Picking the right turbo

[RXT]

Hello, first time posting here. I have a Dakota 4x4 that I've put an 89 non-ic Cummins into. It has solid axles, a bunch of lift and 41" Pitbull Rockers on it. I want to turn this thing up to about 400hp. I will be installing a fuel pin, 3200gsk, turning up the screws and star wheel and advancing the injector pump. I have an intercooler and I'm leaving in the stock injectors. From what I understand, the stock sticks were capable of supporting 400hp.

I'm looking at turbos and despite all the research I've been doing, I'm still quite confused as I don't want to pick the wrong turbo for my application. But first let me describe my expected use for this truck. It is first and foremost a daily driver and will see plenty of highway miles. Since I live in Florida, it must also be capable of mudding. I'm thinking a quick spool and low EGTs will be helpful. I also have a small harbor freight trailer I sometimes use, but I won't be using this truck to tow anything major (it's only got a Dakota frame)

So far I've found a couple of Borg Warner S300 turbos for under $700. One is a S300SX3 66/73/.88 The other is a S300SX3 60/68/.88
Both have a .91 housing option instead of the .88 housing. I can also find a Holset HE351CW which I think is a 60/60/9 for a similar price. I'm not interested in twins as I don't really have enough funds available for that, and for 400hp, I don't think I really need it. Of these turbos, which of these would be the best for my application? I would appreciate all the help I can get.

Sincerely Ed

 

[promisedland]

HE351CW will quick spool. S300, im not sure, might be a bit slow. Talk to the masters in this. Turbos are a balancing act.... I put a moded stock HE351CW turbo [62/65] on my 04.5,= Tater Built Turbos. So far im pleased! Tom at Turbo-ReSorce has a lot of know how....
Wish you well! Sounds interesting!

 

[ENafziger]

I agree, calling Tom at Turbo Resource would be a good move. Getting 400 hp out of a VE 1st gen motor is not impossible, but it's not incredibly easy either. I'm running a HE351 wastegated to about 30 psi, a 3200 gsk, Raptor fuel pump and large diameter lines, M&H timing spacer, pump to the head, screws turned to max, increased throttle travel, higher flow exhaust manifold, 4" exhaust, and slightly larger injectors. I'm probably just bumping 300 hp. The 66/73/.88 turbo is going to be way too big for you, and will be a smoky slow-spooling pig.

 

[Simplysmn]

Look up Eric at The Hungry Diesel dot com . he's one of the guy's alot of us First gen guy's go too for help.

 

[jkidd]

The box unit would be a poor match. 62/68/12 and some 5x.014 155* spray would be awesome. If you want to stick with the stock 4 hole injectors the 62/65/12 would be pretty quick spooling.

 

[bigdan1]

400HP might be overrealistic for what is needs are ......
300-350HP are more realsitic ...unless he wants to spend big bucks $$$$

 

[RXT]

Thank you everyone. I'm reluctant to call Tom, Eric, or any other person whose in the business of selling turbos. It's nothing personal, but every time I've given a call out for advise to one of these so called turbo gurus, all they want to do is sell me a very expensive turbo, usually well outside my budget. And once they figure out that all I want is a recommendation and they feel there no sale, their interest in helping out, goes out the window and I'm still stuck without an answer. It's already happened a couple of times by some well known turbo places, I've already called, whom I won't name publicly at this time. It's why I come to you.

As for getting 400hp out of my engine, it's simply a number to shoot for. If it's going to get really expensive to reach this goal, I'm ok with less. Even 300-350hp, give or take, will be fine. I'm not looking to drag race or lug 50K lbs of trailer and crap. But I do need it to travel long distances, and I'd like it to spin the tires in deep mud whenever I'm playing.

So far the consensus is 62/65 but according to other sources the 60/60/9 HE351 would work well too. With that, would the S300SX3 60/68/.88 be in the same ballpark?

Thank you again
Sincerely Ed

 

[MMeier]

Check out the Super B turbo, like the one I have on my 93 ! 400 HP out of a VE is kinda difficult to do IMO though. Keep us posted !

 

[bigdan1]

not that hard to obtain 400hp ....but useless in his case !

 

[NIsaacs]

Are you using flywheel power numbers or rear wheel power? You will get 300 flywheel hp with what you are doing with your pump and your stock turbo. You might consider trying what you have first. Double stock power is fun and might satisfy your needs.

Here are some chassis dyno sheets for my '91 Dodge and '74 Ford, they are almost identical with max output, The Ford goes south a little sooner due to a tighter stock gsk spring than the Dodge stock spring. These trucks both have stock fuel pins turned to max. This is usable power also, I can stand on the fuel peddle for extended periods without issue.

Nick

 

[RWherley]

I had a 60/60/9 HE351 from a 04.5 HO engine on my 93, it spooled good and ran ok but it got to hot under load, I now Have a HX Super 40 its a little slower to spool but I can pull 13,000 lbs. with my EGT's staying below 1100

 

[DVolk]

Means a Dakota is not that heavy , I'd put a spring in the pump and some decent injectors and a good air cleaner , I can spin tires in mud in my 92 , if you play with the pump etc then driveability goes away

 

[RXT]

Thanks everyone.. No thoughts on a 60/68/.88 ??

Sincerely Ed

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'd go with somewhat bigger injectors and the BD Super B turbo.

 

[ENafziger]

Thanks everyone.. No thoughts on a 60/68/.88 ??

Sincerely Ed

I've heard a lot of good things about the new Borg SXE/SX3 series turbos. As far as a 1st Gen is concerned, I think the 0.88 A/R is a bit big for fast spool with large tires. I've been mildly searching for an upgrade from my HE351. It maxes out at about 29 psi or so and runs well, but I'm looking for a little more. I think one of the best choices for the money for our trucks right now would be this one: http://www.infiniteperf.com/#!product-page/c20v7/7400e85a-9295-f9f2-ba4f-ecb567077021

It's a 62/68 turbo with a 14 cm housing option more tailored to the 12 valves...it would be equivalent to a 0.80 A/R.

--Eric

 

[jkidd]

60mm comp with the .88 will spool at about 2200rpm.

There is very little benefit to the s300sxe 62/68 over the standard 62/FMW. The larger comp cover is not much help with that small of a compressor. We have a ton of sxe turbos already machined for fitment on 89-02.

The 62/68/12 gated is a great set up if you want peak HP. 62/65 will spool a little faster.