So what would you build? What turbo unit would you use to build a system? I've been reading here a lot and I see a lot of systems being built for a lot of horsepower. If I was to try to do it on a budget, and do it all myself, what could I build for say $1500? (assuming the rest of my car is up to the task, pistons, suspension, etc...). is 450-500rwhp possible?

Thoughts?

 

might be able to build the piping

 

$1500 won't get you far. Most (including myself) pay $1500 for a decent turbo. You can get cheapo turbo's for $600, ebay intercooler for 250, junk wastegate for 250, then you're at $1100 and haven't even begun to make piping or fuel system upgrades.

Mike

 

turbo is not the way to go if cost is a factor.

Get a heads/cam setup from lloyd elliot or advanced inductions that will make good power then build from there once the funds become available. You could always go the nitrous route, a decent kit will run you less than a grand but you had better upgrade your fuel system and hope that you dont lean out! Just my opinion

 

As of 2 weeks ago I took my car off the road to begin my turbo buildup and have estimated at least:
Turbo~$1600
Tubing~$500
Intercooler~$300
Fuel System~$1500

And this is on a college budget as well (looking for the cheapest/best deals) and I plan to take at least a year or 2 on saving up the $ to build up my setup. Of all the research I've done, it'll take at least $3000-5000 to build a somewhat decent turbo setup. $1500 will not cut it, not even for a supercharge'd build. A Lloyd Elliot heads/cam would be more withing the $1500 range.

 

Thanks for all the posts. Like anything, I realize there is a lot of money at stake here. I've had this car for 10+ years and know how much this stuff costs in all the mods I've done. The only thing I see different potentially are everyone's goals.

The turbo space has really gotten interesting in the last few years. I've owned many turbo cars and have been modifying them from day 1 so I know my way around a turbo (ecplise, 300zx TT, etc..)

Those cars were eaiser because they started from a turbo base. With LT1's there is no turbo base, so when presented with 3500-5000 options from vendor's many people kick back and wonder can I do this cheaper myself...

Having followed the turbo scene for many years, the interesting change has happened is around the supply of parts. Back when I was in college driving my 85 shelby charger, I was hooked on boost, but back then anything with the word turbo was expensive. Now there is a market and there are different configurations available and prices have come down (slightly, but more options, parts are available). the biggest interesting thing I've noticed is the amount of generic intercoolers on ebay at ridiculously low prices. My thought always was a reasonable buildup that can still be driven. I have no desire to have a 1000hp car that will break something every time I drive it on the street. 450/500 to the wheels is much nicer compromise for me.

So I go back to when you're spending 1500 on a turbocharger, what is your goal in terms of horsepower? Again, fabbing everything myself, couldn't I go with:

a smaller turbocharger for 500-700
piping 200-300
generic intercooler off ebay 200-300
misc other things 100-300

 

Not really smaller, just lower quality. You can get an MPT70 for $600, but a PT67 will make more power and quicker spool from a smaller turbo, but for $1300. Also, you hear about MPT70's crashing or scraping the housing, while you NEVER hear about a Precision turbo cratering.

Don't forget about the wategate (I paid $350 for my Tial 40 mm), BOV, boost controller, and fuel system upgrades. Even bare bones, you'll need a 255 lph pump and 42 lb/hr injectors along with custom programming.

 

well i was gunna run all tial stuff.. but smaller.. so i was looking at like $250 for wastegate and $250 for BOV...

I figure a stock motor with only 6 psi will be good with 42 # injectors (good for lots more psi even). Im not sure what for fuel pump, cuz i want to do a sumped tank and what not before I go out nad buy another fuel pump (but it jsut aint hte budget right now)

 

The quality perspective on the turbo unit is very valid. Thanks for all the perspectives gentlemen.