I'm interested in knowing what parts are needed and approximate cost to add a turbo to a 232 inline 6 in a 76 amc hornet.The factory specs claim 100 hp from factory.Ideally I'd like to see 225 hp.I'm looking for what it takes to get the job done and nothing more.If I go with a turbo I plan to use a jeep 4.0 efi system.If I don't go turbo I'll buy a v8 for it.I know the jeep 4.0 engine is a bolt in swap.I'm looking only for information on turbocharging the original 232 inline.I have tons of info on swaps,etc.I've read a bunch of turbo forums but am hoping someone will help me make a parts list.I'm trying to get into this turbo era but it makes my head hurt.
How about going period correct and duplicating the turbo parts and pieces that were fitted to the Buick 231 when they built the Grand Nationals?
Could be really cool, different, right for the period, and correct for your engine displacement.
Maybe?
Bit of an open ended question; from someone else busy turbocharging an older American inline six, I can say it's going to be a lot of fabrication. A general parts list would look something like this:
- Jeep EFI manifold with fuel rail and pressure regulator
- Larger injectors (around 30 lb/hr would be good)
- High pressure fuel pump
- Modified fuel lines to add fuel return
- Engine management
- Turbo
- Turbo oil lines
- Intercooler
- Intercooler piping
- Up-pipe from exhaust manifold to turbo, or fabricated turbo manifold
- Downpipe and modifications to exhaust
I'm ok with the fab work.I have no clue what size or brand of turbo I need.Do I get a turbo that doesn't require an external wastegate and if so which turbo.I have a pretty good handle on the exhaust fab,locating the turbo,etc.I mostly am hoping that someone can help me pick the specific turbo,intercooler,etc. to get.I'm thinking I'll go with megasquirt for engine management.Brand and size of what's needed to work together,etc.Hey MadScientistMatt tell me about your project or give me a link to the build if you will.
singledownloop wrote:
I mostly am hoping that someone can help me pick the specific turbo,intercooler,etc. to get..
Best start here: Not the only reference but a VERY good one.
http://www.squirrelpf.com/turbocalc/
To you plan on upgrading to the 4.0L head since it flows better and allows you to use the 4.0L EFI manifolds or are you keeping the one from the 232? If you keep the 232 I believe the 87-91 Renix 4.0L manifold will bolt to that head.
Boostwerksengineering.com offers a log turbo manifold for the 4.0L for $700. If you want to go the DIY route he sells the flanges separate if you contact him. Flanges plus some weld elbows will cost about $200. Cheapest option is to hack up a renix manifold, add a T3 flange, and make your own log manifold for cheap. Just make sure to brake it a bunch it can crack from the weight of the turbo since the metal is thin. I’ve also seen people route the exhaust under then engine and up on the passenger side and mount the turbo there. Google the Bank Sidewinder 4.0L turbo kit.
Oil feed line you can tap off the sending unit on the passenger side and run the line behind the head.
Not sure what your budget is for a turbo but I’ve used a Chinese 50 trim T3T4 on a 4.0L. It starts spooling around 1600 RPM’s with 10 psi by 3000.
Check out this turbo Gremlin build thread for more ideas.
http://amccars.net/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1266552424/0
One difficulty in using 4.0 efi in older stuff is that the crank position reluctor wheel is on the flywheel and the crank sensor is in the bellhousing. So you need to do something for a crank sensor. There is an aftermarket option that mounts to the balancer, but its a little spendy. If you want to keep the I6 would swap in the complete 4.0 since you are chasing power. I know the heads flow better on those, and I couldn't imagine that a complete 4.0 would be that much more expensive than buying just the fuel injection. There is a guy on pirate4x4 forums who is a jeep I6 guru. He has done many strokers and turbo builds on there. But just search and read. Don't go in there asking a bunch of questions, they get a little hostile.
Hey thanks for the links and advice guys.PseudoSport I've been looking at Boostwerksengineering.com for a while,good stuff.Since he builds the manifolds as ordered I thought about asking if he's build one to fit the 232.I was hoping to limit the costs to $2000 or so.
I wanted to add that shooting for $2000 or so is if I build the manifold and all other fabrication.Also does not include engine management.Just the "hard" parts so to speak like the turbo,etc.
A normally aspirated 4.0 with a bit of work should get close to 225 by itself--they were 190 stock. Header, cam, tune...
$2000 into building an AMC 360 should get into the 325-375 hp range I would think. Plus it wouldn't even be any heavier. Then afterwards if you still have the turbo itch put on that baby. And buy stock in a tire company.
