what car/turbo for 3500 dollar turbo project?

[emilio4]

hey guys im 16 and i want a project car...i want to scrounge some turbo parts (turbo, IC, injectors, fuel pump, BOV), from the junkyard and then probably purchase a boost controller....

but im not sure what car I should start with, or what turbo...I was thinking of something light..like a ford escort 1.8L, or maybe a honda civic (there are so many kinds though)....and probably a T3, what do you think?

but keep in mind i have to do everything for under 3500...although i could probably pick up a few more bucks here and there

thanks

[Auto_newb]

The turbo kit itself already costs about 3500, unless you got a junkyard one. You should kick up your limit to 10 000 dollars or more.

BTW, turbos are hard to install, I think I remember you need a professional to do it, but if YOU wanna do it, have fun.

[emilio4]

I don't mean to sound rude because I still want people's advice, but I'm pretty sure you're wrong...can you give me anymore specifics on that?

[emilio4]

you know what...I'm positive you're wrong.

[-Jayson-]

ive never installed a turbo on my own, but i doubt its that hard. Also for 3500 dollars you guy buy a brand new turbo kit with, Turbo, intercooler, pipping, wasteage, BOV, all that you can get new for about 1000-2000 depending on size and quality.

[Evil Result]

K-Car

[SaabJohan]

Kits are expensive, but it's usually possible to find parts to make you own kit cheap.

[Reed]

if you only have 3500 for the whole project find a first generation eclipse or talon try to pick one up for like 1000, it will be hard to find but ive seen junky ones that run fine for that much. it will already have a turbo and if your lucky you can find a gsx or tsi. then when you get some money, motor swaps and parts for those cars are not that expensive.

[Reed]

oh and you definately dont need a professional to install a turbo. its a bolt on power adder, its really easy. just try to find someone who has done it before to help you with some things.

[Auto_newb]

"you know what...I'm positive you're wrong."

Alright, I am wrong, any proof?

"oh and you definately dont need a professional to install a turbo. its a bolt on power adder, its really easy. just try to find someone who has done it before to help you with some things."

I've always heard you need an expert or something like that to set up a turbo for you, but that's nice to know.

[SaabJohan]

Turbochargers aren't bolt on. First you will need to do some calculations to see if it suits the engine at all. Then you must also modify the engine if you want it to work properly. Not that much work however if you just want it to work ok.

[Reed]

sure they are bolt on, you bolt on the manifold, then you bolt on the turbo, then the downpipe, then the straight pipe (or a cat and muffler i guess).

you can basically guess at most of that stuff and be ok. jsut use common sense on what size turbine and compressor you need. of course its not going to be the best fit for the engine but when only have $3500 you cant call up and have one made. at first he can run on stock internals untill he gets money for pistons and rods. he should definately take it to a dyno when he gets it built.

[HighRev87]

Like said earlier $3,500 includes a kit (all-in-one package) with all the parts.This is also brand new, he is aiming for a junkyard one.
Also turbos are harder to install as compared to say a bolt on intake. Even superchargers are easier to put on. But a turbo can be done w/o a professional...a professional is just one of us who has done his research and knows what he is doing. Do your homework first and you can handle it too. Good luck on your project.

[SaabJohan]

A turbocharger isn't bolt on. First you must find a suitable turbocharger, you can't simply take the first turbocharger you find and use it.

To mount the turbocharger use often need a custom manifold unless there is a turbo version of the engine that you build on which happens to have the same flange for the turbocharger.

Then we have the basic stuff, the turbocharger must be placed in such way that it's placed close to horizontal, with the oil return close to vertical. A oil return system to the engine must be made, can in worst case mean that you must machine the engine block unless there is a suitable hole over the oil level. The oil pressure lines must be fitted, cooling lines if there are such.
The exhaust system must be modified, and in the case of an external wastegate it must also be fitted. With a internal wastegate it can also require some work as the original setting might not be what you need, and that often mean some sort of boost controlling device or a new actuator.

An intercooler is almost a must have. Then the fuel system must be modified, how depends on the system, this is usually some work.
The compression ratio should probably be decreased, at least unless a more complex engine management system is used. It's also recommended to use some sort of device which can control ignition advance during boost.

A turbocharger is only bolt on if you buy a complete kit where the manufacturer have thought about everything.

[CBFryman]

Originally Posted by Reed

sure they are bolt on, you bolt on the manifold, then you bolt on the turbo, then the downpipe, then the straight pipe (or a cat and muffler i guess).

you can basically guess at most of that stuff and be ok. jsut use common sense on what size turbine and compressor you need. of course its not going to be the best fit for the engine but when only have $3500 you cant call up and have one made. at first he can run on stock internals untill he gets money for pistons and rods. he should definately take it to a dyno when he gets it built.

you dont "call up and get one built" you decide of a turbo housing size then you decide on what turbine and impeller (compressor) will give you the boost you want with adquite flow for your engine...then you have to set up your fule system. if running more than 1.5atmospheres then you need to replace fule pump, regulator, rail, injectors and plumbing of the fule system. if running near 2.0 atmospheres you better have your bottom end and pistons replaced with ones made to hold that much pressure...just remember that if your run 14lbs of boost and you have an 8:1 compression that your head gasket and piston rings are trying to hold in more than 112psi upon TDC since the spark plugs fire 20-30 degrees before TDC is reached and the gasses have usually already begun to expand. if running over 2.0 atmospheres a lower compression ratio, retard your timing at least 2 degrees for ever 100HP added...so if you have a 140HP engine naturally asperated with a 9:1 compression ratio and spark advance is at 22 degrees...you run 15lbs of boost to stay on the safe side retard your timing to 24degrees and drop your compression to 8.5:1 if possible...you should see about a 100HP jump maybe a little bit more...anybody can bolt up a turbo and blow a head gasket and torch their pistons...it takes skill and proper tuneing to make the engin work well and last....