[Proven280zx]

My motor is completely stock, I need to replace the broken turbo and it seems like a waste to just put in another oem one when I was planning on upgrading it in the future anyways. I am wondering if it’s possible to run a bigger/better turbo right now and put in the supporting mods later. I’m pretty new to engine work so I’m unaware of anything important that would prevent this. I’m not sure how ECUs and stuff work so pls explain the issues like I’m a child

 

[steve240Z73]

More pressure make stock engine go BOOM!

Using the gas laws from chemistry:

As you increase the pressure with the turbocharging, you affect the volume and temperature. Since the volume doesn't change much, temperature goes up as you increase temperature pressure. If you increase the temperature of the charge enough, you can have fun things happen like pre-detonation. When that happens, the crank is pushing the piston up, and the early detonation is pushing it down. The rod can then turn into funny shapes. You can also find weak spots in your head gasket as the pressure tries to find new escape routes.

You can control things like that by adding an intercooler to cool the charge.

You will also want to add more fuel. One way to do this is to change the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) to a rising rate FPR that can increase the fuel pressure enough for the boost you are running. How much do you need? Sorry, I don't have the answer for that.

The other challenge you have is that the ECU is dumb. You can't change the fuel map or anything like you can on something like a Megasquirt.

I am not saying for you to give up on the idea. You need to do a LOT more reading and research. You could try finding answers on Hybridz.org. And by that I mean use search tools and read through forums there. Don't just walk in and ask a question. The smart guys there spent a lot of effort getting smart, and they expect you to put in the effort before asking questions.

 

[Proven280zx]

Ah, that makes a lot of sense thank you for explaining. I will do a bunch of research when I get home from work today, I just have one quick question that will help me figure out what to start looking up. Could I run a bigger turbo at a low boost pressure to stop my engine from blowing up until I can afford the other mods?

 

[steve240Z73]

You could employ a blow off valve to control boost.

Here's your first reading assignment: Basic Turbocharging Components & Theory - Turbocharging 101
If you REALLY want to learn: Maximum Boost: Designing, Testing and Installing Turbocharger Systems (Engineering and Performance): Bell, Corky: 9780837601601: Amazon.com: Books
I had the opportunity to talk with Corky Bell, the author of the book in the second link, when I was helping a friend integrate one of Corky's rising rate FPRs. He was great about explaining things to me. The man has forgotten more about turbocharging than I know.

 

[bonfire79]

My motor is completely stock, I need to replace the broken turbo and it seems like a waste to just put in another oem one when I was planning on upgrading it in the future anyways. I am wondering if it’s possible to run a bigger/better turbo right now and put in the supporting mods later. I’m pretty new to engine work so I’m unaware of anything important that would prevent this. I’m not sure how ECUs and stuff work so pls explain the issues like I’m a child

www.xenonzcar.com

start reading to learn everything you need to know about your STOCK zcar before you start visioning all the crazy HP modifications.
just put in another stock turbo for now, that way you can at least drive and enjoy your car. you will not be keeping up with the modern cars but you will at least have something they don't....
a much cooler car.

besides, if you go ahead and throw a big turbo on there, but you won't be able to attach it to the exhaust without issues, you will still have the normal restrictions in air intake (TB, intake, head, downpipe, etc.) and you will still have to provide more and fuel and spark to properly support the bigger air flow from the turbo. more trouble than its worth unless you are prepared to do all the big upgrades.

you know, Nissan did a weird thing for turbos on the Z31 several years into that model. first they used the bigger T3 (stock) turbo with the 7. whatever boost it was, paired with a low compression engine, which usually had the turbo "lag" that was common. then in later years, they changed the turbo out from the T3 to a smaller T25 turbo charger with lower boost, but less lag during acceleration. this also allowed them to use an engine with higher compression. just something to think about.

that book by Corky Bell would be a great read for you, in order to understand all about turbo charging.