AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => The Engine => Topic started by: dakrisnit on October 10, 2012, 09:51:53 PM

Title: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: dakrisnit on October 10, 2012, 09:51:53 PM
Inline 6 motors are great for their neutral balance potential, but it seems they all need a little more boost, even if it's just 5 psi.  Any recommendations on turbo use, selection, plumbing, etc?  Not trying to go over the top (yet), just a little extra oomph.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: Baskinator on October 24, 2012, 11:21:55 PM
I've been interested in this as well, but there aren't many options especially considering space constraints in an Eagle vs. a Jeep engine bay. A supercharger might possibly be a more viable option, and would be better off-road for low end power. The reasons I would want a turbo over a supercharger in an Eagle is the slight potential for better gas mileage and less wear on the engine.

Searching online, I've seen an Eaton M90 supercharger modified for use on the 4.0, and some places also sell specialty supercharger kits for the 4.0 at around $5,000.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: thereverendbill on October 25, 2012, 12:48:11 AM
I thought I read once about someone in here that did or was doing a turbo install but that was awhile ago. 
This guy is doing a 4.0 turbo build on a spirit so it would be pretty simular rather than an oil pan swap
http://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=354 (http://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=354) 
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: TheWraith on October 25, 2012, 07:35:36 AM
If anybody needs some inspiration there is a write up a Soldier did on adding a turbo to his Jeep.  He started with a few books and an idea and ended up with a nice setup.  He spread the work and expense out over time so as to make it obtainable while still driving his Jeep.  I know the Eagle will bring its own packaging challenges but surely it is doable.  The write up is long and will take you a good while to read it if you follow closely.  Not having any experience with turbos myself I found it very interesting.

I know there are restrictions on posting up names of other sites.  I'm not clear on what is permissible so PM me if you would like the link.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: mudkicker715 on October 25, 2012, 08:10:46 AM
post the link there are only 2 big sites offlimits.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: twoslowinwyo on October 25, 2012, 10:01:06 AM
one option for those that have done a 4.0 head swap w/FI is a rear mounted turbo. one such company is STS turbo. they also have a bolt on kit for jeeps (i think). and are about 1500USD. it is a really intersting way to do it and they are pretty wicked. there is one guy in town that has one on his corvette and that car is very fast. email me for a link. LAZ
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: Stewartz on November 04, 2012, 12:05:22 AM
If anyone is interested I sent some questions over to STS Turbo about putting it in a SX4, and got this response.


QuoteWith your Eagle we would use our Universal turbo kit to fabricate a remote mount set up. Our universal kit comes with our STS remote mount turbo, STS proprietary oiling system, Turbosmart wastegate and blow-off valve, wiring harness, all the fittings to make the system work and our complete instruction manual that will walk you through different ways to install our kit. The universal kit does not come with a tuning package and you will need to locate a dyno tuning shop near you to help tune the vehicle. We also offer a universal pipe kit that will have basic pipes, silicones and clamps to help you with the fabrication. The single turbo universal kit starts at $1995.00 and the twin turbo universal kit is $2995.00. We also offer additional system upgrades such as ball bearing turbo, electronic boost controller, heat shield, etc. Usually we see a 20-25 hp increase per pound of boost and a 3-4 mpg gain. I think that our turbo system would work really well on your Eagle and make a huge hp difference. The great thing about our turbo system is that you are gaining performance and you are keeping the drivability of the car.  Let me know if you would like a estimate and I can send one over to you.


*Single Turbo Universal Kit shown with optional PCV kit and optional BOV kit*

(http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2459/16741595.jpg)
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: dakrisnit on November 05, 2012, 12:08:35 AM
I was thinking a remote mount setup would be easiest to fit, but I did not know there was a universal kit out there.  Of course universal always means you universally have to modify it to use on any car, but that still would be easier than engineering the whole system myself.  So far I was looking at using a Buick 3.8 turbo setup and modifying the piping back to the carb for it.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: TheWraith on November 06, 2012, 09:03:10 AM
Quote from: mudkicker715 on October 25, 2012, 08:10:46 AM
post the link there are only 2 big sites offlimits.

I was going to ask which two are off limits...but then I realized it might not be a good idea to even mention their name in a post.  I know one is a well known auction sight.  The other...???

The site I'm referring to the biggest forum/site for all things four wheel drive.  There's even a thread a guy started about his Eagle build but unfortunately he lost steam shortly after starting.  I keep checking to see if he's gotten back to it or at least back to posting up on his progress.

Would that site be ok to mention here by name?  I'm just trying to 'do it right' so as to not invite any trouble for the 'Nest.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: mudkicker715 on November 06, 2012, 09:25:36 AM
pm sent
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: steveabn8295b on November 06, 2012, 10:48:21 AM
Go  ahead put link referencing his build , in your post . Thanks.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: shaggimo on November 06, 2012, 11:58:11 AM
Quote from: dakrisnit on November 05, 2012, 12:08:35 AM
I was thinking a remote mount setup would be easiest to fit, but I did not know there was a universal kit out there.  Of course universal always means you universally have to modify it to use on any car, but that still would be easier than engineering the whole system myself.  So far I was looking at using a Buick 3.8 turbo setup and modifying the piping back to the carb for it.

So are you looking to stay carbed or go efi? Turbo buicks are found in both configurations. A carbed turbo would be neat, with the modern msd electronics and the addition of a knock sensor the short lived carb turbo buick set up would likely work quite well. They were also offered in 2 and 4 bbl configurations. In other words, subscribed  8) .
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: eaglefreek on November 06, 2012, 01:45:46 PM
The only issue I have with a remote mount turbo on an Eagle is that it will be limited to it's driving environment. I wouldn't want to go through some deep snow, sand or water with a remote mounted turbo. With some creativity, it wouldn't be hard at all to fit a turbo under the hood of an Eagle. Have you seen what the engine compartments look like on today's cars? They still fit aftermarket turbos under the hood.
(http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1671/finishedlg9.jpg)
(http://pi.b5z.net/i/u/1473169/i/gm_suv/gm_suv_turbo.jpg)
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: amcinstaller on November 06, 2012, 08:45:18 PM
i cant imagine the filter lasts too long in that vehicle
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: TheWraith on November 07, 2012, 07:04:05 AM
Serious lag time with a remote turbo.  That is why you will never see it on a factory vehicle or a serious race car.

Quote from: steveabn8295b on November 06, 2012, 10:48:21 AM
Go  ahead put link referencing his build , in your post . Thanks.

Thanks, I will when I get home.  For some reason Pirate 4x4 was blocked from here at work.  Maybe it was deemed too many people were visiting it during the work day. :P
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: shaggimo on November 07, 2012, 10:17:12 AM
Quote from: TheWraith on November 07, 2012, 07:04:05 AM
For some reason Pirate 4x4 was blocked from here at work.  Maybe it was deemed too many people were visiting it during the work day. :P

::)  :laughing1:
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: TheWraith on November 09, 2012, 08:15:35 AM
Sorry I'm just now getting around to posting up this link.  I had to burn a vacation day just to find the time to do this. ;D

This link is to Pirate 4x4 and is the turbo thread I mentioned earlier.  A young Soldier, a novice with turbos, fitted one to his Jeep.  He built it from scratch.  Fun to watch him figure it all out and develope his fab skills along the way.  Inspiring really.

By taking his time to figure it out and spreading it over many months he was able to spread the cost out too.  Has me considering a turbo for my S-10. ;D  Maybe it will inspire one of you to add a turbo to you Eagle (seeing how I don't own one yet).  Warning, you'll want to read the whole thread once you start...and it is loooong.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-hardcore-tech/658004-going-against-odds.html (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-hardcore-tech/658004-going-against-odds.html)
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: dakrisnit on November 14, 2012, 10:16:50 PM
From a few questions back, yes I am thinking about using the carburator setup not fuel injection.  I remember the Buick carburated versions.  Pontiac also had a carb on the 301 turbo Trans Am with a four barrel.  Just before I moved I almost bought an old 301 turbo setup for cheap, but passed on it because I had too much heavy stuff to move already.

I like that photo of the remote turbo, but I was thinking about getting it closer to the engine (partly to help reduce the lag).  The exhaust pipe crosses left to right and then goes to the back and it looks like plenty of room in that bottom corner of the engine bay for the turbo and charge pipe.  On my Corvair, the turbo feeds directly into the side draft carb.  I've considered using a small turbo like that one to all but eliminate turbo lag because this application isn't intended to be for big power, just better driveablility.

In other good news, I put the pieces back together and filled the trans with fluid and it went into gear so I may be fine to drive it with the automatic this winter and worry about the manual trans swap later.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: shaggimo on November 15, 2012, 10:48:09 AM
Let's not forget the montecarlo turbo cars too  ;) , not as common as the buicks, but they're out there. I kick myself everytime I think about it, quite some time back a local yard had two complete carbureted turbo buicks, one was a 2bbl the other was a 4bbl, I should have bought them both  :-[  .  The 301 turbo may be a bit much for the 258 anyway, the sixer would likely be a better candidate. On another note, lol, about a year before I bought a car that would've accepted the turbo buick parts (85 cutlass with a 4.1 buick v6), my dad got rid of the complete turbo set up that was on his 78 Regal sport coupe, day late as always, lol.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: Zoro on December 21, 2012, 03:07:56 PM
Interesting thread! Slight hijack This would definitely help mine breathe better at higher elevations. On a 4.0 would the turbo reduce the lifespan of the motor and do you need to run high test fuel? Any expected MPG gains?
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: amcinstaller on December 21, 2012, 06:02:23 PM
id go premium for safety and for the added compression. and if you stayed really low boost you could run it for a long time safely. low boost meaning 6-7 psi
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: captspillane on December 22, 2012, 12:09:46 PM
My Turbodiesel Scout has a 3.3L Nissan SD33T. The original Scout turbo is directly interchangeable with a Mercedes turbo. That has already been done to this Scout, and it blows off at 10 PSI. The Turbo unit seems easily seperated from the exhaust manifold, and could be fabricated to any manifold. Anyone ever try to install a Mercedes diesel turbo in a gas motor?
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: dakrisnit on January 12, 2013, 07:21:52 PM
Had not considered the Mercedes turbo, but it sounds promising.
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: eagle87 on January 12, 2013, 10:31:59 PM
amc did build a turbo and fuel injected spirit  (amx) pace car, 1981 i think so it will work

(http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz293/eagle87_photos/MX_PPG_Turbo_Pace_Car_DSCN5154-vi.jpg)
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: DownwardFlame on February 13, 2014, 09:17:05 PM
I found this article that mentions a turbo Hornet awhile back... Not really any usable information, but its interesting anyway.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/24-hours-of-lemons-new-york-the-winners/ (http://blog.caranddriver.com/24-hours-of-lemons-new-york-the-winners/)
Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: Smitty on February 14, 2014, 08:03:46 AM
Here is one from back in the day.  I believe Tom Jennings is the one that owns it now.

http://www.wps.com/AMC/Navarro-turbo-motor/index.html#HEADS

Title: Re: Any Turbo installs out there?
Post by: DownwardFlame on February 14, 2014, 11:42:47 AM
Quote from: Smitty on February 14, 2014, 08:03:46 AM
Here is one from back in the day.  I believe Tom Jennings is the one that owns it now.

http://www.wps.com/AMC/Navarro-turbo-motor/index.html#HEADS
I remember seeing that awhile back. Makes me consider building my own intake and exhaust header for my wagon, as I am still planing on turboing it. But the small bends required are kinda difficult to accomplish with my hydraulic bender...