Turbo Conversion

[98kellrs]

Hey guys,

I'm not really mechanically minded. And am looking to bolt on a turbo unit. I was basically wondering what kind of issues im going to run into, what the best parts are etc etc and as im a student...cost!!!

I'd like a T5 or similar ideally and would also be interested in the richmod if i'd work/if he still makes them!!

[guitarcarfanatic]

You can't just bolt a turbo onto your N/A engine. Well you can but boost would have to be minimal to stop it going boom as the N/A have a higher compression rate.

Easiest way is to do an engine swap. Get a rusty/clutch failure(you will change clutch anyway) donor car for little money and then follow Chris1rolls instuructions along with JohnTurbos(sorry 2 turbos!! ) project thread for photos and more interesting stuff!

Rob

[chris1roll]

I'd like a T5 or similar ideally

[98kellrs]

is T5 a bit too ambitious?? Well I figure if i'm gunna spend time and money on a transplant, i may as well get something with a bit of oomph!

[chris1roll]

Yeah, but It won't do anything until you get to about 9,000rpm.....

[98kellrs]

hmmm.. and at those kinda revs im gunna need an upgraded camshaft and the lot aren't i?

I'm not looking for a massive turbo, something with a relatively small lag that will kick in between 4 and 7-8000 rpm. I hardly want it kicking in every time i try and drive to Tesco's or whatever lol

Any suggestions as to where I could source one? Or will the standard 480 turbo do?

[crispy-d]

Most people seem to be using a T3 off the Saabs. If you want a cheaper option, I remember hearing that the T3s off an old 740/940 Turbodiesel will work.

[chris1roll]

Ok, first suggestions,

Go and read up on how a turbocharger actually works.

And take a closer look at your rev counter.

[Brasco]

And take a closer look at your rev counter.

Or have a look at my avatar!

[martinholmesuk]

rofl

I don't remember seeing 7 or 8k on my rev counter.

Buy a 480 turbo unless you know what your doing.

[98kellrs]

I'm aware that the redline arives at 6. Please don't mock me, im just a niave 19yr old kid with big ideas. I was under the impression that this rev limit could be reset with certain upgrades to the interior workings of the engine? For example a fast road cam and upgraded pistons which are capable of faster revolutions?

I would just buy a turbo. But Lauren is my project car, and I cant afford to have two project cars at the same time..

I also didn;t say i was doing this alone. Im friends with several mechanics and engineers back home who are willing to help, but im at uni now, so can't really get to see them. I just wanted some help sourcing the parts so i didnt waste time when I do finally get home thats all

[rpruen]

Was that a T5 turbo? Or the T5 engine you wanted to transplant?

If you are a student, then modifying / transplanting your engine is going to be out of your price range I expect.

If your car is already a turbo, then it's going to be possible to do something for resonable cost. The ECU mod is £80 and is, even if I say so myself, good value for money.

If you are ok with welding, and have access to a machine shop, then maybe you have some more options. Remember that fitting parts that aren't intended to fit the 480 is going to get interesting.

Hope I haven't put you off too much, but it seems like you need to do some research first.

Richard

[98kellrs]

Thanks, no doubt i'll be really interestinf in your ECU mod when i get myself sorted.

Basically I want a turbo that'll really push me back into the seat, but not be really laggy, and not kick in too much when im driving round town. I guess i've got turbo envy! I see these videos of 480's on the motorway, and look at their acceleration from 70-130 and just wish mine could do something similar!

I just dont want to go to the trouble of transplanting a 480 turbo engine, to find that it's not up to my expectations. I dont care about the figures, im not gunna boast about my car having 150bhp or anything crap like that. Its the feeling im after, that sheer thundering power.

My dad is fairly nifty with a welder, but im not too sure what you mean by a machine shop? Living on a fairly small island, things are a bit smaller scale here!

I've got two books waiting for me at home from a friend doing a motorsport mechanics degree; 'forced induction tuning' and '4 stroke engine tuning' so hopefully these will open my eyes a bit more!

Would a 480T engine with your ecu mod be enough to satisfy my stupid desire for thrust?

[guitarcarfanatic]

Oh yeh! Standard the car gives a good kick, has no lag and drives lovely around town. Add the mod and motorways are incredible (4th and 5th gear at full boost and you can feel the car pulling and you have to double check our not in a lower gear).

[rpruen]

Basically I want a turbo that'll really push me back into the seat, but not be really laggy, and not kick in too much when im driving round town. I guess i've got turbo envy! I see these videos of 480's on the motorway, and look at their acceleration from 70-130 and just wish mine could do something similar!

Ok then... T25 from a late Saab 900 Turbo. It will bolt to the manifold ok, and will need either, a custom downpipe, or a machined adapter to fit the T2 outlet elbow to it. The outlet elbow will bolt direct to the turbo, but sadly points in the wrong direction, the adaper plate turns the stud holes through a few degrees to let the downpipe bolt on.

You need to line up the center cartridge of the turbo with the oil pipes, and also modify one water pipe to fit (cut and weld the Saab banjo, onto the Volvo pipe).

Given about 22 psi of boost, it should be lively enough.

I just dont want to go to the trouble of transplanting a 480 turbo engine, to find that it's not up to my expectations. I dont care about the figures, im not gunna boast about my car having 150bhp or anything crap like that. Its the feeling im after, that sheer thundering power.

Sheer thundering power and 480 don't exactly go together... If you want that, get a Mustang, or something else with a big engine.

My dad is fairly nifty with a welder, but im not too sure what you mean by a machine shop? Living on a fairly small island, things are a bit smaller scale here!

By machine shop I mean a metal working lathe, and drilling machine (at the least).

I've got two books waiting for me at home from a friend doing a motorsport mechanics degree; 'forced induction tuning' and '4 stroke engine tuning' so hopefully these will open my eyes a bit more!

Would a 480T engine with your ecu mod be enough to satisfy my stupid desire for thrust?

Doesn't sound like it. I think you should read those books and then come back here. Once you have a realistic idea of what you want it's going to be a bit easier to help.

Richard

[98kellrs]

ok, thanks for being patient with me. We all have to start somewhere

[hjkort]

Or have a look at my avatar!

you really need a different gearratio...

[Jamo]

Oh to be young an naive again!

Buy a turbo car, it's easier long term, as you'll pay the same price doing a conversion as buying a 2nd hand turbo car unless your doing the work yourself ala Johnturbo

It's easy to get attached to your car but sometimes you've got to switch!

[Brasco]

Or have a look at my avatar!

you really need a different gearratio...

Errr... maybe I did, but since the car's been written off, I don't now.

[hjkort]

Ah, that one... the corsa encouter of the worst kind...