[Boabsy]

I've been reading with interest lots of posts by the guys with Turbo kits and their large power gains.

I was wondering what I would need for a very basic turbo kit, not for huge horsepower gains but just for a little more punch, say 150/160 Bhp.

This would be an experiment on quite a tight budget so would probably be a mish mash of various parts cobbled together. I know I'll need a turbo manifold, turbo, controller etc. If I don't plan to run huge boost do I really need an intercooler? What would be a cheap(ish) controller?

Would I need to change / upgrade the injectors. Would I have to remap?

Rob

[Andrew]

Don't need injectors or intercooler, but could do those later when the dark side takes over your sensibilities and wallet.

Do need at least:

Turbo
Manifold
Turbo downpipe
Piping from air filter to turbo
Piping from turbo to throttle
Oil lines to/from turbo
Some form of fuel control

Fuel control could be (on a tight budget) home brew MegaSquirt, Greddy Emanage blue, both of which can be very cheap if bought secondhand or in the 'States. Both of which would require some basic mapping but this could be done DIY.

Or you could use an AFPR

Have I missed anything guys?

[Mx5 Dan]

Depending on power / condition of clutch... possibly an uprated clutch.

My Turbo setup is a one off homebrew and works well been going strong for about 3-4 years now.

Afpr is good for abour 5psi which would see the 150-160bhp figure I guess.

having said that... In the long run a Greddy kit would probably work out easier and cheaper than a home brew!

Alll depends where you can get the homebrew parts and over what time period etc
2nd hand parts come up on here, so over 6months you could get the majority of parts together.

[Mx5 Dan]

Standard injectors would be fine for 5psi

and probably up to about 7psi.

Someone on here will tell you better im sure

[jimbob]

I think Andrew covered all the basic bits you need up there ^^^^.


few things to bear in mind though.... a home brew turbo project is not without it's problems, mixing & matching parts can be awkward (ie oil lines & fittings), 2nd hand parts have no guarantee's, you may need to be patient to collect all the bits at a budget price, you may find yourself thinking it's more trouble than it's worth, you can only remap if you have an aftermarket ecu eg. EMB, MS, etc etc.., AFPR would be ok for low boost fuel control.

but if you fancy a project for the next few months, year etc then go for it

[Boabsy]

I see MX5 Mad are doing the BEGI Turbo S kit for under £1200. Realistically, what do you think a "homebrew" kit would cost? I'd be easier saving my pennies and just going for this wouldn't I?

Any thought's / experiences on the Begi setup?

http://www.mx5mad.com/begisturbo.php

[Mx5 Dan]

Yes I think you would be best to go for that kit... easier and quicker to get together than a home brew!

and less STRESS!!!! lol

Dan

[Only MX5ives]

Secondhand and taking your time I think under £500 is achieveable.

But if you have to ask then I wouldn't reccomend it.

[2Fast2Furious]

Yeah Can be done cheaper for home brew depending on how long you are willing to wait to pick up all the necessary bits !

Also you'll need a BOV/Dump Valve

[Jamie k]

I thought thats not essential?

[Andrew]

You can manage without a BOV to start with I reckon - BBR Turbos like mine have survived 5-6psi and 130-150bhp for 17 years without them.

If you can answer yes to all of the following:

You're sure you'd know what you're doing buying a turbo charger from ebay for cheap,
Are pretty sure you'd know what you're talking about when it comes to fabricating or specifying a machine shop to make a manifold and downpipe,
Aren't in any particular hurry to get this done
Are very keen to save loadsa money
Think you'd enjoy getting involved with all this yourself, and wouldn't find it too stressful if/when it gets five times more complicated than you think it is going to be right now

.....then DIY and save yourself a fortune.

Otherwise, if you can afford the kit, buy that. I would.

[2Fast2Furious]

ok !! But sounds Good

[Boabsy]

If you can answer yes to all of the following:

You're sure you'd know what you're doing buying a turbo charger from ebay for cheap - NO
Are pretty sure you'd know what you're talking about when it comes to fabricating or specifying a machine shop to make a manifold and downpipe - NO
Aren't in any particular hurry to get this done - TRUE
Are very keen to save loadsa money - VERY TRUE
Think you'd enjoy getting involved with all this yourself, and wouldn't find it too stressful if/when it gets five times more complicated than you think it is going to be right now - WOULD LIKE TO TRY BUT WOULD PROBABLY START CRYING AT SOME POINT AND GIVE UP

Otherwise, if you can afford the kit, buy that. I would - CAN'T AFFORD IT JUST NOW BUT EBAYING LIKE MAD AT THE MOMENT TO GET SOME FUNDS TOGETHER

[Team_Awesome]

I got myself a full turbo kit for £399 last month, Blitz K26 kit.

[Boabsy]

Team_Awesome, on Aug 12 2008, 05:45 PM, said:

I got myself a full turbo kit for £399 last month, Blitz K26 kit.

Where from?

[rokerman]

I think a common saying on here is...

Cheap, Reliable, Fast

Pick 2.

[Team_Awesome]

Boabsy, on Aug 12 2008, 06:13 PM, said:

Team_Awesome, on Aug 12 2008, 05:45 PM, said:

I got myself a full turbo kit for £399 last month, Blitz K26 kit.

Where from?

Good old Japan. Was a bit more expensive after delivery and VAT mind. Looks even better qualirty than in the pics and came with so much stuff. I should have car to put it on in a week or two once the work has been done on it.