Turbo or supporting mods first?

[RileyR]

Hi every one, first post here.
I have a low km, very healthy NA8 (which is already more fun than the RX-8 I sold to buy it!) and recently bought a T25 that a mate had going cheap. I thought I would look at doing a cheap turbo conversion but quickly realized that the cost was going to be too much. Looks like an ECU and tune will cost nearly $2000 alone, not to mention having to buy a kit, or having it all fabricated etc...

Im a full time student (for the time being) and unfortunately wont have much cash to throw at the car for a few years yet...

So, I was thinking that I would do some mods that will support the turbo conversion which will happen later so that I can get the most from the turbo. An LSD is top of my list, after that is a descent exhaust, maybe injectors and an exedy hd clutch (mine is showing first signs of starting to get old).

As of now it has a mania CAI, wider wheels, roll bar and has been lowered. I do go into some motokhanas / khanacross and the open diff has been a bit frustrating...

What is every ones opinion? Just wait until I finish UNI to do turbo conversion? Or work with what I have now and get an LSD and a descent exhaust etc? Or maybe other mods?

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[Apu]

Do the supporting mods first. You will find yourself spending more than planned (especially if you are planning on doing it on a budget) - fine tuning, little bits wearing out, etc.

Think about what you need to go turbo - bigger exhaust, etc and get those done first. In the meantime, save up, and collect the bargains as they come along.

[speed]

Welcome to the obsession!

Supporting mods first. Speak to Nitrodann re turbo conversion, he's done heaps.

With exhaust I think you don't want smaller then 2.5 inch once turbo, so something to consider.

You can also buy aftermarket ECU's cheaper 2nd hand.

Can't wait to see your progress.

All the best

[RileyR]

thanks for the replies,
I was thinking supporting mods would be a better idea, and its good to have that confirmed.

Are there any other mods that I should be looking at that will help when it comes time to turbo?

[Magpie]

Yep supporting mods first. What power are you aiming for, any mods should be able to handle your final power dreams.

I would go (assuming clutch is part of the turbo build)
1. Gearbox
2. Diff
3. Brakes
4. Suspension/alignment
5. ECU
6. Turbo

[RileyR]

no more than 250hp. just a standardish turbo with intercooler set up.
why do you recommend a gear box magpie? I thought it would handle a basic turbo set up?
I did consider buying a 6speed with appropriate diff...

[Magpie]

Probably because everybody wants the 6 speed

[NitroDann]

5 speed is fine for your goals.

Spend the money all in one go when you go turbo and do it right once and enjoy it for years.

Dann

[RileyR]

yea, any attempts at turbo'ing now would have to be cheap and crap.
Do you think exhaust is important Dann? I could organise that soonish

[93_Clubman]

Welcome & congrats on the NA8!

[NitroDann]

You really need a 2.5" but Id hold off until you go turbo and fit a 3" at the same time.

[RileyR]

ok thanx for the info. is a 3 inch impractical on non-turbo?

[NitroDann]

Yes.

[97 MXV]

Below quotes from here:
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=68272

I am looking to buy a Torsen 2 diff insert for my NA8.
4.1:1 ratio

Welcome poor struggling student. Hope you like the free bump
And congrats...you have one of the nicest NA8's I have seen...awesome



The times they area changing....this was my 2 seater when I studied on Struggle Street.



Dan is right on the 6 speed, the 5 speed is free...just use it to the max.
And you have a 1.8 already.....free also...just use it to the max.

And I see you have experienced a renesis period of ultra high revs. Revs are still possible with a BP just not as many.
The BP can still give you 7000+ reliable rpm for what I call an atmocharged boost by using a lower gear than you would if turbo or supercharged.

Turbocharging a BP is great but not without cash and/or time.
So why not save for the turbo with the revs you have and atmocharge yourself for a while.....its free except for the extra fuel

Its not a rotary but the BP still loves hitting its limiter. Here are the the atmocharging stages (BPA Stages 1 to 5) before switching to turbo (BPT)

A Stage 1 atmocharger is a slick down shift to pick up those revs and that atmocharged boost. This comprises a lot of training and practice mainly.
A Stage 2 atmocharger is a Stage 1 plus a low inertia flywheel and clutch like 1.6 flywheel & clutch.
A Stage 3 atmocharger is a Stage 2 plus low ratio differential, say a 4.3 JDM or even lower, 4.78 for an even better atmocharged boost.
A Stage 4 atmocharger is the low ratio diff plus an ultra light flywheel and clutch like a JDM Tuner CrMo Flywheel.
A Stage 5 atmocharger would be an engine enhancement to improve the power potential form an atmocharged boost....but watch the noise levels

The main thing you have to watch with atmocharging is potential brm brm brm noise levels.
Keep away from noisy pods and cannons, they just stifle highly atmocharged drivers. Their is no law against revs just excessive noise.

A torsen diff sounds a great idea to suppress by far the worse noise levels of all. The sound emitted by a tread.
A terrifying sound that is known to cause some to lose their cars to the crusher.

thank you very much. I am definitely very happy with it!

It is good to know that it doesn't mind hitting the limiter! I do miss having to blow out the carbon every day

I was thinking about a lower ratio diff, but I do a fair bit of highway driving and don't want to lose fuel economy.

A lightweight flywheel might be an idea. Would it handle the power when turbo'd though?

Lightweight flywheels and atmocharging are a marriage in heaven with a 1.8 BP.
It will bring back some of the revyness much loved without those carbonaceous deposits produced during that carboniferous period (aka your renesis period).

Just be careful you are not trying too hard to make up for it too much on an atmocharged engine today that might one other day be super or turbocharged.
What about just living for the moment and maximising the atmocharged experience while there?
After that you can turn the page and step into another chapter entirely, the wonderful world of the turbocharger and experience the ultimate this community has to offer, the "Nitro"charged BPTurbo.

With an MX5 you don't have to mix the three charging systems, you can enjoy the journey. You can do this because this on line MX5 community is so inclusive; "#we'llridewithyou" on your MX5 journey.
The community has created this thing called a "Part Out" and it is great fun. Guys and gals will part out their dream before going on to the next dream.
They do this because the old dream is kept alive and valued by other members seeking to sustain their version of living the dream.

These are enduring MX5's not fleeting RX8's. Motoring sustainability is what we are all about, from young guns to old farts.
It is in fact 3 cars in one, from an MX5 to a Roadster to a Miata, with parts taken from the parts bins of many other vehicles.
It has so much to offer, enough fun in fact to bury oneself in .
Right now I suggest the safest place to bury oneself (besides in Uni textbooks), is in the pages of the professionals in the community, the sponsors, in tune with the community's needs.

Sometimes its not what's under the right foot or underneath the bonnet that matters.
What lay in the hearts of the finest engineers and the in the hands of the driver is what defines the MX5 to so many affected by it long term.

人馬一体


Sometimes its best to do nothing for a while. Some join a club with track days. Then they really see what they and their old NA can really do together as one.
What an eye opener that was !

[RileyR]

Yea, these forums are a great help, and the mx5 community (probably more so than the rx8 community) seems very willing to help.

Ill definitely keep an eye out for bargains in part outs.

I agree with you, I don't think the legacy of the mx5 is going to fade any time soon!