Flyin' Miata 1 800 FLY MX5s

Why?
Q: Why do you have superchargers and turbochargers? Isn't one better than the other?
A:Turbochargers and superchargers have different advantages and disadvantages. It's possible to debate the merits of each for years (that's been done on the internet) but the end result is that some people prefer turbos and others prefer supers. Since the implementation is generally more important than anything else, we decided to make both available to our customers.
We do believe that turbochargers have more ultimate power potential with a built engine, but the power delivery of a supercharger is smoother. When it comes to autocrossing, a supercharger is hard to beat while a turbo is a monster on the racetrack.

Q: Does this mean you're going to stop selling turbochargers?
A: Not at all. We think our turbo systems are still the best on the market. We're simply expanding our offerings.

History
Q: Aren't these the old BR Performance or Stage One Tuning kits?
A:Yes, the hardware was originally developed for BR Performance (BRP). Over the course of several years, it underwent constant evolution and matured into a very good setup. In 2006, BRP closed their doors. Barker Products, the original manufacturer, assumed management and operations in Oct. 2006 under the name Stage One Tuning. In January 2007 they first approached us with the idea of marrying their hardware to our engine management and support. Since we've always been impressed with the BRP/SOT kits, we thought it was an excellent match. The kits we are offering have all of the tweaks designed and implemented over the years.

Q: Do you support the BRP/SOT systems?
A: Unfortunately, we don't know the earlier systems well enough to support them, and the rapid evolution makes it difficult to sort out versions. James at Stage One Tuning will continue to offer support on the BRP/SOT hardware, compatibility, upgrade and conversions. We will make any future upgrades as compatible as we can with the older components.

Q: Are you doing any more development?
A: Yes, we are going to work with SOT to bring some new and innovative upgrades to market. We've already begun development of some. We'll keep these compatible with existing systems wherever possible - the same way we have with our turbo systems.

Q: What happened to the Übercharger?
A: The Ubers were produced by a company that no longer manufactures parts for FM. There were also concerns about the supply of the twin-screw superchargers themselves. The new kits are simpler, more reliable, less expensive and easier to install.

Q: What happened to the ELF?
A: We are still evaluating the ELF engine management system.

Q: Hey, wasn't SOT working on a kit for the 2006-07 MX-5?
A: Yes, and we're moving ahead with it! The biggest challenge will be engine management, but we'll have the system on our own car soon so we can experiment and sort out what it needs.

Choosing a supercharger kit
Q: What is a "BTB" kit?
A: The "BTB" stands for Big Throttle Body. The larger the throttle body is, the less restriction it causes. Less restriction equals more airflow equals more boost. Try to suck air through a normal soda straw, then one of the big ones from McDonalds. You'll see. The BTB is worth about 10 hp at redline - the faster the engine and supercharger spin, the more benefit it gives.

Q: Why is the BTB not available on the 1999+ cars?
A: We're working on this. It's primarily packaging, and the BTB will be available. We're also hoping to offer a standard throttle body option on the 1994-97 models.

Q: Why don't turbo cars come with larger throttle bodies?
A: Turbo installations have the turbo before the throttle body, so the air passing through it is compressed. The supercharger is trying to suck through the throttle and the air isn't compressed. Thus the size of the throttle body isn't as critical for the turbo.

Q: What other engine management options will I have?
A: We are working on Hydra-equipped cars now - we're just sorting out the idle so it meets our standards. We're also investigating some lower-priced solutions. The good thing is that the hardware will be the same, so it will be an easy upgrade path.

Q: Why a Roots blower instead of a twin-screw?
A: We've dealt with the twin-screws, and they're a nice piece. However, the Eaton-manufactured Roots designs have some advantages. They're very reliable, well packaged and less expensive than the Opcons we used to use. They also have better efficiency at lower to medium boost levels and have been shown to be capable up top. It's worth noting that nobody currently uses a twin-screw supercharger in a mass-produced car.

Q: Why don't you use a fifth injector?
A: We've found that a single auxiliary injector does not distribute the fuel evenly, which can lead to engine damage. It's a simple way to add fuel, but it's not as safe or effective as we'd like. Replacing an engine is an expensive proposition, and we've had a number of customers come to us with blown engines from fifth injector setups used in other kits.

Q: What sets your superchargers apart from other hotside MP62 setups?
A: The radiused throttle body mount we use is unique to our kits, while others are satisfied with a simple flat plate with a hole in it. Our 6-rib belt drive means we can use less tension than 4-rib systems, giving us longer belt life and less stress on the supercharger bearings. The automatic tensioner also adds to both ease of setup and life. The isolater in our adjustable support bracket gives less vibration than the non-adjustable solid brackets found elsewhere. And of course, FM's support and deep knowledge of Miata engine management.

Q: Whats with the very limited number of options?
A: This is a temporary situation. We'll be expanding the line soon, but first we'll start with what works well.

Q: Why don't you have an option for the 2001-05 cars?
A: We've found that the Voodoo Box doesn't work as well as we'd like on 2001-05 models. So we're not going to release that system until we're happy. We can sell the hardware if you have something else you'd like to try.

Q: Will you have an option for the 1.6?
A: It's quite possible.

Pre-installation
Q: I'm thinking of buying a Miata and modifying it. What year would be best?
There are good options available for all years. The 1994-97 cars have very strong engine internals. 1999 and later cars have well-designed heads that allow us to make more power and torque at the same boost level. Unfortunately, we don't have a kit available for the 1990-93 cars at this time.
Give us a call for details and advice if you want help selecting a car.

Q: What do I need to do to my car before installing a supercharger?
A: Your car needs to be in good mechanical shape. Problems such as overheating, overdue maintenance and pinging will NOT be solved by increasing engine power! Do a compression test and a leakdown test to make sure the engine is healthy. Perform all scheduled maintenance such as fuel filter changes. Make sure your handling and brakes are sorted out. Before installation, run a couple of tanks of premium fuel through the car.

Q: Do I need a rebuilt engine?
A: Our systems are intended for use on stock Miata engines for years of reliable operation. There's no need to go with high-strength internals in our standard setups. If you want to push beyond 240 hp at the wheels, a built engine becomes a very good idea. It's important to note that safe power requires good engine management.

Installation
Q: Can I install this myself?
A: If you have good mechanical aptitude, the kit can be installed at home. If you're the sort of person who stabs yourself every time you reach for a screwdriver, it's probably not a good idea. We'll have our instructions online shortly.

Q: What special tools are needed?
A: Nothing unusual is needed.

Q: What else will I need to do to my car?
A: A performance clutch is a necessity on the higher-power kits. The factory clutch can not hold the power our supercharged cars make. If you're going to make significant power gains, you'll have to change that clutch! Depending on how you use the car and which kit you purchase, you may need to improve the cooling system as well.

Life with a supercharged Miata
Q: What sort of extra maintenance is needed?
A: All that is needed is regular oil changes with synthetic oil. It's a good idea to take a peek underhood on a regular basis to ensure there aren't any problems developing. The supercharger drive belt will need changing on a similar schedule to your alternator and power steering belts.

Q: Will a supercharger wear out my engine faster?
A: At boost levels of 10-12 psi, the impact on engine longevity is minimal. We have hundreds of turbo customers running this boost level with no measurable impact on engine life.

Q: I have a 96 Miata (1.8L Automatic). Can this engine and trans configuration handle a supercharger? If so, at what boost and what HP at the rear wheels without destroying the trans or engine?
A: There aren't all that many automatic supercharged Miatas because there aren't all that many automatic Miatas! However, we have helped a few customers increase their horsepower through the years, and there have been no reports of transmission damage. The full replacement ECUs such as the Hydra are not compatible with 1994-05 automatic transmissions, however.

Upgrading
Q: Can you add an intercooler to the supercharger?
A: Yes you can. We'll have affordable intercooler upgrades for higher boost levels.

Q: Where are the high horsepower kits?
A: They're coming. We're just making sure they work as well as they should.