help with turbo big block
Hi all, im new here and hoping to get some help with a project I'm working on, I'm restoring a 68 Dodge d100 with a 400 big block that im going to rebuild, I want to put a turbo setup on it (obviously) im trying to do this for as cheap as I can. I'm not looking to build anything to radical and as inexpensive as I can without cutting corners or anything, im looking to keep this thing under 6000 rpm I want a low rpm torque monster. Now I know buying used turbos can be scary but I feel that I have enough knowledge of turbos to hopefully pick some good ones. So my first thought was to use a couple turbos from some eclipses/talons but wasnt really sure if these were enough for this big of a motor, than I thought about maybe one from a cummins? Really want to go the twin turbo route, but im sure doing a single would be cheaper, so I'm looking for any good advice on these thoughts of mine but open to others. Ultimate goal is 500+ torque with out going crazy putting money in the engines itself, I plan on using upgraded rings and bearings arp bolts things like that, I know these 400 big blocks are pretty strong so I don't think my 500 Mark is to crazy! Thanks for looking can't wait for responses back
Re: help with turbo big block
Cool project! I have a 72 D100 with a 440 and 4 speed I have thought about going the turbo route to.
Will the engine be converted to FI or kept with a Carb?
Re: help with turbo big block
Thanks man your project as well sounds cool, love old Dodge trucks I'm thinking about converting mine to a 4spd from a b-body or something. Plans are to use a carb
Re: help with turbo big block
Go EFI with a Holset (or two), you won't be sorry.
Re: help with turbo big block
Welcome to the forum!
What are yoru plans? Cruiser? Racer? Dyno king?
For a medium build on 400ci twin Garrett T03's would do OK... not sure if you would need to go bigger though cuz I think carbs may get tricky at anything above 5psi boost.
+1 for EFI
Re: help with turbo big block
K so I guess im going to look into a efi setup, I imagine they aint cheap but maybe I can find something used, I'm looking to make mostly a cruiser that might see a little track time. Well time to search online for a efi system and look into holsets a little more! Thanks for the feedback so far
Re: help with turbo big block
The best EFI ECU "bang for the buck" (especially if you like DIY electronics) is probably Megasquirt...
Another option would be to find a used FAST classic EFI, Electromotive, Hlatech or other older system that still does what it was designed to do at a fraction of the cost of a new Big Stuff III, AEM, XFI, etc..
Re: help with turbo big block
Re: help with turbo big block
You guys are awesome so much helpful info already! Thanks for the links and different efi options looks like I got some Internet surfing to do, again thank you!
Re: help with turbo big block
I would look at using a megasquirt with Ford EDIS for ignition. That way you won't have to worry about your advance curve and having to run a MSD retard box. See if you can source a used Holley EFI throttle body and either have an intake modified or buy the Edelbrock already set up for EFI.
Re: help with turbo big block
Quote:
Originally Posted by
moparman76_69
I would look at using a megasquirt with Ford EDIS for ignition. That way you won't have to worry about your advance curve and having to run a MSD retard box. See if you can source a used Holley EFI throttle body and either have an intake modified or buy the Edelbrock already set up for EFI.
Since I already got the perfect intake for this and have found a guy online that can machine it I'm going to go that route seeing how the edelbrock is for the raised block motors it would need to be machined anyways, think I might go with the megasquirt setup you mentioned or I was looking at fast systems as well but need to check into pricing. Thanks for the advice it helps a lot, probably one of the most helpful forums ive been to yet
Re: help with turbo big block
Megasquirt is cheap, but it's just the computer. If you get it, make sure you get the harness for it also. Then you have to buy all the sensors, build your fuel sytem (rails, injectors, pump, throttle body, regulator etc), buy the parts for the ignition system and mount them... not that it can't be done cheap still, but it does add up. Buy a complete system, and you get most, if not all of that system at once and just install it and start tuning. You will need a laptop to tune any of them.
Re: help with turbo big block
Quote:
Originally Posted by
moparmorrell
Thanks for the advice it helps a lot, probably one of the most helpful forums ive been to yet
We got a great group of Turbo and Shelby Dodge hot rodders here... :thumb:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Force Fed Mopar
Megasquirt is cheap, but it's just the computer. If you get it, make sure you get the harness for it also. Then you have to buy all the sensors, build your fuel sytem (rails, injectors, pump, throttle body, regulator etc), buy the parts for the ignition system and mount them... not that it can't be done cheap still, but it does add up. Buy a complete system, and you get most, if not all of that system at once and just install it and start tuning. You will need a laptop to tune any of them.
Good point on the periferals... Most EFI setups are just the electronics (ECU and harness, maybe sensors) and you have to build your own fuel supply while some others are more "systems" and come with fuel and ignition systems bundled
For sensors... Most EFI systems need the following sensors:
MAP - 3-Bar good to ~30psi
02 - get system with WB (wideband) feedback and it will pay for itself in incredibly easier tuning
TPS
Coolant Temp
Charge Air Temp
...Some also use Knock Sensor and AIS (idle)
Re: help with turbo big block
yeah you guys deffintely know your stuff, im thinking i might look for a more complete system, im sure i could figure it all out but for my first turbo project i want to make it as easy as i can and spending a little extra money wont kill me! im sure yourtired of me saying this every post but thanks again you guys rock:thumb: and im going to use this forum religiously:hail:
Re: help with turbo big block
I didn't read all this, but there is no way in hell a DSM turbo is large enough (even two is quesitonable). I could however see a Holset working fine.
Re: help with turbo big block
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbodaytona87
I didn't read all this, but there is no way in hell a DSM turbo is large enough (even two is quesitonable). I could however see a Holset working fine.
ive been leaning towards holsets anyways, i know one dsm deffintely wouldnt work but i figured two might but thats why im here asking you guys. but with that suggestion im deffintly going the holset direction
Re: help with turbo big block
Maybe an HX55 for a single?
Re: help with turbo big block
Quote:
Originally Posted by
wallace
Maybe an HX55 for a single?
Are these something I can find used easily?
And for my next questions what mods need to be done to the diesel turbos to work? If any
Re: help with turbo big block
As long as you have the correct exhaust flange and oil fitting it'll work like any other turbo. My friend had a turbo Gram Am that ran a holset.
Re: help with turbo big block
Pair of HX35's and a good intercooler would probably work good for his goals.