Frequently Asked Questions
Fitment, manufacturing, orders and returns
Fitment and the builder
Which MX-5 chassis do the turbo parts fit?
The turbo system covers the NA and NB, 1989 to 2005, on the 1.6 and 1.8 engines, in top-mount and low-mount form. NC owners are covered with NC-specific manifolds.
How does the builder know what fits my MX-5?
The configurator filters to the parts that fit the chassis you select, with fitment and flange notes shown on every option. Only compatible combinations of manifold, turbo, downpipe and intercooler are offered.
Can I buy parts individually instead of building a full kit?
Yes. Every component is sold on its own as well as through the builder. The Parts page lists individual manifolds, downpipes, intercoolers and exhaust sections.
Should I choose top mount or low mount?
Top mount places the turbo high in the engine bay, easier to access and clear of the air conditioning compressor. Low mount places it lower, improving brake-line clearance but harder to reach, and may need a modified or billet mixing manifold. Both use cast manifolds and both clear the air conditioning.
Manufacturing and quality
What does Kraken make in-house, and what is bought in?
The manifolds are cast in-house from NiResist D5S Type 2, and the stainless downpipes, exhausts and intercooler piping are TIG welded in the same workshop. The carbon hardtop is laid up in-house as a six-layer double-skin. The turbo, intercooler core and catalytic converter are bought in and fitted.
Why cast the manifolds in NiResist D5S Type 2 rather than weld them from steel?
NiResist D5S Type 2 is a high-nickel cast iron that holds up under sustained exhaust heat and thermal cycling, where welded steel tube or plain cast iron is prone to cracking. It costs more to cast and takes longer to get right, and it is used anyway for that resistance.
What is the failure record on the cast manifolds?
No manifold cast in-house has failed in service to date. The same casting and machining standard applies to every part that leaves the workshop, and every one is checked before it does.
What happens if a part fails?
Every part manufactured in-house, including manifolds, cast elbows and downpipes, is covered against failure. Send photo or video evidence of the fault, or return the item: a failed manifold is replaced outright, and a repairable fault such as a cracked downpipe weld may instead be covered as a local repair, agreed with you by email. Bought-in parts such as turbochargers are covered by their manufacturer's warranty.
Ordering and shipping
How long does an order take to arrive?
Many parts are built to order. Estimated lead times are shown on each product page; these are estimates only, not a guaranteed delivery date.
How is my order shipped?
Orders ship by tracked courier. Shipping is calculated at checkout from the destination and parcel size.
Will I be charged import duties?
Import duties and any local taxes are payable by you on delivery. They are collected by your customs authority, are not included in the price shown at checkout, and are not refundable by us.
How do I pay?
Payment is by credit or debit card, processed through Stripe and taken at the time of order. Full card details are not stored.
Returns and warranty
Can I return an item if I change my mind?
In-stock items may be returned within 30 days of delivery, provided they are unused and in their original packaging. Return shipping is paid by you unless the item is faulty or we made an error. See the Returns page for the full policy.
Can I return a configured turbo kit?
No. Built-to-order and configured items, including turbo kits, are made to your specification and are final sale. They cannot be returned if you change your mind, though faulty items are always covered.
What is covered under warranty?
Products carry a minimum 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects, unless a specific warranty is stated on the product page. Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper installation, or use beyond the product's stated specifications. To make a claim, contact us with your order number, a description of the fault, and photo or video evidence where possible.
How long do refunds take?
Every return is inspected on receipt, and your refund may be reduced if the item shows wear or use beyond what is needed to examine it. Refunds are issued to your original payment method within 14 days of our receiving the return, after inspection.
Installation
Do I need to weld or modify my MX-5 to fit a turbo system?
No. The manifold, downpipe and exhaust are made to the same flange pattern, and flange faces are machined flat so the system fastens together without shims or grinding. A few jobs still happen on the car: the brake lines and heater hardpipe are bent or wrapped to clear the downpipe, and the oil-feed line is cut to length. This is normal for any turbo system.
How loud is the exhaust?
The turbo itself muffles much of the noise. With the Simons resonator and muffler fitted the system is usable on the street, and the 200-cell catalytic converter reduces it further. A straight-pipe or decat section is louder, and a twin-exit muffler option is available.
Do I need to remove my air conditioning?
No. The top-mount manifolds clear the air conditioning compressor, and AC-compatible intercooler core sizes are offered. The low-mount system fits both air conditioning and power steering.
Who should install a turbo system?
The systems are intended for installation by qualified automotive professionals or experienced enthusiasts. They are designed for motorsport, track and off-road use unless stated otherwise; check your local road-use and emissions regulations before fitting.
Anything not covered here: contact [email protected].