i was thinking the same thing

[fastfreddygassit]

Hey dude
You have no idea how much i want to see you car on the road - bodykit and all- I think it will be awesome.
as for your turbocharging quest...
Bear in mind that my car is NOT turboed so these are just observations.

Hi All...
Can I turbo charge my 1989 1.6L MX5 on a tight budget, say, around $2500 - $3000?

Yup. Probably. Bare minimum. I assume that you don't wish to upgrade your brakes (pads minimum)
or change your clutch??
I do doubt that you will get your 150kw.
BUT

But since I am not mechanically-skilled, I am afraid of buying anything as I don't know what a complete kit comprises of.***EDIT***Better still, has anyone done a complete install and tune themselves for their 1.6L and in Melb? Maybe we can come to some arrangement for you to advise me of what to buy and can then install/tune it for me?

Now it becomes tricky. If you want someone else to do the job for you properly then you will have to pay for it.
Let's say someone (Goran?? ) agrees to help you out for nothing.
I am assuming that you have limited workshop facilities and tools available? Thus you would require someone else's place.
And then how long do you think the install will take if you aren't paying a good price for it? Who is responsible if it goes pear shaped.
If you do a SEARCH on this forum you will find plenty of info on turbo build ups and links to other OS forums where more information can be found.
I guess what I am trying to say is that it will be tricky for that price without you doing the work yourself
and having the ability to tune/troubleshoot/rectify issues that WILL pop up sooner rather than later.

You initially talked about not "going to AVO" because of cost and the fact that you may get stooged.
Without increasing your turbo knowledge you are going to get stooged. This, and other, forums
can be a wealth of info about FI. Also read Corky Bells books (theory and practice) which I heartily recommend.

Really, unless you find a forumite that will work for you for peanuts or you learn/understand how to do the work yourself
this could be an overly optimistic venture.

Easiest option-but expensive.
Go to AVO.
Why?
Don't need your own workshop space and tools.
Drive in and drive out.
Don't need to be a turbo Guru.
Shouldn't take forever.
They dyno it for you and it is EPA "approved"
IT IS ALL BRAND NEW>no 2nd hand kits, so you have a warranty.
You can hassle them if sh*t goes wrong.
Quality of install is very good.

Like I said...easiest option but expensive

Did you read the link that SM posted above about boags's install?
It is a fair bit of work.

I just really want to see this car on the road.

[green_comet]

[Juffa]

I agree with FastFreddy.

Having said that I chose the DIY method.

I picked up a 2nd hand turbo kit for $2300. This included a t25 turbo, massive (too big) intercooler, intercooler hoses, manual adjustable boost gizmo, 330cc pnp injectors, 2.5 inch exhaust with high flow cat and the bit I was really after, a miata link Mk II ECU.

To the above purchase I have upgraded the Link ECU with a Flyin' Miata chip, including a air temp sensor for the intake manifold and a electronic boost controller and replaced all of the hoses with new silicon hoses.

With the current setup I am running 9pounds of boost on 98-100 octane fuel.

In preparation for the turbo I also fitted the following;
PWR radiator - $700
1.8l Torsen LSD - $1800 (included everything required to fit to my 1.6l car)
1.8L brakes - $1200 (can now be found on E-bay for much less)

This has been an ongoing project over the past 2 years. The next step will be to put her on a Dyno and iron out a few small bugs and tune her for reliable power.

Hope that helps

J

Oh yeah...one comment, I would suggest that the body kit you have purchased and are now looking to install will attract a lot of attention, including that of the authorities.....I would suggest that you get a fully compliant turbo kit, such as the AVO.....it will give you lees grieve in the long run.

[meanmx]

Short answer is that yes you can do it with that budget by buying the greddy kit and not even worrying about the emanage. Best place I have found to buy the kit is perfectrun. This is what I was looking at doing when I went turbo but I was talked out of it probably to the better. I have been reliably informed by many people on here that although the greddy kit will do the job and probably get you about 100rwkw? it is not the best kit around and to get more power you would have to upgrade most things that come with the kit. You can go the diy route and probably squeeze into your budget as well but this requires alot of turbo knowhow on your part and alot of custom work and you probably won't get near 150rwkw on this either but you will get headaches. I think from memory boags spent about $4000 but for the extra money he got what you probably want. The thing to remember with these two options is that to get them road legal you will be up for at least $3000 pass or fail. As Juffa pointed out, with the wide body kit going on you are sticking your car right underneath the cops noses and basically asking them to pull you over. The last option is to go avo who have their stage 1, 2 and 3 kits so no added costs unless your engine is screwed. You just go there and tell them which kit you want. As Freddy said it is epa approved which takes away the hassle of legalising it in Victoria. You might also need a clutch and dif depending on what condition yours are in. Depends on what you want out of your car. Pure driving pleasure then sell the bodykit and use the fitting money and get a stage 3 avo kit and engineer it. Looks and performance then you will have to sacrifice some of your dreams or find some more money. The turbo is well worth it though.

Ben

[Uncle Arthur]

Seems that Boags is the only one around here getting recognised for a DIY turbo..... I'll fix that little misnomer will I???

I did my install roughly at the same time as Boags - similar parts list but different install.

I bought 2nd hand, from here - TD04, BOV, 1.8 injectors, RX7IC, manifold, dumppipe, GReddy EManage Blue with harness. That cost me $1300.

I bought (prior) a Mazdaspeed LSD 2nd hand and in bits for $300, with another $700 to have it rebuilt.

I bought the hose joiners, and clamps for the IC piping - approx $170.
SS pipe - approx $250.
Oil hose, other hoses and oil line to turbo inc fittings approx $200.
Tools (eg taps, drills etc) $70.
DBA slotted brake rotors 2nd hand $200.
Get turbo 'clocked' to have housings line up - $140.
Get turbo rebuilt due to ^&#@up by workshop dropping turbo while clocking it - lucky for me at mates rates $300 otherwise would have been $1000.
Injectors serviced and new seals/O-rings - $75.
Custom 2.5 inch SS exhaust - $700 + favours performed.
IC pipework done by mate for favours, but would have been $500-$600 minimum at workshop prices.

And I was able to do large parts of the install myself or with the help of mates.

I was also able to source a setup tune from the Greddy forums online.

Add in 1hr dyno time to tweak - $150, plus extra tweaking by me and future dyno time just to make sure all is good.....

Gauges - Boost, Oil temp, Stoichmeter - $300.

So add all that up and you start to get an idea of baseline costs for a proper DIY done right. I also sold off old performance parts to fill in some of the $$$s along the way.

Lowmiata spent considerably more, and he also did DIY. His is show-worthy.

Boags spent less, but called in a few more favours.

Don't think you can just bolt it on unless you're handy with a spanner - I'd suggest you start to learn how to wield tools successfully first, then work towards boost, ONLY when you know you can afford to do it right.

And remember - you're in Victoria. After all you do, you still have to be able to get it legally engineered. There's more than one on the forum who's done HUUUUGE amounts of work, only to fail at the blue plate stage. We're a bit lucky here in QLD - the process is stringent, but not as much as other states. So you're better off going with a turbo factory setup that has the plates, and get them to fit it to get the certification. You got a spare $10K? Cause that's where I'd start if I were you.

[bark]

I also started off thinking that I could get away with a relaticely cheapish turbo conversion too... but my how that changed! For the past 12 or so months I have been collecting quite a few bits and pieces for my turbo conversion. I initially began thinking, like most other people, yep buy the greddy td04 kit and then build from there. Alas to date I have spent the following in my pursuit of turbo goddness:

2nd hand engine/gearbox - $500
Upgrade to bigger brakes - $500 plus new pads and new seals ($80)
Rebuild engine - free (close friend of family - cost me two new wheel hubs and bearings - $150)
Full gasket kit - $270
2nd hand B6T rods and pistons - $150 + checking (free)
Engine stand - $59
Turbo recond kit - $150
Lubricants - $50
Belts - $120
Water pump - $80
HD Xtreme clutch - $195
550cc injectors - $200 plus cleaning $60
Greddy TD05-16g kit - $2,500
MSPNP (ECU) - $850 delivered + air filter removal kit + boost solenoid
Intercooler piping - approx $250 - yet to be done
Dump pipe and front pipe - $350 - yet to be done
Tune - $350 - $550 yet to be done
SA IM240 test - $495 yet to be done
Ceramic coating - all up about $400 for manifold and turbo
Silicone joiners / clamps - $210
Plus other stuff I have forgotten...

I have done a lot of the labour myself with calling in favours from an assortment of people.

So what had started out as a $2-$3k thought has actually turned into a whatever $ project. Yes I have probably bought some bits that wouldn't be required for a basic setup but at the end of the day I know that I would want more and so I have allowed for this from the beginning hence what it has turned into.

Ok this is turning into a long blurb. My input is to perhaps see if you can have a few rides in some turbo'd MX5's and judge what feels good for you. Whatever gives you a smile is what you should aim for and I'd recommend slowly building up to that. At the end of the day you want to be happy with what you (or someone else) has built.

Ben (-sorry for the long spill but we all learn from our sharings on here)...

[SuperMazdaKart]

who did your engine rebuild bark & can i get a discount??

Miltons?

[bark]

No it wasn't Miltons.

I doubt he would be keen to do more engines as he does them as his daily role!