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View Full Version : Wanting to upgrade HP for NA daily.



Ingallinero
02-05-2014, 08:39 AM
Hey all, I am new to this forum (well, any forum that is) and i have a question i have been asking myself for quite some time. I drive a 92 smurf and want some more HP, not a lot but enough to enjoy the daily lulz a bit more. Supercharge a 1.6 or turbo a 1.6???? Thanks in advance!

Dandy
02-05-2014, 09:04 AM
There are a lot of things to check and maintenance items to perform before you are ready for boost and I'm sure many will chip in with good advice on that. I'll just start off with this:
http://flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4519&parentid=0&stocknumber=22-10301%20%20BLK%20GAUGE

This is as good and complete a starter kit as you will find. There is an easy to see and follow upgrade path (but only if you get bored with 50 more hp and opt for more). FM kits hold their value better than most DIY kits. The company has been involved with and supported the Miata community for three decades.

atank
02-05-2014, 09:06 AM
Welcome to the forum, and I agree with Dandy about the FM kits! It's a personal preference, both produce tons of power, both feel great, I have friends that are 100% turbo, and some that are 100% Supercharged!!!!!!!

Phatmiata
02-05-2014, 09:06 AM
If you want a bump in HP and want a bolt on forget about it application the S/C is the best route. If you have long term goals of more hp and like to tinker with the motor go with a turbo.

Best Proven Supercharger Kit
http://www.projectgla.com/store/products.php?50&cPath=11

Best Proven Turbo Kits
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?dept=29


The other route is to build a Turbo Kit yourself.

Do some reading too, not just online, grab this book by Corky Bell
Maximum Boost - Robert Bentley, Incorporated - 1997.08.10 - Paperback - 256 pages - ISBN 0837601606
Want to know how large of an intercooler you need, the formula is in the book. Want to install an FMI on your 93 Miata, chapter 18 shows you how. Generic enough to keep you interested while reading, but specific enough to be able to design you own turbo kit, maybe even build it if you are talented with a welder.

http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max-boost/images/books/t_MaximumBoost.jpg

Ingallinero
02-05-2014, 09:21 AM
Thankyou all just thought i should add i just got all new maintenance! New clutch, drained all the fluids, new fluids added, etc so I'm all up to date for that. I am interested into getting more familiar with the ongoings under the hood for improvements so i will take anything you guys can offer! also it sounds as if a SC would be my best option for now but i only have the base 1.6 and with SC doesn't it take power to make power?!

Phatmiata
02-05-2014, 10:51 AM
Here is a HKS turbo Kit for NA6 Miata for under $900 :whistle:

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?8093-2014-Yahoo-Japan-Auctions-Thread-(-MIATA-Related-Auction-Finds-)&p=120247#post120247

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/12324432324_1fe4130f78_o.jpg

WASABI
02-05-2014, 10:54 AM
Welcome to the site (you might want to start a thread HERE (http://mazdaroadster.net/forumdisplay.php?6-NEW-MEMBER-INTRODUCTIONS), for a proper introduction). Have you also taken care/checked your brake system, and the condition of you suspension? You are on the right track for more power, but first make sure everything is ready, and can handle the new upgrades.

Ingallinero
02-05-2014, 02:29 PM
Yes, WASABI, brakes and suspension good to go. Read my latest bio post, that'll give you a taste of me haha. I love the looks of cars and tend to thrive on that but I want to change that and start learning about engine bay work and everything that goes into that. I need to buy new rims soon because the smoothies I am running are just too darn heavy for her.

Pfunk
02-05-2014, 02:34 PM
One other option that might be cheaper and easier to live with in the long run: find a 2001+ VVT motor and install it with a standalone ECU. With a good tune you could be sitting pretty with a dead-reliable solution, and should you ever want more oomph, have a better base from which to work.

Dandy
02-05-2014, 07:22 PM
You should probably do some reading before you make decisions too quickly . . . especially expensive ones. There is no limit to the power you can achieve but there is usually a limit to the $$$ you can or want to spend. You want to get the best bang for the buck for your goals. It's important to have a real good idea of what you want to achieve before spending bank because it can add up fast if you are not careful.

Here are a couple of additional forums that are useful for research:

http://forum.miata.net/vb/ - be sure and use search. Threads on the pros and cons of turbocharging vs. supercharging are endless here. Also, there is a lot of information on engine swaps as well as making the most out of your current naturally aspirated set-up. Forced induction is generally thought of as the least expensive path to meaningful horsepower. They are generally friendly but can be a bit cranky at times. So . . . use the search, noob!:mrgreen:

http://www.miataturbo.net/ This site can be downright nasty but it is worth a read and has the support of some quality vendors that specialize in adding horsepower to our little cars. Use the search, noob! - goes double here.:slayer:

http://www.slowcarfast.com/ There are some cool cars here that were built with different goals in mind. There are links to the author's books which are specific to our cars and very easy to read and understand.

MRnet is a friendly place to ask questions but as a newer site, we don't yet have the searchable history of the others I listed.

kung fu jesus
02-06-2014, 08:29 AM
I've had both a S/C and a turbo in my 1.6.

If everything, maintenance-wise, is reset on the car (WP, TB, etc), the first recommendation is to set a power goal and stick to it. Be reasonable, especially if it is your daily driver.

Because it is a 1.6, expect a dropoff in reliability. Mechanical empathy goes a long way, particularly the rear driveline. It isn't a matter of if your differential will fail, but when, so budget some to upgrade to an NA8/NB LSD. There are going to be additional costs to making extra power reliable with f/i systems, please keep that in mind.

Given the money f/i systems cost, if I were to go through this experience again with a 1.6, I would look at a BP4 swap, knowing what I do now. I stripped off all my f/i stuff on my 1.6 and just kept it as amildly built n/a motor just because it was easier to live with. I just wanted to drive it, not fiddle with it, especially at the track. If a 1.6 + JRSC base kit makes 140-150 RWHP, and costs $1200-2000, a 99-00 or 01-05 motor with a megasquirt will cost about the same and make the same or more hp. Then if you feel like you want to make even more, there are more pieces and systems for the 1.8 motors still being sold and serviced than the 1.6. The 1.6 stuff is mostly being/been phased out. On top of that, you will already have the standalone ECU for expanding your horizons.