For Miata owners seeking to elevate their driving experience, performance upgrades are often a thrilling path to explore. As a dedicated track enthusiast and owner of a street-legal 2003 NB Miata in California, the quest for enhanced power while maintaining road legality led me to the Flyin’ Miata turbo kit. Living in a state with stringent emissions regulations, this kit presented itself as a compelling solution. Having now clocked around 1000 miles, including two demanding track days encompassing roughly 3 hours of intense driving, I’m eager to share my firsthand experience with this impressive upgrade.
Prior to installing the turbo kit, my Miata was already prepped for rigorous track use. Investments in a robust radiator, effective ducting and vents, and an oil cooler were crucial steps taken in anticipation of pushing the car’s performance limits. This foundation proved invaluable when integrating the turbo system.
Installation Insights: Organization is Key
The installation process, while not for the faint of heart, is fundamentally straightforward. No single step is overwhelmingly complex, but meticulous organization is paramount. Spread across four full workdays, the installation demanded patience and attention to detail. For anyone undertaking this project, maintaining a well-organized workspace and carefully cataloging components will significantly streamline the process.
Alt text: Upgraded Miata engine bay showcasing the installed turbo kit, highlighting key components for performance enhancement.
One aspect that truly stood out was Flyin’ Miata’s exceptional customer support. Rated at an impressive 6 out of 5 stars, their team proved to be an invaluable resource. Any query, regardless of complexity, was met with prompt and knowledgeable assistance, often within the same day. This level of support provides immense confidence and reassurance throughout the installation journey.
Street and Track Drivability: A Balanced Enhancement
Post-installation, the Miata’s drivability has been noticeably transformed, yet retains its inherent character. Low-speed maneuvering, particularly initial acceleration from a standstill, requires a slightly more deliberate approach. This minor adjustment is partly attributable to the Supermiata 8 lb flywheel and sport clutch already installed in my vehicle, factors that contribute to a more direct but also slightly less forgiving engagement. However, on the open road and especially on the track, the transformation is nothing short of exhilarating.
Alt text: Mazda Miata aggressively cornering on a racetrack, demonstrating enhanced handling and performance capabilities with aftermarket parts.
The power increase is perfectly judged for track driving. It provides that eagerly anticipated surge on straights, ensuring you’re not left behind, yet it’s not so overwhelming that it detracts from the quintessential Miata driving experience. You can still confidently push the throttle through corners, maintaining precise control and direction, but with a significantly amplified level of excitement.
Dynamometer testing confirmed the substantial power gains. My Miata registered 179 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque after the turbo installation, a significant leap from the pre-turbo figures of 121 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a remarkable 50% power increase – street legal and genuinely exhilarating.
Fine-Tuning and Essential Add-ons
To optimize the turbo kit’s performance, Flyin’ Miata also offers wideband sensors and manual boost controllers, both of which I highly recommend acquiring alongside the kit. The Voodoo box fueling map is pre-configured, and adjusting the boost level becomes the primary method for fine-tuning the air-fuel ratio (AFR). My approach involved utilizing a phone to record wideband readings during test pulls, allowing for precise boost adjustments to dial in the “tune.” This method simplified the tuning process considerably.
Alt text: Detailed view of a wideband O2 sensor integrated into a car’s exhaust system, crucial for accurate air-fuel ratio monitoring and engine tuning.
Beyond the tuning aspect, the turbo kit’s plug-and-play nature is commendable. It operates seamlessly, delivering consistent and reliable performance. Every time I accelerate, the sheer surge of power continues to impress and reinforces the transformative impact of this upgrade.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Upgrade for Miata Performance Enthusiasts
For Miata owners seeking a significant yet balanced power enhancement, particularly for track and spirited driving, the Flyin’ Miata turbo kit stands out as an exceptional investment. Its well-engineered design, coupled with outstanding customer support, makes the installation process manageable. The resulting performance gains elevate the Miata driving experience to a new level of excitement, all while maintaining street legality. This kit truly unlocks the hidden potential of your Miata Parts Car, transforming it into an even more thrilling and capable machine. If you are looking to maximize the potential of your miata parts car, this turbo kit is a game-changer.
