Turbocharging my midas

[wolfie]

I'm trying to decide which way to go with upping the power. I can't decide whether to further tune my normally aspirated engine or go the turbo route or the more involved engine swap (cant decide on an engine for this option).
I know a few people have gone down the turbo route and wondered how you've found it and whether you would recommend any mods or run it as standard. If I do go this way the only mod i'd thought of was an intercooler.
The car is going to be used fairly regularly so reliabilty and thirst for overpriced fuel come into the equation

[Hans Efde]

I have a turbo engined convertible. I hope to make it at Stoneleigh so you can take a look at it. Concerning fuel consumption and reliability these things are not the best. Can't beat them for funfactor though. But better to have a large bore engine with a high diff. I had an Avonbar 1400 with 3.1 diff. in my Gold coupe. The best combination ever. Fast, powerful, great sound, reliable, at speed accetable noise. And fuel consumption was very impressive.
The turbo is just fast, powerful and a great sound!

[rocketron]

Simplest solution, go for a well built A-series of at least 1340cc, if not a 1380 with on-centre bores which would allow one more re-bore facility to 1400: blocks will get rarer! Bear in mind that an A-series cylinder block material is very soft compared to Ford/Vauxhall, so bores will tend to wear out a bit earlier, especially if high compressions and revs are used regularly. The last 1380 I built did 85k with no problem, though new shells and bearings, oil pump, timing chain fitted and head re-grind at 65k (preventative maintenance!). I've never fitted liners, which have a better material for bore longevity.

I'm particularly impressed with Suzuki Swift 1300 GTI, 16v, 115bhp, fuel injection, 5speed, cat if desired and bomb-proof. It seems a straight forward enough installation, goes very nicely and takes off above 4000rpm. There's an import turbo Swift GTI locally with 170bhp at the wheels and I've got my eye on it! Have been offered another Swift GTI with fsh, one lady owner (obviously, and only used for going to church!) and 82k for £250, so why go elsewhere? Local minis seem to get 50mpg driven sensibly and speeding tickets when not! To my mind, this merits serious consideration.
regards, Ron.

[wolfie]

Think I might look into that swift gti option. Will let you all know if I decide to go for it