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James's Mk2 MX5 NB Turbo Build

James · Mk2 Mazda MX5 (NB) 1.8

Mazda MX-5 (Miata)

My First NB Turbo Build

Read the full write-up at My First NB Turbo Build ↗

Photo: My First NB Turbo Build

James's 1998 Mazda MX-5 (NB) 1.8 heading towards a DIY turbo build

James, a long-time Japanese car enthusiast, bought a rust-free 56,000 mile Mk2 MX-5 1.8 as the base for a planned turbo project targeting around 250bhp. The thread documents early modifications such as wheels, a Torsen diff, interior trim and a clutch upgrade, with engine work still to come.

Specs

As stated in the original write-up.

Engine
1.8 litre, naturally aspirated at time of writing, turbo conversion planned
Gearbox
5-speed manual
Rear axle
Torsen Type 2, 4.1 final drive
Clutch
RTS/Skuzzle dual friction plate clutch
Suspension
Meister R Zeta CRD coilovers
Roll bar
GC Fabrications roll bar
Exhaust
Custom full exhaust with sports cat
Cooling
42mm radiator and extra fan ordered

Parts used

Parts named as used in the original write-up, grouped the way the Parts page groups them. Where one of the shops we index lists the same thing for this car, it is shown underneath with a link to the shop.

Engine 1

  • Drilled and tapped sump for oil return

    Prepared by a local MX5 specialist ahead of turbo fitment, currently capped off

Fuel & Ignition 1

Cooling 1

Gearbox & Drivetrain 4

Suspension & Steering 1

Wheels & Tyres 1

  • Aftermarket alloy wheels

    Bought secondhand via Gumtree as first cosmetic modification

Body & Trim 3

Interior 4

Photos

29 pictures collected from the write-up, in the order they were posted, shown from My First NB Turbo Build. A picture opens larger here, with the way through to the page it is on.

UcatchMyDrift? · 2020-01-05T10:10:27-0500 28this post at My First NB Turbo Build ↗

Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
jasper%20steering%20wheel_zpsojatv33a.jpPhoto: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
IMG-0a03d94579b586ae4bab31b5cebe76d4-V_zPhoto: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
1578216880608_1_IMG_20191103_160359_zpsiPhoto: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
p.peugeot-205-petrol-hatchback_zps6uce4lPhoto: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build
Photo: My First NB Turbo Build

UcatchMyDrift? · 2021-04-10T13:33:27-0400 1this post at My First NB Turbo Build ↗

Photo: My First NB Turbo Build

How it was done

Starting condition

James found a one-owner, 56,000 mile Mk2 MX-5 1.8 that had been garaged its whole life, with no rust anywhere on the body or chassis and a full service history. He bought it for £1,800 as a base for a turbo project, impressed by its strong standard performance and light weight compared to higher-spec models.

Early modifications

Shortly after buying the car he fitted new wheels, a Torsen Type 2 4.1 limited-slip differential, and swapped in mk2.5-style silver interior trim including a gear knob, handbrake end, kick plates and a Jasper Conran steering wheel. He found the Torsen diff made the car much more enjoyable and easier to slide.

Clutch and gearbox work

Preparing for a planned 250bhp/230ft-lb turbo setup, James fitted an RTS/Skuzzle dual friction clutch along with a new release bearing, flywheel pilot bearing, rear main seal and input shaft cover gasket, using his father's inspection pit. None of the old parts were actually worn out, but he replaced them anyway while the gearbox was out. The job took two days.

Progress so far

Over the following year he fitted Meister R Zeta CRD coilovers, had a four-wheel alignment, added a GC Fabrications roll bar and a hardtop (though unhappy with its colour match), had the sump drilled and tapped for a future turbo oil return, fitted a rear spoiler and a custom exhaust with a sports cat, and ordered a larger radiator and extra fan. Body kit parts were bought but not yet fitted due to paint matching issues.

A summary in our own words. The full account, with all its detail, is in the original write-up: read it at My First NB Turbo Build ↗

My First NB Turbo Build

forum thread: 1 of 1 pages and 12 of 12 posts inspected; 9 unquoted updates by UcatchMyDrift? used; 3 replies excluded on 2 November 2026. The original write-up and photographs remain with their creators. This page is a catalogue in our own words, and a signpost to the source.

Read the full write-up at My First NB Turbo Build ↗

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