Why Not a Twin Turbo??

Glen · 05-09-2005

Ok Guys...... I am putting this thread in your 5.0 section because I know many of you have been around mustangs for many years and I need some good advise based on experience.

I have built several SC Mustangs over the years, but never really looked at Turbo's because they were to expensive and complex, with few complete kits. So, a lot of fabrication WAS needed.

Lately I have been looking at some of the very complete Twin Turbo kits for my 98 Cobra. The more I look into them, the more I am leaning towards going Twin Turbo, vs. SC.

I want to run the stock engine for as long as it will hold up. So, I want to get as much reasonable hp as it will handle. Down the road, I will build a forged engine to handle high boost and exceed my 700rwhp goal. This two step approach is part of my consideration when choosing which way I want to SC vs. TT.

Here are the two systems I am comparing:

HP Twin Turbo Stage 1 Kit

Vortech V-2 Supercharger and Aftercooler Kit

At first glance, the TT looks like it is priced $800 higher. But, when you add up the extra "included" parts the TT kit contains that I would most likely purchase for my car anyways, iit is actually less then the SC. K Member, MAF, Coil Overs, Headers, etc.

Then when you look at the HP ratings on my basically stock Cobra, the TT will put me at 540 rwhp / 519 rwtq @ 11 lbs. vs. Votech's claim of 484hp & 438tq "flywheel" @10 lbs, so with my experience I know people running this setup obtaining RWHP numbers of 425rwhp and 385tq. My math tells me that the TT will make 130rwhp and 134rwtq more then the Vortech.

If all that weren't enough, when I look at my final goal of 700+rwhp. The Vortech will not even come close to being able to handle those kind of boost presures, which means a new VERY expensive SC to replace this one. But the upgrade in Turbos is only $500 plus $450 waste gate upgrade. And it may not even need that.

Installation. Yes, I realize that the TT is going to take a lot more work. Mostly because of the suspension changes and some body parts need to be removed. Not to mention all the plumbing.

On the plus side, there are no belts with the TT to come loose or off.

What am I missing? Why shouldn't I go with the TT. I must missing something, because the cost factor swings way towards the TT. And if it were all the easy, everyone would run Turbos. Help me out here

Thanks

Stangboy5666 · 05-09-2005

To me, it doesnt sound like you're missing anything. In fact, it seems as though you are accounting for things, which most people do not and end up going SC because of it. They go with the SC simply because it has a lower up front, immediate cost. I think you are way out-thinking most people and it will probably pay off. TT sound good to me!!!!!!!! Good Luck.

ElectroStatic · 05-09-2005

twin turbo all the freekin way bro! you should have no problem making 500hp to the wheels with your stock motor and that kit. Your motor could probibly handle as much power as those t3t4's could spin up for ya. There are guys running 9.s with turboes here in ohio with stock 97 cobra motors.

FUEL SYSTEM FUEL SYSTEM FUEL SYSTEM FUEL SYSTEM FUEL SYSTEM!!!!!!

and dont forget about your FUEL SYSTEM!!!

JUSTNLX · 05-09-2005

Well you already know my answer Glen!

Hehehehe! TURBO!!!

A turbo is way more efficient than an S/C. And two are even more efficient. I actually get better gas mileage with my twins over N/A. I don't think that belt thingy is going to do that for you!

With a well engineered kit, they have taken all the complications out of it. That kit looks pretty good. I would rather see some Garrett GT series turbo instead of the t3/t4 hybrid, but that would increase the cost. Just don't ride it hard and put it away wet! Give some time to cool down the bearings. A couple of miles at cruising speed will do the trick

Plus,

All that ceramic coatings will increase velocity by keeping heat in the turbine and exhaust making the turbo system even more efficient

Dweezil428CJ · 05-09-2005

Little off topic, but does anyone make a turbo timer specifically for late model Mustangs(EEC IV & V computer controls), or can any timer be used as long as you know how to plug it into the computer?

Must4Us · 05-09-2005

Either way is cool, true that Turbo will put you were you want to be, but by any chance have you checked into this type of SC, http://www.procharger.com I've started looking the information over for our 05 Gt and I like what I see so far more than vortech's.

Glen · 05-10-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Must4Us

Either way is cool, true that Turbo will put you were you want to be, but by any chance have you checked into this type of SC, http://www.procharger.com I've started looking the information over for our 05 Gt and I like what I see so far more than vortech's.

Good point.......I have always been a Vortech fan, but I know procharger is making some good stuff lately.

Thanks for all reply everyone. I thought I might get some crap about this post and the SC thing. I suppose the truth is, it is a money thing, or it use to be. Like I had said, there didn't use to be very many kits around.

I have found a couple down falls of the TT's. For one, I live in California, and I don't think I can pass smog here with the TT. Unless I get either a really stupid inspecter or one that is a friend of a friend sort of thing.

The other major concern that I have is the shortage of kits. After much research the past few days, it would appear there may be some serious wait times for a kit from HP. I have heard as much as 4 months. They build to order. Plus, I have read many comments on possible customer service issues. Unfortunately, I really like their kit for my car and no one else seems to make one. I don't want to get into fabrication of a custom kit.

These are two MAJOR concerns that I am going to have to look into. This is a street car, more or less

but I don't want major smog hassles. This is not something you can just tear off and go ge it smogged. Although, I bet runs cleaner then 90% of the cars out there.

Keep it coming guys.........Anyone had much experience installing one?

Mack Daddy · 05-10-2005

I have nothing to add to the thread, but i just wanted to say that turbo kit looks awesome!

JUSTNLX · 05-10-2005

Well Glen,

You could try to find one of the old Incon kits. They are Ca. emissions legal. There have been a few out there for sell. Might get lucky.