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...

[Mueller]

I've read all of Marks thread as well as Ottos(?) and Ed Morrows threads from way back, always liked the idea of a turbo Type IV

Some rambling thoughts:

Pros:

There are few proven designs to take inspiration from.

For fuel and ignition control, Megasquirt has been proven to be reliable and very cost effective..have more money to burn, opt for a different EFI package.

eBay bought Chinese turbochargers have been proven to be cost effective and work.

Used turbochargers can be found for not much money.

Seems like there should be no reason a turbo kit should require cutting into the chassis so that if one wants the car could easily be turned back into stock

Cons:

No dyno runs..people want to see before and after results...at least an after result!

The market for a turbo kit is getting smaller all the time....it seems people are removing their Type IV and doing some other conversion on a weekly basis..

If based on the 1.7 d-jet, 1.8 people will have to source some different parts which will increase cost and frustration.

Not everyone wants a programmable FI system, if it could be truly plug and play that might ease some folks concerns.

eBay turbos again...not always reliable even for a brand new part, a few car mags have seen gains of 40 or more HP by swapping out the ebay/Chinese clone turbo for genuine brand turbo all things being equal.

Used turbos are used...lots of choices and nobody wants to buy the wrong part. Luckily it is an item that can rebuilt without too much investment.



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I'd like to see more cars done, and depending on price I might be interested in such a thing since I already have a megasquirt (2 of them actually)