The Voodoo13 1.75L Turbo Kit has earned a strong reputation among Mazda Miata owners who want to push their cars well beyond factory performance limits. Designed specifically for the 1.8L BP engine found in NA and NB chassis Miatas, this kit delivers a proven path to over 280 horsepower at the wheels while maintaining street manners and daily drivability. In this guide, we’ll break down the components, installation approach, real-world power gains, and what you can expect from this popular forced induction solution.

Why the Voodoo13 Turbo Kit Stands Out

The Miata aftermarket is crowded with turbo options ranging from budget-friendly eBay kits to high-end custom fabrications. The Voodoo13 kit occupies a sweet spot—it offers a complete, bolt-on solution that doesn’t require a standalone ECU or custom fabrication. The “1.75L” designation refers to the engine displacement after boring the block or using the 1.8L VVT head swap, depending on the iteration, but the kit itself works with standard 1.8L engines with minor prep.

Key differentiators include the use of a Garrett GT2560R turbocharger, a cast iron exhaust manifold designed for durability and flow, and a large air-to-air intercooler that keeps intake temperatures in check even during sustained boost. The kit also includes a full suite of supporting upgrades like high-impedance fuel injectors, a Walbro 255 lph fuel pump, and a Boomslang PnP harness for easy integration with the factory ECU after tuning via a Megasquirt or similar management system.

Component Breakdown

Turbocharger and Manifold

The heart of the system is the Garrett GT2560R. This turbo is well-matched to the Miata’s 1.8L displacement, providing quick spool and a broad powerband. With a .60 A/R compressor housing and .64 A/R turbine housing, it reaches full boost by around 3200 RPM, making it ideal for street and autocross use. The cast iron exhaust manifold is thick-walled and resists cracking—a common issue with thin-walled tubular manifolds. It includes a T25 flange and provisions for a 38mm wastegate.

Intercooler and Piping

Voodoo13 supplies a 24x12x3 inch bar-and-plate intercooler with 2.5-inch aluminum piping. The core is large enough to handle 300+ horsepower without significant pressure drop. Short routing from the turbo to the throttle body minimizes lag, and silicone couplers with T-bolt clamps ensure leak-free connections. The intercooler mounts in the front bumper area after minor trimming of the reinforcement bar.

Fuel System Upgrades

To support the additional airflow, the kit includes 550cc high-impedance fuel injectors (Bosch EV14 style) and a Walbro 255 lph in-tank fuel pump. These provide enough fueling headroom for up to 350 horsepower with proper tuning. The factory fuel pressure regulator is retained but may be swapped for an adjustable unit when pushing higher boost levels.

Tuning and Engine Management

The Voodoo13 kit does not include an ECU, but it is engineered to work seamlessly with a Megasquirt PNP (Plug and Play) unit. Many owners pair it with a Megasquirt from DIYAutoTune or a Flyin’ Miata Link ECU. The kit includes a base calibration file that gets the engine running and idling safely; final tuning should be done on a dyno or via a wideband O2 sensor to optimize timing and fuel tables for maximum power and knock-free operation.

Installation Process

Installing the Voodoo13 1.75L Turbo Kit is a weekend project for a moderately experienced mechanic. Plan for 12–20 hours depending on skill level and whether you perform additional upgrades like exhaust, coolant reroute, or clutch replacement. Below is a step-by-step outline of the process.

Preparation and Disassembly

  • Disconnect the battery and drain the coolant and engine oil.
  • Remove the factory intake, including the air box, crossover tube, and MAF sensor.
  • Unbolt the stock exhaust manifold and downpipe. You may need to disconnect the O2 sensors and the EGR tube if equipped (some states require EGR retention; Voodoo13 offers an EGR block-off plate).
  • Remove the factory heat shields and the intake manifold brace.

Turbo and Manifold Installation

  • Install the wastegate onto the manifold (typically a 38mm Tial or copy included with the kit). Tighten to spec.
  • Mount the turbo to the manifold using supplied gaskets and hardware. Torque in a cross pattern.
  • Reinstall the assembly onto the engine. A second set of hands helps—use new manifold gaskets and anti-seize on the studs.
  • Connect the downpipe. The Voodoo13 downpipe includes a flex section to prevent cracking and a bung for the wideband O2 sensor.

Intercooler and Piping

  • Remove the front bumper cover. Some trimming of the bumper reinforcement bar may be needed to fit the intercooler. Use a die grinder or cutoff wheel.
  • Mount the intercooler to the radiator support using brackets (included).
  • Run the hot-side piping from the compressor outlet to the driver-side of the intercooler, and cold-side piping from the passenger side to the throttle body. Use supplied couplers and T-bolt clamps. Ensure clearances from the alternator, power steering lines, and radiator fan.

Fuel System and Tuning

  • Replace the fuel pump. Drop the tank (or cut an access hole). The Walbro pump fits directly; use the kit’s fuel pump hanger gasket.
  • Swap injectors. The Bosch 550cc injectors require high-impedance wiring; if your Miata has low-impedance injectors, install the included resistors.
  • Install the Megasquirt or other standalone ECU. Follow the manufacturer’s wiring instructions. Load the base map from Voodoo13.
  • Prime the fuel system (cycle the key three times) and check for leaks. Start the engine and let it idle. Adjust idle air controller and VE tables as needed.

Final Checks

  • Reinstall the bumper cover, interior panels, and any removed components.
  • Check all clamps, hoses, and wiring. Ensure the wastegate actuator is secured and the blow-off valve (if equipped) is recirculated to avoid stalling.
  • Take an initial test drive at low boost (spring pressure, around 5-6 psi) to confirm drivability before increasing boost via the boost controller.

Performance Gains and Real-World Numbers

On a stock 1.8L engine with the Voodoo13 kit installed and tuned on 93 octane fuel, owners report wheel horsepower figures between 240 and 280, depending on boost level, compression ratio, and exhaust setup. At 10–12 psi of boost, the kit reliably produces 260–270 whp. With a higher boost setting (15 psi) and supporting modifications like upgraded clutch, injectors, and a 3-inch exhaust, 300+ whp is achievable, though the stock engine internals (rods, pistons) become a weak point above 280 whp.

For comparison, a naturally aspirated 1.8L Miata makes roughly 105–110 whp from the factory. That means the Voodoo13 kit more than doubles power output while keeping the engine within its safe operating limits—provided tuning is spot-on. The torque curve is broad and flat, with 220+ lb-ft of torque available from 3500 to 6500 RPM. This transforms the Miata from a momentum car into a genuine performance machine capable of keeping up with modern sports cars on straights and out-handling them in the corners.

Dyno Chart Breakdown

Typical dyno results show the following gains across the rev range:

  • 3000 RPM: 120 whp / 130 lb-ft (stock) → 180 whp / 185 lb-ft (turbo)
  • 4000 RPM: 130 whp / 140 lb-ft → 240 whp / 220 lb-ft
  • 6000 RPM: 140 whp / 110 lb-ft → 270 whp / 190 lb-ft
  • Peak power (6800 RPM): 145 whp → 280 whp

These numbers are obtained on a chassis dyno (Dynojet) with the Voodoo13 baseline tune and a free-flowing 2.5-inch exhaust. Higher octane (E85) can push peak torque up by 10–15%.

Tuning and Reliability Considerations

Reaching 280+ horsepower safely requires more than bolting on parts. The stock 1.8L BP engine is stout but not invincible. Here are the critical reliability factors:

Engine Management

A standalone ECU like the Megasquirt PNP3 Pro is mandatory. It enables proper fuel and ignition control, closed-loop boost control, and safety features like over-boost protection, knock sensing (with an external knock sensor circuit), and fuel cut at a preset RPM. Using a chip-tuned factory ECU is not recommended past 200 whp due to limited timing control.

Cooling System

Higher boost generates more heat. Upgrade the radiator to a 37mm or 52mm aluminum unit. Consider a coolant reroute kit (e.g., 949 Racing SuperMiata kit) to equalize cylinder head temperatures. A 180°F thermostat and proper ducting are also important.

Clutch and Drivetrain

The factory clutch will slip at anything above 200 whp. A stage 2 or 3 clutch with a lightweight flywheel is recommended. Also consider upgrading the differential to a Torsen unit from an NB2 or a Mazdaspeed Miata if yours is an open diff. The 5-speed transmission holds up to ~280 whp; beyond that, swap to a 6-speed or a stronger gearset.

Engine Internals

For sustained 300+ whp, forged rods and pistons are advised. The stock cast rods bend over 280 whp under high cylinder pressure. For 280 whp as a daily driver, many owners run the stock internals for tens of thousands of miles with diligent maintenance and conservative tuning. Always use a quality synthetic 5W-40 oil and change it every 3,000–5,000 miles.

Driving Experience

On the road, the Voodoo13 kit transforms the Miata’s character. The Garrett turbo spools quickly—you feel boost building as early as 2500 RPM, with strong pull from 3200 RPM to redline. Throttle response remains sharp because the intercooler piping is short and the intake is free-flowing. The car becomes far more flexible: you can potter around town in 5th gear at 1500 RPM and accelerate without downshifting, or drop a gear and feel the surge pass 100 mph with ease.

Handling and Stability

The weight of the turbo components adds about 40 pounds to the front of the car, but because they are low and centered, the overall balance remains excellent. With proper suspension (coilovers, sway bars) and sticky tires (200TW+), an 280-hp Miata is a weapon on backroads. The chassis communicates well, and the power delivery is linear enough that you can easily modulate the throttle through corners. At the track, the added power puts more load on brakes and tires, so plan for upgrades accordingly (e.g., Racers’ radiator ducts and track pads).

Maintenance and Longevity

A turbocharged Miata requires more frequent routine maintenance than a naturally aspirated one. Follow these intervals to keep the Voodoo13 kit reliable:

  • Oil change every 3,000 miles (synthetic 5W-40 recommended).
  • Inspect turbo oil drain line and feed hose for leaks every oil change.
  • Check all boost hoses for cracks or looseness every 5,000 miles.
  • Replace spark plugs every 15,000 miles with one step colder plugs (e.g., NGK BKR7E or BCR8ES).
  • Replace fuel filter every 30,000 miles.
  • Every two years, have the ECU calibration checked on a dyno to account for fuel changes or wear.

When maintained properly, owners report 50,000+ miles on the Voodoo13 setup without major issues. The turbo itself is rebuildable and can last well over 100,000 miles with clean oil and cool-down periods after hard driving.

Comparison with Other Kits

Competing kits like the Flyin’ Miata Voodoo II (no relation) and the BEGi S4 offer similar power levels. The Voodoo13 kit differentiates itself with a larger intercooler core, a more efficient compressor map (Garrett vs. a larger BorgWarner in BEGi), and a slightly lower price point. It also includes a very well-sorted base calibration, reducing the upfront tuning time. However, the Voodoo13 kit does not include an ECU; you must purchase a Megasquirt separately, whereas the Flyin’ Miata Voodoo II comes with a piggyback system. If you already have a standalone ECU, the Voodoo13 kit is an excellent value.

Conclusion

The Voodoo13 1.75L Turbo Kit delivers proven, reliable power to over 280 horsepower for the Mazda Miata. It combines high-quality components with straightforward installation, strong support from the community, and a broad, tractable powerband that suits both street and track use. With proper tuning, upgraded cooling, and a capable clutch, this kit transforms the Miata into a legitimate sports car performance while retaining the light weight and nimble handling that made it a legend. For Miata owners seeking a significant power increase without piecing together a custom system, the Voodoo13 kit is a smart, turnkey solution.