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Turbo II or Turbo IV?

5K views 25 replies 8 participants last post by  heckdave 
#1 ·
Hi All. I'm new. Dave - Previous 85 Shelby Charger, 85 Omni GLH, 87 Shadow Turbo owner. I've decided to go back to my good old 2.2 turbo, but I'm putting it in a Bertone (FIAT) X1/9.

I'm transplanting a Turbo II out of an 87 Shelby Z and my first priority is reliability. My goal is about 300 RWHP (It's mid-engine), and currently throwing the "Stage2" computer option vs the "Stage 4" option around in my head.

I've gotten mixed answers from different sources, but I'm always glad to hear anybody's input, especially those with experience. Why would I want to go one way, and why not the other?

Further info to consider is air intake, as it's harder to get air to the rear than the front, and I'm not sure yet, but I may have to go with a 2.5 inch exhaust instead of a 3.0 (There's not much room behind the engine in the Fiat.)

Thanks in advance.
 
#4 ·
I have cars with the TII and the TIV and they both are good setups.

I bought the TIV new and it is very responsive to throtle, even at low rpms. It is supposed to be tricky to mod though because of the high spool speeds. You will have to be carefull of tuning to keep the turbo from spinning too fast (I am told).

I recently bought an 88 TII car that runs ok but is not all the way there yet so I will use for refrence my friends 89 TII he bought new. It was plenty fast but did not seem to have as quick a response to the throtle as my TIV. However the TII is easier to mod and has alot more parts availble.

Speed is just a question of money. How fast do you want to go?

Thx-Ace
 
#7 ·
What I was originally referring to were the computers, and I can't get too wide of a tire on back. I don't plan on drag racing it though. I'm thinking about still being able to plaster myself to the seat at 45 or 50 mph. My rear wheel drive should help me a bit with traction, too.
 
#11 ·
Are you still working on this swap?

I'm about to start a similar one: 2.2 TII with the Super 60 kit, stage 3 computer and larger turbo into a 1981 X1/9. Any tips you can give me would be great! By the way, this engine setup (I was told) is producing over 250 hp and over 200 ft/lbs of torque. Should be interesting!

Jim
 
#12 ·
Jim,

Cool, I'm aiming for 300 RWHP and 350 lb-ft with an enforcer 2 turbo, but might be limited because of the limited exhaust space (and AZ emissions). I don't know if they'll be able to get a 3 inch exhaust in with a muffler and catalytic converter. You'll probably have to do some mods if you want to use a 5 speed. A 4 speed should fit better. I retrofitted a later 5 speed Dodge tranny, and they did a LOT of cutting. My trunk will be much smaller (If I have one at all). Many say that the half shafts connect from Dodge to Fiat without modification, but mine didn't. If yours don't, there's a place here in Phoenix that made some for me, I could send you there.

My email is heckdave@hotmail.com if you want to keep in touch.

Dave
 
#13 ·
In this case I would look at the 20 PSI thread in the FAQ section and I would consider a plenum intake. Basically you keep the car more reliable with computer controled boost. VS doing the old race car build with MBC. I would also consider the TBI manifold and ATP. Dropping the turbo lower and sending the exhaust out the side. Then a U bend back the other direction into a muffler, vs straight down which must be a pain.

Great projects, Mopar should have had a Fiero basiclly with a 2.2 turbo.
 
#16 ·
by the look of it I think I'd look at getting a ATP 3" swing valve, sends the exhaust off the end of the turbo, instead of aiming it directly at the rear frame.

Also consider a plenum, yeah more power and RPM range, but allows the throttle body to be mounted just as easy on the passenger side if you want, of aimed towards the drivers side. Instead of aiming towards the front of the car.

With the ATP you could also run a TBI header that drops the turbo down a bit, could make routing the exhaust nicer with the ATP and better for power. Then It may be a matter of one big U bend 3" pipe and run the 3" muffler right under the rear frame with the outlet on the drivers side.
 
#18 ·
the ATP is cheap, the others aren't really cheap. The header doesn't fit too well in the FWD cars but in your case would make it nicer. Most I've seen also have both T3 bolt types too. All three I mentioned would make boost basically instant as a bonus.
 
#21 ·
FWDperformance.com may have the TBI and the turbo and the ATP, if anything they come across a lot of different parts. The TBI header though is cast, longer lasting than a tube header. Otherwise I would watch the for sale section for a TBI header and turbo, FWD has a used good Turbonetics turbo FS in the FS section here.

The plenum though you'd need to get from GLHNSLHT2 here if he has anymore.

Being a nitch market parts are all over the place, can't go to summitracing and buy everything lol.
 
#20 ·
What about using the cross-drilled 87 TII engine with a Garrett GT turbo with its roller bearing design, it spools up quick, makes good power, and very reliable.
 
#23 ·
The X1/9 is coming along now. I have ordered an engine from Forward Motion, and the current engine is partially mounted, with the shift linkage mocked up and working. It looks like I'll be able to fit a 3" exhaust without much problem. Time to buy a new AC compressor and try to find a heavy duty alternator. I'll also be having a both custom radiator and evaporator made, and also a custom water-to-air intercooler.

The guys at SRD are doing a good job so far!
 
#24 · (Edited)
My X1/9 now has 3 motor mounts on it, YAY! Still awaiting the engine from Forward Motion (Turbo II). The front suspension is on (K-Sport Coilovers) and the rear will be going on soon. Linkage is mocked up. Will be making a custom radiator and condenser soon, so that we can continue with the hybrid Dodge/Fiat AC. Hopefully I can find a Dodge cruise control system with all necessary parts from '87. One of the custom half shafts fits, but one is a bit too long and must be modified. Last, I hope to find a good super high output alternator to leave my electrical options open.
 
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