Advice fitting a turbocharger to mgf engine-what's needed?
Discussion
Hello, I've tried to research this bit just hit dead ends with every saying it can't be done due to space and heat issues.
I have a mini with an mgf engine in the rear so the space and heat issue can be overcome. I'm just unsure of what's compatable and what's not.
I don't want to spend huge amount as it's just a bit of a toy, not and every day car and a project to help learn about the mechanical side and how things work etc. ideally I'd like to spend around £200-£600 but I want to do the work myself with as much advise as possible.
If someone can advise a breakdown of what's needed and possibly easier or compatable parts would be great.
I have a mini with an mgf engine in the rear so the space and heat issue can be overcome. I'm just unsure of what's compatable and what's not.
I don't want to spend huge amount as it's just a bit of a toy, not and every day car and a project to help learn about the mechanical side and how things work etc. ideally I'd like to spend around £200-£600 but I want to do the work myself with as much advise as possible.
If someone can advise a breakdown of what's needed and possibly easier or compatable parts would be great.
michael-o1z5e said:
Ok firstly what would I need ?
And if an engine swap will be better, would it be the time to think about something a little tastier? And if so what kind of thing will go in ?
Engine swaps are notoriously expensive as they involve a lot of fabrication - especially if you aren't doing the welding. Anything up to a Rolls Royce Merlin can be fitted For your budget the only thing you can realistically do is to put a better 4 cylinder K series engine in. That means that all of the custom stuff that's been done (engine mounts, fuel system, electricals) will likely work fine. You'll probably just need to put a new bit of exhaust pipe in.And if an engine swap will be better, would it be the time to think about something a little tastier? And if so what kind of thing will go in ?
The K-Series 1.8t fitted to Rover 75s and MG ZTs can be mapped to 200ps and beyond. Best to start with one of those.
MoT failure complete donor cars or runners with so called HGF can be had for relatively little money ~ search ebay. Even healthy donor cars are not costly. I have recently picked up the stronger 1.8t engine from a "Chinese" MG6 which looks identical to the K-Series but contains Chinese manufacturing upgrades that MG-R were not financed to do.
Folks have even put Rover T-Series Turbocharged petrol engine in small cars such as Minis and Fiestas. Instant 200ps unmodified. There's a running project here on PH where someone has put a modified Rover T-Turbo in a Lotus Elise with over 300bhp last time I checked. The T-Series in 1/4 mile sprint form has been modified to produce in excess of double that.
If you go about things carefully should be possible to achieve within your £600 upper limit not counting your labour of love on the project.
The attraction with the K-Series is small dimensions and light weight.
MoT failure complete donor cars or runners with so called HGF can be had for relatively little money ~ search ebay. Even healthy donor cars are not costly. I have recently picked up the stronger 1.8t engine from a "Chinese" MG6 which looks identical to the K-Series but contains Chinese manufacturing upgrades that MG-R were not financed to do.
Folks have even put Rover T-Series Turbocharged petrol engine in small cars such as Minis and Fiestas. Instant 200ps unmodified. There's a running project here on PH where someone has put a modified Rover T-Turbo in a Lotus Elise with over 300bhp last time I checked. The T-Series in 1/4 mile sprint form has been modified to produce in excess of double that.
If you go about things carefully should be possible to achieve within your £600 upper limit not counting your labour of love on the project.
The attraction with the K-Series is small dimensions and light weight.
Edited by MGJohn on Tuesday 2nd June 12:35
To be honest a budget/diy turbo install on a K series sounds like a recipe for heartache, the higher power versions were marginal on the cooling and HG as it was, there are guys who race K Series engine cars that produce big power N/A but it is a very expensive business.
Johns suggestion of the Chinese version from the MG6 sounds a good idea though in standard trim they arent that powerful.
I would be looking to the 1.8T VAG engine as they are very tough, produce big power and arent that huge, would require a lot of work but once its in, it should be pretty agro free, also there are millions about in various power outputs from 150 bhp up and they are dead cheap to buy.
Johns suggestion of the Chinese version from the MG6 sounds a good idea though in standard trim they arent that powerful.
I would be looking to the 1.8T VAG engine as they are very tough, produce big power and arent that huge, would require a lot of work but once its in, it should be pretty agro free, also there are millions about in various power outputs from 150 bhp up and they are dead cheap to buy.
I'd go down the new engine route as well.
Turbo, manifold, actuator, boost controller, custom exhaust, intercooler, piping, remap, Oil and water feed to the turbo - thats going to be more than £600.
that doesn't include whether fuel pump, FP regulator, cooling, internals, injectors etc, all need upgrading.
Turbo, manifold, actuator, boost controller, custom exhaust, intercooler, piping, remap, Oil and water feed to the turbo - thats going to be more than £600.
that doesn't include whether fuel pump, FP regulator, cooling, internals, injectors etc, all need upgrading.
michael-o1z5e said:
Ok thanks, I think your right, I've decided to swap out for maybe a mg zt 1.8 unless otherwise advised.. what will I need to do on the wiring side ?
Cheers
If you buy a complete petrol turbo 1.8t 75 or ZT car, runners are going for as little as 2-300 on ebay, that will provide all the basics that you need. Do an extensive search to find projects by folks who've been there, done that. Such project threads are a mine of useful information on all the aspects of these upgrades. Then you will be better placed to decide your best course of action.Cheers
Start your search with simple questions on google and then concentrate on the car enthusiasts' sites that throws up with more precise questions.
There are technicians who can tailor the engine management ECU to suit your needs.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff