2004 MazdaSpeed Miata - Turbocharged
08-25-2004, 04:16 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: South Texas
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2004 MazdaSpeed Miata - Turbocharged
Hey Guys,
Log on to the Mazdausa website and check out the 2004 Turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miata. It looks great, and now puts out around 180 HP.
How soon do you think before they come out with a Turbocharged RX-8?
Log on to the Mazdausa website and check out the 2004 Turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miata. It looks great, and now puts out around 180 HP.
How soon do you think before they come out with a Turbocharged RX-8?
08-25-2004, 05:01 PM
#2
Not anymore
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NorCal
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Probably not for a long time. I think we might be stuck with the RX-8, unless Mazda pulls out all stops and releases a 4th gen. I imagine a turbocharged RX-8 in the not too distant future. 
edit: here's the link on the thread about the MS Miata.
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/mazdaspeed-mx-5-a-37046/
edit: here's the link on the thread about the MS Miata.
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/mazdaspeed-mx-5-a-37046/
Last edited by shelleys_man_06; 08-25-2004 at 05:04 PM.
08-25-2004, 05:01 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I test drove one about 3 months ago. They are a blast to drive. After driving the 8 though when you hear that turbo kick in on the Miata it sounds like the engine is going to explode. Not bad, just different, I am used to the smooth sounding engine at high RPMS
08-26-2004, 12:14 AM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I saw the MazdaSpeed Miata prototype at SevenStock a couple years ago. It did pique my interest with the turbo, but the car is just too small.
Could a Renesis fit in the Miata?
Could a Renesis fit in the Miata?
08-26-2004, 11:22 AM
#6
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
It took Mazda 14 years to produce a turbocharged version of the Miata - something that the aftermarket did in the first 3 years of Miata production.
Aftermarket turbo systems put the MS Miata to shame. It is a nice effort, however.
I drove one at the "Rev It Up" and it barely felt as spritely as a stock RX-8. I'm sure that is intentional on Mazda's part to avoid splitting up the market too finely under their marquee.
One would do much better to buy a lightly-used 2003 or 2002 and install a Flying Miata turbo system. It is cheaper and much faster.
Aftermarket turbo systems put the MS Miata to shame. It is a nice effort, however.
I drove one at the "Rev It Up" and it barely felt as spritely as a stock RX-8. I'm sure that is intentional on Mazda's part to avoid splitting up the market too finely under their marquee.
One would do much better to buy a lightly-used 2003 or 2002 and install a Flying Miata turbo system. It is cheaper and much faster.
08-26-2004, 01:04 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
It took Mazda 14 years to produce a turbocharged version of the Miata - something that the aftermarket did in the first 3 years of Miata production.
Aftermarket turbo systems put the MS Miata to shame. It is a nice effort, however.
I drove one at the "Rev It Up" and it barely felt as spritely as a stock RX-8. I'm sure that is intentional on Mazda's part to avoid splitting up the market too finely under their marquee.
One would do much better to buy a lightly-used 2003 or 2002 and install a Flying Miata turbo system. It is cheaper and much faster.
Aftermarket turbo systems put the MS Miata to shame. It is a nice effort, however.
I drove one at the "Rev It Up" and it barely felt as spritely as a stock RX-8. I'm sure that is intentional on Mazda's part to avoid splitting up the market too finely under their marquee.
One would do much better to buy a lightly-used 2003 or 2002 and install a Flying Miata turbo system. It is cheaper and much faster.
08-26-2004, 01:16 PM
#8
Not anymore
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NorCal
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Haha. I've forgotten about Flyin' Miata. Their turbo kits pwn the MS MX-5.
edit: I, being the chief of the repost police, hereby, pimp slap you. :D
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=37046
edit: I, being the chief of the repost police, hereby, pimp slap you. :D
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=37046
Last edited by shelleys_man_06; 08-26-2004 at 01:19 PM.
08-26-2004, 01:43 PM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: MI
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Save your time, no flames required.
I liked it. I drove it, I wanted it. I finally got a dealer to meet my price, I scheduled the pick-up. I decided to lease the 8 instead of buying the MSM. The wife realy wanted a Rx-8. The 8 can serve double duty as a family car, don't you know.
I can't however find a way to fall in love with the 8. (only 472 miles so far) Most likely because I blew my knee out just after getting it, (it hurts to get in, get out and push the clutch !!!) and the fact I know it's just on loan from the bank. ( No point in mods or upgrades)
Could be to much internet info has me afraid of driving the 8 hard in fear of breaking the less than bullet proof tranny. 
I don't know.
I had the first year of this version of the Miata. City bus driver in a hurry ended that, after only one year.
This is one of the last years for this style for sure. So I had sentimental reasons for wanting it as well. I have the next 47.5 months to figure out why I didn't get the Miata. Today, however, I really don't know. :o
It might make sense to state that for the last 15,000 miles, I was driving a Mini Cooper S. It probably sounds funny to most of you, but the 8 feels BIG. Huge in fact, like I am driving a firebird or camaro, without any of the torque. :o
Hopefully now that the 500 mile break in is nearly over, I can get my mind to move all my shift points up 3,000 rpm or so, and forget about that Miata. Maybe I can forget the 15 mpg average as well. We'll see.
The 8 is definetly more car than either the MINi or the Miata. It's faster and quicker, if you ring it's neck. It's roomier and likley safer. Just haven't found it to be as much fun yet, but it's still early.
:p
I liked it. I drove it, I wanted it. I finally got a dealer to meet my price, I scheduled the pick-up. I decided to lease the 8 instead of buying the MSM. The wife realy wanted a Rx-8. The 8 can serve double duty as a family car, don't you know.
I can't however find a way to fall in love with the 8. (only 472 miles so far) Most likely because I blew my knee out just after getting it, (it hurts to get in, get out and push the clutch !!!) and the fact I know it's just on loan from the bank. ( No point in mods or upgrades)
Could be to much internet info has me afraid of driving the 8 hard in fear of breaking the less than bullet proof tranny. I don't know.I had the first year of this version of the Miata. City bus driver in a hurry ended that, after only one year.
This is one of the last years for this style for sure. So I had sentimental reasons for wanting it as well. I have the next 47.5 months to figure out why I didn't get the Miata. Today, however, I really don't know. :o
It might make sense to state that for the last 15,000 miles, I was driving a Mini Cooper S. It probably sounds funny to most of you, but the 8 feels BIG. Huge in fact, like I am driving a firebird or camaro, without any of the torque. :o
Hopefully now that the 500 mile break in is nearly over, I can get my mind to move all my shift points up 3,000 rpm or so, and forget about that Miata. Maybe I can forget the 15 mpg average as well. We'll see.
The 8 is definetly more car than either the MINi or the Miata. It's faster and quicker, if you ring it's neck. It's roomier and likley safer. Just haven't found it to be as much fun yet, but it's still early.
:p
Last edited by Silver_04; 08-26-2004 at 01:53 PM.
08-26-2004, 01:57 PM
#10
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Originally Posted by AbusiveWombat
Yeah but there's more to the MS miata than just a turbocharger. It's a great starting point similar to the EVO. The EVO starts with 271 hp (~230whp) which isn't that much...add $2-6k and you've got a 330+ whp monster. I expect we'll see something very similar with the MS Miata.
08-26-2004, 03:02 PM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by G8rboy
Sure you can- just take a base Miata, add FM kit, brakes, adjustable shocks and catback, and you've got a car with nearly 300hp that can outhandle just about everything on the road or track. If you've already bought the MS version, you're pretty much stuck with all the MS stuff since you paid for it... upgrading it wouldn't make much sense.
LS Miata MSRP: $26000
FMI kit: ~$4000
Brakes: ~$1000
Shocks and springs: ~$1000
Turboback exhaust: $1000 (catback + downpipe + highflow cat)
Installation: ~$1000
--------------------
Total: ~$34000....~200whp
Or
MS Miata MSRP: $25700 (that's right...it's less than the LS with 6spd)
Turboback exhaust: ~$1000
Shocks and springs: ~$1000
Boost Controler + AFC: $500
Intercooler: $500
bigger turbo: $2300
Installation: ~$1000
------------------------------
Total: ~$32000...235+whp
MS Miata is $2000 less.
Things that the LS mIata is missing:
- 17" lightweight rims
- 6 disc CD changer
- bigger stabilizer bars (front and rear)
- stronger clutch
- stronger diff?
- engine management? how does the FM kit stack up to Mazda's
You're also forgetting about the super economy MS Miata:
- turboback
- intake
- boost controler
- SAFC
--------------
total $2000
This will probably bump the power 220+hp. It could be more but I don't know how much power the stock turbo and intercooler are good for.
I'll still go with the MS Miata. Putting a turbokit on an engine orginally designed to be N/A is not as simple as you think. The MS engine was designed with FI in mind. Thus it has lower compression, stronger drivetrain for the added torque, and probably has better engine management and knock sensors.
Last edited by AbusiveWombat; 08-26-2004 at 03:16 PM.
08-26-2004, 03:52 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
Your list was nice (and comprehensive), but these comments are incorrect.
1) I know exactly how simple it is to turbo a Miata - I did it myself. No kit, I built it from scratch.
2) The MS Miata does not have a "turbo" motor - it is a regular BP motor like every other Miata (save the head which is different from year to year since 1999). This motor is a descendant of the 323 GTX, which was a 4WD version of the Miata engine.
Every Miata already has a turbo-capable motor.
Mazda didn't lower the compression for the MS car, they raised it on the N/A motors.
Furthermore, the drivetrain is the same frail offering that is available on the other Miatas. The old 5-speed was much stronger. That is part of the reason that it only makes 170 HP - the tranny can't take much more reliably.
Engine management is exactly the same with a single knock sensor.
Your list would have made more sense if you started with an '01 model with the suspension package. That way, you get all of the suspension goodies in the same body style and save about $7000.
1) I know exactly how simple it is to turbo a Miata - I did it myself. No kit, I built it from scratch.
2) The MS Miata does not have a "turbo" motor - it is a regular BP motor like every other Miata (save the head which is different from year to year since 1999). This motor is a descendant of the 323 GTX, which was a 4WD version of the Miata engine.
Every Miata already has a turbo-capable motor.
Mazda didn't lower the compression for the MS car, they raised it on the N/A motors.
Furthermore, the drivetrain is the same frail offering that is available on the other Miatas. The old 5-speed was much stronger. That is part of the reason that it only makes 170 HP - the tranny can't take much more reliably.
Engine management is exactly the same with a single knock sensor.
Your list would have made more sense if you started with an '01 model with the suspension package. That way, you get all of the suspension goodies in the same body style and save about $7000.
The point of my post was to point out that the MS Miata is a good value and brings more to the table than if you tried to build it yourself.
Last edited by AbusiveWombat; 08-26-2004 at 03:55 PM.
08-26-2004, 07:24 PM
#13
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Originally Posted by AbusiveWombat
I started with the LS since it has a LSD diff and added the 6 speed tranny.
LS Miata MSRP: $26000
FMI kit: ~$4000
Brakes: ~$1000
Shocks and springs: ~$1000
Turboback exhaust: $1000 (catback + downpipe + highflow cat)
Installation: ~$1000
--------------------
Total: ~$34000....~200whp
Or
MS Miata MSRP: $25700 (that's right...it's less than the LS with 6spd)
Turboback exhaust: ~$1000
Shocks and springs: ~$1000
Boost Controler + AFC: $500
Intercooler: $500
bigger turbo: $2300
Installation: ~$1000
------------------------------
Total: ~$32000...235+whp
MS Miata is $2000 less.
Things that the LS mIata is missing:
- 17" lightweight rims
- 6 disc CD changer
- bigger stabilizer bars (front and rear)
- stronger clutch
- stronger diff?
- engine management? how does the FM kit stack up to Mazda's
You're also forgetting about the super economy MS Miata:
- turboback
- intake
- boost controler
- SAFC
--------------
total $2000
This will probably bump the power 220+hp. It could be more but I don't know how much power the stock turbo and intercooler are good for.
I'll still go with the MS Miata. Putting a turbokit on an engine orginally designed to be N/A is not as simple as you think. The MS engine was designed with FI in mind. Thus it has lower compression, stronger drivetrain for the added torque, and probably has better engine management and knock sensors.
LS Miata MSRP: $26000
FMI kit: ~$4000
Brakes: ~$1000
Shocks and springs: ~$1000
Turboback exhaust: $1000 (catback + downpipe + highflow cat)
Installation: ~$1000
--------------------
Total: ~$34000....~200whp
Or
MS Miata MSRP: $25700 (that's right...it's less than the LS with 6spd)
Turboback exhaust: ~$1000
Shocks and springs: ~$1000
Boost Controler + AFC: $500
Intercooler: $500
bigger turbo: $2300
Installation: ~$1000
------------------------------
Total: ~$32000...235+whp
MS Miata is $2000 less.
Things that the LS mIata is missing:
- 17" lightweight rims
- 6 disc CD changer
- bigger stabilizer bars (front and rear)
- stronger clutch
- stronger diff?
- engine management? how does the FM kit stack up to Mazda's
You're also forgetting about the super economy MS Miata:
- turboback
- intake
- boost controler
- SAFC
--------------
total $2000
This will probably bump the power 220+hp. It could be more but I don't know how much power the stock turbo and intercooler are good for.
I'll still go with the MS Miata. Putting a turbokit on an engine orginally designed to be N/A is not as simple as you think. The MS engine was designed with FI in mind. Thus it has lower compression, stronger drivetrain for the added torque, and probably has better engine management and knock sensors.
To answer a couple of your points- FM (formerly The Dealer Alternative) has been tuning Miatas for nearly 20 years- I would trust their engine management and forced induction experience over Mazda's in a heartbeat. As Maniac mentioned, all Miata engines are turbo capable... I would be very comfortable running 9-10PSI boost with no worries about the motor. And if an FM comes out to only $2k more than the factory MS for nearly twice the RWHP, I think that's the hands down easy choice.
I sometimes wish I'd kept my '96M and dropped an FM kit- already had headers, cat, exhaust and adjustable shocks, and in my opinion a much better looking style than the new ones.
08-27-2004, 09:33 AM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by G8rboy
To answer a couple of your points- FM (formerly The Dealer Alternative) has been tuning Miatas for nearly 20 years- I would trust their engine management and forced induction experience over Mazda's in a heartbeat. As Maniac mentioned, all Miata engines are turbo capable... I would be very comfortable running 9-10PSI boost with no worries about the motor. And if an FM comes out to only $2k more than the factory MS for nearly twice the RWHP, I think that's the hands down easy choice.
I sometimes wish I'd kept my '96M and dropped an FM kit- already had headers, cat, exhaust and adjustable shocks, and in my opinion a much better looking style than the new ones.
I sometimes wish I'd kept my '96M and dropped an FM kit- already had headers, cat, exhaust and adjustable shocks, and in my opinion a much better looking style than the new ones.
08-27-2004, 04:25 PM
#15
Enjoy the Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Sandhills of NC
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I almost got one cause I really enjoyed my Spicy Orange Mazdaspeed Protege. I test drove it while vacationing in FL and came to my local dealer whom is not a speed dealer to find out when they were going to be come one. They really wanted my business and they gave me basically what I paid for my speed a year ago, so I took the eight. Plus they did the basic service on my speed and treated real decent even thought I did not buy the car from them.
My husband didn't think I would be happy with the MS Miata for some of the reasons I wanted to trade my MSprotege. So after driving the 8 twice, I got it.
I was disappointed in Mazda for bringing some of the speed colors to the non speed mazdas, all except the orange of course. So that kind of took the coolness away from the MS Miata speed for me as well. Don't get me wrong I like the colors, but it just made the speeds stand out alittle more. My Spicy Orange speed was one of 600 cars produced and they will not bring the color back. Pretty cool.
My husband didn't think I would be happy with the MS Miata for some of the reasons I wanted to trade my MSprotege. So after driving the 8 twice, I got it.
I was disappointed in Mazda for bringing some of the speed colors to the non speed mazdas, all except the orange of course. So that kind of took the coolness away from the MS Miata speed for me as well. Don't get me wrong I like the colors, but it just made the speeds stand out alittle more. My Spicy Orange speed was one of 600 cars produced and they will not bring the color back. Pretty cool.
Last edited by ccracing19; 08-27-2004 at 04:28 PM. Reason: should check spelling prior to submitting, lol
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fc2se
NE For Sale/Wanted
2
06-01-2016 08:55 PM
TeslaMSI
New Member Forum
11
12-10-2015 01:10 AM
1.3_LittersOfFurry
Series I Trouble Shooting
9
09-22-2015 01:54 AM
vapor2
RX-8 Parts For Sale/Wanted
0
09-08-2015 08:27 PM
