im new to the group, so i have some dumb questions. ive got a 98 gs, im dying to get it faster, it has no performance mods, so im basically stock(except for the stereo system).
well, now on to the dumb questions:
1. how much can i expect to pay to turbo charge my car?
2. how much horsepower in this single mod can i realistically expect?
3. how tough is it to install?
and now, please hold your laughter, because it is a legit question,
4. can someone explain to me breifly what all the parts to a turbo system are, and how it all works?

i know these questions all sound a little naive, but im new to the whole business of import cars, spent all my adult life tinkerin on old jeeps.

thanks,
thomas

LAST EDITED ON 03-Apr-01 AT 07:06 PM (PST)

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im new to the group, so i have some dumb questions. ive got a 98 gs, im dying to get it faster, it has no performance mods, so im basically stock(except for the stereo system).

well, now on to the dumb questions:
1. how much can i expect to pay to turbo charge my car?
2. how much horsepower in this single mod can i realistically expect?
3. how tough is it to install? and now, please hold your laughter, because it is a legit question,
4. can someone explain to me breifly what all the parts to a turbo system are, and how it all works?

i know these questions all sound a little naive, but im new to the whole business of import cars, spent all my adult life tinkerin on old jeeps.

thanks,
thomas
________________________________________________________________

First thing first, I hope you are ready to whoop some honduhs with the talk you are talkin'... turbos and all...

Also, there are no dumb questions...

To answer Q # 1, it depends. Are you looking for stage 1 or 2? How much are YOU willing to spend? What are your expectations/wishes for your car ultimately? These are questions that need to be answered before we can tell you a specific dollar amount. Typically, they range from $2100 to $3400 dollars, depending on where you purchase.

Q #2, stage 1 should put you near 200 HP at the flywheel (5psi). Stage 2 should put you are 250 HP (8psi). Please correct me if I'm wrong everyone since these numbers are from memory.

Q #3, This one depends on your mechanical aptitude. If you can replace a head gasket and feel comfortable in a garage, you could probably attempt the install yourself. Not everyone is willing to try this. If someone else installs, like a speed shop, you also get after the install support... This does add to the final price though...

Q #4, the major parts are as follows:
1)exhaust manifold - this is what the turbo mounts to. This replaces your stock manifold. There are different designs and materials that are used. This basically directs the exhaust gases to the turbine to produce the power needed to compress the intake charge.
2)Turbo - the part of the kit that makes everyone's mouths water. Driven by exhaust and compresses the intake air, effectively forcing air into the intake manifold
3)intercooler (optional depending on stage level) - cools the intake charge since pressurizing air makes it HOT!!! very necessary at higher boost levels to minimize intake temps and to reduce the risks of detonation (very bad)
4)downpipe - basically the pipe that connects the turbo to the rest of the exhaust system. 3" is about the preferred size if available to minimize backpressure.
5)fuel system - handled differently by different companies. Just makes sure you have enough fuel to match the amount of air you shove in your engine... very important. Did I mention it is important? By the way, it's important...
6)wastegate (internal/external) - the mechanical part that regulates the boost in lay man's terms. This part allows you to boost to a predetermined level, whether with a boost controller or a different spring...
7)gauges - very important to monitor what is going on in the combustion chamber. The minimums I recommend are Air/Fuel, Exhaust Gas Temp, and Boost, bot necessarily in that order.

For the real low down, I recommend Corky Bell's book "Maximum Boost". It is real informative and you won't want to put it down once you start.

Ihope some of this helps...
DoN
'99 GS Sports Edition
Star Stage 2, CFDF Clutch
Greddy Manual Boost Controller
Greddy BOV and EVO Exhaust
Greddy TT and shift knob
AF/X Underdrive Pulley
AEM Big Brake Kit
B&M Edge Short Shifter
Eibach Sportlines with Tokiko Blues

'99 Eclipse GS Sports Edition
Star Stage 2
Greddy EVO Exhuast
AEM Big Brakes
Greddy Type S BOV
Pioneer DEH-P7200
Bazooka EL1500 running 2 MTX 10" Subs
Fosgate Separates throughout

if you want a quick explanation of car inner workings including turbos check out www.howstuffworks.com
their animated videos of the camshaft system and combustion cycle are awesome

http://www.geocities.com/blue2gnt

1995 Eclipse GS - HRC Stage 2 - Retired.
2004 350z Enthusiast / 2008 Nissan Versa SL

Well said Don, I'm impressed.

You hit it all on the head. A lot of people overlook gauges, which are important to make sure everything is ok. Plus small things like gauge pillar pods, and extra features such as turbo timers help too.

Basically, for turbocharged applications, you want the smallest amount of backpressure possible. This means 3" cat-back exhaust systems, the largest downpipe you can find, and a nice sized catalytic converter. The turbo system itself comes with the intake and other supporting mods that are needed to safely boost your 420a.


-Jeff
HRC Super 16G on the way!

http://gs.dsmpower.com