Considering a budget built turbo for some fun.

So I am considering piecing together a kit to install next spring once I get the car back from storage. I don't know much about the turbo game other then a little bit of research here and there. Aside from the main components what all will I require to pick up to build my own system? will be looking at making maybe around 450 wheel. Getting my ideas from articles like this...

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hrdp-...otor-for-2298/

Car is a 96 GT with full bolt ons and a PI intake and CC 268ah cams

not sure on size of turbo (looking for maybe 9-12psi at most)
hot side and cold side piping
turbo headers
waste gate and BOV
water to air intercooler
bigger MAF and injectors
fuel pressure regulator
possibly upgrading to PI heads.
maybe a new tubular K member (more room to work)

What else?

Will be mostly street use with possible 1/4 mile runs occasionally. I also know that these kind of power levels will be pushing the boundaries of some of the cars other equipment, but.....cross those bridges when we get there....lol

Budget build and forced induction, not exactly two things that go together like ham and cheese.

Magazine articles and numbers seem possible, but longevity is not accounted for in those pages. End of the day I've seen more ebay manifold and turbo failures than long term victory. Even the stuff like an On3 kit seems to be fraught with fitment concerns and question marks. To answer your question, your list covers the basics, aside from oil and water lines, boost and fuel management, and the million little fittings and hoses that will nickle and dime you. Being handy with a welder and cut saw and buying bulk piping is a requirement of doing your turbo system, if you aren't comfortable with that or have friends who are I'd think twice before accepting.

Bear in mind you can find a cheap used Vortech kit for $2000ish that is a bolt on and go affair which would yield similar numbers and powerband to a turbo , with way less plumbing and cutting.

My 0.02, not to discourage you but from watching countless friends go down the "cheap FI" road only to end up redoing it all with better stuff 1-2 years later.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Laffs

Budget build and forced induction, not exactly two things that go together like ham and cheese.

---

To be fair, he didn't exactly specify what budget.

Maybe on of the mods could insert the word 'big' into the thread title?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedSN

To be fair, he didn't exactly specify what budget.

Maybe on of the mods could insert the word 'big' into the thread title?

---

Fair play.

I would be looking to keep it around the 5k mark...and I am being realistic in realizing that this number may not be accurate....

That is a healthy budget, I was thinking you were in the sub 2k range. That in mind I'd suggest you start looking here https://www.theturboforums.com/forum...lar-forum.235/ . Lots of good info out there, find a set of used manifold would be a nice start, then determine power goals and pick a turbo from there. Smaller twins will be less laggy and more responsive but have more packaging issues, a good sized single is probably your best bet, 67mm probably.

Oh boy, another boost build! Do it.