North American Turbocoupe Organization

I've been slowly modifying as funds permit to my daily driver.

Now I'm at a point where I don't want to go crazy with the boost.

Here is what I've got:
'88 TC 5sp.
Fresh engine 12k on rebuild (runs great)
stock pistons
stock rods
stock rod bolts (learned a bit too late about upgrading them)
Felpro 1035 gasket
Walbro 255 hi pressure
Ported head, exhaust
Smoothed combustion chambers
T3 .60/.48 (volvo adjustable actuator)
K&N filter

I think that's it for now.

Plan to put in and adjustble fuel pressure regulator, bpv, cam, and exhaust system.

So, how much boost is safe to play with?
Is detonation the real limiting factor?
If so, I'm fine so far at 18psi even on regular. I swear the T3 feels faster at 10 psi than the IHI did at 15psi.

It runs like a mad at 18 psi! Is that too much or is it safe? Any idea how much horse power that come out to??

Thanks

18 on regular may be too much. You can't always hear detonation at high rpms. 18 to 20 is doable on high test with the stock I/C but work your way up slowly. Things that may lower the amount of boost you can get away with are octane, how much the head was milled, outside temperatures, amount of ignition advance.

The adjustable FPR would be a good idea and start around 42 psi with the reference line disconnected at the FPR


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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
Good judgement comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm

[This message has been edited by Pete D (edited 06-03-2003).]

Yeah, I think the fuel pressure regulator will be next on my list. I almost got it at the same time as the fuel pump.

I read a tip on a Merkur site about running a wire straight off the back of the alternator to the fuel pump relay for more current to reach te fuel pump. Seems like a very low dollar easy modification.