What's involved in turbo'ing an M20?

[Chris_B86]

As title states really, I can't find anything on the Wiki so wondering if anybody knows where there's a guide for turbo'ing an M20B25?

I'd like to know what parts are needed, what mods, most suitable turbo etc. I'm not looking for huge power increases, I'd just want a basic turbo setup with a light increase that's useable and reliable.

[Rtaylor2208]

There is quite a few threads in the engine section of the forum. From what I read previously you will need a new head gasket, ARP head bolts, manifold, exhaust and a turbo to name a few of the parts. Also a live map to get the best out of the setup.

I think its pretty expensive by all accounts.

[Chris_B86]

Cheers Russ. It's just an idea for now, a back up plan really, mines being stripped down and inspected this week or next, so I'll know if it's going to be too costly for a restoration. If it is, I'm thinking of tarting it up and making it a useable fast car intead of a show queen

[Rtaylor2208]

There is a user called something like StanleyTurbo that has a tasty looking setup in his tech 2 sport. Might be worth seeing ih he has a build thread.

[Chris_B86]

I'll have a gander. Cheers mate

[jmc330i]

The low comp M20 from a facelift car can take a turbo as it is. Apparently 240-250bhp shouldn't be an issue on a standard engine, as long as its in good nick to begin with. A tired one will cope, but only for so long.

It still wont be cheap, but bang for buck it will be cheaper than trying to build a NA M20 with 220+ bhp.

If the engine is apart anyway, an uprated head gasket, rod bolts etc etc might be a worth while investment - once you're boosted, 250bhp won't be enough no matter how much you say to yourself that you don't want a lot of power!

[Steve]

Check out the turbo / supercharger forum here http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... forum&f=85

Also loads of turbo info on e30tech.

[Chris_B86]

The low comp M20 from a facelift car can take a turbo as it is. Apparently 240-250bhp shouldn't be an issue on a standard engine, as long as its in good nick to begin with. A tired one will cope, but only for so long.

It still wont be cheap, but bang for buck it will be cheaper than trying to build a NA M20 with 220+ bhp.

If the engine is apart anyway, an uprated head gasket, rod bolts etc etc might be a worth while investment - once you're boosted, 250bhp won't be enough no matter how much you say to yourself that you don't want a lot of power!

For the amount the car will be used, 240-250bhp will be plenty. It's just looking like the cheapest option so far for more power, and can't really be bothered with an engine swap.

What will I need?

Turbo (T3???)
Manifold
Custom downpipe
Relevant pipe work, oil return etc

I'm assuming I'll need management, megasquirt etc

What sort of costs do you think would be involved?

[Rav335uk]

BlackIndy has a turbo set up on his Touring running a B25.

[Chris_B86]

Bookmarked his build thread. That thing looks ruthless

[jmc330i]

Cost wise, I expect you're looking at around the £2k mark, obviously more if you want more power.
No point trying to do it on the cheap as you'll just end up with an unreliable setup that will end up costing you more to fix - do it right first time and do it once.

[Morat]

Ant used to do a drive in/out conversion for about £3500.
Of course, he had to make a profit out of it but then again he knew exactly what he was doing.

[Chris_B86]

I'd be sourcing parts myself, and doing as much of the bolt on stuff I can, then have the exhaust fabricated, any other little bits, and wiring and mapping etc done by someone else. Indy reckons his setup owes him about £2500

[jmc330i]

As I said, about £2k should give a no corners cut setup, especially as you're not after big power.

I'd still budget for a little more, just to cover any unforeseen problems. And then keep that in reserve for when you do want more power! lol

From what I remember, a stock low comp M20 can handle up to 1bar of boost.
As your engine is apart though, I'd definitely invest in some ARPs and build the bottom end to take more, just to future proof

[Chris_B86]

Definitely. Think indy had his bottom end rebuilt, arp bolts, turbo intercooler custom pipe and vems ecu running bestpart of 400bhp

[ranxerox]

delete

[kangman]

Get it done chris YOLO

[ross_jsy]

Best thread I have found on turboing an m20:

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74816

[Chris_B86]

Cheers for the info guys. It all depends on how solid the shell turns out to be. If it's not that bad then it'll be going the bodyshop and the turbo will have to wait, if it's too doggy I'll fix it up to a reasonable standard and use the respray money for a turbo instead

[ross2009]

look through mine if you wanna see a proper one indys isnt running 400 bhp i can tell ya

[Chris_B86]

I have looked at yours mate, work of art! I'd be happy at 250, 300bhp at a push

[kangman]

i want a snail now too

[blackE30indy]

look through mine if you wanna see a proper one indys isnt running 400 bhp i can tell ya

Haha,why ain't mine running 400,I'm guessing its close,
considering what it's cost me,I think it's done properly

[ross2009]

way boost you running ? I've done all that to mine and mines only about 380 400 I just think your thinking its more than it is

[blackE30indy]

I'm running at 1.4 bar below 5000rpm,and then it drops after to 1.2 bar,I don't think it's more than 400,I reckon it's close to it though,

[kangman]

I'm running at 1.4 bar below 5000rpm,and then it drops after to 1.2 bar,I don't think it's more than 400,I reckon it's close to it though,

How reliable is your turbo conversion? are you always under the hood tinkering with it?

I haven't got a clue when it comes to engines so would i be better off with a non turbo e30? I can change the fook out of a fuse tho

My mates neighbour had a sierra cosworth and he was always under the bonnet of that thing, his words were the more you modify it the less reliable it becomes. Is that true?

[Chris_B86]

From what I've been reading, if you spend the money in the right places and don't go silly, they seem pretty reliable. Just depends if you can stop yourself winding the boost up

[ross_jsy]

Of course the more you modify the more unreliable it becomes. Remember you are chasing power figures the likes of the M division have millions of pounds to go after with what is effectively pocket change.

As Pete says, if you want a fast car then buy one. I have no problem with spannering though so I'm not too fussed

[jmc330i]

I haven't got a clue when it comes to engines so would i be better off with a non turbo e30? I can change the fook out of a fuse tho

Nissan Leaf for you

[blackE30indy]

Tbh,I've not had to do anything big on my car somce it was built,only thing I've done is change the rocker cover gasket,and normal routine servicing,check overs,

don't forget these engines wernt built to run 400 break all day,
Hence why arp head studs,and gaskets are needed,or how Ross has gone,with a forged bottom end,

If done properly,I don't see why you would have any issues,I had never done a turbo conversion before,and didn't really know where to start,but I asked for help from people that done it and researched a lot

[Rav335uk]

Just turbo an M30.

[youtube][/youtube]

[blackE30indy]

You just turbo a m30

[Rav335uk]

I am going F.I

[blackE30indy]

I know you are,how's it coming along

[Rav335uk]

Just updated on the main page.