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...

[Andyrew]

I think thats too big of a turbo. I know its a variable vein turbo, but its just to big, unless you want it to spool late to keep the heat down and not use an intercooler..


The reason I say this is McMark is using a KO3 on his engine and getting a medium spool, say like an 80's turbo.

The guys that are using the Holsets on their similar Audi/VW engines that previously had KO3's are having a spool that is similar to an 80's turbo.

SO if we compound that I think you'll find that the holset will perform like a Big Ass turbo, sure it'll make a PSI or two at 3k but it wont really spool up till youve stood on it for a couple seconds or its way up in the RPM range, where the T4 doesnt do well.

I'd grab some other factory turbo off a 4 cyl. So many of them in the junkyards these days..

You could probably fund it for the couple hundred bucks you could get for the Holset..