Questions. 1.8 head gasket. pistons.

[alexpav]

Hey all
Forgive my ignorance if this has been talked about 100 times!

Am i right in saying the standard NA8 gasket is 0.7mm thick? Should i use a thicker one for my turbo conversion.

It was suggested to me to use NB pistons to build this motor. any suggestions?

Cheers
Alex

[timk]

NB pistons are higher compression, so it's probably not a good idea. The genuine Mazda MLS gasket is fine for boost.

The weakest part will be the rods.

[alexpav]

Thanks... I just got a set of Pure Performance Motorsport Rods as I heard using the same ones that were in the car can become an issue.

Would you advise replacing the old pistons at all?

Cheers

[NitroDann]

Serious post here.

You need to do WAY more research before building a turbo engine.

What goals do you have?

What hardware do you have?

What engine do you have?

Dann

[alexpav]

Its a BP 1.8
Standard everything.

I just bought a bottom end all sleeved (standard size) arp main studs
A light linished + checked crank (incase mine is buggered)
new Clevite rings, mains + big ends (std size)
+the mentioned rods (arp studs)

I have both a t25 (off a 180sx i think) and a t28 ball bearing japspec s15 turbo (not sure what il use probably the t25)

SE manifold
SE Intercooler (custom piping)
300cc injectors
Greddy Emanage with boomslag harness

the car has an alloy radiator which probably won't make much of a difference ( i liked the look )

My plan is to have a very safe/mild turbo setup (as close to SE-ish setup as possible) nothing crazy im not looking for 200kw or anything like that

Suggestions further than where im at?

Thank u

[NitroDann]

What engine is it?

Neither turbo will work with that manifold.

Stock rods and pistons will be fine.

You want NOTHING like an SE, trust me.

Those injectors are too small, you will end up wanting bigger, or a fuel pressure reg.

You will need a new clutch.
You will hate it with the stock exhaust, it will have a very high boost threashold and then run out of puff a couple rpm later.

Dann

[alexpav]

What do you mean by what engine do I have?

I have a full Apexi 2nd half inch exhaust and have ordered a H-flow cat. I will be making the dump pipe or just use one off a 200/180.

Hi pressure fuel pump also coming.

Should I re-use the 180k pistons already on the car?

What injectors would you suggest?

Is it worth getting these Pure performance rods with arp studs?

Clutch is a heavy duty exede...and is almost new but may be damaged (dont ask!) if so, il replace it.

The SE manifold has an adapter plate so the turbo mounts up fine.

[NitroDann]

There are 3 common BP engines available.

Stock rods and pistons will do for SE/SP performance easily.

The exhaust will be fine.

949racing has rx8 injectors, brand new genuine for 270ish.

Your clutch should be ok.

You have an ebay fabricated adaptor?
Should be fine.

Dann

[alexpav]

Hmm...maybe il give the rods a miss then...

The adapter was made very well by whoever had it before me...

Are the rx8 injectors 440cc? or something...

Any other suggestions??
I think I have most of what i need now....

[NitroDann]

the rx8s are 440cc yes, and brand new so you are guaranteed no leaning issues or dead engine.

plus they will make good power.

Sounds like you are almost set, you can get silvia downpipes from ebay cheap enough then have an exhaust shop mate them up.

Dann

[NitroDann]

PS I like how so many turbo mx5s are being built.

Dann

[alexpav]

Are the rx8 injectors full pnp?

[NitroDann]

Direct drop-in, yes.

Dann

[alexpav]

and yes i am VERY excited.
I have so so soo many things i have bought for this car since the engine decided to drop all its oil and it has sat there.

NB dash
s2000 seats
4 guages- single din 3guage stereo style pod.
new boot/hbrake covers
nc gearknob
new steering wheel
whiteline sway bar
start button (wanky i know hehehe- to fill the nb hazard button)
new cdplayer
+whatever else is piling up and emptying my bank acount! :\

Cant wait!

[NitroDann]

I just cant wait to get the gear out of my burned gear into the new car.

Dann