Single turbo Lt1 headers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,637
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From: Honeoye Ny
Single turbo Lt1 headers
How many people would honestly be interested in a header kit and down pipe to put a single turbo on their Lt1? Not a turbo kit, you buy your own t4 based turbo & racegate. do your own intercooler plumbing (use a ati setup or water/air core), and take care of your own tune. Im just talking the hard part, turbo headers. No cutting of a/c. Using your cast iron driver manifold, with a stainless flex crossover, and either 304 or 321 stainless(depending on what you wanna spend) passenger header/downpipe. For less than $1000. Ive been kicking the idea around of putting my dummy block in while my Lt1 is out at the machine shop and bulding a prototype and jig. Well what do you think? It would make an exceptionally easy conversion from someone who already has a supercharger to go turbo. The above header could support in excess of 1000hp. All dependant on the size of the turbo(and hood clearence).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 34
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
I have an L-98, and 2 turbos. I have been slowly working on how I would get them in there. if I mocked up some pieces from say PVC pipe to make the headers, would you be interested in building them for me out of 321?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 34
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
They are not complete.
I am trying to make them unequal length, but it might just end up being a log.
I picked up a setup from http://www.grapeaperacing.com and they dont fit because I cant get a down pipe past the header itself.
If I could get the middle cylinders on the outside of the main header (does that make sense?) then the down pipe might clear the # 7 and 8 header tubes, because I could pull the 1, and 7 tubes in towards the head.
Otherwise I would go with a log style.
I still need to figure out the wastegate too. I think I might end up on the bottom of the car. :rolleyes:
[Modified by bill mcdonald, 3:49 PM 2/6/2004]
I am trying to make them unequal length, but it might just end up being a log.
I picked up a setup from http://www.grapeaperacing.com and they dont fit because I cant get a down pipe past the header itself.
If I could get the middle cylinders on the outside of the main header (does that make sense?) then the down pipe might clear the # 7 and 8 header tubes, because I could pull the 1, and 7 tubes in towards the head.
Otherwise I would go with a log style.
I still need to figure out the wastegate too. I think I might end up on the bottom of the car. :rolleyes:
[Modified by bill mcdonald, 3:49 PM 2/6/2004]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 2
From: Honeoye Ny
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (bill mcdonald)
Have you considered using ovalized tubing for the down pipe? as for the waste gate, I can weld a flange on the tangent of the turbo housing itself. or a tube going someplace convenient. If you look in the pictures of my setup thats precisely what I did to my turbo housing, and according to maximum boost, will give the most hp and the best control of boost.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
Bill, looking at your picture, I highly doubt that turbo setup as is will clear a stock hood. It sticks up higher than the SR and off to the side. I have been trying to get my single turbo under the hood and I don' think you have the clearance needed for the setup shown. Just my 02., maybe you knew that, maybe I'm just wrong!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 34
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (ANTI VENOM)
I did not have the turbos when I test fitted the manifolds, so I cannot be sure. I have been driving the car so I have not had time to try again with the turbos on it. if not, the headers come down a little.
I tried fitting a T-60 over the valve cover, and the only problem looked to be the support beams on the hood. I am just getting a new lightwieght hood and will rip those out. my TO4B's are a bit smaller then the T-60 housing I used to test fit.
I tried fitting a T-60 over the valve cover, and the only problem looked to be the support beams on the hood. I am just getting a new lightwieght hood and will rip those out. my TO4B's are a bit smaller then the T-60 housing I used to test fit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 34
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
I have thought of the oval tubing too.
I am not sure I want to do any welding on the turbo housing yet.
Do you think comming down the center of the 4 merge pipes would be a good place to weld a wastegate tube?
I think the burns collector would be entirly way too long.
I am not sure I want to do any welding on the turbo housing yet.
Do you think comming down the center of the 4 merge pipes would be a good place to weld a wastegate tube?
I think the burns collector would be entirly way too long.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (bill mcdonald)
If you are thinking like I am, that would mean the exhaust gases would have to change direction and go back against the flow to exit through the wastegate. That would not be acceptable. Hope that helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
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From: Texas
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
I'm not sure about right now as I'm saving up for paint and body work, but in the future, I'd be interested if someone actually had a kit isntead of just ideas. Good luck :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
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From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (BowTieBlood)
I'd be interested!! not sure the "flex pipe" would work out, but if you can figure out the placement and logistics for the single turbo plumbing, I think alot of folks would step up. the tuning could be done by quite a few folks, costtly but doable!!
I though about using the stock ecm but augment the fueling with a EFI034 or megasquirt or something similar.
another cool option is keep the factory ecm for the dash but run the engine off an ACELL 8 or Tec III.
do you guys know of any LT1 "piggy back" computer options that will integrate with the factory ecm.
the biggest problem I see with the turbo, is that the factory code isn't really designed for boost and I don't know how well it will work a variable boost pressures and changing conditions.
I like the idea of a wideband 02 to monitor the fuel and add as needed to help compensate for "tuning errors"
how many people would you need to "sign up" in order to do this??
lt1 c4 vettes are dirt cheap now and I'm not sure my wife would volunteer hers but I might just snag another one to try this out!!!
thanks btfreak!!! :reddevil
I though about using the stock ecm but augment the fueling with a EFI034 or megasquirt or something similar.
another cool option is keep the factory ecm for the dash but run the engine off an ACELL 8 or Tec III.
do you guys know of any LT1 "piggy back" computer options that will integrate with the factory ecm.
the biggest problem I see with the turbo, is that the factory code isn't really designed for boost and I don't know how well it will work a variable boost pressures and changing conditions.
I like the idea of a wideband 02 to monitor the fuel and add as needed to help compensate for "tuning errors"
how many people would you need to "sign up" in order to do this??
lt1 c4 vettes are dirt cheap now and I'm not sure my wife would volunteer hers but I might just snag another one to try this out!!!
thanks btfreak!!! :reddevil
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,637
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From: Honeoye Ny
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Rkreigh)
By "flex pipe" I mean the braided stainless high temp exhaust couplers. Like you see on the "B" pipe on a fwd car. They are pretty common in the turbo circle. You need room for expansion especially with stainless becasue of it's high coefficient of expansion. check out the pipe coming from my wastegate. Is precisely what I plan on using between the curve coming from the driver manifold and the turbo collector.
I would build them on a single order if somone is serious. I'll just want a deposit for material cost. That way (this has happend to me before)if someone changes their mind, all Im out is my time.
The management for small boost (7-9psi) could probable be done with a set of 30's and a fmu. For timing you could use a 6 btm, but I think just pulling 5 degrees at 100kpa (don't forget to go into the minimum timing table and change that also)will be sufficient for operation up to 500rwhp or so.
That part will be up to the end user. All I plan to provide is all the hot side plumbing to get you from the heads to the turbo (and wastegate) and a down pipe to about where the resonator is.
If anyone is truly serious, email me privately as I will be ready in as soon as a week or two. :cheers:
I would build them on a single order if somone is serious. I'll just want a deposit for material cost. That way (this has happend to me before)if someone changes their mind, all Im out is my time.
The management for small boost (7-9psi) could probable be done with a set of 30's and a fmu. For timing you could use a 6 btm, but I think just pulling 5 degrees at 100kpa (don't forget to go into the minimum timing table and change that also)will be sufficient for operation up to 500rwhp or so.
That part will be up to the end user. All I plan to provide is all the hot side plumbing to get you from the heads to the turbo (and wastegate) and a down pipe to about where the resonator is.
If anyone is truly serious, email me privately as I will be ready in as soon as a week or two. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 2
From: Honeoye Ny
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (bill mcdonald)
I have thought of the oval tubing too.
I am not sure I want to do any welding on the turbo housing yet.
Do you think comming down the center of the 4 merge pipes would be a good place to weld a wastegate tube?
I think the burns collector would be entirly way too long.
I am not sure I want to do any welding on the turbo housing yet.
Do you think comming down the center of the 4 merge pipes would be a good place to weld a wastegate tube?
I think the burns collector would be entirly way too long.
having the watsgate feed out the middle is definitly a bad idea. flow reversal will not control boost very well. Maybe you should consider hybris turbo's with internal gates.it would seem to solve your room problem. Ive been doin some lookin/thinkin and oval is your best bet to have the proper flow area.] http://www.twinturbovette.net/Home1.htm
Or do it like this guy did.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
Once you get a few made for people, perhaps you should consider an entire kit for an LT1? Think of how many people have come to this forum alone looking for a single turbo kit that they can just bolt -on. Given that they'd need tuning and engine mods, the rest of the kit would probably more advantageous for a lot of people. Just a thought ;) Keep it up and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 2
From: Honeoye Ny
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (BowTieBlood)
Once you get a few made for people, perhaps you should consider an entire kit for an LT1? Think of how many people have come to this forum alone looking for a single turbo kit that they can just bolt -on. Given that they'd need tuning and engine mods, the rest of the kit would probably more advantageous for a lot of people. Just a thought ;) Keep it up and keep us posted.
But it will still be a kit that someone with some know how could take advantage of. By their very nature a "comprehensive" one size fits all kit is not easy to do. As it has been said, our cars wernt designed for boost. they must be modified to take advantage.
But if all (all? lol!)you want is a complete plumbing,turbo ,wastegate,intercooler,and blow off valve to make x-amount of rwhp, in a few weeks time (after the deposit) I could be shipping you boxes of parts.
[Modified by Baldturbofreak, 10:03 PM 2/7/2004]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,637
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From: Honeoye Ny
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Flareside)
Where would the turbo be mounted with your headers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
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From: Texas
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
What kind of price are we talking deposit wise.... and possibly for the entire kit like I was talking about? I won't be able to buy soon as I'm looking into paint body work for this summer and my g/f's brother in law is going to charge me a fortune but he does good work. I'd want a kit that was EVERYTHING needed and maybe even a little info to help with install......... with the exception of engine modifications and of course tuning. Turbo wise, I really am VERY limited on knowledge, but my friend knows quite a bit....... I'd only be looking to push 10-15 psi final goal, nothing dramatic, maybe something that could push the car into the mid-high 10s with all of the future drivetrain modifications and engine mods. :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
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From: Texas
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (BowTieBlood)
Don't want to waste your time or anything....... but I was wondering if maybe you could write me a descriptive e-mail about everything? Would help tremendously in my understanding of your proposals. Like a list of parts that could be included and/or other things I'd have to buy (not counting engine internals)? Do have any pictures, or someone else's car as an example picture? If it sounds like something I'm def. interested in, might hold off on the paint and see what I can do, maybe leave it sit around the garage till I do engine mods, then slap it on. Once again, I'm a little behind everyone on knowledge in the forced induction area.
Thanks a million! BowTieBloodC4@AOL.com
Thanks a million! BowTieBloodC4@AOL.com
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
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From: Roxbury NJ
Re: Single turbo Lt1 headers (Baldturbofreak)
Where would the turbo be mounted with your headers?
The turbo would be mounted longiitudinally in the upper righthand side of the motor. and will probably require that the wheelhouse (the middle lower) be removed to clear the compressor housing.
The turbo would be mounted longiitudinally in the upper righthand side of the motor. and will probably require that the wheelhouse (the middle lower) be removed to clear the compressor housing.