david-b's 95 Eagle Talon ESi N/A to Turbo Project

So I finally did it... and here's my project thread.

I kept it under the radar for awhile, but I've been turboing the ESi. I've been buying all the parts for a month or 2 now and finally pieced it all together. I've had the turbo laying around for a couple years now. It came off some Ford. Thanks to Brian for that.

What I have...
-T3/4 hyrbid
-Tial 38mm Wastegate dumped to atmosphere (7.25psi spring)
-1G BOV unmodded
-FMIC (17x6x2 IIRC)
-Black IC piping with red couplers
-OBX 12:1 FMU
-Custom DP
-Log Manifold
-OEM oil pan with bung welded
-SS oil send/return
-Slimline fan
-Boost gauge
Total price on everything (minus the actual welder)... ~$950!

The FMIC and piping was a universal eBay kit. Let me tell you, decent quality. Says JDM all over it but I'm surprised at how nice everything is. Manifold is a no-name eBay brand too. I hear they crack, but I'll use the warranty.

For this project, I bought a welder and learned how to weld. Many long nights just taking old piping and fittings and making stuff. Custom made the WG dump, DP, and BOV flange. Even fixed my rattling cat.


Log manifold. The holes all matched up and everything.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P5190224.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6100301.jpg

The FMIC isn't straight right now and I have to trim the drivers side pipes so the bumper fits better. I'm cutting out the crash bumper this weekend to fit the FMIC and bolting that back up.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P5280257.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P5280262.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6140224.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6150228.jpg

Tial 38mm WG
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/TIALWG.jpg

OBX 12:1 FMU
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/OBXFMU.jpg

T3/4
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P5250246.jpg

When I took the oil pan off to replace with a new one with a bung welded on the return, I checked out inside the block. It looks great. No build up, dirty, scratches, nothing. Just nice clear coat of oil over everything. Look beautiful.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6150241.jpg

I'm surprised at how loud a 1G BOV uncirculated is! I bought it because I was hoping for something more quiet. It sounds great though and seems to be holding well. Was in great shape when I bought. I think only had like 50k miles on it.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P5290274.jpg

Had 2 oil leaks when started. Both on the return line, one at the oil pan (fitting popped out somehow but had replacement) and then at the turbo it leaked (no sealant). Also had a small coolant leak but was stupid mistake.

Also had no place for the stock cooling fan. The turbo's J-pipe I guess you would call it on this one it in the way... thus getting a slimline fan that will arrive tomorrow. Also don't have A/C, so that fan is gone already.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6150230.jpg

No DP or WG dump
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6150235.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6150237.jpg

With DP and WG dump
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6170249.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6180255.jpg

So I now need to tune it up. I'm getting fuel cut if I go WOT. She eventually pulls through, but after hitting a wall basically. Makes you fly forward when you hit it. The SAFC is tuned to 12.5 AFR for NA with the work I had done before this. Was leaned up a lot... up to 15% at some parts, and I believe that's where I'm hitting the fuel cut. I have a datalogger that I have to hook up and check out the O2 and fuel. I don't have a WBO2 yet since I had more problems with my JAW than anything. I'm just going to zero out the SAFC and see how that runs for awhile. It'll be weird with the head work but we'll see what happens.

However, as long as I don't go WOT, the car drives fine. I won't take it far until I know that I'm not running too lean and get her tuned up a lot.

This weekend I'm getting a price on the paint for my bumper since it's been a primer special since the accident. Hopefully it'll get painted next week and then be back on then also. Will look great then. I'll also get more pics within the next couple days and then when the bumper is all together again.

And lastly, big thanks to Jason for helping me out a long the way with everything. I was losted :), and he pointed me in the right direction.

And interesting side note... I did my head swap exactly a year ago this week.

I was right about it all these year, eventually you will turbo it, it look great and good luck bro.

I knew it. So you were lying when you said you were turboing a bike the other day????

That's hot shit!! Congrats man.

I knew it. So you were lying when you said you were turboing a bike the other day????

No actually we are looking to do that. I was serious about that, but I was doing mine that same day also :smile:

So I'll clean her up this weekend and when the bumper gets on I'll have a ton more pics of the finished product. Also forgot I was going to wrap the DP and WG dump and then seal it.

man thats awesome looking. And you got an authentic tial wastegate not some cheapo knock off which is a really good idea cause you dont want to mess around with boost pressure.

Also now that you are turbo you are going to have to run richer than 12.5 thats wicked lean. I'm thinking you will need at least 11.5 but I always go safer at like 10.5-11

I was going to buy an eBay kit and just use this turbo with it, but looking at the prices and all, I would still have replaced the WG and the BOV and was just going to cost more. And you want a good WG and BOV. Found the WG on sale (over stock of silver but I wanted red... although silver looks pimp here!) and the BOV was A LOT cheaper than a Greddy or Tial BOV.

FOr now, just zeroing everything across the board tonight on the safc. I'm ordering a WB this weekend so then I can get that in an tune properly. I have the bung already welded in on the DP so it'll literally be plug and play.

SWEET! Welcome to the world! :evillol:

:1: on that a/f, 10.1-11.1 seems to be my sweet spot... but i still get a little knock here and their... AWESOME David! ...Awesome!

I like this world...

I forgot to add in the original post that you can hear the turbo whine at about 2200rpm and it sounds a lot louder than say a stock gsx/gst. When the wastegate opens it's dumping down right below the oil pan on the passenger side and that gets pretty loud too. I almost want that to come out the bumper, but we'll see.

Long time comin'. I figured you would do it eventually, just didn't know if I would be around to see it lol. Looks like you did your homework and did it right. Nice job.

If you havent upgraded your clutch yet.....you'll be doing it soon.

If you havent upgraded your clutch yet.....you'll be doing it soon.

I had the transmission done May 07 and got an aftermarket "stage 2" clutch. We'll see how it holds up. If I need to replace it... lightweight flywheel!!!! lol. I make that shit work.

I just put a lightweight flywheel on my car, I'm eager to tell the difference if noticeable.

Awesome dude... I kinda figured this was going down once I saw you had the welder. lol... Now the DSM meet next month will be even more fun!!!

The ACT XACT in my Talon is noticeable, but only when free reving. This may be because I havent given it a pull yet, no link to chec IDC's. :(

You did a damn good job, congratulations! I definately think that you went cheap where you could, but got parts that count where you need to. I cant wait to see it at the North Meet!

Thanks guys. I did just that Thor. Didn't want crap, but didn't want mad expensive. Thing will hopefully be able to put down some power at the meet.

And my welder that I bought. Not bad for just ~$250
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/n514997704_616267_2545.jpg

And me welding. Note to self... don't wear shorts. And underwear. My boy had a piece of weld fly through his shorts and he wasn't wearing underwear. Lets just say balls of steel now.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/n514997704_628439_585.jpg

Bout damn time someone else turboed their 420a. Now its a never ending process from here. Built motor is going to come sooner or later. Congrats man hope it holds up for you.

Now its a never ending process from here.

Dang right.
Hopefully the ol' faithful 4g64-t will outlast the 420a-t's. I doubt it, Watch me blow it up 2morrow.

Update...
Got the slimline fan in today. It was a pain in the ass to mount it. Great size though. Coulda went up a couple sizes. Got a 10".

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/0620081742a.jpg

I think I have to switch the wires around to spin the other way. When hand inside, you can feel cold air blowing in. When standing in front (with no bumper still) it's hot as hell blowing out ALOT which is good, but I believe it has to go the other way, right?

And cut the crash bumper today so that's on right now. Guy coming out tomorrow morning for paint estimate on the bumper.

Is there any specific hose to use for the vacuum line going from the turbo to the WG? I had hose from Menards on there and it melted last night. This time I used a lot more and kinda wrapped it around closer to the radiator. SS line?

And lastly dropped the SAFC down to 0 for everything. Actually drops down to idle really good after revving... weird.

damn, if my GST was still "alive" you would for sure smoke me at the track. looks nice man.

Same style fan I used.
Not sure how you have it mounted. If you have it mounted behind the radiator, you want it to pull air into the engine bay. If you have it infront of the radiator you want it to push air into the engine bay. Sounds like you need to reverse the polarity

Been driving around it in all morning more than a couple blocks and it's running good. Going to check under the hood later to make sure everything still good.

Haven't hit it with the SAFC dropped but maybe a little later. Still seemed to be hitting FC though.

Got quoted for $150 to paint the bumper. Good? Matching paint and clear coat.

A buck fifty sounds right for the bumper.

First of all, Congrats Dave. Man that looks sweet, 420A-T, can't beat that. 150 sounds reasonable, nomper take to be done?t too steep. How long would the bumper take to be done? Anyway, we want to see videos.

ya hows it running? feeling good?

First of all, Congrats Dave. Man that looks sweet, 420A-T, can't beat that. 150 sounds reasonable, nomper take to be done?t too steep. How long would the bumper take to be done? Anyway, we want to see videos.

Thanks.
For the bumper I'll get it back within 24hrs about. So I'm going to call tomorrow and he'll order the paint. Then I'll take in Tuesday, and pick up Wednesday or Thursday.

Car is strong, but still can't floor it yet. Not getting FC, but still too lean with the SAFC zeroed out :banghead: . Hopped it on the expressway really quick yesterday and she pulls great, just not at WOT. Also I seem to only be hitting 5psi. So I'm going to richen her up a little and watch my EGTs. Is hitting about 900 degrees at idle so that doesn't seem too bad.

Also still have to fix my crooked FMIC. But that's easy too. Was going to do today, but WAY too hungover... still am too.

Just ordered an AEM WBO2 for $199.99 this morning so will get that in as soon as I get it in. Until then, I'm not playing with the SAFC at all or driving rough. I'll just be going to the gym all week and dropping off my bumper, so the drives are short anyways. But I decided I absolutely needed to go that route with the WB.

Definatly need a wideband.

What fuel pump and injectors you running?

Stock and stock

O shit!. Dave you cant run a stock fuel pump. The stock pump cant push the high fuel pressure. Get at least a 190. I got a rewired 255 and it overran my stock FPR so you may not want to go that route.

O shit!. Dave you cant run a stock fuel pump. The stock pump cant push the high fuel pressure. Get at least a 190. I got a rewired 255 and it overran my stock FPR so you may not want to go that route.

Damn. And now you tell me. This explains the fuel cut now.
So a 190 will be good enough?

Can't edit my post for some reason...

Does it have to be a DSM specific kit on that Walbro? Seeing them online with a bunch of different kits. And turbo DSM FPs fit for me?

I think a turbo pump kit would work. Cant remember which one I got. You could either get a 190 or get a 255 and you should be fine as long as you dont rewire it.

See I want to be 100% sure before I order something. I don't want to get the wrong size and then be like oh shit. Time to check out other sites.

I think a 190 will flow to what any normal person could get out of a Evo III 16g, so thats what like 360-370 whp? If you plan for more than like 325 hp I think I'd just get a 255.

I run with the 190.

Your probably running lean as poopie. Cant be good

But yeah a turbo specific fuel pump kit should work fine. I mean, why would they put different gas tanks in the turbo and non turbo cars.

Stock and stock

WOW MAN big dangerous no no with a turbo. Good thing you have been avoiding wot. PS I know where you can get some 720's ;) Probably too much for your setup it would be about max the e3.

Ok well due to popular demand, my car is no longer running until I get the WB and the FP in. The WB is coming in on Wednesday, and hopefully I can get the FP by this weekend. Then, be up and running, with some tuning.

Some dude in a 300zx wanted to race me coming home from the gym today. Damn... I woulda lost, but would've been fun. I told him no... not quite done yet. :lol:

You will get your chance don't you worry !

One race isn't worth it.

Was told on Tuners that I should go with a 255... but wouldn't that be way overkill for my setup? Seems a little high for what I need.

ya a 190 will take you to about 42lbs/min I don't know what that turbo you have is rated to but I guess that is some info you can make an informed decisoin with.

ya a 190 will take you to about 42lbs/min I don't know what that turbo you have is rated to but I guess that is some info you can make an informed decisoin with.

How can I find out what the turbo is rated at? It came off a Ford and is a Garrett t3/4... that's about all I know. Will the writing on the side give more info?

http://www.turbobygarrett.com/turbobygarrett/products/turbochargers.html

match it up here

I second the 255 motion. It might be overkill, but it wont cost ya any more. Shit, while you're at it might as well go with a dual in tank Supra pump setup. :D

I picked up a 255. Was outbid last minute on the 190. But the 255 I got free 2-day shipping so it'll be here Thursday, and my WB will be here tomorrow. So this weekend I'll be up and running again.

Just dont rewire it and you will be fine.

http://www.turbobygarrett.com/turbobygarrett/products/turbochargers.html

match it up here

Looking at the writing it just says Garrett a.r .60 M11
I'll check it out when I get home though.

What's the take on using iridium plugs now that you are turbo? You might want to look into switching over to your choice of NGK copper plugs. And maybe closing the gap wouldn't hurt either.

I second that motion. I'd also run a few ranges colder of a plug.

NGK BKR7E - gapped to .028

I'll see what I got and probably pick up some anyways.

I got my bumper yesterday but photobucket was being gay. It looks great. Very shiny and black. It's not perfect, but for a guy doing it out of his garage, it looks good. Can only see the little issues if you get right up on it. I'll wax it before it goes on the car. Have to cut a lil of the bumper support so the FMIC can flow a little more but it'll be all good then. I'll get pics up tomorrow or so.

Also got my 255 in yesterday so I'll get that installed this weekend. And my WBO2 is MIA right now. No one knows where it's at... and it's getting me angry. I think god doesn't want me to have a wideband.

DONT WAX THE BUMPER. Wait a few months before you wax fresh paint.

DONT WAX THE BUMPER. Wait a few months before you wax fresh paint.

Really? But don't I need to seal it after the clear coat has been put on?

No.

And here she is

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6260224.jpg

I can see myself 3 times
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/david-b/turbo/P6260225.jpg
Has little dust from a rag that I used but DAMN look at that shine!!!!

Not bad, not bad at all.

It's nice because right now the bumper is sitting here in my living room looking all sexy. Love living on my own. Just like the turbo was laid out in the kitchen for 2 months.

And I got quoted $125 for the fender to get painted. After the accident I had it dented out... well I shoulda just bought a new one because it rusted during the 1st snow during the winter. So I'll buy a new fender and then get that painted.

Anyone have any spare splash shields that go infront of the front wheel wells they need to get rid of?

Anyone have any spare splash shields that go infront of the front wheel wells they need to get rid of?
I think I do... They might be a little dirty and possibly broken though... I'll take a look today while I'm out there.

Why don't you just sand the fender down instead of buying another one.

lol, my car doesnt have splash shields.

Why don't you just sand the fender down instead of buying another one.

lol, my car doesnt have splash shields.

The fender was dented pretty bad. I paid the body shop to bend it back out. If I knew it was going to turn out like it did, I would have just bought a new one. It looks like ass, not just rusted.


So I got the Fuel pump installed and got a big problem. I NEED HELP! When the car is on it sounds like a lawn mower. Normal? (That's without back seat in). Looking at the fuel pressure gauge, it was over psi. I tried playing with the SAFC but it stayed the same. Figure may be something wrong with the connection to it. I drove around and the thing was pulling great. Spun tires in second gear without even trying to and thing was hauling.

As I'm about to turn down my block a guy in a Celica pulls in front of me and turns flashers on. He had a thick accent so I couldnt hear what he was saying. I turned then got out and like what? He points and says gas all over. I look behind the car and a HUGE trail of gasoline is all over the road. I went home. lol.

It's dripping from the engine bay but I couldn't find where. The car was hot and it's pretty warm outside and I don't feel like dealing with that. I notice the battery tray had fuel in it, so it's leaking on that side but didn't see where. The FMU is on the fire wall but no leaks coming from there. I figure it has to do with my 100+psi fuel pressure. Any ideas? Kinda need this fixed. HELPPPP!!!!!!!!!!