Turbo build shopping list
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi all,

After a long chat with Richard at Mirage, I thought I'd post my provisional "shopping list" for any comments

I'm starting off with a Metro Turbo engine and I'd particularly like to improve the low to mid range torque. I'm thinking of doing -

1) Rebore
2) Rework (or exchange?) head to give a compression ratio of 8.25 to 1, lead free valve seat conversion.
3) Replace mains, big ends. Regrind crank if needed.
4) New oil pump
5) New water pump
6) Have gearbox inspected/checked (nervous about doing this myself)
7) Mini spares cross pin diff
8) Mirage motorsport MAT2S1 turbo and manifold

I was thinking of using Janspeed in Salisbury to do the machining and gearbox. Has any one any feedback on them either positive or negative? Have I missed anything out worth doing while the engine's in bits? Change final drive ratio? My mini has 7x13 inch ultralites. What does everyone think?

Forgot to ask - Engine stands, are they all much the same? Looking at a Sealey one for £51 inc vat (350Kg capacity)

Chris

Edited by Cruster on 16th May, 2011.

looks like your on the right track,
check the good/bad company section for janspeed dont think ive heard anything bad tbh

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

if you're dropping the compression ratio from standard (what's that about 9.4:1?) down to 8.25:1 won't you lose low to mid-range torque?

I suppose it depends what you are calling low to mid

1275 N/A Sprite, 998 T2 Turbo Mayfair
1275 EFi Turbo

8.25:1 is pretty low too.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

depeding on the boost you desire, and for road use/track use, i would go for about 8.5:1, i feel this is perfect, still gives good mid range pull, but the capability to run 16-18psi PROVIDING fueling and timing are spot on.

Audi s4 b5 - 470bhp & 486ft lbs

On 30th Apr, 2012 Brett said:
yeah stick the bit in and give it a wobble

You should also think about an intercooler:

I like cake!

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

i also wouldnt be starting with a metro turbo engine unless youve already got it.... a lot of money to spend for no benefit"!!

And on the 7th day........... God created turbochargers!

Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary, now that's what'll get ya!

too much advance can run a turbo lump into det very easily which is a big problem, the same with lean air/fuel mixtures, most people on here set timing at around 24/25 degrees and your looking at afr's of about 12:1 at WOT

Audi s4 b5 - 470bhp & 486ft lbs

On 30th Apr, 2012 Brett said:
yeah stick the bit in and give it a wobble

If you want to keep a close eye on you ig timing and afr, in my book the megajolt system and an afr gauge are 2 that would be added to your shopping list, they are not totally essential but I would say must haves especially for decent boost levels. Megajolt has been covered many times and IMO is pretty affordable. As for afr gauges most people use the ugeo wideband, again this is covered many times, gives a constant readout of your fuelling, I believe Richard at mirage will send you an exhuast outlet which has the required boss already on it, thats half the battle won, you could use a cheaper narrow band gauge not as good as wideband but as wil-h once said "better than nothing"

ta oli

On 5th Oct, 2014 Shauna said:
What that's crazy, you go commando hahaha! How heavy is your helmet ?

Thanks all for the replies. :)

Minor correction.... I meant Jonspeed near Birmingham not Janspeed (doh) Has anyone had an engine rebuilt by them? (Jonspeed)

Yes I guess 8.25:1 is a bit on the lowish side. I was basing that on Richard at Mirage's suggestion as it would allow for some additional boost, I understand the stock Turbo Metro runs a bit close to detonation.

Someone mentioned adding an intercooler, but I'm not certain how that would fit if I used Mirages kit (which is my current plan) I'm guessing the Turbo would have to be be remotely mounted? I've been looking (ok, lusting after) some nice examples here:

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=371975

Are there drawbacks doing this, mounting the Turbo remotely and using an intercooler? I'm guessing perhaps lag is made a little worse? But less inlet heat must help considerably? Talking out loud, I wonder if there are any engineering firms who'd undertake the necessary fabrication of the required plumbing and if so, what the costs involved might be... maybe another route to look at....?

Cheers,

Chris

No need to remote mount the turbo to fit an ic, simply pipes between the turbo outlet and carb inlet,, many on here have a mirage setup, decent ic and fit it all in a roundnose mini, If you havent already - www.turbo-mini.com is very helpful, also the search on here is very good all for research.

As for Jonspeed, I know there are a few people who have used them and have no probs, based on my own dealings I wouldnt give then the steam off my piss.

oli

On 16th May, 2011 Cruster said:
Thanks all for the replies. :)

Minor correction.... I meant Jonspeed near Birmingham not Janspeed (doh) Has anyone had an engine rebuilt by them? (Jonspeed)

Yes I guess 8.25:1 is a bit on the lowish side. I was basing that on Richard at Mirage's suggestion as it would allow for some additional boost, I understand the stock Turbo Metro runs a bit close to detonation.

Someone mentioned adding an intercooler, but I'm not certain how that would fit if I used Mirages kit (which is my current plan) I'm guessing the Turbo would have to be be remotely mounted? I've been looking (ok, lusting after) some nice examples here:

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=371975

Are there drawbacks doing this, mounting the Turbo remotely and using an intercooler? I'm guessing perhaps lag is made a little worse? But less inlet heat must help considerably? Talking out loud, I wonder if there are any engineering firms who'd undertake the necessary fabrication of the required plumbing and if so, what the costs involved might be... maybe another route to look at....?

Cheers,

Chris

On 5th Oct, 2014 Shauna said:
What that's crazy, you go commando hahaha! How heavy is your helmet ?

i would steer clear of jonspeed, heard a few bad reveiws

the standard metro turbo runs a c r of 9.4:1, which with an intercooler fitted is good for 10psi, again, if fueling and timing are spot on.

the intercooler is basically fitted inline of the plenum and turbo up-pipe, jon (giallofly does the required mods for £70, or a freind of nics did a stainless plenum, not sure if he still does, i think there £120.

Audi s4 b5 - 470bhp & 486ft lbs

On 30th Apr, 2012 Brett said:
yeah stick the bit in and give it a wobble

just to point out, my cr is 8.1:1 and i have a Close ratio box with a 2.9FD and its a bastard to get going. need boost to get a good start.

i bet you love a hill start then

1293 Turbo mini

That's interesting advice about (not) lowering the compression ratio, sounds to me like it's not the way to go... thanks for the warning! The plenum mod for the intercooler sounds very interesting, I'll see if I can find that here. (Edit: found and pm sent - thanks for that!) Cheers all

Chris

Edited by Cruster on 17th May, 2011.

Have a look if you haven't already: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=6&fr=0