Feature – Slick Auto Mazda Miata Turbo
Backing up the looks is the powerplant. The engine is a newly rebuilt 1.6-liter B6P, as originally found in the first-generation Miata, although this unit has been bored 1mm over. The OEM crankshaft was given a WPC treatment before being fitted with R&R billet steel connecting rods and Wiseco 8.5:1 compression ratio forged pistons.
The turbocharger setup is by Flyin’ Miata, consisting of their turbo kit, front-mount intercooler, 2.5-inch adjustable downpipe, 2.5-inch exhaust and cold air intake. The turbo itself is a responsive Garrett GT2560R ball-bearing unit.
Using a GReddy Profec B Spec II electronic boost controller (set to 17.3psi), 550cc/min RC Engineering fuel injectors and an AEM EMS standalone ECU, Slick Auto’s Mazda Miata made 263whp and 232 lb/ft of torque. Those runs were made with an ETD Racing high-flow catalytic converter installed; a cat-less test pipe has now been installed to increase exhaust flow.
As can been seen from our test lap data, acceleration is not a problem for the Slick Auto Miata. With more than 250whp on tap and less than 2400lbs (with driver) to carry around, this Miata can easily hit 112mph on the front straight and 113mph on the back straight at The Streets of Willow Springs. The low weight also helps with the car’s grip levels. 1.34 lateral-g is easily achieved through the banked “Bowl” turn (Segment 4, yellow) on Toyo RA1 tires.
Riding over the bumpy and cracked surface of The Streets proved to be no problem for the suspension setup. The roll cage and chassis bracing helped stiffen the frame against the shock of the bumps but it was the compliancy and travel of the suspension that made the car so quick.
Relatively light 450 lb/inch front and 337 lb/inch rear Eibach race springs, teamed with Ohlins monotube coilover dampers, work with Flyin’ Miata swaybars to keep body roll to a minimum. The suspension kept all four wheels on the ground over the track undulations and still had enough roll resistance to keep 275 Hoosiers in check.
The only downside plaguing the Baby Monster so far has been the cooling system. The Baby Monster Miata has been fitted with a Setrab oil cooler and aluminum radiator but Mazda never designed their roadster to push out more than 250whp on boost.
The Miata has proven its pace in time trial and Redline Time Attack competition (1:25 best at The Streets of Willow and 1:29 at Willow Springs) but needs good cool down laps mixed in with its hot laps. Endurance racing is not yet on the menu for this car. But don’t count it out just yet. Remember, this isn’t your mom’s Mazda.
Sources
APR Performance
(909) 594-3796
www.aprperformance.com
Autokonexion
(909) 201-6085
www.autokonexion.com
Church Automotive Testing
(310) 518-4966
home.earthlink.net/~spchurch
Hiro’s Auto Repair
(714) 545-5090
www.hiros-auto.com
Slick Auto
www.slickauto.net
West End Alignment
(310) 808-9233
