The 88 Turbo Sedan

[megu2ice]

Now that I've finally started moving forward with my turbo build, I figured I might as well start a build thread to go along with it. Hopefully this will keep me entertained while I collect all the necessary parts for this build.

I have a 1988 seta sedan in delphin grey. The odometer says 140k but I'm guessing its more like 170k, who knows. Everything else is stock and the chassis is relatively rust free. Don't know much about the car but I picked it up for a decent price and I've been happy with my purchase.

My goal for this build will be somewhere around 300hp but most importantly I want something that's going to be reliable. I'm trying to avoid having to deal with too many major issues while I'm in college without a place to get work done.

I blew my head gasket about a month ago and so I figured now would be the perfect time to prepare the engine for the turbo. I sent the head to John over at WOT-Tech and replaced the head gasket in my drive way. I picked up a set of ARP head studs and replaced every seal I could get to in the down time. Took me roughly 3 weeks to get the car running back to normal but it was well worth it. The car feels so much better than before and for being only my second head gasket replacement, I'm happy. Oh and I had John weld in a turbo drain onto my oil pan as well :)

So far I have a Holset hx35, the ARP's and I just ordered a Spec Stage 3 clutch. I'm hoping to get the clutch done this weekend in time for work on Monday, we'll see how that goes. I also sent my core to Keith today and will be running his MSPNP unit soon enough. I have everything planned out in my head but I'm willing to make some changes to the plan depending on what I find. If anyone has any turbo parts they want to get rid of let me know. I need to find some good deals in order to try and run one of John's custom log style manifolds.

I took a couple pictures while replacing the head gasket but I'll try to get into the habit of taking more pictures while I work. No one likes build threads without pictures.

My parents' garage was a mess.


Once I got the head off.



The ARPs


Almost done


Holset Hx35w, it seems to be in decent shape but what do I know. I'll get a second opinion soon. Fingers crossed.

[E30NJ]

My garage looks the same way. Haha nice build

[megu2ice]

Build Specs

New Goetze Headgasket..Done
Arp Head Studs..Done
Holset HX35..Done
Whodwho Megasquirt..Done
Innovate MTX-L Wideband..Done
36lb Injectors..Done
524td Manifold..Done
Ebay Intercooler..Done
Tial 38mm wastegate..Done
Ebay Blowoff Valve..Done
Spec Stage 3 Clutch..Done
3 Inch Exhaust..Done

Anything else I might be forgetting about? Also does anyone have any advice for the intercooler piping if I'm trying to keep my A/C? I'm going to try running the intercooler below the headlights at first but we'll see how that goes.

[mitchlevy7]

wastegate? are you planning on welding the internal WG shut? Why not use the internal?

[megu2ice]

wastegate? are you planning on welding the internal WG shut? Why not use the internal?

Im definitely running an external waste gate just not sure which brand to get. Im welding the internal one shut because it runs at like 40psi or something crazy like that.

[jaywood]

Get a Tial external gate. Best option IMO.

[ForcedFirebird]

Glad to see you make a build thread!

wastegate? are you planning on welding the internal WG shut? Why not use the internal?

Im definitely running an external waste gate just not sure which brand to get. Im welding the internal one shut because it runs at like 40psi or something crazy like that.

Correct. If you have ever driven a truck that came with the HX35, you would see boost levels are in the 40's. Even changing the actuator, the hole is just too small on the internal gate to bleed to boost off.

When you are ready for the manifold, would only be a few extra dollars if you want me to extend the turbo merge/flange and add a WG provision. ;)

[megu2ice]

Glad to see you make a build thread!






Correct. If you have ever driven a truck that came with the HX35, you would see boost levels are in the 40's. Even changing the actuator, the hole is just too small on the internal gate to bleed to boost off.

When you are ready for the manifold, would only be a few extra dollars if you want me to extend the turbo merge/flange and add a WG provision. ;)

We'll see what happens with the manifold. Its the last major decision I have left.

Get a Tial external gate. Best option IMO.

That's what I was leaning towards. What's the difference between the f38 and the mvs besides the flanges? The f38 is less so ill probably go that route. Also is 38mm enough for my setup or should I bump it up.

[ForcedFirebird]

38mm is plenty with a td or my variant to bleed enough boost to be 7-9psi no problem. Have used Tial knock offs in the past, don't rule them out if on a tight budget. If they fail, just fill the guts with authentic parts.

[megu2ice]

Went ahead and ordered a Tial 38mm wastegate. Just in case I can't get my hands on a single mass flywheel sometime soon, does anyone know if the Spec Stage 3 sb103 will work with a dual mass flywheel?

[megu2ice]

Progress! Since my last update I've been accumulating parts for the build. I think I'll have everything ordered by this upcoming weekend and then it's just a matter of putting it all together.

Got the clutch installed as well as the singlemass flywheel I picked up at the junkyard for $30. Car feels so much nicer but I definitely need to bleed the lines.



Used the bread trick to remove the pilot bearing, still amazed at how easy that was and it only took a single slice.


Clutch installed.


This week I'll be installing my gauges and attempting to fit the intercooler without removing the A/C, that'll be fun. Megasquirt got here today as well, if time permits I'll mess with that during the week.

[megu2ice]

Project Put on Hold :(

So I've come to the conclusion that I need to take a step back and stop throwing all my money into the build. Fall semester is coming up and I need to make sure I have enough left over to pay for classes, books, etc. Once I receive financial aid and I get settled in I'll pick back up from where I left off.

In the meantime I still have a ton of things to install of the car and so the project won't be at a complete standstill. I installed the whodwho unit and it was as easy as could be BUT, installing the wideband is proving to be a real pain. The sensor is seized and as a result I may have stripped it a bit :(. All the wiring is already setup but I just can't seem to get the stupid thing off. I've rented the o2 removal tools from advanced, pb blaster, heat, vice grips....nothing. I'm pretty frustrated with it at this point and I'm just going to pay someone to either get it off or weld in a new bung.

Can you tell I was getting frustrated?

[DirtyMaxTJ]

It appears that you have a pretty solid start to your turbo build. I have a set of 42 lb injectors i would be willing to get rid of. Pm me if interested.

[megu2ice]

It's time to start making some progress. I've decided to go with the 524td manifold due to price and reliability. My other option was the cxracing manifold with the wastegate provision but for slightly less, I could get the 524td setup and not have to worry about any quality issues. That being said, I'm looking for a manifold and a set of Monkey Madness adapters. If you know of any available please let me know.

Quick picture of the jaywood gauge panels. Quality is great but I'm thinking of removing the ac panel and replacing the vents. The panel doesn't allow enough air to flow and its just too hot here in florida. Ill most likely move the vacuum/boost gauge to the ash tray along with an oil pressure gauge that i'll eventually get.

[megu2ice]

Updates!!!

Its been forever since I've updated this thread.

Over the winter holidays I manage to weld up a 3 inch exhaust. Its a flex pipe, 3 summit resonator and a summit 2 chambered muffler. It was my first time welding, so the welds are horrible but it's held up so far. I'm completely happy with it as it sits a bit too low and it's still a lot louder than I expected it to be.

Also bolted up the intercooler in the same time period. Decided to remove the a/c components since it wasn't working either way but I intend to get that setup and working because florida.


Had to go back to school so progress once again stopped. Did some small things like the crankcase vent, and fixed some vacuum leaks as well as other small tasks. Got some cheap tires as well.

Finally finished it off during spring break. Roughly 10 months later and I finally was able to hit boost. Went crazy the first time I heard the blow off valve go off. I'm running ixer's spark table with some timing taken out of the top while the fuel table is being tuned. It's running okay right now but still needs some work. Haven't pushed it too hard until I'm comfortable with the tune but even at 4.5k rpm it's plenty of fun. I'll try to get this thing on the dyno as soon as I can afford to.





For being my first build ever I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.