I don't see how you can possibly consider a turbo if, from stock, you don't want to spend over $10,000. To do it properly, even retaining the stock bottom end, will cost well over 10 grand. IF I had a turbo car and was pushing 600-700 HP then I would want several thousand lying around to fix things as they broke.

 

It's all a question of what kind of problems you're willing to deal with (make no mistake about it, modifying ANYTHING will result in problems).

H/C/N2O- if you do like everyone else and trend towards a bigger cam, your main issue is going to be rod bolts (since H/C cars make their power by twisting the hell out of the motor) and valve springs. Sure, there are plenty of folks with H/C setups that twist 'em to 6800 or 7000 on a stock bottom end, but IMO, it's just a matter of time before something lets loose. The stock rods/bolts weren't designed with a 7000 RPM shift point in mind, so taking the motor that high will result in shortened engine life. Additionally, big cams are hard on springs. These days, a .560 lift is considered small; ANY valve spring will be taxed dealing with this kind of lift (and fast ramp rates) day in and day out. Again, there are plenty of folks that DON'T have problems with their springs, but then again, the number of people that do isn't so small as to be ignored. Lifters are another potential problem (pumping up and not allowing the valves to close all the way), as are rockers (increased spring pressure and RPM can result in the rockers spitting the needle bearings). Don't forget potential oil pump problems, either. In general, just realize that RPM (ruins people's motors) is just flat out hard on parts. Adding nitrous to the mix brings about tuning/fueling considerations.

FI: Because the turbo/blower takes care of feeding extra air into the motor, you can get away with a MUCH milder cam in an FI motor (read: no need to rev as high) than in a H/C motor. However, fueling/tuning issues are absolutely critical. A bad tune could easily result in a burned piston, etc... a LOT more easily than on a H/C car. Additionally, I haven't seen even ONE aftermarket FI car that remained in tune from day to day (read: varying weather conditions produce WILDY varying performance). Don't forget all the extra plumbing, etc... that goes along with an FI setup; extra potential for leaks, etc...

All of that being said, I'm getting ready to do a H/C setup, but I'm investing a lot more in it than most folks do; Jesel rockers, Schubeck lifters, ATI balancer, etc..., and I am planning on shifting a little lower than most folks seem to (shooting for a 6500 RPM shiftpoint on a G5 cam). Besides, I can always add boost (whether it comes from a bottle or a compressor) later... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Just my $.02...

 

What has the most potential when done to the max? Nitrous or Turbo? Assume both engines are made specifically for it. Every thing forged, big name parts. Iron blocks too if that helps. Get the best block out there and do everything to it.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Dom:
<strong>What has the most potential when done to the max? Nitrous or Turbo? Assume both engines are made specifically for it. Every thing forged, big name parts. Iron blocks too if that helps. Get the best block out there and do everything to it.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Both can make an extreme amount of power. For an all-out effort, I'd vote Turbo and a bit of nitrous.

Either can make an insane amount of power in a max-effort setup.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Personally, for BIG power, I like turbos; but for (relatively) cheap, occasional power, I prefer nitrous. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'd agree. The biggest benefit of a turbo in a street car is drivability. They drive like stock until you get on them and you don't have to fill a bottle.

Easiest and cheapest by far is H/C/Nitrous. A turbo has the potential for more power, but has a larger set of headaches.

I think the main reason you don't see a lot of turbo guys on the 1/4 list is because of the rarity of a turbo car and the goals of the owners.

 

So tell us what your budget is. IMO, JUST the LS1 Motorsports turbo kit will put you DEEP in the 11's if not 10's with the appropriate rear/tranny/suspension.
<img border="0" alt="[Firebird]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" />

 

Dom- depends on who you ask. The nitrous camp has its supporters, and the turbo camp has its supporters, too.

One thing you can do is look at the Fastest Street Car guys, the Renegade 5.0 guys, etc... to see what seems to run the hardest.

Personally, for BIG power, I like turbos; but for (relatively) cheap, occasional power, I prefer nitrous.

 

10K <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

You can do the turbo, rearend, and suspension for less than $10K. The only thing I don't know about is the tranny since you have an A4 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> .
Turbo will be cheaper in the long run since the power doesn't need to be refilled. It will also not run-out in the middle of a run <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> . Tuning will be a major issue with either one honestly.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
<img border="0" alt="[Firebird]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" />

 

Burnout:

Very well said, factual and informative posts by you! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> My two cents is to go with a kick azz heads cam package and 100/150 TNT shot. Lot less headaches and a proven 10 second set up!

MTI 427 C5 Roadster

<small>[ December 14, 2002, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: MTI 427 C5 Roadster ]</small>

 

Just got her tuned at MTI. Check my Sig for my numbers on my set-up. Sweet is the word and 10 second slips is the game with traction. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> That is what H/C and alittle spray will do you!! <img border="0" alt="[Burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />