Custom turbo install - fabricator/installer recommendations
Discussion
Afternoon PH collective.
I've got a 2019 mustang GT which I'm looking at turbocharging.
For various reasons I don't want to go down the much more common supercharger route.
There is a product already available called the hellion street sleeper kit which WILL fit RHD mustangs. The kit is completely hidden and mounted low. I'm not keen on this option for a few reasons. Ground clearance, our roads, our weather and if I'm going to spend this sort of money I want it visible!
There are top mount kits in the US and I've spoken to the main ones (On3, Aldo & Hellion) all of which say their kits will not fit RHD cars).
With that in mind could anyone recommend a company that would be able to assist with a custom top mount turbo install? I'm located near Southampton but happy to drop the car off within 3-4 hours of me as long as there's decent train links!
Suggestions/comments welcome.
I've got a 2019 mustang GT which I'm looking at turbocharging.
For various reasons I don't want to go down the much more common supercharger route.
There is a product already available called the hellion street sleeper kit which WILL fit RHD mustangs. The kit is completely hidden and mounted low. I'm not keen on this option for a few reasons. Ground clearance, our roads, our weather and if I'm going to spend this sort of money I want it visible!
There are top mount kits in the US and I've spoken to the main ones (On3, Aldo & Hellion) all of which say their kits will not fit RHD cars).
With that in mind could anyone recommend a company that would be able to assist with a custom top mount turbo install? I'm located near Southampton but happy to drop the car off within 3-4 hours of me as long as there's decent train links!
Suggestions/comments welcome.
I assume the fit issue relates to the manifold? It might be worth asking the various companies if they'll sell you a kit without manifolds to make life easy, or even buy them with and give them to a fabricator to make life slightly easier.
Does anyone make log manifolds for that engine? Being a turbo install I can't imagine you need to get too fancy with a bundle of snakes style.
Does anyone make log manifolds for that engine? Being a turbo install I can't imagine you need to get too fancy with a bundle of snakes style.
Krikkit said:
I assume the fit issue relates to the manifold? It might be worth asking the various companies if they'll sell you a kit without manifolds to make life easy, or even buy them with and give them to a fabricator to make life slightly easier.
Does anyone make log manifolds for that engine? Being a turbo install I can't imagine you need to get too fancy with a bundle of snakes style.
Yeah it'll be the turbo manifold fouling the drivetrain (so beefcake performance) told me. Motorsport and performance were even more direct - steeringwheels on the wrong side for the top mount options!Does anyone make log manifolds for that engine? Being a turbo install I can't imagine you need to get too fancy with a bundle of snakes style.
Low mounts can work very well, so don't rule them out.
Unless air intake placement is horrendous, or you intend driving through huge puddles often, it shouldn't be a big concern.
I've had mine low for several years, and never had an issue, although I don't do huge miles
Really, if you can buy a kit....or the majority of a kit, it can make a lot of sense vs a total custom job. Even if you then have to re-work some parts to work with RHD.
Not sure how much custom work they do, but maybe Engine Tuner in Plymouth ?
Not close, but I'm sure Craig at Dyno Torque could build you a kit.
John Sleath up North
Jon Webster at Santa Pod ?
Torque Developments near Essex ?
I don't get the impression they built the turbo iit, but maybe seek out the vehicles owner ?
https://cobrasport.com/blogs/news/the-uks-only-twi...
Although really, unless seeking over say 7-800hp.....it does seem a bit silly to just overlook the supercharger route. The SC will be excellent at that level and below.
Although there are of course many variables.
Unless air intake placement is horrendous, or you intend driving through huge puddles often, it shouldn't be a big concern.
I've had mine low for several years, and never had an issue, although I don't do huge miles
Really, if you can buy a kit....or the majority of a kit, it can make a lot of sense vs a total custom job. Even if you then have to re-work some parts to work with RHD.
Not sure how much custom work they do, but maybe Engine Tuner in Plymouth ?
Not close, but I'm sure Craig at Dyno Torque could build you a kit.
John Sleath up North
Jon Webster at Santa Pod ?
Torque Developments near Essex ?
I don't get the impression they built the turbo iit, but maybe seek out the vehicles owner ?
https://cobrasport.com/blogs/news/the-uks-only-twi...
Although really, unless seeking over say 7-800hp.....it does seem a bit silly to just overlook the supercharger route. The SC will be excellent at that level and below.
Although there are of course many variables.
stevieturbo said:
Low mounts can work very well, so don't rule them out.
Unless air intake placement is horrendous, or you intend driving through huge puddles often, it shouldn't be a big concern.
I've had mine low for several years, and never had an issue, although I don't do huge miles
Really, if you can buy a kit....or the majority of a kit, it can make a lot of sense vs a total custom job. Even if you then have to re-work some parts to work with RHD.
Not sure how much custom work they do, but maybe Engine Tuner in Plymouth ?
Not close, but I'm sure Craig at Dyno Torque could build you a kit.
John Sleath up North
Jon Webster at Santa Pod ?
Torque Developments near Essex ?
I don't get the impression they built the turbo iit, but maybe seek out the vehicles owner ?
https://cobrasport.com/blogs/news/the-uks-only-twi...
Although really, unless seeking over say 7-800hp.....it does seem a bit silly to just overlook the supercharger route. The SC will be excellent at that level and below.
Although there are of course many variables.
Thank you Steve.Unless air intake placement is horrendous, or you intend driving through huge puddles often, it shouldn't be a big concern.
I've had mine low for several years, and never had an issue, although I don't do huge miles
Really, if you can buy a kit....or the majority of a kit, it can make a lot of sense vs a total custom job. Even if you then have to re-work some parts to work with RHD.
Not sure how much custom work they do, but maybe Engine Tuner in Plymouth ?
Not close, but I'm sure Craig at Dyno Torque could build you a kit.
John Sleath up North
Jon Webster at Santa Pod ?
Torque Developments near Essex ?
I don't get the impression they built the turbo iit, but maybe seek out the vehicles owner ?
https://cobrasport.com/blogs/news/the-uks-only-twi...
Although really, unless seeking over say 7-800hp.....it does seem a bit silly to just overlook the supercharger route. The SC will be excellent at that level and below.
Although there are of course many variables.
Power isn't really the aim for me, silly as that sounds. I like to be different and supercharging is the norm so I immediately start looking at other options!
I've had Hellion come back to me on the concerns around low mount (aesthetics aside) and they, like you have said that their low mount kits work better than their top mounts in so many words and have greater ground clearance which surprises me but I'll go with it!
I had a follow up email from beefcakeracing (yup the name of an actual tuner in the US!) who have been in touch with their mustang turbo suppliers and I've been told this kit should work due to how they've set it up. https://www.beefcakeracing.com/blfab-s550-singletu...
That kit introduces a new dilemma for me, single or twin turbo. Single turbo - cheaper, bigger power potential (1,400bhp on their test vehicle but needs lots of internal upgrades), easier to install as less space required. Twin turbo, more expensive, similar power levels before having to change engine internals (tops out at 900) much less turbo lag due to quicker spool & subjectively could look better!
Agree with your point, if a kit is available it'll be a whole lot cheaper hence giving the BL kit some thought!
Whether twins or single is a moot point, more important is the quality and makeup of the kit itself.
Low twins have some positives, manifolding generally ok, exhaust outlet, virtually straight, this is ideal
Anything top side can be a nightmare to get a downpipe past the engine/manifolds and then out the back. Even more difficult with a single where you would want a large downpipe.
Although with the low twins, air filters can be a bit of a compromise too
And nonsense that the twins are only limited to 900 vs a 1400 single. The right twins will easily be able to hit 1400 and far beyond.
Of course, the rest of your setup will need to accommodate any power levels.
But in the sub 7-800hp range, the instant response from the blower will make for a faster feeling car for about 90% of usage.
800-1000...the lines get a bit more blurred between blower and turbo. Over 1000hp, generally turbos do make the most sense for sure.
That isn't to say small turbos for lower power can't be great too, they can, but a blower is just different. Especially a roots/whipple type as is common for the Ford. Instant boost right from idle feels good.
Equally auto vs manual will have an impact on how things feel and respond.
Low twins have some positives, manifolding generally ok, exhaust outlet, virtually straight, this is ideal
Anything top side can be a nightmare to get a downpipe past the engine/manifolds and then out the back. Even more difficult with a single where you would want a large downpipe.
Although with the low twins, air filters can be a bit of a compromise too
And nonsense that the twins are only limited to 900 vs a 1400 single. The right twins will easily be able to hit 1400 and far beyond.
Of course, the rest of your setup will need to accommodate any power levels.
But in the sub 7-800hp range, the instant response from the blower will make for a faster feeling car for about 90% of usage.
800-1000...the lines get a bit more blurred between blower and turbo. Over 1000hp, generally turbos do make the most sense for sure.
That isn't to say small turbos for lower power can't be great too, they can, but a blower is just different. Especially a roots/whipple type as is common for the Ford. Instant boost right from idle feels good.
Equally auto vs manual will have an impact on how things feel and respond.
stevieturbo said:
Whether twins or single is a moot point, more important is the quality and makeup of the kit itself.
Low twins have some positives, manifolding generally ok, exhaust outlet, virtually straight, this is ideal
Anything top side can be a nightmare to get a downpipe past the engine/manifolds and then out the back. Even more difficult with a single where you would want a large downpipe.
Although with the low twins, air filters can be a bit of a compromise too
And nonsense that the twins are only limited to 900 vs a 1400 single. The right twins will easily be able to hit 1400 and far beyond.
Of course, the rest of your setup will need to accommodate any power levels.
But in the sub 7-800hp range, the instant response from the blower will make for a faster feeling car for about 90% of usage.
800-1000...the lines get a bit more blurred between blower and turbo. Over 1000hp, generally turbos do make the most sense for sure.
That isn't to say small turbos for lower power can't be great too, they can, but a blower is just different. Especially a roots/whipple type as is common for the Ford. Instant boost right from idle feels good.
Equally auto vs manual will have an impact on how things feel and respond.
Thanks Stevie. I looked more into that single turbo option and its a bumper side exhaust set up so that's out for me. I agree with your point that top mount causes issues with getting the exhausts back out of the car (hence the BL kits choice of side exit) so it looks like realistically I'm back to the street sleeper kit or a supercharger.Low twins have some positives, manifolding generally ok, exhaust outlet, virtually straight, this is ideal
Anything top side can be a nightmare to get a downpipe past the engine/manifolds and then out the back. Even more difficult with a single where you would want a large downpipe.
Although with the low twins, air filters can be a bit of a compromise too
And nonsense that the twins are only limited to 900 vs a 1400 single. The right twins will easily be able to hit 1400 and far beyond.
Of course, the rest of your setup will need to accommodate any power levels.
But in the sub 7-800hp range, the instant response from the blower will make for a faster feeling car for about 90% of usage.
800-1000...the lines get a bit more blurred between blower and turbo. Over 1000hp, generally turbos do make the most sense for sure.
That isn't to say small turbos for lower power can't be great too, they can, but a blower is just different. Especially a roots/whipple type as is common for the Ford. Instant boost right from idle feels good.
Equally auto vs manual will have an impact on how things feel and respond.
I'm still of the mind that I prefer the idea of turbo, I actually like the idea of being able to run the car off boost when pootling around and I prefer the concept of turbos over superchargers as generally being more efficient. The final point in favour of twin turbo is that the street sleeper kit is actually a good deal cheaper than a supercharger and a lot lighter and lower too.
You will only make boost if you put your foot down far enough to make boost.
But if you often drive a lot at low rpm...which lets face it in a V8 you probably will, you will always feel the torque from the supercharger.
Whereas with a turbo setup, even a pretty responsive setup, there won't be much happening below 2500, 3000rpm etc. ( unless you really do for for OEM style small units to spool very fast )
I could easily drive my car a thousand miles and never need to go over 2000rpm ( still enough for illegal speeds ), and even there the difference between n/a, Vortech and a TT setup, is quite noticeable. Generally mine doesn't start seeing boost til about 3k
It is never lacking either way, but they do feel different. And people would say a centrifugal blower does nothing down there. It may not appear to make much if any boost, but it is definitely moving air and helping.
The turbo at the lower rpm is more lethargic than the n/a and SC setup, simply because there are now many restrictions in place. Both the intake area and exhaust.
Another car I have has a roots blower, although only a small 4cyl engine. And although it lacks real power, that same region below 3000rpm where most driving happens, actually feels great.
So to fix the top end I'm throwing a turbo on it too lol
But if you often drive a lot at low rpm...which lets face it in a V8 you probably will, you will always feel the torque from the supercharger.
Whereas with a turbo setup, even a pretty responsive setup, there won't be much happening below 2500, 3000rpm etc. ( unless you really do for for OEM style small units to spool very fast )
I could easily drive my car a thousand miles and never need to go over 2000rpm ( still enough for illegal speeds ), and even there the difference between n/a, Vortech and a TT setup, is quite noticeable. Generally mine doesn't start seeing boost til about 3k
It is never lacking either way, but they do feel different. And people would say a centrifugal blower does nothing down there. It may not appear to make much if any boost, but it is definitely moving air and helping.
The turbo at the lower rpm is more lethargic than the n/a and SC setup, simply because there are now many restrictions in place. Both the intake area and exhaust.
Another car I have has a roots blower, although only a small 4cyl engine. And although it lacks real power, that same region below 3000rpm where most driving happens, actually feels great.
So to fix the top end I'm throwing a turbo on it too lol
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