Forced Induction Options

robeyff · Post by **robeyff** » Nov 13, 2005 7:15 PM

Will be getting new E28 RUST FREE shell this week (I hope) - transferring greeeaaat 3.4 M30 and 260 5 spd from my rust grounded 5 - since I will not have another chance for a long while to "build" an E28 from the ground up, I need to consider forced induction now - from those who have been there done that I would appreciate tips/recommendations/opinions. I am not going to track this car, I am looking to put together a light, fast, and durable E28 daily machine. It has been suggested the best way to go for a starter turbo would be to grab one from a 7 - any feedback will be helpful and put to good use. TIA.

T_C_D · Post by **T_C_D** » Nov 14, 2005 1:45 PM

TCD kit
745i bits
used Callaway, BAE or other kits

Todd

robeyff · Post by **robeyff** » Nov 14, 2005 6:30 PM

Thanks Todd -I really need help with this - talked to my shell guy; picking it up Sunday, plan on doing the transfer over the following weekend - if I'm going to do a turbo I'd like to hear from you who have them - if not I'll go with what I know (which isn't much) and hope for the best. TIA.

Boru · Post by **Boru** » Nov 14, 2005 6:36 PM

What specificly do you need to know?

robeyff · Post by **robeyff** » Nov 14, 2005 8:14 PM

What specificly do you need to know?

The specific #s of different turbo options for the M30 I can research myself.
What I am more concerned with is what are the detrimental effects of turbocharging on the M30 - what is going to wear out faster, carry more load, be under more stress. In the end this will be a decision based on my preference for power weighed against the effects of that extra power on the M30. To make an informed decision I need to hear what E28 owners with forced induction have observed in their own cars - what has worn out, how to avoid engine damage, etc. TIA.

Post by **Jeremy** » Nov 14, 2005 11:53 PM

How to avoid engine damage is an easy answer. Keep the boost levels sane and make sure your air/fuel ratio (tune) is in good order. Problems seem to develop when you keep pushing the envelope like certain individuals in this forum have a tendency to do. If you're constantly trying to tune out the knock because you're running 20psi of boost, yea, your motor's going to have a significantly shorter life.

Nobody's suffered a catastrophic engine failure running 10 pounds of boost with proper air/fuel ratios.

That said, the weakest part of the motor thus far seems to be the headgasket. This is easily solved with an MLS gasket from TCD and head studs. Next on the list of breakable items for the big boost crowd seems to be the pistons. Personally, I wouldn't worry about pistons unless you have plans for big boost (20+psi). If you've got plans like that you have a whole plethora of other considerations anyway.

The stock internals are capable of happily withstanding significant increases in power. A proper stock rebuild will yield the best possible starting place for a turbo setup.

Jeremy

[Edit by Jeremy on [TIME]1132030486[/TIME]]

Boru · Post by **Boru** » Nov 15, 2005 1:07 PM

Frank, I've been running 18-20psi for a little over 40K miles now. Todd and I have pushed these engines to break point to determine safe, long term operation limits. The only failures we have been able to produce are stock head gaskets and Todd has managed to damage a stock piston at over 20psi boost... he estimates 25psi or so... didn't get a good look as his hands were full

Now, these were/are stock engines with many miles on them BEFORE turbocharging. I currently have a stock HG with ARP studs.
My new engine will have all stock internals except for forged pistons, a new MLS head gasket and head studs and piston oil squirters.
One of these engines running 12-15psi boost will run a long long time if it is healthy to begin with.

gol10dr1 · Post by **gol10dr1** » Nov 15, 2005 2:01 PM

before i put the tcd kit on my car, i had 225,000 miles on the clock with no rebuilds but the head was reconditioned when i warped it about 30,000 miles ago. i ran non-intercooled for about a year and now i am pushing 13 psi intercooled and making 360 rwhp, sstill on stock internals. car freely revs to 6400 RPM (rev limit set we set with the tec3r) and makes increible hp and torque. i dont think you can go wrong with this kit plus it leaves plenty of room for upgrading turbos or other customization where you deem it necessary.

robeyff · Post by **robeyff** » Nov 15, 2005 3:35 PM

One of these engines running 12-15psi boost will run a long long time if it is healthy to begin with.

Thank you, that is what I need to know - the M30 I have is tight, leakdown and compression tests almost to factory specs - now, where do I find TCD equipment to fit my '86 3.4 M30? Thanks.

Bill in MN · Post by **Bill in MN** » Nov 15, 2005 3:35 PM

IMHO you money is best spent on a TCD kit. My car is a daily driver and there are times I simply forget there's a turbo up there. It's dead reliable and the amount of power that can be obtained with virtually stock internals says a lot about the M30.

If you get to the point where you want more juice there are always donor motors out there to build up and transplant at a later date. Enough power can be made from a stock motor to get a guy in serious trouble

Boru · Post by **Boru** » Nov 15, 2005 4:10 PM

[QUOTE="robeyf"]
Thank you, that is what I need to know - the M30 I have is tight, leakdown and compression tests almost to factory specs - now, where do I find TCD equipment to fit my '86 3.4 M30? Thanks.[/QUOTE]

http://www.turbochargingdynamics.com

robeyff · Post by **robeyff** » Nov 15, 2005 4:25 PM

www.turbochargingdynamics.com

Thanks. This is one operation I probably am going to leave to the experts. My BMW guru is a master and has installed many Turbos, but are there any specs I need to download before I give my M30 over for surgery? TIA.

Velocewest · Post by **Velocewest** » Nov 15, 2005 4:29 PM

Don't be fooled -- this is all you need.

With customer support FOR LIFE!!!

robeyff · Post by **robeyff** » Nov 15, 2005 4:57 PM

Don't be fooled -- this is all you need.

Well, thank you so much for your worthwhile and informative post. When I have the extra time and Euros I will be sure to invest in the wonderful opportunity you have been been so kind to bring to my attention. With your obvious insight into the cutting edge of automotive technology, we are lucky that you can still find the time to offer helpful tidbits to we who do not know.
I will order my electric turbo right away and forward your ISP to the purveyors of this wonderful product as a "hot"lead to a potential investor. :p

Boru · Post by **Boru** » Nov 15, 2005 5:50 PM

[QUOTE="robeyf"]
Thanks. This is one operation I probably am going to leave to the experts. My BMW guru is a master and has installed many Turbos, but are there any specs I need to download before I give my M30 over for surgery? TIA.[/QUOTE]

Frank, if you can operate a nut and bolt and drill/tap two holes there is no reason to pay someone to install this. Since the engine will be out of the car you have the opportunity to make things very easy. Pull the oil pan and oil filter housing to drill and tap and bolt the manifold with turbo in place.
This is a very easy installation.

[Edit by Sweeney on [TIME]1132095069[/TIME]]

Velocewest · Post by **Velocewest** » Nov 15, 2005 6:58 PM

[QUOTE="robeyf"]I will order my electric turbo right away and forward your ISP to the purveyors of this wonderful product as a "hot"lead to a potential investor. :p [/QUOTE]

Don't do that, it will ruin my plan for world domination of fake performance equipment. I'm going to undercut those guys and offer a CHROME one for $50. I'm gonna be rich, I tell ya -- RICH! BWAHAHAHAHA!

bahnstormer · Post by **bahnstormer** » Nov 15, 2005 11:27 PM

those things claim 1-2 psi of boost
i can do that just blowing into my boost gauge...
lol
so just hook up a hose to some compresser air
and flip a switch u'll be all set

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

Forced Induction Options