Are K27's total crap?

[iamchappy]

I have a new K27 7200 that I purchased over a year ago for my engine that has just been recently rebuilt, At the time it was what everyone was recommending. Most of the talk on the forum has referenced that they are obsolete and totally inefficient compared to other turbos on todays market.

What is wrong with the K27 should I consider it not worth using. Has the turbo technology advanced so far that this turbo is so undesirable that it would be better used as a boat anchor. Or are the references to turbo engines that are looking to crank out 600 or more horsepower as opposed to 400hp which I am shooting for.

[sand_man]

I'm wondering the same. I know there are many variants of the K27 (S, HF, HFS, etc), but I'm seeing more and more builds using Garret and Turbonetic snails. There seems to be issues (fabrication issues) with getting the oiling right on the Garrets. Some are running oil through the water cooling jacket. I'm not an expert, but I would like to know more.

[sand_man]

What would the non-KKK experts advise for a person with the following mods:
B&B Headers
3.4L
Twin plug (Electromotive)
SC cams
B&B I/C
CIS: Imagine Auto fuel head and modified WUR

[beepbeep]

No, K27's aren't not obsolete. They aren't bad at all, it's just that they aren't teribbly good either. They are a good update from 3DLZ that is originally fitted to 930 engines (name "boat anchor" fits 3DLZ better).

But technology advanced in last 20 years. K27's still carry P-car tax and cost as much (sometimes more) than contemporary Garrett products despite having lower specs. This pushed more and more consumers from traditional (KKK) choice into Garrett's, despite minor issues with oiling and flanges.

It's like going from CIS to EFI. EFI isn't OEM and requires some fiddling, but when complete EFI costs less than CIS fuel head and gives more power and better economy you start seeing more and more conversions.

[ayglass]

But if you would like to sell your K-27 to me for a good price, I could use a spare for the 930... ;-)

There are better models even of the K-27 out there now. I might upgrade when the time comes, but right now I get boost as early as 2500 rpm and I make enough HP to make the ricers who ride with me say "Whoa". If your goal is 400HP I can assure you that the 2700 will get you there.

[iamchappy]

Around 400 in my 2,200 lb. 914 is all I am after, This is going to be a street car with maybe a driver event down the road but not a competitive racer.
I would hate to have to fabricate an entirely new crossover pipe and muffler flange to accommodate another Turbo.

My engine is built on a 79 SC 3.0 case, SC heads twin plugged and SC cam with 3.3 turbo piston and cylinders, 930 intake and euro fuel distributor, it is a 3.12 with this modification. I would like to run it safely at 1 bar of boost with its 7 5.1 compresssion.
I have a MSD BTM boost retard ignition system and also have a 7th injector that I can use for enrichment.

Will the K27 7200 suit my needs. I am not looking to have the fastest car on the road.

[930LDR]

I don't claim to be an expert. But I have read all the back and forth on this topic across a number of forums.

My best suggestion is to call Stephan Kasper at Imagine Auto and ask him why he uses K27s on his big engine builds. He has the technical background and dyno time to speak with the accuracy you are looking for.

Additionally he is a straight shooter so you can be comfortable that he isn't just giving you a line of BS to sell more products. At least that is the feeling I get when I deal with him.

[Craig 930 RS]

Chap/Sand -

My engine - as I think you already know - is virtually identical to yours in every way and modification --- except I have ported SC heads .

That said, with .8 bar I am at about 410 RWHP, and with 1.0 bar (which our setups will easily support due to the IA fuel head and WUR) I expect about 430-440 RWHP. *I also have the K27 HF by Kevin*

That is a *****load of power.
As is, the car is a throttle responsive hyperactive freakin' rocket.

What else do ya want? Keep the K27, and have Kevin perform his HF magic.

[Craig 930 RS]

[WydRyd]

I've had the K27-7200 and now run a K27-HF (both bought from Stephen @ IA). They have been great turbo's. HOWEVER, I'm going to embark down the GT ball bearing route shortly, so I'll let you know what my thoughts are on that turbo. No doubt in my mind it will spool quicker, has a more efficient compressor and flow more HP. It was also only $1.3k delivered, as opposed to the K27-HFS which is about $1.8k?!?

[Craig 930 RS]

I think ROB930 has more experience with these than most of us - ask him for his opinion.

[Ken911]

send it off to kevin and have him convert it, should be cheaper than byuing a whole new turbo

[iamchappy]

Thanks guys I will look in to it.