Turbo boost

[pesd]

A moderator from Facebook who seems very nice and knowledgeable, he most likely also be a member here, posted something to me and I would like some opinions, before I start considering it.

I'm fine trying to keep my TC running straight OEM, but would always try to get a little more "push / Jump" out of her if it wouldn't damage anything else or cost a lot of money.  

Peter Donnelly "me"

 might I suggest a simple $20. Grainger valve setting the boost to 13PSI? You won't be disappointed. Caviot is your stock BOV in the airbox is gonna leak boost above 10-11PSI. Replace it with plastic Bosch or cap off the outlet. Its wholly unnecessary with the factory RB5 IHI turbo

[Turbo Kane]

A mechanical boost controller like a grainger valve is one way to raise the boost. Your other option is to buy a performance computer that has a modified cal to increase boost using your factory waste gate solenoid and vacuum routing. Like he already mentioned you’ll want to upgrade the BOV and with a stock 2 bar map sensor and overboost your limited to 14psi max. 

[pesd]

Thank you for your input, at this point I dont think I'm going to invest in a performance computer and change out the BOV and map sensor (sounds expensive) maybe down the road it could be a fun project.

Sort of wondering if the $20 dollar Grainger part and replacing or capping off the BOV sounded feasible without doing any damage. I'm replacing the tank, pump and sending unit this weekend, the a whole list of other TC projects I've thought of over the winter. 

Thanks again,

  Peter

[Turbo Kane]

You never want to cap off the bov it will cause compressor surge and your turbo would fail very quickly. Yes you’d have to pay to play. 

[pesd]

That's what I'm looking for, Thanks

[Nile]

Not sure which TC you have - if it's a 16v car the Getrag can handle any extra power with no problem.  If you've got an 8v or a v6 - I'm not sure about the AT being able to cope, but there are many knowledgeable folks on this forum who will know.  I would also be wary about making a change just in the boost without commensurate adjustments to ignition timing and advance, air/fuel ratios, etc.  At the very least you might be confusing the heck out of your engine controller.  Will the engine now run hotter, will you need different plugs, how about premium fuel?

 

I installed Rick D's performance upgrade package in one of my 16v cars and after a few years I am still thrilled with the changes - a lot more power, better drivability and great sound, especially when you let off the gas or shift.  It was an easy install, too.  

[pesd]

Must be fun, Rick offered me that package a few years ago when I was replacing a blown turbo, upgraded turbo, stage2 computer, upgraded injectors and a few other things, I was tempted but passed.

Personally for me the 16v has as much power as I need and is so fun to drive, I was just looking for any simple tweaks to enhance it without starting any major projects. I pulling it out of winter storage on Saturday and already have a laundry list of thing I need/ want to address.  

Thanks

[16v_guru]

Thanks for the kind words Nile!    It's amazing how well your car does at the timed events (Autocross, road courses, etc..).   I bet your TC surprises the heck out of a lot of people!   Then when you pop the hood and they see that 16v Maserati engine they are probably scratching their heads!    Turbocharged, intercooled, 4v per cylinder.....in 1989!?  From the factory!?   What other 4cylinder production cars had that kind of tech (from the factory) sold in the US in 1989?  Not many.  Eagle Talon TSi maybe?  But they didn't offer those until 1990.  In 1989 Mitsubishi and Chrysler only offered the Starion/Conquest TSi (which had a 2.6L Turbo and was not 4v per cylinder).

 

My advice to anyone with a TC (8v or 16v) is do not try to play with boost unless you have a way to monitor your A/F ratios.  The nice thing about the stage II computer is it handles all of that for you.  Also, as Andrew pointed out, you really don't want to cap off your BOV because it will cause compressor surge which can wipe out the thrust bearing inside your turbo.  The cost of the stage II controller (considering the power gains) is actually super, super affordable.  For some of the other cars in my collection to achieve those kinds of gains costs way, way more.  The stage II controller is actually a real performance bargain for the performance increase you get!  It is however, imperative that you ensure your base ignition timing is set to 12 deg BTDC and you have a good BOV (as Turbo Kane) and others have pointed out.

Thanks,

Rick

Your ASE Certified Chrysler TC by Maserati Performance Specialist

 

[Nile]

Hey Rick - Thanks to you, too.  Probably the best reaction I got was at a track day at Watkins Glen.  A young guy in a 318 who couldn't keep up wanted to know "When did they put a V8 in a LeBaron?"  I thought for a few seconds about all the things I could say and then said "1989".

[Turbo Kane]

Wow Nile you’ve had your TC at Watkins Glen! I’ve been there before and that is a beautiful track! I never thought NY could have a picturesque country side until I saw it for myself. My uncle races spec Miata’s and frequently races their. I got to ride in his friends Porsche GT3 Cup from WI all the way to NY. Had an absolute blast!