So the MX5 is the first turbo install I have done where its not factory replacement or completely and entirely compromised by packaging, and i generally have a reasonable amount of time on my hands to get little things sorted (yay for no race schedule).
On all the previous cars (even the factory stuff) the water ports have been relatively horizontal, and I have followed suit for other turbo conversions.
However, reading this Garrett whitepaper (mirrored on GCG) [url]https://gcg.com.au/component/rsticketspro/view-article/18-water-cooled-turbos-they-need-water[/url]
they suggest a 20° clock with the inlet down and the outlet up. But also recommend an uphill pipe from the outlet to somewhere else in the engine to enable thermal siphoning after shutdown.
[img]http://gcg.com.au/images/water_p7.jpg[/img]
On the MX5 this is a problem, as the high pressure inlet sources for the turbo are all in the head, and higher than the turbo. Conversely, all the return locations are low in the block or the mixer.
Originally i was planning on just running the high pressure side out of the thermostat spacer at the back of the head, where the heater core comes out. Or as another guy down here has done, inline with the heater core:
[img]https://i.imgur.com/w2TPhkc.jpg[/img]
But that puts the inlet side at 20° elevated, rather than on a decline, and from this graph is more than somewhat undesirable:
[img]http://gcg.com.au/images/water_p8.jpg[/img]
How much am I overthinking this? Just put it in horizontal and leave it be?
Started working out a place for the intercooler and oil cooler, and I think it will end up with them stacked in front of the radiator. A little less than ideal, but nowhere else really works for packaging.
Used it as an opportunity to practice more on the TIG:
[img]http://images.plebeians.net/_data/i/upload/2019/05/25/20190525005709-fa133f9e-xl.jpg[/img]
Made up a long bracket to go between the upper AC mounting holes:
[img]http://images.plebeians.net/_data/i/upload/2019/05/25/20190525005735-bbdc22b3-xl.jpg[/img]
FG intercooler fits well in there now:
[img]http://images.plebeians.net/_data/i/upload/2019/05/25/20190525005727-68707ef2-xl.jpg[/img]
Although im still considering getting a shorter and wider core to mount in the air stream some more. Perhaps something like this at 500x230mm:
[img]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vy0AAOSwFeNcw8Dj/s-l1600.jpg[/img]