Miata Mailing List: July 1993, Message #145
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   From: Herb Samuels 
Subject: NGK Plugs etc.
   Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1993 19:48:22 -0400


Steve, the NGK plugs in the BBR turbo (the common stage 1) are not
platimum plugs.  I know because I asked Alex Littelwood of BBR. So if
anyone has anything else to comment on the NGK platinum plugs I would
appreciate it.  On the subject of the BBR turbo conversion, the
conversion truly transforms the Miata.  I know someone in New Jersey
who had the conversion done and I drove it.  The horsepower is boosted
from 116 to about 150 at 5,500 RPM and the torque from 100 to 150.
Most importantly, there is big increase ih midrange torque. The time
from 50 to 70 mph in 5th gear goes from 12.5 sec in stock to about 7
sec in the conversion. 50 to 70 mph in 4th gear goes from about 8.5
sec to about 4.5 to 5 sec.  0-60 mph is claimed to be around 6.8  to 7
seconds  but was not tested by me.  Steve, what estimate do you have on
your BBR turbo of 0-60 mph, 50-70 mph, 1/4 mile etc.

What is terrific about the conversion is that there is no turbo lag
and the engine is extremely responsive with terrific drivability.
The stock suspension and tires  can easily handle the increase in
power and the car becomes even more responsive.  In essence the car
becomes like the one that Mazda should market here in the USA.  In the
U.K. the BBR conversion is approved by Mazda U.K. and is warenteed
for 3 years or 60,000 miles so it should be reliable as you found over
the last 10,000 miles.  On the subject of loosening of nuts and bolts,
didn't you mention that you bought the car used with about 30,000 miles
before you installed the BBR turbo.  If so, is it possible that the
person who had the car before you did not take the best of care of it.
I have 14,000 miles on my Miata (1990), and except for a few
adjustments in the first few months, the car is rattle free and
very solid.

Herb Samuels