For Miata enthusiasts seeking to elevate their driving experience, the aftermarket parts scene offers a treasure trove of upgrades. Recently, I took the plunge and installed a turbo kit on my 2003 NB Miata, transforming it into a street-legal track weapon. Living in California, driving to track events is part of the experience, and this turbo kit proved to be the ideal solution for boosting performance without sacrificing street legality. My Miata was already prepped for track duty with cooling system enhancements like a larger radiator, ducting, vents, and an oil cooler, so adding forced induction was the next logical step.
After approximately 1000 miles, including two intense track days, I can confidently say this upgrade has been phenomenal. The installation, while requiring dedication, is surprisingly straightforward. Organization is key, but no single step is overly complicated. Flyin’ Miata’s customer support deserves special mention – they are incredibly responsive and helpful, answering any question promptly. The entire install process took me around four full days of work.
Street driving with the turbo is very manageable. Taking off from a standstill requires a bit more finesse, but this is also influenced by my aftermarket lightweight flywheel and sport clutch. However, on the track, the transformation is remarkable. The power increase is perfectly judged – enough to make straights exhilarating without overpowering the Miata’s inherent balance and agility. You can still confidently push the throttle out of corners, maintaining control while enjoying a significantly more thrilling ride.
Dyno results speak for themselves: my Miata jumped from 121hp/115trq to 179hp/160trq – a substantial 50% power gain while remaining street legal. Flyin’ Miata also offers wideband O2 sensors and manual boost controllers, which I highly recommend for fine-tuning. The Voodoo box ECU comes with a base fuel map, and adjusting boost allows for precise AFR tuning. By monitoring the wideband readings during test pulls, dialing in the tune was surprisingly easy.
Essentially, this turbo kit is as close to plug-and-play as you can get with forced induction. It simply works, delivering a mind-blowing surge of power every time you press the accelerator. For anyone looking to significantly enhance their Miata’s performance, exploring quality Miata Car Parts like this turbo kit is a game-changer. It retains the essence of what makes a Miata fun while injecting a serious dose of excitement.
