turbo questions, gauges, tuning, etc. PLEASE HELP

[RED RUM]

i'm trying to decide what all i will need for my project, without needing a shop for anything but dyno runs [img]smile.gif[/img] i've already decided on a boost gauge and oil press. gauge... now, i've researched this site using the search option, and now i'm convinced that i'm going to use my laptop for my car, but i need to know what all i need... if anyone can tell me the advantages and capabilities of autotap, cost and where i can pick it up, i'd appreciate it. also, how would maf t+ and fmu help, if at all, and do any of these cancel the others out? where is the cheapest place to buy all of this stuff? are there any 'experts' out there that are willing to walk a 'rookie' through? i'm a quick learner ;) if anyone has a link that could help me out, also let me know. i have about a month and a half to sit around and learn what i can and buy everything i need, and when feb. comes around, the car gets garaged and the fun begins. if anyone has ANY input, please feel free, it'll be greatly appreciated. :cool:

[RED RUM]

oh, by the way, the turbo is going in my 98 camaro M5, if that changes anything... thanks again :cool:

[malloynx#2]

hey are you still in the marine corps. try emailing nocutt or formula96. i think they both have turbo's on there cars. post pic, i was thinknig of doing a kit for my car, but i don't know where to begin,. if you intrested i have a brand new autotap and a i month old maft+. i might get rid of them cause i need headers.. send me an email.

[Formulao96]

Hey, hit me on IM sometime. My name is Smokendemtirez

This will get you started on turning and some other stuff. IM me in 2 days, I will be home from school, we can talk about stuff you need help on.

Go to this link:
http://www.miataforum.com/cgi-bin/ul...=007838#000001

good tuning facts here

[RED RUM]

yeah, i'm still in the Marine Corps... 4 1/2 years now, another 1 1/2 to go... i'm actually on restriction right now, for 45 days, which is why i'm trying to learn what i can and buy everything i'll need for when my punishment is up. it'll be the end of january... i can't leave my room right now, much less work on my car... but, i will be online ALL THE TIME, my aol screenname is crawforda008, and my msn is the same, check for yourself, that's all i do all day and night :cool: thank you guys, if anyone else has anything to say, i'm listening...

[Formulao96]

Oh, I have talked to you before, if u have anymore questions let me know.

[Arctc Wolf]

if ur gonna tune ur car and use a laptop, I suggest getting an AEM stand alone engine management unit. yes, it will work on ur car, yes it is made by a company that specializes in import, no, that doesn't mean it sucks. u can plug a laptop into it and check everything w/ that and adjust things at the same time. as for gauges, my preference is for boost, air/fuel, and fuel pressure(or exhaust gas temp.) u'll need a bunch of custom stuff too, but I can't remember it all right now

[RED RUM]

try to remember for me [img]smile.gif[/img]

i've heard controversy over what good an a/f gauge would do... and the egt gauge i've actually heard can tell you a lot, so i'll definately check into it. thanks

:cool:

[Arctc Wolf]

umm, TO4E turbo, custom manifolds, custom piping, wastegate, BOV, intercooler, downpipe r the required parts. The extras: stand-alone engine management, msd ignition, internals, camshaft, cat-back exhaust, P&P'd heads, water/ethanol injection, P&P'd tb/maf, gauges, turbo timer, boost contorller, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, colder spark plugs, umm....that's all i can remember right now. it's hard 2 think when ur gettin a good back rub by a beautiful girl :D .

[RED RUM]

well, here's the thing... i have the turbo already setup and running strong on my 93 camaro, only problem is, the engine has 150k+, and the car was just wrecked, so instead of piecing it back together, i'm just going to take the turbo off and throw it into my 98 with only 75k miles... here's what i have for the turbo so far:

> T3/T4 hybrid turbo
> spearco custom intercooler (stainless steel)
> custom reverse headers w/ o2 bungs
> external racegate wastegate
> blitz blow-off valve
> stainless steel intercooler piping
> stainless steel intake piping
> stainless steel down pipe
> electric oil pump (to remove excess oil from turbo)
> a few solid pipe insertions for radiator hoses
> new serpentine belt (install requires removal of AC)
> adjustable boost controller (adjust boost from yur
> seat while driving!)
> turbo timer
> all connecting bolts, and hoses
> stainless steel oil line for turbo and fitting for
> oil pressure sensor
> electric fan
> borla adjustable catback

i only have a few things left to pick up, gauges, air filter, drive belt, plugs (what kind, by the way?), tuning gadgets and gizmos (recommendations?)... i'm going to run on the stock injectors, they'll handle up to 9lbs of boost, i'm only running 8 psi. i think i can get by with my stock ignition also, let me know if i need to upgrade and why... same with the fuel pump...

also, where's a good place to get quality gauges for not too much? i'm not having much luck finding matching stuff on ebay... are there some good import shops online that could help me out? what are some name brands to watch for?

enjoy that back rub, i wish i had a beautiful girl to hook me up... all i have is a fat roommate with lots of chesthair. but it's okay, he keeps me warm at night ;) (just kidding)

[Arctc Wolf]

I suggest NGK TR6 plugs from www.ZZPerformance.com. the one's at the top that r 2 heat ranges colder will work. the main reason is to prevent detonation and allow u to run more boost later on. the ignition is always good since it's harder to light off a pressurized mixture than it is to light off a NA mixture. the fuel pump should be fine, but don't quote me on that. as far as gauges go, I dunno for sure, maybe apexi or something, but I'm still kinda distracted right now. and just imagine ur roommate being 5'9, 130, tan, brown hair, brownish/green eyes, slender, strong legs, and gorgeous :D

[RED RUM]

i'll check out the site, thanks for the info. i'm looking at some hi tech apexi boost controllers, even though i already have a GReddy Protec-B and apexi boost timer...

your girl sounds gorgeous, but i prefer the petite ones... my wife (home in indiana right now for the holidays) is 5'3", 105lbs, brown hair, green eyes...

[Arctc Wolf]

jennie thanks you 4 the compliment. Cuz I'm 6'4, I am a little more attracted to taller women, but ur wife sounds pretty. I suggest looking in a sport compact car magazine and looking at all the gauges they have in there. ttyl dude, gotta go get some sleep(hopefully ;) )

[RED RUM]

well, hopefully you won't be getting any sleep, but good luck whatever you choose ;)

thanks for your help, i'm looking at the autometer lunar series gauges... is 52mm the same as 2 1/16? thanks again bro, have a good night

:cool:

[RED RUM]

alrite, i've pretty much decided on the autometer ultralite series arctic white face gauges:

boost (15vac-20psi)
air/fuel
oil press. (150psi)

i also picked up a triple gauge pod from ebay for $12, and i'm having problems thinking of a place to mount it now... i may end up getting a triple a pillar gauge pod... they look cooler anyway. i was gonna mount the triple pod on the left side of the middle console, by my knees... i'm a skinny guy, so i don't think i'd miss the leg room... i'll have to go sit in my car and check it out...

:cool: