I've been watching this thread on installing a turbo in an old Hiace truck. Unfortunately, it ended in failure with what sounds like some piston ring blowby. I own one of these trucks and it sure would be nice to have just a little more power, but as you can see in the OP's posts, the big issue is packaging in the engine bay. As a cabover truck, there isn't much room in there, and when you add the shift linkages running through the exhaust area, there is even less room. A lot of compromises have to be made, part modified, etc... At it's root, engineering is balancing compromises, right?
I've been considering a remote turbo installation. The turbo isn't on the exhaust manifold, it's plumbed into the exhaust down the line a bit. These are pretty common in racing and other areas of motorsport and motor-enthusiast. I'm thinking there is space just aft of the engine or just behind the passenger cabin. I don't need to mount it all the way back like the sports car guys.
Pros:
It seems the spooling issue is real, but with my slow-af truck, I don't care at all, especially since the turbo gets to pressure and stays there. I'm also not worried about losing a little performance in reduced exhaust temps at the turbo. My modest 7-11 psi system will be just fine.
Has anyone here added a remote turbo? What was your experience? It's looking like a really good option.
I've been considering a remote turbo installation. The turbo isn't on the exhaust manifold, it's plumbed into the exhaust down the line a bit. These are pretty common in racing and other areas of motorsport and motor-enthusiast. I'm thinking there is space just aft of the engine or just behind the passenger cabin. I don't need to mount it all the way back like the sports car guys.
Pros:
- Eliminates engine bay packaging problems
- Reduces heat in engine bay
- reduces EGTs
- Use stock manifold (need to add EGT bung)
- Reduces heat in passenger cabin (driver sits above exhaust manifold)
- Increased oil routing
- Requires scavenger pump to return oil
- Requires oil sump to ensure proper pump operation
- slower spool-up
- colder exhaust = less power
- More exposed oil path
- Possible pump failure
It seems the spooling issue is real, but with my slow-af truck, I don't care at all, especially since the turbo gets to pressure and stays there. I'm also not worried about losing a little performance in reduced exhaust temps at the turbo. My modest 7-11 psi system will be just fine.
Has anyone here added a remote turbo? What was your experience? It's looking like a really good option.
