"NC" Miata Borg-Warner EFR Fab9 Turbo Kit Installation
As mentioned in another installation article, the third generation of the Miata is already a pretty capable car right out of the box. The standard Miata complaint isn't anything to do with handling or stopping, but with power. While Mazda held firm to their vision of creating a light-weight, modestly powered sports car, there are ways to give the NC Miata a serious power increase. The Borg-Warner EFR turbo is the most capable turbo available to reach power goals from mild to wild. With the Cosworth Supercharger kit currently unavailable, and no known plans to create more kits, that means this particular turbo kit becomes about the best game in town. Power numbers span anywhere from 250whp - 500+whp depending on the specific EFR turbo chosen, and what supporting engine modifications have been done.
The Borg-Warner EFR series really is a cut above the rest when it comes to current turbo technology. The versatility and robustness of the design allow for a turbo kit that offers easy daily driver behavior paired with impressive power delivery when you want it. With Borg-Warner taking care of the turbo, a reliable, well-made kit specifically for the NC Miata is next.
This particular kit is made by FAB 9, and is offered with either the 6258, 6758, or 7163 models of EFR. The owner of the vehicle being used in this example originally wanted to run the aforementioned supercharger kit before it became unavailable. Based off of that, the 6258 EFR was selected and the power goal bumped from 225whp to approximately 270whp. This should provide a substantial power increase, while keeping all supporting mods external to the engine. In other words, the car can safely run its stock motor on stock internals and bolt on modifications.
While this kit does not provide as much of a factory fit and finish as the Cosworth supercharger, that's to be expected from a kit that is custom made to order by a much smaller operation. Fit, finish, materials, and hardware components are all still very good quality, and should provide years of reliable use. The turbo manifold features equal length runners, and is a well-crafted piece of stainless steel construction. The downpipe shares the same materials and quality. It, and the turbo, both use V-band style exhaust connections, to ensure no exhaust leaks and relative ease of installation. The kit incorporates a bar and plate style front mount intercooler with custom, aluminum charge pipes. Braided steal lines using AN style fittings are also included to feed coolant and oil to and from the turbo.
In addition to the components that come in the kit, it will also need larger, 800cc fuel injectors, a larger, 340lph fuel pump, a MAP sensor capable of handling up to 3 BAR of pressure, a complete 3" diameter exhaust, and an upgraded stronger clutch kit.
The owner of this vehicle also elected to install a thicker aluminum radiator to address the added heat load. While this is not something that is absolutely needed for a street kit of this level, it's still a very good idea. Especially for cars driven in hotter climates. A car making even more power or driven on the track regularly would have to install a better radiator and a way to address increased oil temperatures.
It's time to get started. Follow along with the installation process to see this rocket come alive.
The Borg-Warner EFR series really is a cut above the rest when it comes to current turbo technology. The versatility and robustness of the design allow for a turbo kit that offers easy daily driver behavior paired with impressive power delivery when you want it. With Borg-Warner taking care of the turbo, a reliable, well-made kit specifically for the NC Miata is next.
This particular kit is made by FAB 9, and is offered with either the 6258, 6758, or 7163 models of EFR. The owner of the vehicle being used in this example originally wanted to run the aforementioned supercharger kit before it became unavailable. Based off of that, the 6258 EFR was selected and the power goal bumped from 225whp to approximately 270whp. This should provide a substantial power increase, while keeping all supporting mods external to the engine. In other words, the car can safely run its stock motor on stock internals and bolt on modifications.
While this kit does not provide as much of a factory fit and finish as the Cosworth supercharger, that's to be expected from a kit that is custom made to order by a much smaller operation. Fit, finish, materials, and hardware components are all still very good quality, and should provide years of reliable use. The turbo manifold features equal length runners, and is a well-crafted piece of stainless steel construction. The downpipe shares the same materials and quality. It, and the turbo, both use V-band style exhaust connections, to ensure no exhaust leaks and relative ease of installation. The kit incorporates a bar and plate style front mount intercooler with custom, aluminum charge pipes. Braided steal lines using AN style fittings are also included to feed coolant and oil to and from the turbo.
In addition to the components that come in the kit, it will also need larger, 800cc fuel injectors, a larger, 340lph fuel pump, a MAP sensor capable of handling up to 3 BAR of pressure, a complete 3" diameter exhaust, and an upgraded stronger clutch kit.
The owner of this vehicle also elected to install a thicker aluminum radiator to address the added heat load. While this is not something that is absolutely needed for a street kit of this level, it's still a very good idea. Especially for cars driven in hotter climates. A car making even more power or driven on the track regularly would have to install a better radiator and a way to address increased oil temperatures.
It's time to get started. Follow along with the installation process to see this rocket come alive.
Drivetrain Modifications
As mentioned before, this Miata will need a stronger clutch to handle the increased torque and horsepower it will create once the turbo is installed. The vehicle owner elected to go ahead and install a lightened Fidanza flywheel as well as the ACT clutch kit chosen to support the power. This step is done ahead of time so that miles can be put on the clutch and let it bed in properly. Once the turbo is installed, it will be run under heavy load during tuning and we want to make sure the new clutch is seated in properly to handle the power.
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Fuel and Air
Next, we need to make sure the engine is able to get enough fuel to compensate for all the extra air being fed by the turbo. The computer will also need to be able to register how much extra air that is. That means installing bigger fuel injectors and a larger fuel pump, and also installing a MAP sensor capable of reading higher pressure numbers. While it isn't completely necessary, Sports Cars, Etc. recommends two extra gauges be installed with this kit. One is to monitor the air-to-fuel mixture while the engine is running and one is to monitor overall boost levels. Having both of these gauges can provide extra piece of mind while driving. Plus it's nice to see roughly what boost level the car is running. Follow along with the pictures for more details of all of these things being installed.
It's Turbo Time
With everything else basically done, it's time to install the major hardware. This will include the aluminum radiator that is not part of the standard kit. To gain access to different areas of the car, the front body work and fender liners will be removed. This will let us more easily modify some of the areas that need to be adjusted for the new parts. Follow along with the pictures for details.
And That is That
This car now makes a steady 10lbs of boost at wide open throttle, and an estimated 270whp. The kit is capable of more, but for engine health this is a good safe amount that still creates a noticeably fast car. The updated engine found in the later model NC Miatas, NC2s, are capable of handling a little more boost and are therefore a little more power. This kit also pairs well with the 2.5l engine swap that can be done to these cars, creating a potent and safe combination of 13-14lbs of boost and around 350whp.
While other modifications like wider wheels and tires or bigger brakes can of course help extract the most out of power modifications like this, the car should make a good, reliable daily driver with no need of further modification or a large increase in maintenance costs. For any further questions feel free to contact us.
While other modifications like wider wheels and tires or bigger brakes can of course help extract the most out of power modifications like this, the car should make a good, reliable daily driver with no need of further modification or a large increase in maintenance costs. For any further questions feel free to contact us.