Larger turboes??

[GLADIATOR]

Just curious if anyone has started or tried to install larger turbos on the SHO?

 

[Crash712us]

Not to my knowledge, it is my understanding the stock turbo's are quite capable of producing up to 20psi of boost. Also larger turbo's means more lag, the tiny turbo's is what gives this car its instantaneous power.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

I have seen up to 22 PSI for short bursts.... Issue is that at the top boost levels, they get peaky and can't maintain a steady boost.

HP & Boost becomes irrelevant when you can't get the power to the pavement. Have to figure out a way to balance the traction between front and rear, relative to our AWD system... See Darreli's post on the other thread....

I have determined that there is a difference in traction and weight issues between SHO & Flex. SHO is not only lighter,, but also has more weight on the front as a percentage. As I mentioned elsewhere, the rear clutches in our AWD system can only handle about 150 lbs of torque before they slip. So... the goal is to get more front traction, and effectively seeing that the rears are getting only the max of 150 PSI. If the rear hooks up due to the clutches slipping, the fronts get the extra torque. IF the front tires aren't up to the task and start to spin, the imbalance will cause our system to abort, ie.. shut down. So.. when the weather (temps & humidity) is optimum for great times, if our tires aren't up to their task of hooking up, WE ARE SCREWED!

I am very happy with my Conti DW summer tires in most situations. Highly recommend for almost all situations! However, I am convinced I need different tires for the strip, especially when it's cool or cold.

At some point we may need bigger turbos for the strip. But.. Ford has put together a very good system for almost all other situations.

 

[First-SHO]

The key with the turbo's is not only boost, but efficiency.. You can run 22 psi, but if it is not very efficient, you will not get the gains you are looking for.

I am currently working with a performance turbo manufacture on upgrading our current turbos and should have something in a couple of weeks. They inform me our current turbos are an OE Garrett GT17. I bought 2 and gave them to these guy's for upgrade. The impeller is very small, but they said there will be no problem improving them to be more efficient and able to run a more constant + higher boost. Spool time will be the same, so we will not loose the instant power.

I will keep you guy's posted.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

The other issue with higher and more consistent boost is Fuel Rail Pressure. When my boost goes up into the high teens, the FRP starts to drop. No one can tell me what a safe "Low" FRP number is... That's why I log every WOT run and watch those Lambda readings, relative to all the other logging data. And... I am running a Kenne Bell Boost-A-Pump,(only turn it on when doing WOT runs) which seems to help somewhat.

Out of curiosity, how much are the replacement turbos, and about how much do you expect to pay for modifying them?

 

[First-SHO]

Out of curiosity, how much are the replacement turbos, and about how much do you expect to pay for modifying them?

You can pickup front and rear used for about $500. Have not got cost on upgrades yet.

 

[GLADIATOR]

Thanks for the Awesome responses. I was guessing that maybe a pair of slightly larger turbos, injectors and pump, and custom tune would make it a supercar threat, but if the drivetrain isn't there for it???

 

[McGee2134]

Thanks for the Awesome responses. I was guessing that maybe a pair of slightly larger turbos, injectors and pump, and custom tune would make it a supercar threat, but if the drivetrain isn't there for it???

Last I heard there weren't any aftermarket direct injection injectors that are compatible, but that was awhile ago.

 

[darreli]

Thanks for the Awesome responses. I was guessing that maybe a pair of slightly larger turbos, injectors and pump, and custom tune would make it a supercar threat, but if the drivetrain isn't there for it???

I dont think they could ever really compete with a "supercar"...much too heavy for that. In addition, this is a direct injection vehicle, a fuel injector and fuel pump swap out isnt really that easy. The high pressure pump is what I believe will be the first thing to max out...I have to be getting pretty close but my fuel rail pressures remain ok. The problem with the high pressure fuel pump is it is driven by the camshaft which means its going to be limited by the camshaft design...this part is going to take some work. With the Ecoboost platform being as new as it is, and the fact that the demand hasnt really been there yet...it's going to take some time....if ever.

Believe me, I've been waiting for parts to become available....chomping at the bit even...but i keep getting the same response..."the demand hasnt been there"...or "it hasnt taken off like we thought it would". The turbo plan that Mike (FirstSHO) is working on and the fact that Livernois is working on a head program at least keeps me optimistic.....

 

[darreli]

Last I heard there weren't any aftermarket direct injection injectors that are compatible, but that was awhile ago.

I think the injectors themselves can flow plenty...the problem lies in the high pressure pump.

 

[GLADIATOR]

Wow...shows how much I know about the fuel injection. Looks like I am just getting a tune while I wait and see what happens in the aftermarket world once the ecoboost is really embraced by them.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

Maybe we could add another injector and aux... fuel source to the intake! LOL!!!!

Or,, a jet engine in the back of the Flex.... Simple... cut a big round hole in the tailgate!