Need advice on Miata

Hey guys! I just sold my MX3 and am looking for my next 'project' car... I really like the miata, cuz it is mazda and RWD and a convertible.

I've been looking around and it seems I can get a decent miata for around 7-8k. I know there are some Supercharger and Turbo kits out there, which are all almost $4-5000US.

Im not familiar with the miata motors or its platform, but what are some common mods that wont break the bank. I am a student still, so money isnt growing on trees just yet.

If someone could give me an engine swap idea? DIY turbo applications? Where would I get a manifold? I wanna steer clear of custom work, so are there other cars which are already turbo that I could snatch a manifold off of that bolts onto a Miata?

Can the stock injectors handle a bit of boost? say 5-6lbs?

Thanks guys.

Miata's are fairly tuned from the factory. It is hard to get much power without power adders; nitrous, turbo, sc. You are going to have a hard time finding a turbo or sc kit that is complete without breaking the bank. It is possible to part things together for a good deal cheaper, but if you want to avoid fabrication that is a difficult situation. With exhaust and intake upgrades you will have a little better feel, sometimes you think it's a lot faster because you can actually hear what the engine's doing. Most of the time you will only gain about 10hp with both addons, but it's definately more fun to drive.

I guess what i'm trying to say is that Nitrous is probably what you're looking for. I a decent wet kit will run you $450-600. You can find them used for 150-300. A bottle blanky is a decent idea, and you don't really have to worry about the stock fuel system handling the power because a wet system injects it's own fuel. I would suggest ZEX, I've always had good luck with their setups. One of the main problems with N20 is that it's not SCCA legal, which means you can't use it on most auto-x courses (required to turn it off). Which is a big bummer, You could really use one of the progressive kits on an auto-x course...

Miata's are extremely fun, especially with some minor rolling stock upgrades. Stock the suspension is decent, you just really really need some sticky tires. Falken azenis sports rule as far as price/sticky goes, and as a student i completely understand the money issue.

Sorry about the book, hopefully it helped a little bit. That's my :2cents:

please refer to the forums at www.miata.net for some real advice, not the idiotic ramblings of some kid that reads too many magazines.