Say goodbye Mr. IHI! A few questions..

I posted this at Turboford too, but I know there are people on both board that may be able to help. I've decided to order a new turbo this week for my '88 TC. I already talked to Tom at Performance Techniques about the TurboFord group price on a T3/T4 hybrid, but I want to make sure I get everything I need. My setup now is as follows: 3" downpipe into 3" exhaust w/cat, K&N cone mounted in fenderwell, 255 lph fuel pump, boost controller, all else stock. What specs should I ask for on the turbo, ie trim size, and is the stage III upgrade worth the extra $$? I already have the Sacramento Mustang DP on my car, what else will I need to do to adapt this turbo in place of my IHI? I'm getting the SVO housing so the intercooler will bolt up. Also, how much boost can I expect to run with stock 35# injectors and my 255lph pump?



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'88 Thunderbird TC
misc. mods
'86 Mustang GT

Sam, you will need an oil return line for a T-3 which is different than the IHI. I can't
tell you the best trim sizes, that you have to decide for yourself. An understanding and perusal of compressor maps would help. A stock T-3 should be able to take you a over 20 psi. The limiting factors become fuel supply (injectors) and air charge cooling.
if you haven't done some porting work on the head and at least the E-6, you won't be able
maximize the potential.

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88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, Main TC with K&N, 3"DP to 2.5"duals through Dynamax, Ric valve at 17+ and disconnected KS.
Elite Bodega 16" chrome wheels. Autometer pod w/ A/F and Vac/boost gauges. New engine shortly, ported head and
manifolds, polished and cc'd chambers, A-230 cam, Race Engineering Adj Cam Sprocket, Crowlers, ARP head studs, Walbro 190 pump and T-3 for starters. KB subs
and jack rails.

Also, is your downpipe (3") for the IHI? If so, it will not fit the T3 bolts unless you extend them farther out. I believe you'll need a downpipe for the T3 flange instead. Shouldn't be hard to modify with a drill...

Pete, any idea where I can read about compressor maps? So far it's all greek to me, I'd like to know how to read them before I decide on the turbo specs. I do plan to port/gut the intakes and E6 soon, the head maybe later. Les, I have the Sacramento Mustang DP which is made for a T3 turbo, so I'm hoping it'll work. Any other ideas people? I know some of you have done the swap so I'd like to know what you did



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'88 Thunderbird TC
misc. mods
'86 Mustang GT

The Sacramento-Mustang DP will bolt right up.
If you can get your hands on the water pipes that run along the pass side of the valve cover - the one that feeds the turbo because the feed point is located different and the feed tube is bigger. You can adapt the pipes you have now (I did) but I would like to go to the larger size. You may want to find the coolant return line for an T-3 also. If not Fab up something but use high Temp hose (Napa sells some green stuff)
"Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell is a pretty good book on turbochargers. It won't give you everything about compressor maps, but it's a good start. There is an older book on turbochargers, which i don't have and don't have the info on. It will show up if you do a search on turbochargers at Amazon.com It is suppose to be a good book on basics from what I have heard.

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88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, Main TC with K&N, 3"DP to 2.5"duals through Dynamax, Ric valve at 17+ and disconnected KS.
Elite Bodega 16" chrome wheels. Autometer pod w/ A/F and Vac/boost gauges. New engine shortly, ported head and
manifolds, polished and cc'd chambers, A-230 cam, Race Engineering Adj Cam Sprocket, Crowlers, ARP head studs, Walbro 190 pump and T-3 for starters. KB subs
and jack rails.

mr. ford - i am currently upgrading the turbo in my 87tc to an svo style t3 (to retain the stock intercooler) so i hope this information is helpful.--when i called pt about the turboford.org group purchased (talked to jimmy) i was told that a stock spec t3 with the flange-less compressor housing would be $650 because i did not have a rebuildable core. i then called reid at turbo specialties (turborepair.com at 205-444-5011) about the same problem (switching to a t3 from an ihi). he quoted my $350 with a core and 450 without one for a stock spec svo style t3. the good part is he will accept the ihi as a core after the fact. from there he said upgrades would run to $685 for a t4/t3 hybrid with a stage iii turbine and your choice of housing and compressor wheel (see member deals at svoca.com). i thought be was very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly (spent alot of time with me on the phone). as for compressor maps, check under turbos at the merkurencyclopedia.com for parameters that can be used for the turbo calc program found at ray hall turbocharging (turbofast.com). this will help with a visual graph and interpretation of compressor maps. let me know how you make out and any information you come across that may be helpful.

p.s. we met briefly at carlisle on saturday, i was michael from new jersey. i was there with by friend who owned an 86 canyon red gt with t-tops. good luck

Thanks guys. Michael, I do remember you. I see we're thinking along the same lines these days lol. I'll have to check those sites out, and maybe give Turbo Specialties a call. I will say that Tom at Perf. Techniques is giving me a helluva deal, and leave it at that. I hope to have everything here and on the car by the end of next week. Thanks again



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'88 Thunderbird TC
misc. mods
'86 Mustang GT