If you're talking about genuine uncorrected sea-level HP then it depends on the 
true mix of that 93 octane fuel.  US octane calculations are the average of two 
measurements, one of which is relative to boost-knock-resistance and the other 
not.  So having a lot of the wrong one is bad because it means that you're 
getting less of the one you want.  Dyno HP altitude correction gives a good 
clue as to what the hardware is capable of pumping into the motor at sea level 
but it says absolutely nothing about whether or not the fuel is going to knock 
the motor to death when you try it.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jerry Malsam 
  To: [email protected] 
  Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 9:42 AM
  Subject: 300whp street '97 1.8L build


  Spring is upon us, and the time has come to "upgrade" my old '97 1.8L FM II 
turbo system (230wftlb/230whp) and get the car back on the road. I've been out 
of the loop for a while (my excuse = Spec Miata!), so I'm looking for some 
current build/planning advice to reach my power goal of a *streetable* 300whp 
on 93 octane -- can I get there from here or am I being unrealistic?

  First things first, I need to cut my engine builder loose on ordering engine 
parts. The old engine will be mostly replaced, keeping only the stock block and 
crank. The old block has some taper and will need to be bored to at least 
0.020" over, IIRC. (I'm probably going 0.040"/1mm over, as that leaves some 
room for future rebuild while allowing the use of off-the-shelf pistons.) I 
have a used '99 head for the project.
  - These coated, 9:1 FM Wiseco pistons look perfect: 
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php...10%20%201990-93
  - Carrillo A-beam rods should be fine: 
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php...number=04-66005
  - What prep work should I spec for the '99 head? (The FM-prepped head looks 
nice, but wow pricey!)

  Thinking ahead to the turbo system: 
  - I had the old FM2 turbo rebuilt -- a Garrett T25/28 hybrid (IIRC), sleeve 
bearing, water/oil cooled -- but I'm thinking I need to just sell it and get a 
bigger turbo (for the hp goal) with ball-bearing (for decent spool). What is an 
appropriate unit that will fit the Garrett flange? Can I stick with an integral 
wastegate (for simplicity/cost)? My plan is to run about 230whp every day, with 
another 70hp on tap for "special occasions" via electronic boost control (nifty 
Apex'i AVC-R).
  - I'd like to keep the old cast log-type exhaust manifold for reliability. 
Will this thing flow well-enough to keep up or should I look at a tubular model?
  - Upgrade old FM2 downpipe? I don't know what new/improved models are out 
there.
  - I currently have RC Engineering 550cc injectors. Are they adequate to the 
task? I probably should upgrade the fuel pump, as I think I'm still on the 
stock unit.
  - I'm hoping to retain my old FM Link to save cost, but will upgrade to an 
AEM EMS if need be. (I have a good bit of experience with this ECU from tuning 
my friend's F Production race car.)
  - DDMWorks has an amazingly efficient intercooler and they can help with some 
cleaner, custom piping.

  Other bits:
  - I have an upgraded FM aluminum radiator, and I plan to add a real oil 
cooler as well. Unfortunately, I need to keep the air-conditioning for the 
hot/humid South Carolina summers.
  - I'm having the stock 5-speed tranny rebuilt. Will this thing hold up for, 
say, at least 20k miles in stock form or is it completely hopeless? Is it true 
that the later 6-speed is more reliable?
  - The clutch/flywheel need replacing. Looks like the FM "super-size happy 
meal" is the way to go, probably the lighter 10.3lb flywheel: 
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php...6000%20%2013.45

  Well, that's my thinking so far; please jump in if you see something amiss or 
just want to confirm my thinking. I should note that while I'm a big fan of FM, 
I'm by no means married to them -- if somebody else is doing Great Things these 
days, I'm all ears!
   
  (FYI, also posted to miata.net Turbo forum)

  Thanks!
  --Jerry


------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  _______________________________________________
  Miatapower mailing list
  [email protected]
  http://list.miatapower.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/miatapower
_______________________________________________
Miatapower mailing list
[email protected]
http://list.miatapower.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/miatapower

Reply via email to