Who is doing turbo upgrades these days?

[Frenchy]

Back on topic, I'm interested (for the future) on how I'd integrate a turbo 'upgrade' that I'd appreciate. At the moment I'm thinking a turbine swap in a stock housing would make sense, though I'd really, really want to add a free flowing downpipe and @Loweredon33s turbo inlet elbow. I haven't figured out the difference between the CVF downpipe or the SPD although whichever is quieter would be my pick to go with my 3 inch diameter not loud Magnaflow... and as long as I don't get CELs... so I'd like to figure out the size/configuration of the turbines for smoother power from down low. Of course I'd expect more up top but it doesn't need to be insane amounts. I want a very comfortable street driver that I can tow with. At this point I've got the fatter charge pipes and intercooler and could always update my tune to bring it all together.

Honestly it would be better to stick with the stock turbo and do the other upgrades as you mentioned. Why? Simple. So you can keep your drivability when daily driving. Nothing wrong with that in a bit of power, but if you put the Power band in an area that you can't use then you are going to be very unhappy while driving the vehicle.

Sponsored

 

[Loweredon33s]

Back on topic, I'm interested (for the future) on how I'd integrate a turbo 'upgrade' that I'd appreciate. At the moment I'm thinking a turbine swap in a stock housing would make sense, though I'd really, really want to add a free flowing downpipe and @Loweredon33s turbo inlet elbow. I haven't figured out the difference between the CVF downpipe or the SPD although whichever is quieter would be my pick to go with my 3 inch diameter not loud Magnaflow... and as long as I don't get CELs... so I'd like to figure out the size/configuration of the turbines for smoother power from down low. Of course I'd expect more up top but it doesn't need to be insane amounts. I want a very comfortable street driver that I can tow with. At this point I've got the fatter charge pipes and intercooler and could always update my tune to bring it all together.

The bigger compressor wheel really is a great upgrade as long as you can get properly tuned for it. The 57mm wheel is a little too big for a gas truck but works great with e30.
the next stage down is excellent for 91-93.
Wheel upgrades are easier on the engine at low rpm because they don’t fly off the handle as quickly as the stock turbo. It depends on your power goals though.
The stock turbo is hurting to make over 330hp to the wheels but it’s easily done with a stage 3 or 4 upgrade. Top end performance is also great.

 

[Racket]

Honestly it would be better to stick with the stock turbo and do the other upgrades as you mentioned. Why? Simple. So you can keep your drivability when daily driving. Nothing wrong with that in a bit of power, but if you put the Power band in an area that you can't use then you are going to be very unhappy while driving the vehicle.

The bigger compressor wheel really is a great upgrade as long as you can get properly tuned for it. The 57mm wheel is a little too big for a gas truck but works great with e30.
the next stage down is excellent for 91-93.
Wheel upgrades are easier on the engine at low rpm because they don’t fly off the handle as quickly as the stock turbo. It depends on your power goals though.
The stock turbo is hurting to make over 330hp to the wheels but it’s easily done with a stage 3 or 4 upgrade. Top end performance is also great.

I agree with @Frenchy the stock turbo seems well matched to the stock truck, and I think Mike @Loweredon33s has the best advice on gains.

Looking holistically at the intake system I think what is done between the turbo and throttle body is where I'm at along with the tune as it stands. The fatter less restricted charge pipes and intercooler have changed the way the truck accelerates so it makes sense to me that the freer flowing downpipe and a less convoluted intake (Mike, please let me know if you have any more turbo inlets made soon?) would get the factory turbo working at it's most efficient.

As for turbo configuration clearly I'm still a ways out. I realize that fuel economy will likely go out the window but a proper tune and driving habits could make me happy/happier. I'd have to get used to the extra noise(s) if I can't abate it somehow.

 

[My12SecRanger]

When I had my turbo upgraded, I was given the option to upgrade the exhaust wheel to a 39mm unit which at the time I turned it down because of the cost, after having the turbo on for over 10k miles I should have done the exhaust wheel upgrade, the 52mm compressor wheel was just right for my combo and it felt like a stock turbo on response time.

 

[Racket]

 

[Racket]

When I had my turbo upgraded, I was given the option to upgrade the exhaust wheel to a 39mm unit which at the time I turned it down because of the cost, after having the turbo on for over 10k miles I should have done the exhaust wheel upgrade, the 52mm compressor wheel was just right for my combo and it felt like a stock turbo on response time.

This is where I'm ignorant of turbo design. Im guessing you'd have to balance in some type of ratio the two impellers while keeping in mind flow on the exhaust and charge side of the intake. I wouldn't want to give up comfortable drivability or towing/hauling capabilities but I'd give up some fuel efficiency for the confidence of a smoother and more powerful drive train. I'm sure programming could bring it all together.

It sounds like a custom shop could do this with a factory turbo? Those vendors aren't leaping out at me

 

[Loweredon33s]

This is where I'm ignorant of turbo design. Im guessing you'd have to balance in some type of ratio the two impellers while keeping in mind flow on the exhaust and charge side of the intake. I wouldn't want to give up comfortable drivability or towing/hauling capabilities but I'd give up some fuel efficiency for the confidence of a smoother and more powerful drive train. I'm sure programming could bring it all together.

It sounds like a custom shop could do this with a factory turbo? Those vendors aren't leaping out at me

Mine was built by Comp turbo, CR performance does it too.
they machine the stock turbo to accept a bigger compressor wheel. It better matches the power band of the engine.

 

[Racket]

I spent a little time on the Mustang, F150 and Maverick forums. CR's Stage 3 seems to be the go to for not crazy builds on Mustangs and F150's although I see references to the stage 2 on the trucks for less lag and towing (compressor wheel is under 50mm?). It gets murky when conversation revolves around the 2.3. As for the Mavericks there is a popular(?) swap of using the turbo from a Lincoln 2.3 and the claim it's good for up to 330 hp. That seems in line with what our trucks could tease out stock? Likewise the common opinion seems to be the 2.3 'could' produce 400 hp reliably before having to upgrade internals. I suppose the specific DI system we have on the 5G keeps us in the sub-400hp group but for truck stuff I'd be more interested in torque curves. I wonder what changing the exhaust impeller does, guess I'd have to consult with Work Turbos, they have a lot of positive reviews.

Ford obviously designed our turbos with specific goals - towing and gas mileage are my thoughts - and I wouldn't give up the truck qualities for hot rod behavior although some luxury sedan attitude might be welcome. I got seat heaters after all and fantasize about a heated steering wheel and air conditioned driver/passenger seats.

 

[Racket]

BTW Ive emailed Reed (or is it Reid?) at Work Turbochargers a couple times - his voicemail greeting says he's backed up and to expect a delayed response. I'm thinking of picking up a used turbo to get rebuilt. They seem to be available (occasionally) for less than $200.

 

[Superspirit]

BTW Ive emailed Reed (or is it Reid?) at Work Turbochargers a couple times - his voicemail greeting says he's backed up and to expect a delayed response. I'm thinking of picking up a used turbo to get rebuilt. They seem to be available (occasionally) for less than $200.

Have you checked out the pure 600 turbo, I've seen it mentioned in another thread. A member said he ordered 1 but never posted back. I've checked them out and been searching for reviews, those are hard to find the ones I did find were on foreign cars but the reviews were positive. I'm considering one myself as you can order and have it shipped and return your core for a refund. Here's a link.
https://www.turbokits.com/2019-2024-ford-ranger-ecoboost-pure-600-turbo-upgrade.html

Sponsored