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-   -   Another 3.2 wanting to go turbo... (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/103311-another-3-2-wanting-go-turbo.html)

frencjas 03-23-2003 01:17 AM

Another 3.2 wanting to go turbo...
 
HI, I'm Jason, and I'm a Porsche 911 addict! (and I'm new to the Pelican board)

(This will be a long post, so thanks in advance for your patience.)

I have a 1977 911s fiberglass widebody with a 1987 3.2 Liter Carrera motor. Other mods include chip, ssi's(the big ones for the 3.2), sport muffler, mocal fender mount oil cooler, rebuilt tranny, weltmeister short throw shifter, stiffer torsion bars, TRG adjustable sway bars, new(er) shocks, Weltmeister front strut tower bar, very low ride height, 17" fikse fm5 with 235 & 275 yoko rubber, fiberglass driver door, fiberglass rsr bumbers, carbon fibre roof skin(due to deletion of sunroof for headroom), carrera RS replica wing, full weld in roll cage, sparco seats, sparco 5 pt harnesses, Sparco wheel, stripped interior, slotted rotors and track worthy pads. Oh yeah, and its BLACK, all black!

I love my car, but I crave 400 RELIABLE horsepower!(in this car, not another car, but this car) Much less just will not do! I've researched the options and nearly have myself talked into turboing my existing 3.2 motor with either a Protomotive stage 1 (plus upgrade) or similar kit from sources unknown.

I am trying to keep the budget for the whole project around $10K, including top end rebuild. (please don't laugh too hard) This appears impossible as a topend rebuild will likely be $3-5K, and the list price on the Protomotive stage 1 plus upgrade is $13K. So, how do I get $10K for a budget you ask, I'm optimistic about the cost of a turbo kit through other sources. If there any another way to get this much reliable HP into MY car for this price naturally aspirated, please, I WANT TO KNOW!.

Anyway, I have a few questions about turboing.

1. For the topend rebuild, are there any other suggestions for what should be done differently in preparation for the turbo install. (keeping the total budget in mind)

2. Why is the protomotive stage 1 , and upgrade option so expensive. It seems that the main difference between the two is the clutch, intercooler, and boost controller. Is this worth $5K+?

3. At .7 bar intercooled boost with stock compression(Protomotive stage 1 plus upgrade), is 400 HP a realistic figure for a 3.2 Carrera motor? Does anyone have the Protomotive stage 1 , or stage 1 plus upgrade turbo 3.2, and what is your HP, and how do you like it.

4. Does a turbo kit as described above involve new exhaust headers, or can the SSI's I have be modified to work. On the same note, can the exhaust headers from a stock 930 work for a conversion, and will they allow my car to attain the 400HP I desire given .7 bar intercooled boost with stock compression?

5. Will a turbo setup on my engine hold up during extended hard driving (track use). Sessions have been known to go for an hour. Will my car tend to overheat (with my Mocal fender mount oil cooler). How about with a second oil cooler in the RSR bumper?

6. If turboing my 3.2 for 400HP isn't realistic for $10K with topend rebuild, is there another way to get similar HP(in my car) for this price. Selling my car and buying a turbo car IS NOT AN OPTION. I really prefer naturally aspirated engines, but I have concluded (wrongly?) that turboing my engine is the best way to go. One week reading this Pelican board on the topic convinced me!

Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Private emails OK too

Thanks,

Jason French

dickster 03-23-2003 01:35 AM

welcome jason,

its something i want to do but dont have funds at the mo:(

why not do what you can for $10k, and then do further upgrades as funds allow.

the proto kits allow you to do that.

still, others on the board will be able to share their own experience.

it just occurred to me (just before you posted!!) that i can get a complete 930 engine here in the uk for £2500 so that may be a viable option for me - not sure whats involved.

good luck:)

jabb 03-23-2003 04:29 AM

I would upgrade to a 3.6..... If your engine is in good condition
sell it for 4-5 k.... buy the 3.6 for about 7500..... (-)
the sale price of your engine.....

Much easier and I think you will be much happier in the long run :D

Adam 03-23-2003 04:32 AM

The 3.6 will only get you somewhere between 250 and 300 bhp (depending on year/varioram etc - due exceptions like Bill V's 3.8 RSR project), where the Protomotive kit you mention will deliver 400bhp, as desired.

Do a search for "Wydryd" and you'll find plenty of info on Merv's awesome '89 Cabriolet.

Good Luck!

agabriel 03-23-2003 04:36 AM

Hello,
Let me start this response with this more of a question/comment than legitmate help. I don't run a turbo charged car so my presumptions may be off....

I'm under the presumption that turbo cars (with the boost turned way up) are not reliable in the long term. This leads me to beleive that turbos w/o lots of boost can be for awhile assuming there not tooled on. So assuming your not going to put in tons of boost why not find a wreck 3.2 engine (that still runs) with an OE turbo attached. Seems if a 3.6 can be had for $10k perhaps a 3.2 with an OE turbo can be had for maybe a bit less. That lets you rebuild your existing 3.2 at your leisure and swap the OE turbo on it. Assuming you want to keep the boost adjusted high you can swap between the two with a bit of work...

Does that make any sense?

Anthony

dean 03-23-2003 05:24 AM

Hey Dickster, How much is 2500 pounds in real money:D :D :D

I see 930 motors for around $8.5 in the USA. So that is a route also. Then you have to install it so you are over you budget. And it is not going to give you 400 hp unless you modify it.

The reason it is so expensive is that it is a Porsche and people want to get paid for there time.

You could also buy a book on turbocharging and build your own kit. You should get lower comp. pistons when you rebuild your motor. I would say that if you went this route you might be able to do it within your budget but probably not.

If you are stuck to your budget thing buy a Camero:D

rick conrath 03-23-2003 05:37 AM

Hope this helps.

Hard Parts
Headwork to twin plug $500-$1,200
Intercoolers with mods $750 -$1600
Intake mods $?????
Pistons(J&E) 7.5:1 $ 900
Cylinders (have yours recoated by EBS) ?
Camshafts $850 Webcam
Turbos K27$950 good used
Exhaust GHL $2,500
Engine management $2,500-$4,500
Boost controller $250
Transmission ??????
Labor including your time, could be half as much as above ???????


Most of these prices reflect good deals, with a little searching. I can tell you that I already have a turbo, but I am going to a custom twin setup, so my costs are even a little higher. The engine management ,and the time to set that up on a Carrera intake are going to be tricky, unless you buy a 930 CIS motor and drop it it. The 400hp is tricky to hit, unless you really throw away much of the basic 3.2 and upgrade with a very good exhaust ,intercooler, and fuel delivery system. You also may or may not have to deal with emissions in your area.
I would look for additional money before you get started, or try to buy a complete turbo motor outright. I have been collecting my parts over the past year, and still have about $5k to go.

efhughes3 03-23-2003 06:04 AM

Keep us posted as this develops. How about pics of your car, it sounds nice.

ChrisBennet 03-23-2003 08:27 AM

I would recommend replacing the rod bolts on a 3.2. In the last month I've looked at two 1977 915's and both had bearing races loose in the case. You will need to budget money for serious transmission mods or another transmission if you expect your transmission to hold up to the torque (and heat) of 400hp turbo motor.
-Chris

frencjas 03-23-2003 09:12 AM

Thanks for the input. Any and all helps, as well as previous threads, which I have already read.

Dickster- Good Idea, Protomotive Stage 1 now and more later, considering it!.

Jabb- I have seriously considered a 3.6, but I think my next step is turbo for serious HP.

Rick- Sounds like you have some first hand experience. I am now thinking that $10K may not be reasonable for what I want to do. I will find more $$ if I have to.

Blown- I'm also considering a turbo swap with a late 80's to early 90's turbo motor, and upgrade engine as money allows. Where do you find a good running turbo engine for $8,500?? I have no such luck.

Also, Specfic answers to any or all of my initial 6 questions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason French

dickster 03-23-2003 10:45 AM

Quote:

Hey Dickster, How much is 2500 pounds in real moneyh
hey blown, alot less than $8500:D :D :D

seriously, is there much involved in the swap with a 3.2??

i'll dig out the email on the turbo motor i got. might be with shipping if anyones interested.......

maybe they're not great for £2.5k

juan ruiz 03-23-2003 01:42 PM

Jason

I be the BAD guy:rolleyes:

1)Budget out of the window/cyl heads and cylinders to be cut to fit a Norosist ring $500+

2)Protomotive has a inexpensive set up $5,000 no intercooler no internal modifications at .5 bar of non adjustable boost at 276rwhp/320hp /the difference in $ the more goddies the more$ and to get this things moving it takes a lot of $ ask me I can tell you:(

3)Stock compression I hear up to .8 bar BUt in the danger zone,the 3.2 engine is used to a wide range of hp all the way to 700+hp not to worry you run out of money before you run out of hp,hp refer to #2

4)400 to the wheels hummmmmmm dont think so it took US a BIG $ to get to 409rwhp before ending on 541rwhp,headers you need headers not mickey mouse ones either, good headers means hp we pick 100hp+with headers and different turbo

5) auxiliary oil cooler will help alone with the coating of internal parts $500+ at wide open and high boost will equal bad news on and off it be ok

6)$10 k humm well I really try it BUT not even close, but hey everyones deserves a chance

now my 0.02

build the engine to hold with good internals and add as you go intercooler is a Big part along with the necessary gauges to monitor the engine and then oh yes then........dyno dyno dyno and more $
Hope this helps:)

dean 03-23-2003 05:12 PM

I would try the different junk yards first. EASY, Porsche Heaven, Dart Auto. The Rennlist sometimes has a motor for sale.

Dickster, Do you mean with the 3.3 turbo swap?

frencjas 03-23-2003 08:00 PM

Juan

OK, forget the budget, I didnt like that limit anyway. I'll just do it in stages...

A couple of questions for clarification on what you said.

The HP of 400 i would like is at the crank, and I assume this is feasible with stock internals as Protomotive says their stage 1 plus upgrade gets there (unless they're totally wrong).

1. Is 400 crank HP feasible or realistic with Protomotive stage 1 plus upgrade with stock compression??

2. Do you think that a Protomotive stage 1 plus upgrade on a rebuilt topend (coated internals, etc...), second oil cooler, and stock compression will not last at the track???

3. Whats a Norosist ring and why do I need it?

Thanks for all of the input.

Jason French

rfng 03-23-2003 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by frencjas
Juan

3. Whats a Norosist ring and why do I need it?

Thanks for all of the input.

Jason French

If they are what I think they are, there's a company in Arizona, USA- which sell a two piece ring, with the first ring is cut slightly down in thickness; the second ring is a thin ring which is placed under the 1st cut ring. The second one is plyable enough to slip a continuous (un-broken/no gap/solid) under the first. Its suppose to not allow more than a 1 or 2 percent leak ratio. So the seal is better and the explosion is bigger=bigger horsepower.

dickster 03-23-2003 11:26 PM

Quote:

Dickster, Do you mean with the 3.3 turbo swap?
blown,
yeah i wondered how much agro a 3.3 into a 3.2 chasis would be??

Wayne 962 03-24-2003 02:43 AM

Juan is certainly an expert at getting HP out of his engine. It remains to be seen how long that engine will last, but the dyno tests he's done again and again seem to indicate good numbers.

Some fundamental things and a few questions. First of all, 400HP reliably is a contradiction of terms. I'm not sure you can achieve this, and still run the motor for 100,000 miles (which is my definition of reliable) before rebuilding. The 935 engines ran 800HP all the time, but they were torn down after 20-30 hours.

I'm trying to figure out where the 400HP number came from? Is there a certain acceleration or track time that you are looking for? Cheaper gains can be made by lightening the car...

If you do jazz your 3.2, here would be my recommendations:

- Tec-3 engine management with knock sensors (Clewett adapters and manifolds)
- Twin-plug heads
- Upgraded rod bolts
- JE pistons with ceramic coatings to protect against detonation, and also so that you can dial-in your compression ratio
- Twin turbo setup, like Kaspar's at Imagine Auto (reduce your Turbo boost lag)

With a single turbo, you might be able to peak 400HP if you run a lot of boost, and dial in the engine management system just right. Although Juan will probably disagree with me, I don't think that you can easily get gains like these with the stock motronic system.

-Wayne

juan ruiz 03-24-2003 03:05 AM

Jason

1) As I mention before I got 276RWHP 320FWHP with the stock compression If I had added a Intercooler maybe at the 350FWHP Maybe,add headers I you be there, then comes the questions of can I trust the factory 3.2 rod bolts? I did but then again Im always pushing the envelop and soon or later I will pay for this adventures.

1A)My bad I mispell that NIROSIST.

2)My concern is that at high extened long periods the exhaust Gas temperatures will be too high and the risk of melting the piston may be there,this is what I have observ when we do some heavy running,is just my observation.....In addition the Air Fuel Ratio is critical..

3)Nirosist is (well the best I can explain) when they cut the top of the head and cylinder (they cut a grove) and install a shim some people use a c2 turbo shims Im running custom made,this allows you to run high boost like in my case when we race at times we run 1.5 bar of boost,this along with the proper hardware.

Mr Wayne I respect your opinion, I have always have and always will,unfortunly I dont consider my self an expert I really belive is a far cry tittle for me.But thanks

is my OPINION that is the entire combination that will get you the HP you install a mickey mouse muffler or other components and you are limiting your hp we ran 409Rwhp out of the box.

Of couse with a Fuel mangt system you can do wonders and that what Im going to one but first we will try to get 625Rwhp with the factory motronics just to see what happen.

An PLEASE!!!!!!!!! I may be way off in my opinions but I just tell you what I have learn and what have work for me with over 35+dyno sessions we did learn a bit just a bit.....:)

hope this helps.....SmileWavy

dean 03-24-2003 06:00 AM

Dickster. Installing a 3.3 is not too bad. If you want it to resemble a factory install you have to plumb and wire a second fuel pump and you have to wire an overboost protection circuit. The wiring was hard for me because I am a welder not a wirerer. But I did it. It took me 2 weeks of evenings to understand and figure out how I was going to do the wiring.

And SSI won't last in a track setting with a turbo. IMO

frencjas 03-24-2003 08:55 AM

Juan: Thanks for all your input. It is greatlyappreciated. You have first hand experience with this topic, and seem knowlegable. I am trying to gain knowlege so I can make the right decision. You are helping me greatly. THANKS!

Wayne: 400HP is arbitrarily picked as it is ALOT of HP, and that is what I want, alot of usable HP for track and highway acceleration. I am not racing, just tracking and some street driving my car. Faster lap times are nice, and not being horribly out accelerated by New Corvettes and Vipers at the track would be nice too!

My car is lightened about as much as I care to. Fiberglass bumpers, front fenders, driver door, roof, sparco evo seats, stripped rear interior, Fikse wheels... I could probably lighten another 50-100lbs with passenger door, hood, and plastic-glass, but thats alot of money too. I'm ready for more HP. My car is ~2300 lbs with full roll cage.

Reliable to me means ~10 years of hard use, maybe 50K miles. I dont expect more than that. Should I?

One more question, opinions are OK. Does Protomotive claim reasonable HP for their products, and are they well engineered, ie should I consider this route? Any and all input appreciated. First hand experience GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason French

Wayne 962 03-24-2003 10:13 AM

"ALOT of HP, and that is what I want, alot of usable HP for track and highway acceleration."

A good place to start, but you must remember that all the HP in the world is useless if it all comes on around 6K or so. The 917-10s had turbo lag problems galore, despite two turbos. If you tweak your engine to get and tolerate 400 HP, you will undoubtedly have to make some sacrifices on the lower end. You will probably have significant turbo lag - something that most people don't like to drive with. Even if you hot rod the engine with GE80 cams and high compression pistons, you will push your power band further outwards.

I personally like broad-range power (which you didn't specify you wanted, but is important to me). With that in mind, you can really only get that power/torque out of increased displacement (or a cleverly setup twin-turbo).

My suggestion to reach this goal within $10K? Get a 3.6L engine, and toss a supercharger on it. You could probably squeeze 350 out of it for $10K, assuming that you pick up a 3.6 for $6.5K. You can always turbo-charge later on. There really is no substitute for displacement in my mind, although you may be limited by race class restrictions...

-Wayne

RickM 03-24-2003 10:28 AM

If you want to get big horsepower I've been told that the 3.2 platform is better than the 3.6. This from the Proto guys who just finished a Stage 2 twin turbo set-up for a buddy of mine with a 993.

juan ruiz 03-24-2003 02:24 PM

Just OUT OF CURIOSITY Has ANYONE EVER seen a 911 supercharged with 500hp+ you may remenber, that was my original plan 5 years later I havent found anyone with this numbers ,perhaps Nat Champ? I will like to know if someone has accomplish this numbers?

frencjas 03-24-2003 04:21 PM

Wayne: A broad power band DEFINATELY appeals to me, which is actually one of the reasons I typically prefer NA engines. Turbocharging will allow me to get lots of additional power from my engine, at what I believe is a more reasonable cost than any other route. A 3.6 with supercharger, that would end up costing MORE as I would want to know that the inside of the engine is OK.

I figure (and correct me if I'm wrong) that by turboing my engine in stock compression (with beefed up internals), I should be able to retain at least stock power characteristics down low and build HP and Torque significantly from there to redline.

I'll probably start with the engine rebuild, and go from there, Unless I find a wicked deal on a 3.6 turbo in the meantime.

Thanks
Jason French

rick conrath 03-24-2003 04:43 PM

Look for either a 3.3 or 3.6 at the right price. With the right setup, a 3.3 can deliver way more than is streetable, so I would not get caught up in the bigger is better mentality. Each engine has some strengths and some associated weaknesses. Go with the setup that is the easiest to maintain and find parts for in your budget. I toyed with the idea of the supercharger. It was a little more money, with less history. It is also pretty hard on the components off the line as opposed to the turbo. Before I did anything, I would ride in or drive a few high hp turbos to see if that is the direction you really want to go. I love my turbo, but there is always a project under the hood. Make sure that maintenance is something that you like and want to do.

Jack Olsen 03-24-2003 05:35 PM

HP figures can be misleading. Juan has built a monster of a car, that continues to be reliable (hopefully, for a very long time). But his quarter mile numbers were a little underwhelming, if I remember right. No slight on Juan, who's built an <u>incredible</u> machine, but the characteristics of a turbocharged motor are something you've got to factor into a modified car's performance.

I'm going up against a field of cars in a 7-day time trial event next month, and the contender I'm <u>least</u> concerned about is a turbocharged 800-hp Supra. Big HP certainly helps lap, 0-60. and quarter-mile times, but it isn't the only factor in how a car drives.

frencjas 03-24-2003 07:33 PM

Good point, Jack. I can see how I've gotten myself caught up in the HP hype. There will (almost) always be someone with a faster car, I would just like to minimize those instances. I was at first considering a 3.6 swap as you have, but I can barely justify it for the HP gains over my 3.2 for the expense. I'll just keep researching until I talk myself into something in particular.

Thanks,
Jason French

Mike the mechanic 03-24-2003 08:57 PM

Jason, the most reliable hp you can achieve is with a large displacement N/A engine, mainly because of less mechanical parts that can break down or wear out.

One option is a nice 3.6, a 1995 would be best in my opinion. This engine with some little add ons may get you at the 300hp mark, or near it. You can't beat that for long term reliability. 300 hp in a light car should not be under-estimated.

Second option, in my opinion is to turbo your existing engine. I know people say to swap a 3.3, no disrespect, or offence, but you would be going backwards by doing that. What does a 3.3 turbo have that your engine doesn't already? I'll tell you. A 3.3 has a bad induction and injection system compared to a 3.2. A 3.3 has smaller ports in the head than a 3.2. You know what people do to modify 3.3's? They install Carrera 3.2/SC cams, they install a 3.2 intake and electronic injection, they port the heads which come out similar to stock Carrera heads, etc. The 3.2 has the same connecting rods and crank as a 3.3. A 3.3 with no turbo on it will make about 130hp. Your Carrera makes 210-220 with no turbo.
The only place I think a 3.3 turbo engine should be swapped into, in my opinion is an SC, which has the CIS already.
There may be people who disagree, but the Motronic system CAN supply an engine with over 600hp. Many people doubted Juan, even critisized, but he prevailed.
My car made almost 400 crank hp without even opening the engine, on 10 psi of boost. Tracked it with no problems. Opened up the engine to rebuild for twin turbo and found everything within spec, even sold my stock p/c's to someone who thanked me for selling him almost new looking pistons and cylinders! I turbocharged a client's 200,000km Carrera, without touching anything in the engine, without even removing the engine, and he now has 220,000kms, with no problems what-so-ever. This car is tracked almost every dry weekend the track is open. Anyone who went to the DEW at Mont. Tremblent, Quebec will know the black Carrera that was passing 930's and 993's.

Also, don't forget, a well designed turbo system will feel like a large N/A engine. My Carrera felt like a stock Carrera up until I hit 3000 rpm, when the power curve climbed rapildly. This is due to the relatively high compression. Also, you don't need twin plug, even the 993tt is single plug.

Whatever you do, with the help of this forum you can probably do it yourself! Have fun!

Mike the mechanic 03-24-2003 09:00 PM

Forgot to add, from the experiences of a few 3.6 swaps I've done, a 3.6 feels MUCH faster than a 3.2. You shouldn't just campare peak hp of the two engines, you have to get a ride in an early car with a 3.6, it's something you got to feel. 3.6's are beautiful engines.

rick conrath 03-26-2003 06:53 PM

Mike...I think you are comparing apples to oranges. There are actually a few more differences between a turbo 3.3 and the 3.2 The composition of the heads for one. I also don't know if I would go so far as to claim that the CIS is bad compared to the Carrera injection, it's just mechanical. I believe the post started by expressing a desire for 400 hp. Explain to me how that is possible with a normally aspirated 3.6 in a dollar to dollar comparison with a 3.3 If you are seeking reliability then go for the 3.6. If you are going purely for budget, then build up your 3.2
If you are looking for plus 400 horsepower, then the turbo shines. Why is it that you are going to a TT setup?

Mike the mechanic 03-26-2003 08:04 PM

Rick, yes, I am knowingly comparing apples to oranges, mainly because these are options Jason has. The quest for more power shouldn't be narrow minded.
Also, I never stated and don't even think it's possible to get 400hp easily out of a 3.6. My main point concerning the 3.3 is that he would be taking a step in the wrong direction by swapping a 3.3, and I do stand by this. If he would spend the 10 grand it would cost to just buy the 3.3, he could have 400hp out of his 3.2, and the 3.3 would have only 300hp. Brining the 3.3 upto 400 would cost him another $5000. Think about it.
I am going with a TT setup because it's cool to say I have a twin turbo, and it will be a nice accomplishment for me to achieve.

75'930cab 03-26-2003 08:23 PM

Here is a 3.3 turbo on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2408719709

rick conrath 03-26-2003 08:31 PM

He has options, many options as you say. You can get a 3.3 for much less than 10k though. We are really talking about piston and cylinder combinations here on an interchangeable core,no real cost difference there. If he is trying to convert the 3.2 to a turbo motor, then the cost climbs through the roof and the similarities end. How are you getting 400 hp out of a 3.2 without spending at least 5k as well?

Mike the mechanic 03-26-2003 08:56 PM

The fact that he already has a 3.2 motor helps out a great deal. If he spends loads of money to buy a 3.3 and ends up with a stock engine, he might as well put the same money into his engine, and he'll be better off.
Don't want to argue here, I've been there and done that so I'm not just talking out of my arse.
Another point to consider concerning the 3.3 and 3,2 injection system is the fact that if in the future, he decides to up the hp, the CIS will top out at 450 due to fuel flow and air flow limitations of the CIS and intake manifold design. Why do you think that all the big boys use Carrera intake manifolds and electronic injection? It's easier and cheaper to start with a 3.2 than a 3.3.

Bruce M. 03-26-2003 09:40 PM

I guess I'm a "big boy" (700+ to the crank at 1.4 bar. 570+ ft-lbs to the wheels--with over 400 ft-lbs by 4000 rpm, by the way), and Mike is right. I started with a 3.3, and immediately went with a 3.2 intake and aftermarket (Motec) engine management. I also stroked the car with a 993 crank and bored it a bit with 98mm pistons, for displacement of 3.45.

My car is a single turbo, and with all due respect to Wayne, it is extremely easy, running comparatively miniscule boost pressures, to top 400 hp to the crank on a single turbo working off a 3.3 long block. In fact, I'd bet you could stick with CIS, do headers and a turbo, maybe some wastegate control and a enrichment device for safety, and you're there, for well under $10,000.

Now, the interesting question for me is how much is enough. The answer, for me, is when your power and torque starts outpacing your car's ability to put it down to the ground. 400 to the crank will not be enough for you, if hp/tq (torque is the really good stuff)-mania is in your blood. But 600 might be too much, in that about 100 of that is going to dissolve into melted rubber without some extremely radical suspension and tire tweaks and/or some expert modulation of the throttle. [This is assuming, by the way, that you want to do more than drive your car in a straight line, on slicks, 1/4 mile at a time. For that kind of stuff, the tire and suspension (like bars) tweaks make a certain kind of sense.]

Example: if I've got the boost twisted up, and I'm cruising along in second in the dry, pointed straight ahead, and I floor it, in about 1-3 seconds I'm fishtailing pretty damn good. It will do that in third as well. And fishtailing at those speeds is nasty. If the weather and my tires are warm, it happens less, but it still happens, and without real warning. And that's with Michelin Pilot Sports ZR315s on 11 inchers in the back.

My own hop-up experience has taught me some valuable lessons. Be careful what you wish for, because with enough money and patience, you'll get it. What will you get? A phenomenally powerful car, but one that will FAR outstrip your ability to drive it well. Now, if you can stay alive and keep the car in one piece, you'll get closer to learning how to tap what it can do, but basically every time you go out on the road you'll be riding in an animal that will bite you and everyone else around you in the ass, big-time, if you screw up. If you're on the track, at least, all you can do is hurt yourself (and hopefully not a DE instructor) and your car.

Of course, every car is a potential weapon, but a hopped-up 930 is a special beast.

In my 20's, nothing would have been better. In my 40's, I'm not so sure--depends what day you ask me.

beepbeep 03-27-2003 01:36 AM

3.3 engines suck pretty good. I second Mike's opinion. Head ports are narrow (to boost gas velocities and low-end torque), plenum is badly designed (being made too flat so it can fit, it flows unequally to cylinders), CIS sucks (barn-door being in the way), headers suck (1,5 meter of combined plumbing doesn't help turbo-lag, even less so with thermal reactors).


400 is nice number. I say:
- Go for turbocharged 3.2 (your own engine)
- Lower C/R to ~1:8 (changing pistons works)
- Go for aftermarket injection (Motoronic can be used but isn't worth the fiddle) , preferaby MAP-based (SDS is cheap, has direct-fire)
- Single turbo, headers (KKK K27 works nice)
- Biggish intercooler
- If money left, do dual-plug thing (more knock-headroom)

This way, using your own engine and doing plumbing yourself you'll hit 400 HP with ease at moderate boost pressures (under 1 bar).
Tranny will protest but it will hand on for a while , depending on how many wild starts you make.

In your chassis , it will be seriously quick car.

rick conrath 03-27-2003 06:17 AM

Yeah I have heard that CIS is only good to 450. When I get to that point, I will pull the Carrera injection sytem out of the bag in the basement and go from there. Again, piston and cylinder swaps using the same basic engine core is the heart of the matter here, using a "cost effective" induction and engine management system. There are those that argue for the use of modified turbo heads (not 3.2), since the metal is slightly different (more heat resistant) and less prone to cracking. Someone please describe the overwhelming $$$ value in going to a modified Carrera injection syetem to support a Turbo on either the 3.2 or 3.3 below 400-425hp. its just not there. Add up the parts labor and dyno time required to dial it in, and the CIS looks more effective. Go above the 450 hp threshold and we are all just flapping our gums talking about false economies here. Custom is cutom and certainly not in the 10k range. Speak in real dollars.


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