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QC DSM ESiT
06-26-2006, 01:00 AM
Hello, I'm new to this whole older factory dodge turbo thing so I was hoping you guys might be able to tell me some information. I just bought a 89 Dodge Caravan turbo and I don't know very much about it. I know it's a 2.5L turbo and that's about it. I was hoping you guys might be able to tell me as much as possible about this vehicle. The more detailed the better. Thanks in advance guys.

Some background info about me too. I am quite familiar with turbo vehicles. I have as a daily driver a 84 Saab 900 Turbo and as a toy I have a Eagle Talon ESi which is a stock non-turbo which I then added a turbosystem to. I love turbos and hope now to have one of those minivans that people hear so much about that will beat most cars on the street. :evil:

Darkwolf
06-26-2006, 02:34 AM
http://www.turbominivan.com/index.html
http://www.thedodgegarage.com/
Two good places to start. The turbo database section under FWD TECH on the dodge garage site is stuffed full of good info.

85shelbycharger
06-27-2006, 09:57 PM
You're correct. '89 Turbo Caravan will have the 2.5 Turbo 1 motor, and I'm assuming it is an automatic? (there are some turbo vans out there that came with a factory 5 speed.) The sites that Darkwolf listed are very good reference sites and you can learn alot from them.

Here is another site that I've found to be very useful: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/index.html
That site has a listing of all the fault codes and their meanings which will help you out big time if the van starts to act up and throw codes.

If you're looking to make it faster, here are two good sources for some aftermarket go-fast goodies:
http://www.fwdperformance.com
http://www.turbosunleashed.com

QC DSM ESiT
06-28-2006, 03:56 AM
yeah you guessed right, it is an automatic. Thanks for the sites guys, I will post up some pictures on probably Friday for you guys to see. I hope to make it faster eventually but for now it will be mostly a daily driver. Anymore info or anything like that is appreciated. Thanks guys.

BIG PSI
06-28-2006, 09:10 AM
You will love the Mini Van they are very addicting. I have three at the present time. Where are you located at and what is your first name?

Chuck

QC DSM ESiT
06-28-2006, 02:05 PM
You will love the Mini Van they are very addicting. I have three at the present time. Where are you located at and what is your first name?

Chuck

Located in Davenport, IA. My name is Jordan. Why do you ask sir?

I hope to make this Mini fast but when I was testing it, it sure felt extremely slow. Although I have another project car, I think this one will be a lot of fun to make fast. There are already people who think I'm crazy for getting this. Muhahahaha little do they know :evil:

Darkwolf
06-28-2006, 04:24 PM
Thats cause they are extremely slow :). The computer limits you to 5psi under 4k rpms 9psi over and the turbo spools slow as hell. Put a manual boost controller on it and it will feel a lot more spunky even at stock boost settings.

BIG PSI
06-28-2006, 04:46 PM
[QUOTE=QC DSM ESiT]

Located in Davenport, IA. My name is Jordan. Why do you ask sir?


The reason I asked where you were; was if you were closer to me I could help you out with the Mini. But I am in NE Ohio. So if you need help it will have to be on the net.

I have a slightly modified Mini that ran 14.32 @ 92.00, still on the stock turbo.

PS--good to meet you, Jordan

Regards
Chuck

Directconnection
06-28-2006, 06:32 PM
Yeah...they are dog slow in stock trim...but thanks to factory turbocharging it's nothing a little...well...alot of boost can't fix!

Check out Paul Smith's site and Gus Mahon as well. Both are the fathers of the fastest turbo minis at one time. 12.6 and 13.1

Gus ran a 13.9 on the stock turbo with a spearco and 3" exhaust.

QC DSM ESiT
06-29-2006, 12:56 AM
Well I certainly look forward to getting some of your online help guys. I will also try to get some pictures up this weekend. I plan on doing all routine maintence stuff on it first while upgrading some things here and there. Just a quick question for you though BIG PSI. What all have you done to your Mini and about how much would you say you have into it (as far as cash amont) to get it that fast?

beavis1313
06-29-2006, 06:50 AM
I have fun with my vans
I have run 15.3s with my stock Black cherry 90 van . the only things I did to do it is a zeinor diode( to elimate over boost) , granger valve set to 16psi & race gas. except for the boost and A/F gauge everything else on it is how it came from the factory