Turbo 914 (1.8 type-4), Turbocharging my 1.8 type-4 for a school project... can anyone give me some advice? Options

[holtby914]

hello,

I am an automotive engineering student at the University of Windsor. I am trying to somehow incorporate the restoration of my 914 into my education somehow. After talking to many of my professors a few of them are suggesting I try and turbo the original 1.8l type-4 came in the car. I have the entire case completely apart, down to the crank, and am at the stage where I'm getting ready to start blueprinting this engine. However, it seems that turbo type-4's are not very common, and I do not seem to understand why. I am ready to take on the challenge, however, I would love some advice (combinations, etc.).

I am thinking that I will keep stock crank and rods, and get some JE forged pistons (not sure of size yet). Was also thinking I port the stock heads. However, beyond that, i have planned anything.

cheers,

Blake

[holtby914]

No, my savings account isn't huge, however, I have lots of parts, multiple engines, and transmissions, and am a pretty handy kid in the garage I would say, and have rebuilt a few engines (mainly SBC's). I do have tons of support from my professors and will have access to engine dynos and lots of technical help from them whenever I need. I know its crazy, but if it was easy everyone would do it. My father just bought a '74 "stock 914" that I can drive whenever I want. If I wanted a stock running car, I would go find a clean shell and get it running. I know it's going to be lots of work, but that's why I am doing it, it's for learning. Like I said, I'm not looking to get this finished by the summer, I'm taking my time, working on one step at a time. I bet many people told you, that what you were doing was crazy, but that didn't seem to stop you either (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Bellow is a video I have made, with the help of a friend describing the build if anyone is interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eWMMq30Yyc&t=6s

[McMark]

I bet many people told you, that what you were doing was crazy, but that didn't seem to stop you either (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

You completely misunderstand. I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't. I'm saying the chassis is more important, and the bottom line of what I'm saying is that you should focus on that exclusively first. But you're FULLY capable of doing a turbo build. It's not rocket science. I'll gladly help. I'll share everything I know. But I've seen a lot of newbies come through here with grand ideas, only to get burned out, stalled, and give up.

If you wanna jump on it all right outta the gate, lets do it. What do you want to know?

I used a K03 turbo off of a 1.8VW/AUDI engine for my engine. I built a custom exhaust header using prebent piping from Summit Racing. I chose to put the turbo up high to allow for gravity oil drain and that worked fine for me. It also kept plumbing to a minimum. I'm running about 7lbs of boost and because of the small turbo there's no noticeable turbo lag. It's just always there. During testing and fiddling with the turbo settings I saw boost as high as 1bar. Didn't blow anything up right away.

You're going to be dealing with heat if you're trying to make big power from a small engine using a turbo. And unlike water-cooled cars, there's not much you can do that isn't fantastically expensive. So you have to give up some potential (in my opinion) to play it safe.

I think fuel injection is necessary for a well built turbo engine. Carbs can be run, and people have done it successfully, but it's always a bit of a hack.

So what else do you wanna know?

[holtby914]

I bet many people told you, that what you were doing was crazy, but that didn't seem to stop you either (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

You completely misunderstand. I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't. I'm saying the chassis is more important, and the bottom line of what I'm saying is that you should focus on that exclusively first. But you're FULLY capable of doing a turbo build. It's not rocket science. I'll gladly help. I'll share everything I know. But I've seen a lot of newbies come through here with grand ideas, only to get burned out, stalled, and give up.

If you wanna jump on it all right outta the gate, lets do it. What do you want to know?

I used a K03 turbo off of a 1.8VW/AUDI engine for my engine. I built a custom exhaust header using prebent piping from Summit Racing. I chose to put the turbo up high to allow for gravity oil drain and that worked fine for me. It also kept plumbing to a minimum. I'm running about 7lbs of boost and because of the small turbo there's no noticeable turbo lag. It's just always there. During testing and fiddling with the turbo settings I saw boost as high as 1bar. Didn't blow anything up right away.

You're going to be dealing with heat if you're trying to make big power from a small engine using a turbo. And unlike water-cooled cars, there's not much you can do that isn't fantastically expensive. So you have to give up some potential (in my opinion) to play it safe.

I think fuel injection is necessary for a well built turbo engine. Carbs can be run, and people have done it successfully, but it's always a bit of a hack.

So what else do you wanna know?

Here are the drawings i made:


Very simple, most of my class had no idea what a turbo system even was so i didnt go into crazy detail.