I've done the basic searches and haven't come up with much.

My original plan was to have my pulled 1990 5.0 rebuilt with a x303 cam, TFS heads and an intake.

Now I am considering having my motor refreshed stock including the stock heads and intake and putting on a turbo. Later when money allows I will add better heads and a nice intake.



Has anyone done a single turbo setup on a 5.0 Miata? My only real concern is fitment and room for the manifolds, turbo, and intercooler.

 

I've owned both 5.0L Turbo, and 5.0L supercharged fox body Mustangs in the past. For a Monster Miata, a supercharger is your best bet, as the heat build up and the space required for the turbocharger is not as user friendly as the supercharger.

Of course with that said, my current Monster Miata, before I am finished tweaking and redoing a bunch of "DPO" mistakes to the driveline, has already dyno'd (chassis dyno) at 306hp/328ftlbs of torque at the rear wheels. When I am done, you should be able to add another 20-25hp to that number. More than enough for such a lightweight chassis.

And with that said, you need to ask yourself when is enough, enough, and how will I get that power to the ground so I can use it. Same thing I tell the Cobra replica newbies that want "500hp" at the rear wheels, but have no way to hook that power up when they are done.

Bill S.

 

Bah. ( )

 

Thank you for your input but I really want to see posts/pics of turbo miata 5.0 builds.

 

+1,

500 HP has been put to pavement & the Miata HP/TQ limits are yet to be determined. The issue is that most swappers stop @ what's available in a kit & do not finish the build w/ proper suspension & big tires.

However, ...turn the sissy mandated traction control off on a Vette & see how it does trying to put power to pavement.



barrattboy72, build what you want to. Just don't stop @ the engine, trans & diff. Finish the job w/ proper suspension wheels & tires. Now, the power can be put to the ground. This means making room for the proper tires. The only limits are what you are not willing to do.

 

I am currently doing a LS turbo swap. We will see how the car handles some decent power. Go for it!

 

I've been following the V8 Miata forums for a long time and I don't recall a turbo 5.0L. That doesn't mean it can't or shouldn't be done.

Also, a turbo wouldn't by definition have to be a 500 HP proposition. It could be a small turbo with lightning quick throttle response and a broad, flat power band. It could be designed to produce power characteristics similar to a small displacement blower. OEMs do this well.

I think heat management and packaging in the tight engine compartment would be the primary design challenges.