You can't turbocharge a 914, but if you could? Options

[ConeDodger]

I had lunch and hung out with McMark and the Original Customs crew today and an interesting subject came up...

We've all heard the old joke about how you can't turbocharge a 914. In reality, it's been done many times. Mostly badly, but it's do-able. McMark's own car is a 1.7 turbo he built as a proof-of-concept and his build has worked so well, he practically daily drives it!

I know most of you have no reference for what I'm about to say but I'll try to explain; driving a 2270 stroker TypeIV is a great big bowl full of fun. The flat torque-curve means you don't have to shift all the time, just put your foot down and go. No lug, just grunt! Driving McMark's 1.7 Turbo is like driving a 2270. That, and when I have driven it, it was only at about 6# of boost or less. Turn that up, and you've got a serious screamer on your hands...

His execution is about the best I've ever seen (as per usual Original Customs fare). Yet, having very nicely proven the concept, McMark has only built one other turbo engine. What gives? You guys don't like the idea of a turbocharged 914? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Let's discuss this...

[McMark]

so how could this be adapted to a L-jet 1.8?

what would be scrapped and would be saved?

what would run this as far as ign and ecu f/I?

could this be used with ssi 1.7 h/e & bursch collector ?

how much do you project this "kit" would cost?

Mark, Post a link to your thread. I think we need a refresher.

Couple things I'm not sure are in your thread. Did you ever dyno test it to see what the old 1.7 is putting out now? Are you happy with where the project is now? And have you ever thought about what a kit would run? And what could a guy expect to get in terms of hp from a stock engine with a low blow kit?

I used the following:
A core 1.7 engine with good compression, but not new by any means
My microsquirt FI setup with coil on plug.
A KKK K03 knockoff turbo
A setrab intercooler
Custom exhaust built using 1.8 'log style' exhaust

It's a bolt in setup, but only reuses cooling tins, and intake path (throttle body to heads).

I haven't dyno'd it, but I can tell you the HP numbers would be deceiving. It's the torque from a turbo that makes it fun. A quick spooling, low boost turbo makes boost almost instantly and so the turbo doesn't 'come on', it just drives like a big motor.

I am completely happy. Like I said previously, I don't need to change a thing, but I'm gonna keep tinkering.

These setups are a lot of work. Expecting something in the $5k range is appropriate. But keep in mind that with this setup you're getting modern fuel injection, not just HP. Spend $5000 on a 2056 and you still need to make the engine run (exhaust, ignition, fuel). This setup kind of takes the engine out of the equation. Modern, reliable FI. Coil on plug. And turbo. In a setup that you can swap from motor to motor.

More details- http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=211954