Miata Mailing List: September 1994, Message #42
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   From: Kevin Graboski 806 1032 
Subject: Comparing turbo/super charging systems
   Date: Fri, 2 Sep 1994 12:05:47 -0400


	Greetings,

	I am checking out the purchase of a new sports car and have come to
the conclusion that a new Miata with some aftermarket performance additions
seems to fit the bill. My VW 16V GTI just doesn't have the same pizzaz as my
long extinct Triumph Spitfire. I think that an enhanced Miata will get
the straight line performance and handling capabilities I desire (as opposed 
to say a new Mustang conv. that offers the former at the expense of the later 
plus higher insurance premiums). Now I fully and wholeheartedly acknowledge
that the stock Miata is a fantastic car, it's just that after fighting with
Boulder/Denver traffic with a car capable of ~8s 0-60 times I have sworn that
my next cat would be quicker.

	I have solicited and received information from Corky Bell at Bell
Engineering about his Aerodyne turbo systems (although I forgot to inquire about
the existance of kits for 94's). I have also received information from
Downing/Atlanta about their Eaton supercharger kits. Jim says that they are
working on a kit for the 94's, and will have it ready sometime at the end of the
year.

	Now my concern centers around getting past the hype that each company
puts out. They both claim that the others solutions have serious drawbacks. My
specific concerns are:

	1) Driveability. Downing makes big claims that their kit preserves the
	   stock power curve characteristics, just enhanced 40%. This is very
	   important to me, I want to preserve the torque curve/gear ratio
	   relationship that Mazda has designed.

	2) Reliability. The simple fact that the supercharger kit requires 93
	   octane leads me to believe that it has much less safety margin in
	   it. I am curious if there is enough room left in the engine bay to
	   add an intercooler to the system, either mounting it in front of the
	   radiator or behind it and somehow ducting air to it. (Lets see, add
	   a Jackson cold air induction kit to route cold air through a 
	   intercooler added to a supercharger kit, my god this is getting
	   complicated.

	Since the information I get from the companies is biased, I am looking
for feedback from owners of kits. Any and all information relating to the above
(or others that I may have overlooked) concerns is greatly appreciated.


	thank you

	kevin
	kevin@kentek.com