Motor Rebuild – (hot-to-trot)

[Doc Fizzix]

I like the Haltech option best. I will get the T-Bird turbo in place and then I will try and chase-down a Haltech.

I almost wonder if I should go with a Garrett GT2560R Turbo like Russ if I go with the Haltech?

[nitroman]

You might as well. To me the T-bird is the most turbo you can run with the OEM engine-controller in place. If you have to go through all the hassle of tuning an aftermarket computer then why do it with a 'limited' turbo?

I ported the wastgate opening to make sure the T-bird does not cause boost-creep and that is what allows it to be used with the stock controller in place. The faster-spooling allows me to get to .92 right away, which is/was the case with the stock turbo at sea-level but here & in the mountains the T-bird affords me sea-level response at altitude; even 5000-feet!

[Ashaman]

I think I would - the only reason I didn't is because the turbo upgrade was the first thing I did and honestly, I wasn't comfortable sizing another at the time. I also wasn't planning on going with an aftermarket ECU.

I was familiar with the T-bird turbos after working with turbo Fords in the past. I knew they were used up to 18-20 psi for a 2.3l engine, and I liked the inlet; so it seemed like a good idea at the time.

I have no real gripes against this turbo; especially the ever important "bang for the buck" factor. But yeah, if I were doing it over again, I would probably either check out one of these, a T3 or the IHI VF series; ball bearing design would be nice. When/If mine fails, I will definitely check out other options.

I have read the RHB5 was an efficient design, but it is also almost 30 years old; surely they have improved since then!

The only issue might be mounting it up, they have a different flange...

[Doc Fizzix]

Well I just picked-up the T-Bird unit and I think I will put it on for now and then think about getting a Garrett

[tigerdog]

Glad to see hot-to-trot is still trotting along. I strongly suggest you take the "turbo off" opportunity to go to a larger-diameter exhaust. I suspect some of the difference I felt between your car and the others I've driven is directly attributable to your car's stock exhaust. With everything else you've done, it may be hampering performance.

[Doc Fizzix]

Here my plan for now, before I have the new exhaust built I need to make my US version of the "stiffy" or I should say just my version of a down pipe. I am going to put the T-Bird turbo on this week and then next week start on the new pipe. I just recieved the stainless steel flange and I have ordered some stainless steel U tubing to make my own pipe. My tech is going to do all the welding, he is very good with stainless and makes his own pipes all the time.

After I get the T-Bird running and the new exhaust I will start thinkg about the Garrett, I want to feel the T-Bird and new exhaust first.

[Doc Fizzix]

Ok, I have been sitting on my butt, T-Bird turbo still not in, car sitting in garage, me doing nothing

I want to send a special thanks to Alan for sending me the information and helping me burn a chip without the fuel cut-off. I hope I can now find the time to get the new turbo in place and burn the chip

Thanks so much for your help Alan

[nitroman]

Doc, have you gone to a 3-bar MAP sensor in conjunction with the new chip? I want to install a Garrett BB turbo one day, if others are kind enought to sort out the technical management issues for me!

[Doc Fizzix]

Doc, have you gone to a 3-bar MAP sensor in conjunction with the new chip? I want to install a Garrett BB turbo one day, if others are kind enought to sort out the technical management issues for me!

Matt, so sorry I did not get back to you sooner, I have been up to my arm pits in alligators and I have been gone for most of the summer. I have checked the forum several times and I am very impressed with LGM's work and now my small T-bird upgrade does not even come close to the work she is doing. In the last two months I have only started my car one time.

I guess I have had plenty of time to play the guitar since I have not been home much.

As for your question, I have not yet done it but I was planning on going with the 3 bar MAP after I got the T-Bird turbo broken in and then cranked the boost up beyond the 1 bar level.

[Doc Fizzix]

Well, I have been dragging my feet for some time and I have also been gone on-and-off for most of the summer. Never got around to getting my T-Bird upgrade finished mainly because I had to make an adapter to fit on the new compressor housing before I could get things to work. The T-Bird compressor housing does not have an attachment for the intake hose. But when the turbo is used on the T-Bird there is an adapter that is attached to the housing but bends at an angle and therefor the stock adapter would not work on the Elan, so one has to be made in order to use the T-Bird compressor housing.

Well, at last the adapter is now finished.


Most of the Isuzu guys weld-up their own adapter and I did the same to start with but I was never happy with the welded version and/or the seal that my welded version made with the compressor housing so I desided to make a new version. I started with a large 5" aluminum stock and lathe-ed it down to size, the idea was to make a sold one piece adapter that would pressure fit into the compressor housing so the adapter could seal itself so I would not need to use a gasket (only a small amount of silicone).

The pictures bellow show my one peice solid compressor housing adapter design.

[Doug]

nice lathe work !!

[F1 LOTUS]

Turned out nice!

[Doc Fizzix]

Here is one more picture just for fun.

[davidjt]

Not exactly turbo related, but my current symptoms suggest a blown head gasket, and I was wondering whether you guys running over 1 bar are using the stock gasket, or is there a 'performance' steel one available in the US?

[Doc Fizzix]

Not exactly turbo related, but my current symptoms suggest a blown head gasket, and I was wondering whether you guys running over 1 bar are using the stock gasket, or is there a 'performance' steel one available in the US?

I will be running the stock gasket. The extent of my research has been leaning from the Isuzu boys and what they have been able to do with success, other than that I am on my own. I know Dave_M had a gasket made for him and he is over 1 bar but from everyhting I have seen most people can get past 1 bar without problems using the stock gasket.

[davidjt]

Thanks, Doc. OE sounds good to me.

[Dave M]

Hey guys. I'm using a stock head gasket, actaully. The engine builder said no problem with it as it is a decent piece, plus he had the head and block milled to ensure proper sealing. While we had things apart we also used ARP fasteners to make sure there was no eventual stretching.

Doc, good to see the project going again and can appreciate being on and off all summer. I'm here at LOG right now and am thrilled to have a few days of Lotus-only time! I've had little time for the car, at least to work onit - I have been driving. The exhaust is leaking at the manifold spacer/turbo adapter piece (again!) and I know I have to remove the turbo to fix it, but don't want totake the time while the weather is nice.

Didn't know you played the guitar also! I'm back playing with our band at our church this summer and having a blast. Like the Elan, I don't get enough time to sit and play.

[Ekapol]

Is that a Martin Al?

[Doc Fizzix]

Is that a Martin Al?

Nothing but the best

That is my travel guitar, for the money I think it is the best deal on a guitar, it is a DX-1. My main guitar at home is a HD-35.

[GeoffSmith]

And people talk about the East Midlands thread going off topic!