DIY Turbo System

[TurboLS1]

I've been scrounging for parts for a few months and I'm finally going to get it running this weekend. I've kept it under $1000. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well.

More details here.

[DaMoNe6969]

hmm.. interesting
btw, where are you mounting your turbo? If your going to mount it by the back axle like the remote mount kits you can buy, I predict you'll get very little, if any performance gain with that holset unit..
The turbos used in remote mount systems have a totally different turbine wheel than a conventional turbo, A conventional turbo wont work in place of a remote mount, and vise-versa


either way, curious to see the results and where you take it from there, keep us posted

[TurboLS1]

Agreed, the STS rear mounts use a 60-1 with a .82 A/R. The Holset I am using spooled around 3K and gave me 5psi by 5500 RPM.

Not ideal, but it's a good placeholder until I get a 60-1. I will post my final results soon.

I know of one guy who used an off the shelf T70 on his DIY rear mount. He had very good results.

[FormulaLT1]

Are you planning on getting this car dynoed to see how much of a gain your going to be getting?.

[TurboLS1]

Originally Posted by FormulaLT1

Are you planning on getting this car dynoed to see how much of a gain your going to be getting?.

Yes, I'm going to get a dyno tune. I'll do it for the Holset and the new turbo.

[DaMoNe6969]

the difference isnt just in the trim and a/r.. the wheels are a completly different design the turbine wheel in the RMT is meant to catch ALL the air that comes in.. nnot a very ifficient design IMO..

but ide really like to see how you make out with it! maybe im wrong! Ive jsut never had faith in the remote mount systems.. they will never compare with a conventional turbo set up

[TurboLS1]

I took it for a few spins last night. It put me back in the seat and kicked the tail out sideways! There is a very small lag, then the boost comes on like a frieght train. I need to put a wastegate on because I saw 5 or 6psi by 5K RPM. I have not gotten into full throttle yet.

So far, I am very pleased with the results.

[Hypsi87]

One thing I would suggest is to maybe relocate your MAF before the turbo. A turbo is not 100% sealed, every spring they reccomend to clean your pipes and intercooler because a thin film of oily sludge will form over everthing. Well the wires in the MAF are extremely sensitive. getting this sludge on them will just kill the sensor.


Air flow before the turbocharger is the same as airflow after the turbocharger. The only thing that is affected is air density, which the MAF does not measure anyway. The turbo buicks have the MAF before the turbo and they work fine so you should be able to.

Also, are you intercooled?? if not I would suggest it. If you have not room, the perfect solution is Alcohol injection. If you are interested let me know and I will explain it.

Hypsi87

[TurboLS1]

I'm keeping the blow through setup. No need to change to a draw through.

I'm familiar with the Alky injection. I may set one up on a hobbs to activate over 5psi.

Thank you for the advice!

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by TurboLS1

I'm keeping the blow through setup. No need to change to a draw through.

I'm familiar with the Alky injection. I may set one up on a hobbs to activate over 5psi.

Thank you for the advice!

Thats cool, It's strange to find someone that is familiar with the alky injection stuff.


Also I have a TE-63 that would be very nice on that setup You would need to get like a .95 AR 4 bolt housing for it but, all it has is about 4k and 20some 1/4 mile passes on it. If you are interested give me a PM.

I have to say I am not a big fan of the remote mount stuff but, your kit is impressive, I like it

[TurboLS1]

I may be interested in that turbo.
I was skeptical on the rear mount also. It is not ideal, but it is fun to drive. I figured that I would give it a try to find out for myself. I may do a conventional setup on it next year, but so far I like this kit.

[LT1MAN]

did you install that yourself? if so how much of a pain in the a$$ was it, how long did it take, how much $$$, etc? i need a turbo set up for cheap.

[TurboLS1]

I fabbed up my kit. It only takes 1/2 day to install once all the parts are made/bought and all of the systems are figured out.

The STS kit comes complete and is less than $4,000 for your car (STS Turbo). With normal hand tools, it can be done in a weekend or less.

[FireFox05]

They claim 6 hours on their site for someone who can read and knows how to use a wrench.