turbo???

vladasap said:

i've been thinkin about this for a whileeeeee now

i'd love to go turbo but im not a 100% if the car will hold it

i was thinkin a single turbo no more than lets say 6-7 psi

but here's where i have my doubts - the car is a DD with over 140K on the tranny and block... maybe a little less boost would work better but im not sure if it'll hold any for long .... pleaseeee fill me in and guide me

on one hand i feel like it'll go n wont hold it but then again me and a friend installed a turbo on a 98 bmw 328i with 135K - running 10 psi - and it's been runnin real strong for the past 4 months (and the car is FASTTTT) so.... its really bugging me

im so lost and confused

Click to expand...

It greatly depends on the current condition of your engine. I'd suggest doing a compression and or leakdown test in order to check the condition of the rings and ring seal….as this is likely to be the first thing that will rear it's head if bad. Your best bet would to do a quick rebuild and throw some new bearings & rings back in her. Some quality head studs and gaskets (fel-pro 9333 and 8548's work great for forced induction) will go a long way as well in ensuring longevity. Or….you could run it as-is and hope for the best. There are many people that have done just that…and their rides are still running strong. 6-7psi should be enough to get you into the 450rwhp or more range with a turbo setup and your combo.

i think i'd do it and just cut back on the boost a bit more. maybe like 5psi. turbo's don't need much, and you already got some good parts in there to make some power.

millhouse is right though, i'd at the very least do a compression test.

Pretty simple. If the motor checks out good just run some lower boost #s (under 10) and have fun. If it blows eventually it blows and then you can fix it when the time comes.

There's a plus and a minus to going BIG turbo let alone stressing the oem parts (and trans) with 5 psi. You could blow it up. So be careful of the frog in slowly heated water (not frying pan) scenario..especially if it is your DD.

Advice?:

#1 "Some quality head studs and gaskets (fel-pro 9333 and 8548's work great for forced induction)"

I've HAD turbo'd car and been here and done that. Your head hasgets may already be compromised depending how long and what kinds. Go with the best and go arp as well. Too late to go arp rod bolts..just dont kill it on the revs.

#2 Want insurance on your engine ..and more power? Always Always Always INTERCOOL a turbo'd car. You don't need heat soak.

#3 MORE insurance - BEEF up your cooling - bigger rad, lower thermostat and make them fans come on like mine so it never goes past.. the "o" me thinks.

I would head on over to The Turbo Forums (formerly Turbo Mustangs) and read, read, read, especially the stickies. Make sure to make at least your first couple posts in the "Newbie" forum, otherwise some of the regulars might decide to rip you a new one.

A single turbo that many people seem to run with great luck without breaking the bank is the Master Power 70. Some guys are getting in to the 9's with them in gutted fox bodies.