Converting my 1293 N/A to Turbo
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi guys,

I've currently got a 1293 N/A and looking to start gathering parts for building it into a GT17 turbo motor. I'm just wondering what parts I can reuse / re-machine and what parts I'd need to buy new. Looking at some of the build threads it seems like there is a lot of custom work that goes into making up some of the bits required. Hopefully you can help me out a little with what I've got.

Current engine is a 1293 A+ block.
296 cam
Very good spec head with 37/31 valves but think only about 21cc chambers (may be wrong here)
Centre main strap and ultralight verto flywheel and clutch from MED.
Megajolt (MAP)
Think it is about 11:1 compression ratio
Close ration helical box with SC Drops
This engine makes 100hp at the fly.

I would be looking at about 170-180hp from the new turbo engine without going ridiculous on power.

I know I'm going to need to source a turbo - ebay seems to be a mass of shitty old ones with play in them, has anyone on here got one for sale at the moment? do people use a standard plenum or get these custom fabricated? external wastegates.

What inlets do people use? I think I'm going to try and get a matty manifold.
Need a new fuel pump and pressure reg. a turbo hif44 and a shit load of pipe work by the looks of things.
Reckon I'll just splash out on new omega 18cc pistons.

Is there a decent guide as to what needs plumbing in where for oil and water take offs?

Hope you can help answer a few of these questions.

Cheers

Andy

Hi mate,

I would say the best way to learn is to read up before you spend your cash, you have most of the stuff you need.

Have a good look/read at some of the build pages on here first, this will give you some good ideas of where to start.

Also don't forget the Search is your New best mate.
simon.

I have started posting on Instagram also my name on there is turbomk1golf

Nothing is impossible it just costs more and takes longer.

My main question really is could the head be re used and the chambers opened out to suit.

Have a chat with Turbo Phil also have a look at his website as well.

I have started posting on Instagram also my name on there is turbomk1golf

Nothing is impossible it just costs more and takes longer.

You could open up the head to give the desired CR or you could use the 18cc pistons. However 37/31 valves means little meat between the valves which could be a weakness with a turbo. I would sell the head and get another one more suited.

Ditch the 296 and get something like an Avonbar Ph2.

Uprate the clutch to handle the torque. Double up the diaphram springs on what you have. Search "Clutch thoughts".

Saul Bellow - "A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep."
Stephen Hawking - "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge."

aren't the valve guides different in a turbo head? that and the cc is the only thing i can think off.

edit & what paul said so i look smart

Edited by t@z on 23rd Oct, 2012.

The valve guides are bigger to accomodate the sodium filled exhaust guides fitted to the standard metro turbo head. However, nobody uses sodium filled valves in modified heads that I know of.

On 23rd Oct, 2012 t@z said:
aren't the valve guides different in a turbo head? that and the cc is the only thing i can think off.

edit & what paul said so i look smart

http://www.twin-turbo.co.uk
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A man without a project is like a like a woman without a shopping list.

is 2mm of play in a GT17 too much?

Yes

Drives
-Ford S-max Mk2 Ecoboost
-Rover 100 VVC #2 - track project

Searching is all you need on TurboMinis

Also, what carb have you already got? It is easy to convert a non-turbo HIF to turbo applications

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

it's a standard hif44 so yes I will look into it. I was reading about the conversion the other night. Is it really as simple as just building it with a turbo rebuild kit and machining the groove out of the body?

Can this be taken out by using a rebuild kit or is it worth steering clear?

I rebuild kit might fix the play, but I would be concerned that either the compressor and/or turbine wheel would be damaged to the the play.

"So wat we gonna do tonight Brain?"
"Same thing we do evernight Pinky!"
"Try to take over the world!"