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Re: 900 to 900Turbo: making it so... Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: 900 to 900Turbo: making it so..., Silly Sam, Sun, 14 Jul 2002 15:25:00 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The most reasonable way involves only a screwdriver. Unbolt license plate, remove non-turbo car, replace with turbo car, re-install license plate.
Seriously-
The turbo engine is substantially different than the non-turbo. The compression ratio is lower (to avoid knock under boost), the intake and exhaust plumbing are different, including an intercooler, and the fuel system (including ECU, APC, etc) is different.
There are 'bolt' on turbos, but given the compression ratio, you'd be staying with low boost. You'd still have to modify the fuel system and rig all the plumbing. In the end, you'd have a car a little faster, but probably not with the same driveability. If you've got a car you don't mind having in pieces for a while, and are looking for a project, this is fine. As a cost and time-effective way to improve performance, it stinks. As a hobby, it's fine.
The 'right' approach is to swap your engine for a turbo engine. Basically, you'd be looking for a donor car. You'd swap engine, fuel system, plumbing, and ECU, along with lots of other parts. This makes sense if you have a free donor with a known good engine, and your target car is worth the effort. It makes more sense if your target car has a bum engine that needs replacement anyway. This is a weekend task for folks that pull engines all the time. The less experience you have, the longer the car will be out of business, and the longer it'll be to get it sorted out after installation.
Really, the best way is to buy a turbo car. The price spread between a turbo and non-turbo OG900 isn't more than a grand or two. You'd be better off buying a nice, clean turbo and selling your present ride. Unless you've got lots of experience wrenching, there is no way you'll end up with a car with the same performance and driveability as what the factory provides.
Is it possible? You bet. It all depends on what you want.
Good luck!
posted by 192.249.4...
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