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Anything is possible. But is it worth it? Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Fri, 26 Jul 2002 13:29:10 In Reply to: Convert 900S NA to Turbo possible?, John's 3 900S, Fri, 26 Jul 2002 00:24:31 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
A lot depends on what you're looking for at the end. Are you looking for a car with the same performance as a full pressure turbo, or are you looking for just a little more oomph than you have now?
If you're looking for the performance, driveability, reliability, and longevity of a Saab turbo, it's very possible. You remove the engine and engine control, and install a turbo engine and turbo engine controller (and associated plumbing).
If you're looking for just a little more oomph, you can install a turbo, just run it a lower pressure. Saab did this with the LPT (Low pressure turbo) cars. You'll still need the plumbing, and you'll have to mess with the fuel system to get a little more fuel. But a little boost is OK with the NA engine.
What you can't do is stick a turbo at full pressure onto a NA engine and expect to get the same performance, driveablity, longevity, or reliablity. You'll still have to upgrade the fuel and control system. It'll go really fast, it just won't do it for long. Yes, there is that nasty compression ratio thing. You'll need something to control knock. One way is to control boost, but that puts you back at the LPT option. The other way is to go with big intercoolers, possibly water injection, and playing with cam timing, at the least.
It all depends. If you're looking for a nice, dependable, reliable car on the cheap, then buy a turbo. It'll work better than anything you can cobble together.
If you're looking for a project, then go for it. Hobbies don't need justification. It will cost more and drive worse than just getting a decent car that came from the factory as a turbo. But projects don't work that way - you're doing it to learn, and have fun. The outcome isn't as important.
Good luck!
posted by 140.157.4...
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