quote:
Originally posted by bklynvolvo760:
...I would like to put a little pep in the engine without a complete overhaul. Can you recommend reasonably inexpensive ways to give this car a little more kick?
A turbo engine will benefit greatly from a larger diameter, less restrictive exhaust. You want to minimize back pressure, unlike a normally aspirated engine where you want to retain a little back pressure for maximum performance. IPD sells a really nice 2.5" mandrel bent stainless steel exhaust for the 7/9 series Turbo, but it says "not for IRS cars", and I think your 760 has an independant rear suspension. You should check the car to be sure, because you may need to have an exhaust system custom made to fit over/under the rear axle & suspension.
MVP sells a 3" mandrel bent exhaust, but it also only fits the solid axle cars. It's $750, and includes a downpipe, cat, and full exhaust (IPD's is from the downpipe-back, but only $350). This one will be louder than a 2.5", and it's probably not necessary unless you're planning to do other modifications besides rasing the boost. 2.5" will be fine if you want to increase boost to 10-14psi and just leave everything else alone.
You can use a cheap manual boost controller to raise the boost level, but you should install a calibrated boost gauge first. VDO and Autometer make excellent gauges in the standard 52mm size (2-1/16") that fit in the a-pillar pods. Check out
Dawes Devices for a boost controller. If you get much above 14psi, it would be a very good idea to install an air/fuel ratio gauge so you'll know if the engine is running lean. Also remember that you're going to need to use premium fuel once you start raising the boost, if you're not already doing so (it's 93 octane in my area, but I know some people only get 91 or 92 or sometimes 94 from Sunocco).
Good luck.
