924Board.org

[pettybird]

OK I'm not an idiot, but searching for "first upgrades" or "MBC" netted over 9,000 responses.


I want to run 10psi in my US spec '80. What's to do? Where does the MBC plug into (i.e. where is the wastegate line?)

Is the cat-back exhaust the same as the 951?

Has anyone gutted the stock '80 cat? What gains, even seat-of-the-pants feel?


This is my first turbo car, but I'm certainly no novice to working on stuff. The water pump failed on day three of ownership so I've already gotten the timing belt job out of the way

Previous owner stated that the motor was rebuilt, but with no receipts I could say it's lined with gold, too. I only want to add another 25-35hp and not go nuts, so everything should live as designed.

Thanks

Doug

[tuurbo]

Hey Doug I'm kind of a noob to working on these cars but I can give you my $0.02.

I am still trying to get my car running properly in stock form. I've messed with water and alcohol injection but I still have to get the car perfectly running with or without the alcohol. But the alcohol is sweet. It's like running the car on a cool foggy spring morning. I use it because I want the boost around 9 PSI on the US spec.

So my feeling is you can save yourself a lot of cash and get a warm fuzzy feeling by getting the car running perfectly as the first needed step.

------------------

The manual boost controller plugs into the intake charge tube that attaches to the throttle body. Undo the hose line and insert the controller between the boost line and the intake charge tube.



The blue piece is a boost controller. I've taken the cheap route here but there are better ways to install it. Search around the site or wait for someone to pose a link showing the procedure.
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1980 924 turbo, MSD, Meth. Inj, otherwise stock.

[ideola]

I agree with turbo...the quickest, least expensive, and safest path to 10 psi is exactly what he's done: boost controller + meth injection kit. The whole upgrade can probably be done for less than $1K depending on whether you build your own water injection kit (do a search of "water injection" where author="Smoothie") or buy off the shelf systems.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[pettybird]

I don't see why the meth kit is mandatory?


Thought process: ROW cars ran 9psi without meth, with another half point of compression. From a cylinder pressure standpoint, does 1psi>0.5pt CR?

Is the HG the weak link? Obviously detonation is bad, but that's a function of good gas and timing.

[jazz guy]

[ideola]

Brian hit the nail on the head. Not mandatory...but notice my original reply: the quickest, least expensive, and safest path.


Assuming everything else is in order Probably ought to attend to ALL preventive maintenance FIRST before tweaking performance.
_________________
erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[pettybird]

How about answers to these?

Is the cat-back exhaust the same as the 951?

Has anyone gutted the stock '80 cat? What gains, even seat-of-the-pants feel?



I changed the plugs today...pulled out Champions and installed Autolites... They were a half heat range hot. I also found that the center graphite contact in the distributor cap welded itself (or something) to the rotor button, where it sanded the thing off. It's probably arcing across that gap before it gets to the plugs. That's tomorrow's fun!

[Smoothie]

[924guy]

[pettybird]

USUALLY I'm a nazi about OE plugs, but decided to see if a change in plugs at all would make a difference. I also know how easy it is to get them out...if they were buried I would have found OE!

Weird thing though--I called Stoddard for plugs and the only ones the guy found must have been Iridium--they were $17 each!

I'll check for the plug number in the factory manual unless someone knows it off the top of their head...

[Raceboy]

I'd say you buy 951 intercooler for 50$ and install it. Requires a bit of fabrication (plumbing) but is definitely doable and results are rewarding: with upped boost you'll get more power and it's MUCH safer.
_________________
'83 924 2.6 16v Turbo, 470hp
'67 911 2.4S hotrod
'90 944 S2 Cabriolet
'78 924 Carrera GT replica
'84 928 S, sold
'91 944 S2, sold
'82 924S/931 "Gulf", sold
'84 924, turbocharged, sold.
http://www.facebook.com/vemsporsche

[pettybird]

[pettybird]

I just wrote an intro thread with pics if anyone wants to see it.