Tag Archives: turbo

Running a Mazda MX-5 with TunerStudio

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I was about to name the title of this as “tuning a Mazda” but as mine currently sits being worked on by Track Tek I renamed the post to “running a Mazda…”.

This is going to be an ongoing piece to try and help others with getting their car up and running with an aftermarket ECU (in my case a Megasquirt PnP), and wideband AFR, (in my case Innovate LC-2).

I am going to try and list my “not to do, don’t skimp, you are better paying some money” list but can’t guarantee how quickly I will get this post done as it’s going to be a matter of starting from the beginning for me too.

Only until recently have I enlisted professional help in getting the car properly sorted. The initial build I did on my parent’s drive with the help of my Dad but it has gotten progressively more extreme to the point where I can’t use it as a daily driven vehicle. Hopefully when it is back up and working I’ll be able to work on it to the point I can drive it to work once a week at least 😉

Mantra – if it’s turbocharged, and modified, especially where it doesn’t come from the factory as such be prepared to spend some money!

To be continued…

mazda-back

Scruffy back, with rudimentary boot lock (looking to fit drift spec latches). Custom 3″ downpipe back catless exhaust with 4″ tip)

Mazda – December Project Update

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Did you all have a good Christmas? I certainly did, as I got the MX5 up and running again. To run down briefly, I put it in the garage in October to prep pre MOT (a few mods required, including fixing horn, wiring up rear fog light). I also asked the garage to fit a new water pump and fix a wheel bearing.

After this stage it just wouldn’t rev correctly. I was always under the impression that it must be something mechanical, but as it runs an aftermarket ECU and I’m still new to this thing, it didn’t quite dawn on me how much the computer and brain of the car had in controlling spark and ignition pattern and timing.

Long story cut short, I reset the whole system, starting from scratch. This involved loading a basemap, fuel map, AFR (air fuel) tables and so on.

The car is running again, and here’s a video.

New Purchase – Mazda MX-5 Eunos Roadster

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I’ve been looking for a project for a while, and although I talk a lot, I also walk the walk, if that makes sense. Mighty Car Mods, an Aussie based duo who have been present on YouTube for some time and are increasing in popularity rapidly, have turbocharged a Roadster already. I thought that 195bhp in something that weighs less than a tonne could be quite fun, so thought that it’s going to be the cheapest way to get some turbo fun.

My love for convertibles cars started with the MG TF, which I still have, and then proceeded to the  Audi, with the V8, which I love equally as much. But there was one thing missing – turbo!

I am also longing for that ‘boost’!

So this is going to be it – it’s a 1990 Mazda Roadster with a 1.6l DOHC 16V Engine, PAS, Air Con, and only 69000 miles on the clock. Price, £400. That’s what you get if you’re willing to be a bit gutsy with your offers…

I’m going to be updating the project page via Home Mechanic – with videos on YouTube and progress blogs here too.

Watch this space.