cheap turbo builds on a Budget

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BeatersRus

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is there such a thing?
can it even be accomplished?
im trying to get this done under 2 grand budget for the turbo setup,all done and in.
max money i can stretch the turbo part is 2200...
this is assuming a mix of new and used parts obviously.

ive been researching a bit and can get a basic kit for 5-600 bucks but
then theres the exhaust,the limited engine bay and the fuel upgrades.
plus the control system.
even the ones over a grand dont seem to be complete.
are any of you doing Budget turbo builds and if so,whats your thoughts?

im working on a 318 magnum motor,single turbo,automatic.
thanks in advance for any help and,yes,i have read the bible,along with a ton of posts.
enough to know that i know nothing.

the goal is to be able to enter a car that is under the 3k budget next year if possible.
car weight is 3300lbs,running a stock 318/904,and 373 limited slip.
im still considering the right gear,esp after reading some of yalls posts.
im not looking for a killer machine,just a - we proved it can be done at the end of the day.
 
hangar 18 blow through 750dp
flipped magnum manifolds and build your own crossover
choice of turbo from vs racing
msd 6350 box with locked distributor
single plane intake
turbo grind cam

you will want something like a 3.08-3.42 rear gear and read through the 904 build threads to see what you can do to make the trans live.

This is obviously not an all encompassing list but itll get you going in the right direction. Also assumes you can do your own fab work.

Good luck
 
Turboking summed it up well. The fuel system upgrade cost surprise many, myself included. You can go all eBay on turbos, wastegates, blow off valves, cold piping, vband clamps, etc. The Hangar18 approach is probably the cheapest if you have access to a cheap carb already.
Best of luck! Sounds like a fun and challenging project.
 
It’s easily doable. The most cost will come from the intake, wideband ( I wouldn’t skimp here) turbo and MSD. Your gonna have to be aggressively looking at the marketplace, Craigslist, eBay... etc. I have a detailed list of what I used and the cost, but this was 2 years ago and some prices have gone up since then. I will PM if interested.
 
Draw through. No carb mods. Can make em ugly too and they still work. Look at a Turbo T/A setup. Lowest buck you can do
 
BeatersRus said:
is there such a thing?
can it even be accomplished?
im trying to get this done under 2 grand budget for the turbo setup,all done and in.
max money i can stretch the turbo part is 2200...
this is assuming a mix of new and used parts obviously.

ive been researching a bit and can get a basic kit for 5-600 bucks but
then theres the exhaust,the limited engine bay and the fuel upgrades.
plus the control system.
even the ones over a grand dont seem to be complete.
are any of you doing Budget turbo builds and if so,whats your thoughts?

im working on a 318 magnum motor,single turbo,automatic.
thanks in advance for any help and,yes,i have read the bible,along with a ton of posts.
enough to know that i know nothing.

the goal is to be able to enter a car that is under the 3k budget next year if possible.
car weight is 3300lbs,running a stock 318/904,and 373 limited slip.
im still considering the right gear,esp after reading some of yalls posts.
im not looking for a killer machine,just a - we proved it can be done at the end of the day.
Click to expand...
My setup cost $4000....
And was about as budget friendly as it gets.
 
Although I will be building a “turbo motor” I am putting a GT45 ($160 on eBay) onto my stock ‘88 318 with intercooler, Performer intake, Used Holley 750, distributor to convert from TBI, intake and exhaust plumbing, blow-offs and wastgates, I plan to be making about 400whp for $1,500‘ish.

the “turbo motor” I plan for 500-600whp. This will most likely add $1,500-2,000 to the whole job.
That said, I do my own engine building, fab and welding work, and love good used parts from OfferUp and Craigslist, so that for sure keeps costs low.
 
Houseoffubar said:
Although I will be building a “turbo motor” I am putting a GT45 ($160 on eBay) onto my stock ‘88 318 with intercooler, Performer intake, Used Holley 750, distributor to convert from TBI, intake and exhaust plumbing, blow-offs and wastgates, I plan to be making about 400whp for $1,500‘ish.

the “turbo motor” I plan for 500-600whp. This will most likely add $1,500-2,000 to the whole job.
That said, I do my own engine building, fab and welding work, and love good used parts from OfferUp and Craigslist, so that for sure keeps costs low.
Click to expand...
Did the 318 turbo last year. Had maybe $1000 into it. You will need some form of rising rate fuel regulator and pump.the pic was after I added the fitech which I wouldn’t recommend.

9C8A28AB-E77B-4444-A641-312514B685B1.jpeg
 
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