Can you upgrade the SE turbo to Japanese power spec

[MikeyK]

The 2004 SE turbo was released in Japan, USA, and Australia. It appears Australia received a detuned engine power model. Has anyone been able to determine the differences between the Australian version and the Japanese version? Would it be simple up upgrade the Australian SE to Japanese performance?


From Wikipedia (also mentioned on car review sites)

The 2004 model year saw the introduction of the official turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5, Roadster Turbo in Japan. It featured an IHI RHF5 VJ35 turbocharger equipped variant of the BP-4W engine that produced 180 bhp (134 kW) at 6000 rpm with a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler. The MAZDASPEED could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.4 seconds but had a top speed of only 203|km/h|126 mph due to its low 6,500 rev limit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This model was also marketed in Australia as an MX-5 SE without any Mazdaspeed branding (exhaust tip excluded), featured 3.63 diff gears and was available in Sunlight Silver as well as Velocity Red Mica, Titanium Gray Metallic and Black Mica for 2005. It was also slightly detuned with only 121 kW (162 bhp). Boost pressure was 7.25 psi for Australian model vs 8.5 psi of the North American and Japanese models which is the main contributor to the power difference.


I know there are plenty of big horsepower kits available, but I am keen to see what it takes to make it a Japanese spec setup. Looked for some years now.

MikeyK
SE owner since new.

[NitroDann]

1 psi of boost.

Thats a joke question right?

Dann

[Aussie Stig]

1.25 psi = 18 hp


So, how do you get it back without an ecu upgrade, a boost controller??

If so sounds like cheap hp.

[NitroDann]

You are adding a couple psi to a turbo car, or course its cheap power. the factory used a different can (wastegate actuator). You will do this by adding a boost controller. You can add 50rwhp with an exhaust an intercooler and 5psi more boost.

Dann

[MikeyK]

1 psi of boost.

Thats a joke question right?

Dann

Well Dann, it was not intended to be a Joke. I would like to keep my car stock. Just a Japanese factory stock would be nice if there are insignificant changes. I don't race it, just a daily driver.

MikeyK

[Lokiel]

MikeyK, you really need to take a spin in either my, MINX's, Davex3's, crapweasel's or bitrusty's modified SEs (all Brisbane/Gold Coast based). After one accelerated take-off, you'll realise just how factory-crippled your car really is.

The 121kw figure you quoted is at the engine. We're getting around 150+rwkw, admittedly with a lot of aftermarket modz.

To achieve the minimal increase you're looking for, just add a MBC (Manual Boost Controller) like the FM one and "dial it up" to allow 8.5psi: http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4536&parentid=0&stocknumber=07-27210
- just like Dann said.

Note that Turbosmart is an Aussie company so you can buy it locally (may still be cheaper to pay S&H from the US though).

For installation instructions (these are for an older model MBC but the install is the same), refer to the "Boost Control" instructions here: http://www.flyinmiata.com/support/instructions/intake_exhaust/MSM_intake.pdf


A simple aftermarket mod that produces a huge increase in performance is the AEM CAI. Instructions are very easy to follow, best I've ever seen, and will bump you to around 135rwkw. This really transformed my car and put a big smile on my face - it was how the car SHOULD have come from the factory. If you only do one mod, this is the one you want. You'll be shocked at the amount of parts that get removed and how clean your engine bay becomes.

[nbse2]

I plan on installing the turbo smart boost controller to a stock standard SE. The intent really is to benefit on track days. Would there be a noticable benefit on a stock SE or is the boost controller more beneficial for modified turbos.

Any insights would be great.

[NitroDann]

Im not hugely familiar with the SE, but expect to make 15-20% more power than stock with a boost controller alone, before the ecu hits fuel cut.

Dann

[Lokiel]

I plan on installing the turbo smart boost controller to a stock standard SE. The intent really is to benefit on track days. Would there be a noticable benefit on a stock SE or is the boost controller more beneficial for modified turbos.

Any insights would be great.

Yes you will get slightly more power but the biggest restriction on factory SE's is the asthmatic intake. Replace the factory intake with an AEM CAI and you'll really transform your car - it should generate around 135rwkw which is a massive improvement over the factory figure of 121kw at the engine.

[nbse2]

Yes, probably will up investing in a CAI, especially given that I understand it improves drivability. Is there a much of a difference between say an AEM CAI and the version sold by flyinmiata or are they pretty much all the same?

http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?dep ... %2FO%20MAF

[Lokiel]

You CANNOT use the Flyin' Miata intake, our ABS and air-con units are in the way of where they locate the air filter - it's for JHD cars only. Their air filter location is in the worst place possible anyway, they're sucking in the warmest air in the engine bay.

The other option is the BEGi kit: http://www.bellengineering.net/product_ ... cts_id=146

The BEGi kit has an enclosed airbox which is nice.

billybunter has tried both the AEM and BEGi kits and said the AEM kit felt like it produced more power. He now has the BEGI kit installed due to the NSW regulatory Nazis Intakes need to be enclosed).

[Swordfish]

Hi all,
Got a stock mazda SE
I want to get a cold air intake.
I have just secured a nitro Dann custom SE exhaust, down pipe and throttle body

Which one to I get???

Thanks

[speed freak]

Hi all,
Got a stock mazda SE
I want to get a cold air intake.
I have just secured a nitro Dann custom SE exhaust, down pipe and throttle body

Which one to I get???

Thanks

Well about one post up and throughout the thread they talk about how good the AEM CAI is. So id suggest getting the AEM CAI?

[Nevyn72]

Although it's loud and in most states, with the exposed pod filter, illegal....

BEGi with the associated potential supplier issues and slightly less power would be a safer bet.

Myself?.... Being a feral tinkerer will be modifying an AEM setup I already have (as a part of a 2nd hand purchase) and see how it pans out.
If it doesn't work out I'll be going for a BEGi.

[Roadrunner]

I'll be going with the Begi intake too eventually. Much prefer the way the pipes flow vs the AEM retaining the high pipe to the intercooler. (cause you know, its all about looks )
Though I'll be modifying the box so it has an actual lid for easy access to the filter and headlight etc...
(though I may first try to get a version of the begi kit made locally in shiny stainless )