Miata Mailing List: September 1992, Message #57
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re: BBR turbo, first driving
   Date: (none)

        Reply to:   RE>BBR turbo, first driving impression.
Hi,

I just got my car back today, completed with the BBR turbo installed.
I've only had about 1 hr behind the wheel, I am thinking about going 
down to BridgeHampton this weekend. Anyway, here's some initial
impressions...

Driving: It is everything that you've heard reported in magazines. It 
does feel like you have a 2 litres motor. The BIGGEST difference is
off-the-line torque, it's fucking great! (max. torque is now 154 ft-lbs
@2500 rpm vs 100@5500 rpm), the motor no longer stutters moving off-line. I
find the lack of turbo lag somewhat astounding, having driven many other turbo
cars.

It is somewhat less noticeable at higher rpms, but red line just come up ALOT
sooner, whereas you can floor the stock motor and wait forever before reaching
red line. The stats claim to cut 30-50 time by about 3 seconds, and 50-70 time
about 5 seconds in top gear. 

I really like the system, you will be dissappointed if you expect explosive
power (like the 911 turbo), it feels about the same as the CARTECH turbo, with
better low end response, almost as quick as the new Lotus Elan, not quite as
quick as the MR2 turbo, but close enough for practical purposes, i.e. foot on
pedal-> car responses....all this with no bad vices.

installation: the turbo heat shield does rub against the steering columns
when you turn right on decelerations, Norm Garrett claimed there is a remedy, I
think you can turn the steering column around its axis to avoid this. Clearly,
BBR develop and tested this for the RHD cars, other than this, the kit is
perfect. More on installations later if anyone is interested, but it is not a
minor job, you MUST remove the motor, which is not an easy task on a used car,
rusty bolts, rusty exhaust etc... BBR estimated 8-12 hours for a new car
without AC, doubling that with AC. I say conservatively, 16-20 hours at the
minimum without AC.

This is an expensive thing to do, but it makes the Miata a proper sports car,
just don't expect neck breaking acceleration. I really like its nimbleness
however, my old 911 Carrera was much quicker, much more powerful, but you feel
like you are moving something much more substantial (which is the case). Give
me a lightweight sportscar vs a heavy weight, high power beast anyday. 

I am still waiting for the Trackbar from Technosports and the Panasports
15x7 with a 38 mm offset, shod with Yoko A509, 195-50vr15. With a less negative
offset, I expect higher steering effort and bump steer, but hopeful better
steering feedback. The Millen folks seems to think this is the best combo.

- Steve.