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]

Mine is built on a 100% stock 1.7. The idea was to make the engine 'disposable'. Also, the idea was to keep the boost low and be happy with a little extra.

I'm happy to make the setup. It's more a factor of the cost. Fuel injection with coil-on-plug ignition is about $3000 complete, turbo and plumbing is around $2000. Each unit has to be hand made and setup. I don't have any jigs or other fancy tools to help speed up the process. If I thought I might sell 10+ of these it might be worth it, but for the number of people I think might actually buy-in it's easier to just hand make them.

[Mueller]

Mine is built on a 100% stock 1.7. The idea was to make the engine 'disposable'. Also, the idea was to keep the boost low and be happy with a little extra.

I'm happy to make the setup. It's more a factor of the cost. Fuel injection with coil-on-plug ignition is about $3000 complete, turbo and plumbing is around $2000. Each unit has to be hand made and setup. I don't have any jigs or other fancy tools to help speed up the process. If I thought I might sell 10+ of these it might be worth it, but for the number of people I think might actually buy-in it's easier to just hand make them.

What is nice with the turbo setup is that I see no reason someone couldn't do it in stages to help with the cost...do and sort all the fuel injection/ignition 1st, drive car around for 6 months or a year then buy the turbo hard parts and install.

[McMark]

Mine is built on a 100% stock 1.7. The idea was to make the engine 'disposable'. Also, the idea was to keep the boost low and be happy with a little extra.

I'm happy to make the setup. It's more a factor of the cost. Fuel injection with coil-on-plug ignition is about $3000 complete, turbo and plumbing is around $2000. Each unit has to be hand made and setup. I don't have any jigs or other fancy tools to help speed up the process. If I thought I might sell 10+ of these it might be worth it, but for the number of people I think might actually buy-in it's easier to just hand make them.

What is nice with the turbo setup is that I see no reason someone couldn't do it in stages to help with the cost...do and sort all the fuel injection/ignition 1st, drive car around for 6 months or a year then buy the turbo hard parts and install.

You're not wrong, I just am not set up to handle any (albeit small) volume of retail sales. Selling a $10 part takes me away from billing shop time. Now if I can grow the business a little... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I could then sell packages and individual pieces.