Suitability for turbocharging

[anonymous-user]

All this talk about turbochargers has got me thinking.

I'm planning on building a 1.8 K-series powered kit and am now considering the possibility of future turbocharging of the engine.

So, to my question, are there factors that control the suitability of an engine for turbochargin?

My thoughts are that if I install a VVC 1.8, I'll get 160bhp straight away. Then, assuming the limitations are provided by the engines internals, I could get maximum power out of the block by using a smaller, less laggy turbo than if I were to start with the non-VVC 140bhp(?). BUT, would the VVC cause problems with the addition of forced induction.

I'm planning on getting one or two of the turbocharging books already suggested on other threads, but as I've already got three out from the library on various aspects of chassis and suspension tuning and design it may be a while before I've got the time In the meantime, it's just my idle curiousity while I plan how to spend all the money I haven't earnt yet.

[deltaf]

Depens on what youre after in the way of power/torque revability etc.
Id tend to keep it a short stroker as it allows you a lot more latitude for high revs due to the mean piston speeds not going too high.
You also need to decide Cr etc...usage, ie, road track etc.
Lots to think about before doing it tho.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks Deltaf. Thought there might be.

My main task for now is to understand enough to decide whether to start off with or without VVC.

Looks like there's another book to add to my list...

[greenv8s]

I would have thought the two main issues would be mechanical strength of the whirly bits, and the available cooling in the head. K series seems to be marginal as far as cooling goes (I think that's putting it mildly from what I hear!) although no doubt Rover are working on this as we speak.

[deltaf]

greenv8s said:

I would have thought the two main issues would be mechanical strength of the whirly bits, and the available cooling in the head. K series seems to be marginal as far as cooling goes (I think that's putting it mildly from what I hear!) although no doubt Rover are working on this as we speak.

Agreed. Hence the short stroke issue. Not too sure whether itd be wise to use the small block K series (1.4 etc) due to just that problem of heat and dare i say it heads.
Maybe the 220 turbo 2 litre would be a better option?

[chrisx666]

If you put the word our round enough scrapyards I'm sure a 1.8T from the 75' would come up (it's been out a while now) - someones bound to crash one at some point.
It's a pretty low boost turbo (I think the engine was only reduced to 9:1 comp ratio) but it would probably be a better starting point than a N/A K.

Here's a pic of my old VVC160 - nothing really to do with your question, I just like posting it..

www.gtmchris.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/Dscf0023.jpg

[Justin S]

Dare I say,have you considered a supercharger?.I am thinking this route for my Zetec westie.More low down torque,less heat issues with turbo's and you could get away without an intercooler and less plumbing.There is a lot of supercharged engines around that can supply one,such as the Cooper S.

[v8 racing]

Not realy my thing blowers although i am turboing my bmw as we speak, i get prism motorsport to do all mine in london, clive is a top bloke knows what he's doing and a good price too, i will dig his number out if needed i am sure he has done one of these motors by now