A turbo is an efficicent means by which exhaust gases from the Mira's
JB-JL engine can be converted into a pressurised charge of air that is used to combust
fuel in the engines cylinders. The turbo is a widely misunderstood piece of automotive
equipment - most know that it means 'fast', but that is about all.
Daihatsu Mira New Zealand
Shaun La Franco of New Zealand is a lucky man. Working in conjunction with Daihatsu NZ,
he's embarking on a major development project that should see his 4WD turbo Mira into some
sort of hall of fame.
Being a 1996 model TRX-X Avantzato R4, the little K-car weighs half of bugger-all, but has
the factory's 660cc JB-JL 4-cylinder 16-valve EFI intercooled turbo motor under its little
bonnet. Okay, even with its 64hp regulation power output it isn't going to smash any
records but rest assured there are huge plans for the wee tot. Shaun says first of all
he'll fit the car out with height-adjustable struts and a set of 15 x 6 rims (maybe
requiring some extensive panel massaging). After that he and Daihatsu will be entirely
focused on the two-thirds of a litre engine.
A straight-through exhaust, MoTeC M4 Pro programmable engine management,
aftermarket blow-off valve, big front mounted intercooler and maybe even twin turbos
(cough, splutter!) will find their way into the equation. The goal is for around 150hp,
which we reckon should be achievable with enough turbo hardware to force in plenty of
boost. All wheel drive, twin turbos, programmable injection combined with the Mira's
feather weight - sounds like there's a new performance recipe being a-cooked over there in
New Zealand!
See the mighty Mira in its development at
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Pit/7329
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