Engine spec for turbo conversion

[oldroydsr4]

Hi everybody, currently stripping my 325i for paint, rollcage etc and building a turbo m20.

What is a good spec to sustain 300bhp+ (using t3 or gt28 and mega squirt) for internals and components, ie what head gasket, head work, injectors, pistons?, head bolts, valve springs? also fuel pump etc.

Just want a list really of whats been tried and tested. Must be reliable as car is being built for track abuse.

Many thanks

Dave

[gcorky]

hello m8 ,
stock engine with uprated headbolts such as metric blues,t3 fine and if yuor using ms i was recommended 42lbers by Ant/fozzymonster.stock fuel system ok too i believe.also intercooler volvo 940/960 front mount fits good.

hth

[maxfield]

Thats a late low compression engine 8:8:1.

[Turbo-Brown]

and now the conflicting opinions start!

Don't see why you need uprated head bolts to be honest.

To make 300bhp you don't need 42lb injectors. You need something like about 30lb and the standard FPR connected to it's vacuum/pressure source giving finer control over the fueling at low loads and the correct capacity from your injectors when under boost.

I'm making 270bhp on 20lb injectors which by my calculations means 42lb should be good for 567bhp! However, my injectors are maxxed out at 97% duty cycle so the move to 30lb squirters would see enough fuel for 300bhp and some breathing space with the injectors doing more like 80%.

Even the standard clutch is fine

Do just check that a T3 can efficiently flow enough for 300bhp though, have a feeling it might be running out of puff by then, although I stand to be corrected

[fuzzy]

for 300 bhp youd best uprate the fuel pump.an escort cosworth motorsport pump (walbro) rated up to 500bhp is a direct swap for the e30 in tank item and is what i use

[Ant]

true words Alex, but...... if you have to purchase a set of 30# injetcors( or similar) the cost is the same for a set of 42# upwards, so in my case certainly I over specced the flow for the current boost level, but have futureproofed the entire setup in this way, made sense to me , still does.

For track abuse the volvo IC would be a little vunerable, but still effective

a track setup turbo would be an awesome weapon, TBH given the turbo's you're looking at, a slight drop in C/R is advisable, they are torque monsters on the stock 8.8:1 C/R with a T3, "hand of god stuff" , usually where you least need it

agreed on the clutch

good thread

[gcorky]

and now the conflicting opinions start!

Don't see why you need uprated head bolts to be honest.

To make 300bhp you don't need 42lb injectors. You need something like about 30lb and the standard FPR connected to it's vacuum/pressure source giving finer control over the fueling at low loads and the correct capacity from your injectors when under boost. I'm making 270bhp on 20lb injectors which by my calculations means 42lb should be good for 567bhp!

Even the standard clutch is fine

Do just check that a T3 can efficiently flow enough for 300bhp though, have a feeling it might be running out of puff by then, although I stand to be corrected

42lbers would future proof as would headbolts-you know it wont stay at 300bhp lol

300 bhp easy on a good spec t3


or if he does his next post im looking to get more power blah blah etc etc....

[Ant]

you know it wont stay at 300bhp lol

300 bhp easy on a good spec t3


or if he does his next post im looking to get more power blah blah etc etc....

Hehhehehehehhee, another boost junkie

[gcorky]

you know it wont stay at 300bhp lol

300 bhp easy on a good spec t3


or if he does his next post im looking to get more power blah blah etc etc....

Hehhehehehehhee, another boost junkie

thats why youve got a hx aint it

[Turbo-Brown]

Fair and true points about the future proofing guys, if only I'd known there was a low comp engine available when I built my setup! I may never sample the delights of 20psi

[Ant]

Alex, MLS.......... Mls............. repeat the mantra, for those twins, certainly when we were out , your engine "sees" one big turbo, its gotta be done dude

G, HX baby, we're worshipping @ the altar

[oldroydsr4]

Thanks for your help; would really like to spec the engine so an increase in power can be done without stripping it again ie spec for 350bhp+ . Use my old mans 350bhp mr2 turbo at mo and worried 300bhp m20 won't feel quick enough
(late m20)
Didnt think you were supposed to run injectors over 85%.
whats required then a list would be helpful, cheers

Escort cosworth ms fuel pump
42lb injectors
Mega squirt (will contact Ant when i arrive at this stage)
Compression drop? (what parts advisible)
Head welding
Which head bolts?
Please keep adding
and where can i source these

Cheers dudes

[Turbo-Brown]

Didnt think you were supposed to run injectors over 85%.

You're not supposed to ideally, but as long as it's mapped properly it shouldn't be a problem, just not as accurate as it should be.

[gcorky]

metric blue headbolts are good.....mls for drop(see Ants remark for turbo-brown)
i know Willg had his head welded-not many others but if reliability is more important than cost then go for it.

link for injectors:
http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsass ... industries

what manifold have you in mind?

[oldroydsr4]

Im not 100% sure but currently trying to source a 324d manifold (matching ports and t3 flange) from germany(have a few friends over there)

Other than the t3 turbo any recommendations, ie which holsets.

[gcorky]

Im not 100% sure but currently trying to source a 324d manifold (matching ports and t3 flange) from germany(have a few friends over there)

Other than the t3 turbo any recommendations, ie which holsets.

holsets-
hx35 cummins 6bta engine dodge ram etc
h1c earlier generally cummins 6bta

but these are usually large in common trim so maybe a bit as Ant says"hand of god" laggy etc.....maybe a bigger garret like fuzzys t34?

[oldroydsr4]

Minimal lag would be prefered but as the car is mainly for track abuse, the motor should be screaming any way.
Would a t04 be too big?

Off topic slightly, strippin shell for paint, found some rot at the back of the rear wheel arches(into boot) is this a common problem. How much do you estimate to repair properly.

Cheers dave

[oldroydsr4]

Where can i get the head welded and what is the expected cost?

[gcorky]

Minimal lag would be prefered but as the car is mainly for track abuse, the motor should be screaming any way.
Would a t04 be too big?

Off topic slightly, strippin shell for paint, found some rot at the back of the rear wheel arches(into boot) is this a common problem. How much do you estimate to repair properly.

Cheers dave

t04 what spec-you got a link?

r.e the rear inner archs:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=41&fg=25

yes its common ,parts are still available but pricey,although i suppose hadrian etc do patterns,price is dependent on how far and what kinda job your after...

[oldroydsr4]

140017518834 ebay, lost the auction but was interested in a t04 in the future if possible

[gcorky]

Where can i get the head welded and what is the expected cost?

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic. ... inder+weld


specialist job and im not sure on how much to leave for coolant channel,heres more info on the matter though...hth

[ric325i]

common then guys, how much have people been spending doing the turbo conversion?

we all have thought about turbo and i am getting itchy fingers.....

[e30_Turbo]

Im not 100% sure but currently trying to source a 324d manifold (matching ports and t3 flange) from germany(have a few friends over there)

Other than the t3 turbo any recommendations, ie which holsets.

holsets-
hx35
h1c

but these are usually large in common trim so maybe a bit as Ant says"hand of god" laggy etc.....maybe a bigger garret like fuzzys t34?

H1C's ROCK

LAG, whats that, just stick it in the right gear and MASH IT TOO THE FLOOR!!

Turbo wise, well having had a GT3 from a r32 skyline and a Holset, they sure are different animals. For off the line and back lane thrashes the GT was awesome, great low/midrange and kept it's chin up till redline. The Holset however doesn't even think about spooling till 3k and quickly ( I.e Spade round the back of the head type hit ) hits full boost, then no matter what you do the rear wheels spin up and your bouncing off the limiter.

With a good flowing intake, well setup large bore exhaust and good boost control you can dramatically alter the turbo performance and it's spool rate etc.

Re: whats needed:

You will NEED 42lb'rs, MS, headbolts, IC, good flowing manifold etc because you will want more

[gcorky]

i have very similar spec to fozzymonster..lol although hes running and i aint

but the parts ive got now dont resemble what i started with!!!i got hooked and took alot of advise from people who have done it !!!!cost me a bit of money though,ms,holset h1c,ford racing 42lbers,ic,innovate lc1 kit,silicon charge hose,polished ic tubing,teflon braided hosing for turbo lube system ,40mm wastegate,bailey dv26,itg stainless 6 branch,metric blues,guages.....etc etc

then the suspension /diff/brakes etc i ve got to make the car handle safely!!!!

[dazleeds]

i was just about to ask what was welded on the head

had a quint at the link sounds gooooooood

am considering a few options for the tech 1
first is to build a 2.7 but am getting very excited with all the boost talk recently

does all the above apply to a 2.7 as well??
on a tight budget asuming the 27 is in how cheaply could i get me some boost for??

sorry to hijack will start another thread if its a problem

[gcorky]

i was just about to ask what was welded on the head

had a quint at the link sounds gooooooood

am considering a few options for the tech 1
first is to build a 2.7 but am getting very excited with all the boost talk recently

does all the above apply to a 2.7 as well??
on a tight budget asuming the 27 is in how cheaply could i get me some boost for??

sorry to hijack will start another thread if its a problem

blingstas just done this very thing m8!built 2.7 then got ms with t3 ,flipped m20 manifold etc....Ant put a thread up

[Ant]

cheap boosted 2.7... easy enough, build with ETA crank and rods, use late shorter skirt 2-5 pistons and then dont deck the block ( corrects wrist pin height change BTW) to regain the lost compression

should work out about 7.7:1 iirc( one for Alex ), same effect as having a 1.35 ish mm thicker H/gasket.

perfecto for some boostage, but you'll need bigger flow injectors, turbo etc so cost will be over and above those for a machined N/A 2.7, upside is the power will be in a different league to the N/A car.

[Turbo-Brown]

Alex, MLS.......... Mls............. repeat the mantra, for those twins, certainly when we were out , your engine "sees" one big turbo, its gotta be done dude

Damn you tempting me with more power!

Unfortunately I've just spent a fortune on a TIG welder so I cain't afford shit at the moment, but the list is getting longer:

Bigger injectors,
MLS head gasket
Funny head bolts

[e30_Turbo]

Alex, MLS.......... Mls............. repeat the mantra, for those twins, certainly when we were out , your engine "sees" one big turbo, its gotta be done dude

Damn you tempting me with more power!

Unfortunately I've just spent a fortune on a TIG welder so I cain't afford shit at the moment, but the list is getting longer:

Bigger injectors,
MLS head gasket
Funny head bolts

Alex, you may aswell knock up some 6 branch turbo manifold with the TIG then, I'm sure you'll make your money back pretty quick.

I have many pics of diff designs if you want to have a look, I'm planning on a remake of mine over the winter, just need some flanges and I'll be a welding wonder in my shed again! ( Hopefully not setting fire to the tumbledryer this time! She wasn't happy !)

Mark.

[Turbo-Brown]

Alex, you may aswell knock up some 6 branch turbo manifold with the TIG then, I'm sure you'll make your money back pretty quick.

He he, had occured to me, need to get a grip on using it first though

[dazleeds]

cheap boosted 2.7... easy enough, build with ETA crank and rods, use late shorter skirt 2-5 pistons and then dont deck the block ( corrects wrist pin height change BTW) to regain the lost compression

should work out about 7.7:1 iirc( one for Alex ), same effect as having a 1.35 ish mm thicker H/gasket.

perfecto for some boostage, but you'll need bigger flow injectors, turbo etc so cost will be over and above those for a machined N/A 2.7, upside is the power will be in a different league to the N/A car.

oh shit

you really got me thinking now mate

gonna get the 2.7 build sorted asap and go from there

what you said above would be using my sport block yes??

will try have a proper chat at some point before the 2.7 to make sure theres nothing extra i should be doing while shes in bits