Needing a little more power to make this my DD

[deano]

I won't bug anyone with the "which one is better" question. I'm already leaning towards a turbo, probably a Voodoo II for new, and then upgrade next year to the FM II. And then I started reading about the Rotrex and it's making me reconsider...

Anyone have any experience with one of these Rotrex systems? I saw trickyrix talking about it on another site, so maybe he can chime in on it. Seems like most of the posts on it go back a few years, but haven't seen much recent about it. Doesn't mean there isn't, just that I haven't gotten there yet...

Seems like 949 Racing, Kraftwerks and Jackson Racing were all tied into it at one time, but now JR has Rotrex kits for only the CR-Z (according to their site), 949 isn't dealing with Kraftwerks, and only Kraftwerks has a Miata kit but not many options... Is this a fad that already died out for the Miata? Would be about right, I didn't buy my first pair of parachute pants til 2001...

And while I'm asking, I saw an ad for a "new" MP 62 that is supposed to minimize drag on the engine while not in use by utilizing a bypass valve, yada yada... The huge plus is I'm wanting to learn about modding Miatas, but want this one done right. TDR is local and specialize in superchargers, have a great reputation and I'd have a place to go to keep my daily driver driving. And as a DD plus some future light Autox duty, maybe the lower power bump is preferable. I think I just started talking myself out of the turbo, and into the super...

I know they each have their strengths and I'm not looking for which is better, but if you're still reading this, I'm just looking for opinions based on what I mentioned (DD with light Autox use and would like a local shop that can install and maintain whatever I get). Lol. Thanks.

[deano]

And, it's an '03 5-speed, 133k miles, pretty much stock as far as I know, and is in great shape. Has the service records and every major service since day one. I'm only looking for a jump into the 200hp to 240hp range... If that helps any...

[cwisenheimer]

I've always heard that Rotrex is the wrong answer for a small-displacement engine. They build power and torque higher up in the RPM band so for a four cylinder, it's the worst of both turbo and super. As for turbo vs. super, that's been beat to death and you'll find lots of strong opinions in both camps. I think the best thing to do is to actually drive both and then have a conversation with the supplier of both. Read up on miata.net and miataturbo.net while you're at it. Do NOT post on miataturbo.net until you've read up.

[Nails]

Gary is installing a Rotrex right now. Stop by his shop and ask him about it.

[trickyrix]

The more I looked into the Rotrex, the more I thought that it would be more of a DIY pain than an off-the-shelf MP62. That being said, if you're up for it, I think it's an intriguing setup. It's compact and should be simpler to install/maintain than a turbo. Track Dog was/is working on an intercooler setup. And with a proper ECU, you should be able to get good power out of it. However, it's expensive and you won't get the big low/mid-range torque hit that you would from a turbo or an MP62 blower.

I'm still on the fence as far as power adders, but I think I'm leaning more and more toward just building an N/A motor when mine craps the bed.

[motorollow]

Gary at TDR is building a new motor to replace the one I bought. You should check it out if he hasnt already jnsralled it.

[SirHustlerEsq]

TSE turbo kit when it drops. There will be nothing else worth buying at that point.

[deano]

Thanks guys. I'll make sure to give Gary at TDR a call on Monday. And I'll do some more research on different options.

Does anyone on here have an MP62? I have a few questions I'd like to ask someone about that particular SC... Thanks again...

[deano]

Well, it's looking like the MP62's might not be an option anymore, unless you source a used one. The guys at TDR told me that they're looking into the Rotrex. So, I guess I'll be holding off unless I can get a good deal on a used '62.

I haven't read a lot of good things about the Rotrex for Miatas, but the problems all seem to center around the kits and lack of support. I've heard lots of good stuff about TDR, so hopefully if they start carrying the Rotrex, it'll get the kind of kit and support it needs. On paper the Rotrex seems like a pretty good deal, and appears much easier for the do-it-yourselfer...

But if anyone is looking to unload a '62, let me know. For now, I'll probably start looking at pre-mods for the eventual Rotrex...