B3 Turbo on a budget

[iceracerdude]

So a 5 psi boosted B3 is about like a B6 swap.

Right, but with a lot more plumbing and cost if done correctly. Don't forget, he hasn't optimized his fuel/air mixture, he's just letting the exsisting ecu tell the exsisting fuel injectors what to do. Which if fine at the 5 psi level by the way.

I'm thinking though that if you stay off the accelerator pedal, you can maximize MPGs while still having some good old power when you want it.

Also correct, that's what the American auto industry is finally getting around to doing these days. The Nissan juke for example has a small 4 banger with a turbo that puts out around the same horsepower as my wifes larger engined (2.5 liter) Rogue!

Using that "turbo formula," a B6 should increase to about 109 hp with 5 psi of boost.

This sounds really neat. Even a four psi shot of boost would give over 100 hp. Wouldn't decreasing boost make it "safer" and increase longevity? (Not only of the engine but also the stock transaxle.)

In other words, for an engine that is already healthy, spending another $300 or thereabouts for a cheap turbo system should be very cost effective.

Lucking onto a decent turbo unit for a good price would make things even better.

I would think the main beauty of this cheap setup, kept at low boost, is that you can have more power without having to figure out how to balance the fuel delivery and timing/detonation problems inherent in a higher boost system. All for minimal cost!

Am I right?

Karl

Adding turbo is always pricy, you can never use the phrase "cheap setup" and cost "effective" in the same paragraph with the word turbo, too cheap means failure, WAY too cheap mean epic failure.
I don't know who said this, or even if I'm writing it correctly, but it went something like this:
"We can make it fast, cheap, and reliable...pick any two!"
That's more than a quote to me, it's kind of a rule I don't try and break.

[Safety Guy]

So a 5 psi boosted B3 is about like a B6 swap.

I'm thinking though that if you stay off the accelerator pedal, you can maximize MPGs while still having some good old power when you want it.

Using that "turbo formula," a B6 should increase to about 109 hp with 5 psi of boost.

This sounds really neat. Even a four psi shot of boost would give over 100 hp. Wouldn't decreasing boost make it "safer" and increase longevity? (Not only of the engine but also the stock transaxle.)

In other words, for an engine that is already healthy, spending another $300 or thereabouts for a cheap turbo system should be very cost effective.

Lucking onto a decent turbo unit for a good price would make things even better.

I would think the main beauty of this cheap setup, kept at low boost, is that you can have more power without having to figure out how to balance the fuel delivery and timing/detonation problems inherent in a higher boost system. All for minimal cost!

Am I right?

Karl

[91_festy_Gl]

Not sure if 5psi is enough to make that flex pipe expand under boost but you might upgrade to hard pipe later and feel more of a punch. I believe she will hold up just fine, and if not just drop another B3 in there and experiment more! Very nice, I may have to attempt this now!

[blitzbuggy]

who cares about gas milage? its a festiva!!, it shouldnt really suffer its onlly 5 lbs of boost, its like a stand alone turbo system relying on mechanics, like the old turbo trans ams, my only concern is running it lean at wot, i would do a plug chop asap on that. other than that, Good on you man!! i was thinking somthing simmilar.

[zoom zoom]

Overall, was it worth it? I mean really..is it that much faster? Whats the gas mileage look like?

Keep us posted, I want to see how long that engine will hold up.

[iceracerdude]

This is so cool. B3T for about $200! Even if it only adds maybe 10 to 20 hp it is "bolt-on" and you don't have to take the engine apart.

Looks like plumbing, too! But that's okay.

Now if this can be refined and directions assembled for us average wrenchers, with an average cost of around $300, that would be way cool.

Could also be done to a B6 or B8, methinks?

Karl

Here's the rough formula that's used to estimate hp gains when boosting:
Take your hp and divide it by 14.7 (the metric equivelant = 1 bar) which is the pressure of the air we breath or one atmosphere. I know, some of you thought it was something like zero.
So 62hp (the factory advertized hp of the stock 1.3) divided by "14.7" gives you the number 4.21
What this number represents is: 4.21 horsepower per pound of boost!
So if he's added 5 pounds of boost, he has in essence added about 21 additional horsepower to that engine.
When he's at 5 pounds of boost he's at about 83 hp! Ask him if 83 hp feels surprising.

Additionally, if you are able to double the pressure of atmosphere (14.7 psi) (or one full bar metric) entering your engine, then effectively, you double it's "na" hp rating.
Obviously when adding that volume of air, you need to match the engines equivelant need for the fuel ratio that goes with that air...along with other very important considerations.
Never forget these two things: first is that this is a science that demands respect and precision. Second: forget that and failure is always an option.

[ruppenduro]

the oil feed is coming from the oil pressure sending unit.

the car is running awesome, boost is instant with this turbo.

[Ghost]

where are you getting your oil feed line from?

[91mcnasty]

Now that's what I call workin with what ya got!!!

[crazyrog17]

Does it matter that the VAF is sideways? What are you going to do for an air filter?

[ejp2fast]

this is sweet! keep us updated!

[festyfreak39]

holllly crap that looks scary.

but all the power to ya man!

[lil red rocket]

Ok, did that turbo just bolt on there or did u have to modify anything?

[kumalaba]

great budget job, keep us informed as you do more work!

[Grey Vw]

A real junkyard build. Radiator flex hose ftw:p