[Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Grassroots Motorsports.]
The original Mazda Miata is one of the most perfect driving tools ever created. Sure, other cars have more power, more style or more luxury, but few can tame a twisty back road and put a smile on the driver’s face more efficiently than the early Miata. Despite its slightly higher weight and size, Mazda’s follow-up model was just as loved.
However, even after a 2001 facelift, by 2003 sales were more or less flat. Some of the novelty had worn off, and buyers had more choices–including Honda’s stellar, 240-horsepower S2000.
Since the next Miata–with its all-new, more powerful MZR engine–was a few years away, Mazda chose the time-honored path of employing turbocharging to squeeze a bit more power from the current car. They added a small IHI turbo, lowered the compression ratio and fitted a small, front-mounted intercooler. The result was the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Grassroots Motorsports Online Articles…