Well, since you bring up the subject, I'll say a little. My daily driver
is now an 87 Mustang LX with a 88 Turbo coupe engine. Depending on who's
manual you read, the original 2300cc (Pinto) engine was rated at 88 hp and
the Turbo Coupe rated at 145 or 180. I have taken an earlier Turbo Coupe
turbo and installed it in my 2366 Type 4 VW. As Colin indicates, I could
not just bolt on and run and expect to go from what ever my VW hp was to a
level somewhere near the TC (Turbo Coupe) published rated hp. My original
goal was to increase my power enough to be able to have a suffiently good
climb rate to be able to carry a passenger. I felt that if I could obtain
100 hp from the 70 or so in the Type 4, that the power would be there. I
think I have exceeded that. And yes there are problems. So far they
involve sealing the head to prevent gas leakage. Finding the correct prop
to absorb the power. My current prop is a Sterba 54X52 cut down to 52X52
full blade.
I am no where near ready give up on the turbo. All in all the turbo adds
complexity to the whole firewall fwd. I would consider a larger engine if
just building, If you already too heavy and trying to decide direct drive
vs. gear drive. I would go certified if I had it to do over and the money
was available. If you are building with a goal of flying at a low cost, I
would ensure that my empty was 450 and put on one of Steve's 1835's and go
flying.
Orma
Southfield, MI
KR-2 N110LR 1984
See Tweety at http://www.kr-2.aviation-mechanics.com
See other KR spces at www.kr-2.aviation-mechanics.com/krinfo.htm
