Hi, In the early 90's just about every car manufacturer in Europe offered a petrol turbo, it was an easy way to bring a performance model to a dull model range - it was also "sexy".
Today in spite of the many advances made in engine design over the last 10 years, turbos have pretty much disappeared, with the exception of the exotics, 911s etc. There are still plenty of diesel turbos about. I suspect that the a major reason for the disappearance may have been poor reliability, as the market place has become more competetive, manufacturers have had to offer better warranties, and turbos just could not deliver, too many blown engines, fires etc. I share the view of others contributors who think you cannot go bolting on a turbo to an engine that was originally designed to produce 40 or so HP at 4000 revs, boost it to perhaps 0.85 bar and develop perhaps 80 HP at 3300 revs and expect it to last very long. You want to start thinking different pistons, coated bores, sodium valves etc. In addition you have to consider either injection or going to a pressurised carb, or you have to hang the carb in front of the turbo which could increase the risk of icing. There is also the problem of awful turbo lag, going round could be fun. Add all these complications together, and my brain keeps saying "80-120HP=Jabiru ", a bit more expensive, but guaranteed TBO and 2/3 the weight of a VW. Pete Diffey St Albans, UK
