So I am seriously looking a buying a 2001 Mx-5 racing green with tan leather and 35K miles ..... I would like to do some basic performance mods but not get too expensive...so no turbo/supercharging. I was thinking of the Using some of the Flying Miata stuff such as their exhaust headers, center section and dual rear box. Would this simply be too loud ? Also what do you think of their suspension and brembo brake packages?I think I will use AEM or K&N for CAI... From what I have heard Flying Miata makes good stuff, but I thought I would make sure. Also how much torque/ hp estimated would this add on the 1.8L ? I'm sure it would be noticable.
The other thing is wheels. Would puting say 17 inch lightweights on it have a adverse effect on acceration ? I've heard that smaller wheels say 15inch actually let it drive better... Can you really feel the reduction in unsprung weight ?
Sorry to ask so much, butThanks in advance!!
- Andrew

 

naturally aspirated, you are looking at only adding about 10-15 hp with a nice intake, header, exhaust combination. as far as noise, you should be alright with a flyin miata or racingbeat exhaust. as far as i know, they are 50 state legal.

 

ok, thanks for the response so basically power wise it is very much so worth it to turbo or supercharge. The only thing with that is that then I would probably need to change cooling system and put a new clutch if I used one of flying miatas turbo systems. But I can esaily see how it would be worth it, but then again that probably going to be around 7K for the whole project.

 

my advice is to keep the boost low and keep the project pretty cheap. the 1.8 BP motor can take low boost over a long period of time and still be alright. i recommend to put together or find a turbo kit for under $3k and tune it for about 6-8 psi. that would put you at about 75-80 hp gain and the motor would still be safe.

if you don't want a lot of power, just to enjoy your car, naturally aspirated would be a good way to go. you will spend $2k on that though. i have built both n/a and turbo cars now and turbo comes out way cheaper for the output.