Dan Sharpe's Re-build

sharpcadd · Post by **sharpcadd** » September 13th, 2005, 2:52 am

I finally graduated and picked up another vehicle (It wasn't the RX-8 I was planning on getting) so it's time to tinker w/ the MX-3. Some people seem to think I'm knowlegable enough to build a $300 million choo choo, but I don't know the 1st thing about building a car. It's time to learn, but I need help.

I know I want at least 300 hp. Josh and I have batted around a few ideas like...
- V6 swap
- BP-T swap
- all-wheel drive - might be off the table b/c I don't want to get rid of my wheels.
- supercharger vs turbo

300+ hp is the key. What does everyone think I should put in to get there? My vision is to plan the build and order parts over the next couple months, build the car beginning in January, and finish the build by March in time to begin getting my pilot's license (the next goal).

Other stuff I'll do:
- all new body kit built by me (front bumper, sides, rear, hood, fenders).
- new blue pearl color (I will not be painting myself this time)
- upgraded brakes
- custom molded speaker box
Anyone can do these things though guys. I need help putting the engine and drive train together.

My absolute budget cutoff is $10,000. My desired budget is half this. Somewhere inbetween is probably where I'll end up.

BuGS · Post by **BuGS** » September 13th, 2005, 11:10 am

Well For a Kick-butt engine from flyin-miata look to spend like $8500. That is strokered out and everything. Fully built. Then spend another $1500 on a supercharger setup for it and there is your $10000

. Or just get yourself a BPT Rebuild it, get the stroker kit, and Josh can do an AWD setup. Then you will have like $4000 to get good body stuff done and make your custom Sub box for that Kicker you are going to get

But Stroker the BP to 2.0 and throw a T3/T04 E on there and you will be set.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » September 13th, 2005, 1:49 pm

The possibilities are truely endless, but first you need to decide on a V6 or four banger. That will narrow the options by half at least.
The difference in a V6 or 4 cyl. are really not that much except displacement and mulitple parts manufacturers. The V6s can get all the same upgrade parts as a 4 cyl can, but there are fewer companies to choose from. Also if 300HP is the bench mark, how do you want to get there? You can build a simple motor that will handle 300 ponies, but if you want more it will need to be almost scrapped and started over. If you over build the motor then you can add more power later, but the intial cost of the engine will put you close to/over the 10,000 dollar limit.
I'd say if 300 HP is your final limit then go 4 banger BPT and get a better then log-type (OEM) turbo manifold and a Garrett GT 28 RS (Disco Potatoe). It is good for 320 HP and is amazingly efficient. They are pricey, but worth the coin.
Then use a ported throttle body, built up some heads from a BP (they flow better then the BPT ones) and a good engine management and front mount intercooler, MSD ignition, RX7 fuel pump or inline secondary fuel pump, larger injectors and some good suspension and you'll be set for at least 320 HP.
Or you can go the V6 route and have more room for power down the road. Get a KL-DE from a Probe or Mx-6 then take the motor completely apart. Put in some better pistons, rods, rod bearings and look into better vavles and springs. Then get a custom turbo manifold set-up and the same turbo (GT 28RS) as well as engine management, MSD ignition, larger injectors (Millinea S ones will work fine), RX-7 fuel pump, intercooler and again suspension and viola.
You are limited to 320 HP by the turbo, but with the V6 you can twin turbo it down the road if you decide to.
Look around this site as several poeple have similar set-ups already and can help with where to get parts, more specifics on how to integrate all the equipement etc.
I hope this helps because your question is really to vague to completely answer without writing a book.
Good luck

Shades · Post by **Shades** » September 15th, 2005, 1:12 am

I'm building a turbo ready BP from an Escort. It's all apart in my machine shop... haha!

Just finished glass beading the oil pan, and I'm gonna order a MBSP plate cause it didn't come with one, but has all the holes and nooks for it in there.

Probably gonna get me some Carrillo rods, A-beams cause H-beams are just waaaaay too pricey. Match that with some Wiseco pistons.

I'm gonna bore the block .020" over and o-ring it for a better seal. Then I'm gonna balance the bottom end.

I'm trying to find a Unorthodox Racing pulley, and maybe get a lighted aftermarket flywheel to match the other side.

For the head I'm gonna throw in some oversized SS valves, stiffer springs and titanium retainers. Regrind my BP cams with more a performance lift and duration and switch over the HLA's to solid lifters for higher RPM's.

Port and polish my head and manifolds and away we go!

I'd love to get that stroker kit... but $4000 US is just way outta my budget.

BuGS · Post by **BuGS** » September 15th, 2005, 2:55 am

Shades wrote: I'm trying to find a Unorthodox Racing pulley

Are you going to have a Sterio system? I have heard that due to the alternator having to run for longer periods of time and putting extra strain on them that they help in the crank walk problem of a turbo/high rev engine.

Shades · Post by **Shades** » September 15th, 2005, 10:45 pm

I do have a stereo... but I also hear that if you are running anything under 600 Watts that it's alright. I might even switch my alternator to the V6 one with more amps.

sharpcadd · Post by **sharpcadd** » September 16th, 2005, 2:53 am

PATDIESEL wrote:decide on a V6 or four ... go 4 banger BPT and get a better then log-type (OEM) turbo manifold and a Garrett GT 28 RS (Disco Potatoe). It is good for 320 HP and is amazingly efficient. They are pricey, but worth the coin.
Then use a ported throttle body, built up some heads from a BP (they flow better then the BPT ones) and a good engine management and front mount intercooler, MSD ignition, RX7 fuel pump or inline secondary fuel pump, larger injectors and some good suspension and you'll be set for at least 320 HP.

Sounds like my choice will be the 4-cylinder BPT w/ forged pistons and rods. Shoot... after that Josh seems to take over b/c I don't have a clue what you're talking about.

Why is an RX7 fule pump so much better than any other one?

What's an MSD ignition?

Josh · Post by **Josh** » September 16th, 2005, 3:21 am

RX7 fuel pump, well pumps more fuel you will need with more power. i have a 255 that no one seems to want to buy so your good there. MSD helps your plug spark by a million times

. basically if any unburnt fuel is left behind the MSD helps burn it all up. alot better for a more positave spark.

so from what we are looking into so far is a N/A BP, with Forged pistons and rods. and the turbo charger will probably be a GT28/71R or something. then maybe some cams and valve springs, maybe a micro pollished crank, a port match and balance, and BPT intake manifold. of course a front mount IC. coupled with a G25MR trans with a MX6 5th gear and more than likley a LSD. all SRD bushings and maybe some Koni Reds. it should easly put down 300 to the wheels i think, and feel nicely. i think motor and trans with suspension will probably run around 7K with all the work. as i already have several items laying around.

and possably looking into a FS motor swap. it hasent been done in an MX as far as i know , but i think it would be kinda cool espically if we got ahold of a Mazda Speed series. but im just starting to look into it.

should be alot of fun fun fun, and hopefully we will get done by the spring