Twin sidies or turbo?

white_esky · 02-07-2009, 03:42 PM

Hi all, I got a bit of a dilemma...

I have a MKII 4 door Escort that has a 2L pinto engine in it, with sierra EFI gear bolted to the side, and some form of mutant frankenstein turbo on the other side... Weird combination of a Saab and a Holden (i still don't have the heart to tell the holden boys it's actually a Nissan turbo...)

The engine is supposedly managed by a LT4 Microtech computer, the diff is locked and the body is REALLY straight, albiet in need of another coat of paint.

My question is... From a performance/reliability standpoint, should i persivere and try and get the turbo system setup properly done, or should I just get a set of twin sidedraught webers and a nice set of extractors?

I'm actually at the point where I'm pretty much ready to sell it off as is, because the turbo needs replacing completely and I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to tuning the ECU (kinda wiped the whole tune and haven't been able to work out the base tune again.)

Now, I know which route would be easier, but would it be worth it to keep plugging away at the turbo setup that is in it now, or just take the easy way and enjoy the induction noise of some trumpeted twin sidies?

Puzzlescort · 02-07-2009, 05:01 PM

what a question!!!!!

the efi might be easier actually on an emmision side of things

for me nothing beats the sound of twin webbers at full noise, coupled with a straight cut gear box squeal

a good tune by someone who knows would be a good start, even if the turbo needs a rebuild having the car on the dyno a good person will be able to advise you of the engines capabilities / potential

i'm sure a nicely tuned EFI turbo will be very driveable around town wheras Twins can be a pain if not tuned properly

put some pics up of the engine bay....

ClevoCapri · 02-07-2009, 10:46 PM

My opinion would be to persist with the turbo setup and efi! Webber's sound awsome but so does the whistle of a turbo as it nails you back into the seat!

andrewg5000 · 03-07-2009, 08:37 AM

I have an Esky 4 door pinto engined with a GT28 BB turbo and the same EFI manifold. I am running a Wolf 3d Injection. it makes 206RWHP and has heaps of torque around 3000. If you persist with the turbo set up it is vital that you get the tune done properly. It means finding someone you trust to put the car on a dyno and tune it properly. When they do this, you can tune it to run on the ragged edge, lean, or to run fat. its up to you which way you go. Lean means hot in summer, detonation problems, but more power when its cold, fat means slower to respond, use more fuel, and a bit more driveable on the road.

flashautos · 08-07-2009, 07:34 PM

what type of pistons do you use to get comp down

T3man · 09-07-2009, 12:14 PM

Sort the turbo. Putting side draught Webers will net you the same fuel consumption but without the power of the turbo. Apart from the Weber sound (is it really that good?) why would you do it?

white_esky · 22-07-2009, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashautos

what type of pistons do you use to get comp down

Unfortunately i bought it as is, so i got no idea at all what's been done... could even be standard pistons for all I know... That's another reason I am thinking a bit about doing the twin sidies... if it's standard internals and i wind up the boost, how long before it pops??? :(

Sorry I've been neglecting this... I've been sidetracked turboing my toyota corolla. I've got a turbo off a RB20 which should bolt on and suit reasonably well, so we'll see how the efi system tuning goes.

I'll post up a few pics once I've taken some.

andrewg5000 · 30-07-2009, 01:40 PM

If you are interested I have a Heavily worked SOHC head and port matched EFI cutom Manifold for sale $2,500. (75mm throttle body, up from 55mm on the factory one, also modified plenum)

The head has not been installed since the following work was done.
Oversize Stainless Valves
Valve Guides K lined
New Stem Seals
Double HD Valve Springs installed
Kent P284 8000RPM turbo Cam kit, new posts, rockers etc.
Hand ported by an expert. flows more than a stock DOHC head

The Throttle Body has also been ported and the plenum modified with a 75mm throttle body incorporated.

All work has been flowbench tested to ensure that each cylinder both flows evenly and the flow is optimised for the valve lift of the camshaft.

400HP + set up.

It was really a one of a kind job done by an expert.

andrewg5000 · 30-07-2009, 01:54 PM

I used a set of Mahl Turbo Pistons.

BA SR FALCON · 03-04-2011, 12:54 AM

[QUOTE=andrewg5000]If you are interested I have a Heavily worked SOHC head and port matched EFI cutom Manifold for sale $2,500. (75mm throttle body, up from 55mm on the factory one, also modified plenum)

The head has not been installed since the following work was done.
Oversize Stainless Valves
Valve Guides K lined
New Stem Seals
Double HD Valve Springs installed
Kent P284 8000RPM turbo Cam kit, new posts, rockers etc.
Hand ported by an expert. flows more than a stock DOHC head

The Throttle Body has also been ported

HI Andrew....Is this still avail ? .....and a price please call me asap.... 0412461774

atec77 · 03-04-2011, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white_esky

Hi all, I got a bit of a dilemma...

I have a MKII 4 door Escort that has a 2L pinto engine in it, with sierra EFI gear bolted to the side, and some form of mutant frankenstein turbo on the other side... Weird combination of a Saab and a Holden (i still don't have the heart to tell the holden boys it's actually a Nissan turbo...)

The engine is supposedly managed by a LT4 Microtech computer, the diff is locked and the body is REALLY straight, albiet in need of another coat of paint.

My question is... From a performance/reliability standpoint, should i persivere and try and get the turbo system setup properly done, or should I just get a set of twin sidedraught webers and a nice set of extractors?

I'm actually at the point where I'm pretty much ready to sell it off as is, because the turbo needs replacing completely and I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to tuning the ECU (kinda wiped the whole tune and haven't been able to work out the base tune again.)

Now, I know which route would be easier, but would it be worth it to keep plugging away at the turbo setup that is in it now, or just take the easy way and enjoy the induction noise of some trumpeted twin sidies?

Frankly I would be checking the motor carefully , the several pinto donks I had all had head oiling issues and I broke them all in time , it's a lot cheaper in the long term to rip it out and use an sr20 and 5 speed ( yes I know) or find a later competition block