small turbo vs n/a for daily driving Miata

[Silvernb03]

I get tired of the stock power of Nb2 Miata. i dont need crazy big hp. I just want my miata little bit faster, maybe around 150. which one would be a better choice for me as daily driving? I drive 120 miles to go to school every other day, so i need something less maintenance as possible. My budget is around 2-3k. I have been thinking about either voodoo I or Ms3 with intake and header. Thanks

[I<3flippyheadlights]

For 3k you can get a pretty decent set up. But if you are driving the car every other day for 120 miles, you won't have time to install it all.

[walsh5racer]

From what all the local guys tell me a supercharger is the way to go for a daily, it is a bolt on and be done affair. There is a guy that has one of the original KraftWorks superchargers on his NB, its a daily and it is VERY fast. I know everyone likes the wooosh bang factor of the turbo, but his car is soo damn fast!!! plenty good for a daily.

a quick search on here and you will find the same kit for a good sale price that meets your budget and even 6 months no interest!!!

http://www.projectgla.com/shop_perform.html

[SM16RMSM]

If you want to spend a bit more money, the Kraftworks kit is really nice. Bolt on HP for 4K isn't bad.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Supercharger is best for daily driving? Why? They take power from the engine, they need constant tightening of belts, they are less efficient than a turbo (mpg wise)

I love boost and all, but I would rather have a turbo than my supercharger. I'm always fiddling with the damned thing. Then again, my SC is very old.
A rotrex system is nice, don't get me wrong, but the power output isn't the same as a proper turbo.

To me its turbo > rotrex > Twin screw supercharger

If you can take the time to install a turbo correctly, you shouldn't have to touch it ever again. FM/Begi offer plenty of kits that should be easy to put together. If its too tough, go with a rotrex or twin screw SC. It is easier to install initially.

Weigh the pros and cons... and do some more reading. Reading is good.

[— Phatmiata —]

If you are comparing "KITS" then sure there are a lot of options, however not many in his 2-3K "budget"

Gavin, you bought a old "used" S/C kit that was missing pieces, what did you expect?. There is always going to be fix-it issues, Im quite sure if you had that bought that kit "As'New" in the box there would be zero problems with it. I have the same S/C on my car and never had an issue, however it was purchased new. Superchargers are VERY reliable, the worst that can happen is you break the belt at 80K miles or something, even still you can still drive the car with a busted S/C belt. They may not have excessive HP like a turbo. But the new Rotrex kits are right there, especially for the money!

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Don't get me wrong, I understand that my kit is old and WAS missing pieces. Fact is, many people have had problems with the M45. Belts break often, vacuum leaks are notorious, and they suck gas.

And you can't really compare your SC either. You drive your car how many times a month? I put 130 miles on my car in a day! I'm getting a good understanding for how SC's work in a daily driving situation.


*edit* the fiddling is mostly the belt and vacuum leaks. Otherwise the Supercharger is solid. You never really have to mess with the SC itself if you replace the oil and switch the coupler inside. Same can be said about a turbo and rotrex though...

[—RotorNutFD3S—]

S/C's can also be more troublesome to get to idle correctly, especially with a lighter flywheel.

But before anyone should address what system to get, what have you done to prepare the car for more power? Is it time for any maintenance (timing belt, fuel filter, trans/diff fluid flush, etc.)? Is it leaking oil anywhere, front or rear main seals, etc.? Does it have a stronger clutch (not always necessary for your goals, but an older OEM isn't going to last long there)? Suspension? Brakes?

Do you live in a place where emissions requirements are in effect?

[Silvernb03]

thanks for response, guys. my car is just 40k miles, and i did all maintenance at 30k. I already lower and add gt3 roll bar,garage star fender brace, frame rail.., but under the hood is still stock. i did little bit research on rotrex. it seems like s/c is less maintenance , but it will suck more gas. Turbo is better in gas, but it is required more maintenance (turbo lag also). Is it right? how about n/a? I am a noob, so i want something simple that i can do and learn from it

[Ihatecars]

Get an itb setup.
Ya know, cuz it's reasonable and all.

I know a guy with a ProCharged G8 that hadn't ever touched it since he put it on. He's making something like 800hp also. Its not a Miata, but and example of a an easily installed supercharger being relatively reliable.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

If you go with any type of supercharger, go rotrex. The twin screw stuff (m45 and m62) arent supported anymore.

But if you want 150whp, just do an intake, exhaust, and MS.

[psulja]

Also, turbo lag won't be a thing with how small of a turbo you'll have if you're only aiming for 150whp. It really isn't a thing with my car and I'm somewhere around 230whp with a 2560.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Turbo lag doesn't really exist anymore... I mean, unless you get a giant disco potato as a turbo.

[— Dandy —]

For $2995 the 2003-05 Voodoo turbo system is exactly in line with what you are looking for. 170hp rather than 150hp but I imagine you can live with that .

Once installed it should be pretty much a set it and forget it situation unless you choose to start tweaking things on your own. Your kit will be supported by a company that has been about performance for the Miata as long as Miatas have been in existence. There is a clear and well-proven upgrade path should you desire more power in the future.

I've been around Miatas for a long time and I can't tell you how many times I have read or heard the phrase "I should have started with the FM kit." Give FM a call or send an E-mail and start a dialogue and I don't think you will be disappointed.

[miata2fast]

As a naturally aspirated enthusiast myself, I can say that a well prepped N/A car can be plenty fast and very reliable. The problem is that N/A cars with any appreciable power is pretty involved and can be quite expensive. If I were you, I would start with the things that has proven to work but allows you to be flexible if you are not sure which way to go. Start out with parts like a square top intake, MS, light flywheel/clutch, and rear exhaust. You may find that with those mods, you will be in the power you are looking for. However, if you find that it is not enough power, you can then go in any direction you want whether it is more involved N/A, turbo, or supercharging.

To really unlock N/A power involves going into the cylinder head and bumping up the compression. It can be intimidating for the beginner, and it is not cheap.