No matter what category of cars you're into, it's impossible to tear your eyes off MiataSport's 1999 Mazda MX5. With its sexy polished rims, stunning paint and roadster styling, this machine is built to impress - and that it does. With the build completed only a short time ago, MiataSport's promo vehicle has already scooped a list of show trophies.
And not only is it a top looker - it's a hard slogger too.
MiataSport is a division of Adelaide's Mildren Race Engineering, a tuning house that specialises in turbo and rotary work. However, recognising the local downturn in rotary popularity and modification (largely thanks to Mazda axing the RX7), MRE applied their tuning know-how to Mazda's 'other' sportscar - the MX5 (aka Miata).
It's no secret that the standard MX5 - whether it is a 1.6 or 1.8-litre version - is significantly underpowered for the true performance enthusiast. Accordingly, MiataSport purchased this then-new MX5 to use as a test bed for developing an in-house turbocharger kit. Fast-forwarding to the present, MiataSport's AUS$11,000 kit includes fitment and tuning of all necessary hardware (turbo, manifold, intake, exhaust and intercooler), a programmable management system, an upgraded clutch and more. For sure, that 11k buys you a helluva lot more power than you'll ever achieve by screwing around with just traditional exhaust, intake and camshaft work!
Darryl of MiataSport says the decision to opt for turbocharging over supercharging was purely based on cost; any suitable blower kit (centrifugal or displacement) would have been overly expensive to retail. So - with the turbocharging box ticked - they then set off developing a turbo kit using locally available components.
One of the toughest parts of developing a turbo kit is the exhaust manifold. MiataSport entrust a local fabricating business - Exhaust Technology - to construct their own design manifold, which takes gasses into a special TD04 turbocharger. Darryl says this is a custom hybrid unit, which came about after extensive dyno testing with various other 'chargers. With the compressor set to deliver 12 psi, the MiataSport promo vehicle has its induction air thoroughly cooled by a custom fabricated water-to-air intercooler. This uses a MiataSport-developed heat exchanger and front radiator, a 1½-litre header tank and a Davies Craig booster pump. Note that the turbo kit can either come with this water-to-air intercooling arrangement or a large front-mount air-to-air core.
The rest of the intake system incorporates a UniFilter pod air filter (with custom turbo plumbing) and a Turbosmart blow-off valve. The MiataSport promo car proudly carries the only gold anodised TurboSmart valve ever made - a touch of exclusivity that can only come in handy at car shows. The stainless steel exhaust system hung beneath the body is another fabrication by Exhaust Technology, utilising 2½-inch pipe, a flex joint, high-flow cat and JUN BL rear muffler; polished, of course. Note that a "turbo bag" is fitted to shield turbine heat from the other under-bonnet components.
Accommodating the fitment of the turbocharger hardware is a programmable Wolf 3D ECU. Interestingly, this is piggybacked onto the standard computer; the stock unit is left to control everything but fuel and spark (leaving things like idle air, thermo fans etc). The Wolf system is wired to four MiataSport injectors - they won't say what they are, other than that they are in between Nissan CA18DET and Mazda Series 4 RX7 13B turbo in size. The standard regulator and pump are retained, as there are no problems with lean-out on the recommended 12-psi boost pressure.
An upgraded clutch has also been fitted as part of the kit - an 8-button ceramic, sprung-centre device with a high-clamp pressure plate (around 850kg). Furthermore, MiataSport are firm believers in Amsoil lubricants, so this is used to fill the 5-speed gearbox and the standard Torsen diff.
So how much power does the MiataSport turbo kit yield? Well, running everyday premium unleaded and with boost set to a 'standard' 12 psi, the 1.8-litre MiataSport vehicle has generated 150kW at the back burners (on their in-house Dyno Dynamics chassis dyno). Certainly, that's significant power for such a lightweight car, but it also comes without sacrificing driveability and reliability. As Darryl states, retaining the factory compression ratio maintains maximum off-boost torque.
With so much effort put into developing the turbocharger kit, it was only logical that the vehicle carrying it had to look equally as spectacular. Firstly, we can hear everyone's brain asking "what colour is that?" Well - surprise, surprise - it's the original Evolution Gold duco; but it's been looked after like nobody's business. Darryl - the man charged with preparing the vehicle for shows - tell us he uses "shit hot" Auto Glym paint polish and Wenol metal polish. Preparing for shows, by the way, is no small job. Darryl tells us he spends up to two full days lovin' the car all over. Steering arms, suspension, exhaust, intake manifold - you name it, it's taken care of.
The suspension arrangement that's so lovingly prepared comprises KYB AGX adjustable front and rear dampers, Eibach springs (lowered 40mm front and 50mm rear) and MiataSport custom swaybars. These aftermarket alterations - plus a little extra negative camber on each corner and a MiataSport front tower brace - ensure that handling is well up to enthusiast standard.
In terms of body modifications, there are relatively few but highly effective changes. MiataSport have designed their own trick roadster cover, which gracefully teardrops back from the front headrests. This has been fitted in addition to the factory Mazda side skirts, front and rear spoiler. Not surprisingly, the MiataSport promo car rides on an awesome set of wheels - 17 x 7 St Louis Brights wearing 205/40 Falken stickies. Behind the front rims you can see the cross-drilled and slotted DBA rotors - these are fitted with Hawk Blue pads whenever track work is the flavour of the day. For normal duties, however, a full set of standard discs with Hawk HP+ pads are well up to the task.
Inside you won won't find the usual barrage of aftermarket add-on instruments - instead, all vital data is displayed on the Wolf 3D handset display. This, aside from custom floor mats, scuff plates, an Alpine audio system and a fire extinguisher, is the only necessary interior alteration.
As mentioned, the MiataSport MX5 has been a huge success at car shows. Since its completion, it's bagged trophies for Top 25 at the Small Car Sunday two years running, Achievement Award at the 2000 4s and Rotary Shoot-Out, 4th Best of Show at the 2001 4s and Rotary Shoot-Out and Top Paint (Pro Class) in the 2000 and 2001 Adelaide Auto Salon.
With more exposure like this, we imagine MiataSport will be busy installing a lot of their turbo kits in the future...
Contact/Thanks:
Mildren Race Engineering/MiataSport
+61 8 8443 8299
Thanks to Wolf Engine Management, Dynamic Turbochargers, Plaza Crash, M&C Doyle Automotive Refinishers, Auto Glym, Turbosmart and Mark at Exhaust Technology.
|