Someone locally is selling a MSM turbo, manifold and downpipe.. I'm about to start putting together a Frankenstein 1.8 for my 91, and this could be a cheap addition. Add in some plumbing, injectors and megasquirt, mix until golden brown, then serve.
Compared to the other cast manifolds on the market, how are the OEM mazdaspeed ones? I know the turbos aren't well regarded overall, but it could be a good platform to build from later.
What's the hives' thoughts?
If the price is right get it, gasket match the manifold and add a billet wheel to the turbo and enjoy.
It's compact and easy to install, but other than that there's not much to recommend it. The manifold is pretty restrictive due to assembly line installation requirements, and the turbo has both lousy spool and no top end. If it's really cheap then sure, but you'd probably be much happier with a used FM manifold and Garrett GT2560 or 2554.
My impression is that the MSM turbo flange is not shared with other common/cheap turbos, but I'm not 100% sure of that.
If it is cheap it's an easy way to add a turbo. I disagree about the lousy spool but it definitely isn't a turbo for a high-power build. If you want a cheap turbo build for around 200whp it is a good option.
The manifold flange isn't common so if you go with a different turbo later you will have to also change the manifold.
I'm in the "slow spool" camp. Not a great turbo in unmodified form. Not a great downpipe, either.
Maybe I need to sample some more turbo cars. I think the one on mine spools pretty quick. I do have a catless downpipe though.
Mine spools pretty well, but I have the FM Little Enchilada, MS, bigger injectors, and just today electronic boost control. I'm still tuning the boost control table and "accidentally" hit the boost cut at 13 PSI. It was surprising how fast it got there, but the last few PSI were slower.
The FM downpipe really woke this thing up. But if I didn't already have the MSM turbo, I'd probably spend the bucks on a Garret or EFR. On a budget, it's an OK turbo with the FM downpipe.
It's not laggy like a Fiat 124 Spider. But for the power potential of the turbo, it should spool faster.
Sooo, say I could get the assembly for <$350, would it be worth getting it going and then upgrading the turbo & and throwing on a flyin' miata DP later? I have driven a stock MSM, and also thought the turbo was fairly laggy as well, but honestly, if I could hit ~180 at the wheels I'd be pretty happy, and it seemed like there was still enough useable RPMs in boost to keep it entertaining, especially on track. I'll have a bit more compression than stock when I get my engine together which could help it spool, as well.
A turbo kit was in the cards for later on, but this popped up and got my interest piqued :)
Keith Tanner wrote: It's not laggy like a Fiat 124 Spider. But for the power potential of the turbo, it should spool faster.
Agreed. The max usable boost is around 12 PSI, and it takes a while to get from 6 to 10 PSI.
captdownshift wrote: Grab a 16G and get to modifying it and adding a billet 18 wheel while you're at it
I just now had a chance to read through that whole thread.. That's veerrrryyy interesting, and I also have access to machinery.
And he mentioned he bought the same stuff for $250 (manifold, turbo & pipe). That's also interesting ;)
Thanks for the link!
Thanks for the info, looks like the guy isn't willing to come down far enough right now to make it worth wasting time on it.
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