I have around $500 to invest in my 1991 LX and I want to spend it on performance mods..............what would you guys suggest I go with....???

I know that a good turbo setup would cost me around $2000. Am I right ?

I already have somewhat of a custom cat-back with muffler and an intake........I am also about to get the RX-7 VAF!

Are cams worth it? I mean they are around $300. What would be the HP gain....???

Any suggestions would be appreciated greatly, because unfortunately more power is needed.....

 

Headers, pulleys, timing gears, high flow cat, better clutch, bigger throttle body, ecu, nitrous, small turbo, new valve springs, port and polish, valves, cams. thats all i can think of.

 

Let's see........as far as I know the headers made for the DOHC are pretty much b.s. because they don't fit right.
Lightened Underdrive Crank Pulley will mess with my alternator, because I have a system.........I have read that it does and it's not worth the risk.
My clutch is fine, so no need of a better one.
I think that a small turbo will be more than $500 with everything that is needed for the turbo to perform well. I am staying away from nitrous.

High flow cat is a good investment and I might go for that.


As for bigger throttle body, ecu, new valve springs, port and polish, valves, cams...............don't know the pricing and gains so if anyone knows more info it will be appreciated greatly. thanks.

 

I am really happy with my handling. I already have better tires and wheels, a front strut bar, and a rear tie-bar. A rear strut bar is also on the way and maybe a front tie-bar.......but we'll see about that.

 

ok $500, here's what i would do:

$172 for ZX2 S/R struts (shipped)
$35 for ZX2 thrust bearings (shipped)
$100 used Eibach springs (i think temrich has a set for sale)
(assuming your going for street, if race, then H&R's)
$130 front lower tie bar (shipped) (assuming i get the pricing i expect to make em)
$50 used 94-97 Miata intake came (exh is the same as ours)
$15 new poly busings and end links for F/R sway bars

grand total $502

BTW, the Pacesetter header for the DOHC fits fine, Will K., EGT owner has one, fits and works fine.

 

>$172 for ZX2 S/R struts (shipped)
>$35 for ZX2 thrust bearings (shipped)
>$100 used Eibach springs (i think temrich has a set for sale)
Lowering my ride would give it better handling for sure, but wouldn't make it much faster. Wouldn't it be a better idea if I spent the $300 for something else?


>$50 used 94-97 Miata intake came (exh is the same as ours)
where can I get a used intake cam from ??? gains ???
>$15 new poly busings and end links for F/R sway bars
where can I get them from and how do they help ?

Thanks for the helpful info !!!!

 

well, the faster you go, the better the car must handle. So IMO i'd start with suspension, then move to engine. You'd be suprised how fast suspension parts will make you go. David A. has raced his protege with no engine mods and just suspension mods and beats my *** on a consistent basis. Sure he has 12 years exp. but still, it proves my point.

A Miata intake cam can be found at your local junk yards. Gains are not available yet, but i may have some info in the next week or so. Estimated gain might be 5whp.

Sway bar bushings can be found from Energy Suspension or from Mazdapeed Motorsports Development (was Mazda Motorsports)

 

Thanks for the info......You made a good point so I might go ahead and get to the suspention...........
Is Temrich selling his springs for sure ???? He does AutoX right?
wouldn't the springs be sort of worn out from that ?

once again.....thanks for the info and I will make sure I visit a junkyard in the near future for one of those Miata cams....

 

exactly, what is an intake cam? enlighten me please

 

Temrich's springs are NOT available.
I have first dibs on them and I assure you that I will complete my end of the deal.

 

oh yeah............what if I offered him double of what you're paying...................I guess they will be available then uh?

 

in your DX the intake and exhaust are controled by a single cam, hence the 1.8L SOHC you have(Single OverHead Cam) In the LX 1.8L DOHC engine, there are 2 seperate cams, one for intake and one for exhaust. The intake cam controls the intake valves and tell them when to open and close, and the exhaust cam controls the exhaust valves and tells them when to open and close.

there is a good tech articlehere

 

Hey Darryl, where would I get a quote for the struts for 172? That's damn cheap. I'm looking to buy some stuff for the Pro. Easier to get the thrust bearings from the dealer?

Thanks

 

I think you can get them from http://www.oemfordparts.com/
for that price:

 

thats correct, it's Southwest Ford in Texas. talk to Theresa Valley