2002 Supercharged LS

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Category: Projects
Published on Tuesday, 10 January 2012 00:22
Written by Jeff Lyon
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I decided to add my personal 2002 Supercharged Miata LS to the projects page.  I haven't decided everthing I am going to do to it but it is a great car and deserves a page of its own. 

This car was purchased with very low miles from Carmax in Roseville by a very good friend of mine, Dave Regis, and after much research he decided to install a cold-side supercharger from Fast Forward Superchargers.  Dave took his time and did a very meticulous job with the install.  I have not had this car on the dyno yet but I have had it on the track and the power is so smooth and it pulls so strong right to the redline. 

Here is a pic of the car at Infineon with track rubber on it

And here are a couple of pics of the supercharged engine in all of it's glory


This car has the LS package which has upgraded suspension bits and larger brakes.  This is the same package that was the basis for the Mazdaspeed Miata built in the final years of the NB in '04 and '05.

I have purchased a 3.9:1 diff to replace the 4.3:1 diff that is in there.  With the extra torque and hp it seems I am shifting all of the time so the taller final gear should help spread the shifts out a bit and hopefully help out fuel economy a bit if I can keep my foot out of it.  On the economy note, I should mention that fuel is only added when boost is detected so driving normally (somewhat) I still regularly get 21 - 22mpg around town which is much better than my F350!

Check back, I will have feedback once I get the diff in.  I think a radiator upgrade and possibly shocks will be next on the list.  This is by far the best handling "stock" Miata I have ever driven.

Here are a couple of pics of the CXRacing 2" Aluminum radiator I installed in the '02 LS to address the temp issues on the track.

Fits nicely with no modifications.

And here are a few pics of me testing it out at the Miatas at Mazda Raceway event.  It worked great by the way!