Turbo choices
 

I know a little about turbos, not enough to really make an unassisted decision, though.

1.6L Diesel, never rev it over 4k (no tachometer yet), would like better efficiency and a bit more torque.

Right now, its turned down so that there is no smoke at full pedal with enough load to slow the car down. I don't like smoke...

Anyway, just wanted suggestions for a turbo based on those criteria. K03, T25 seem to be in the right range. I don't really want to boost more than, say, 15psi, but would like it to start spooling off idle.

If you are starting with a normally aspirated engine, they don't last too well above the normal EGTs. The turbo VW engines had better oil passages and what not. So when you put the turbo on Don't turn the fuel up much from where you are at now.

If you go to Garrett Turbo's website, they have all the formulas to make a proper sizing choice. Click on the Diesel button and go to town.

The 90-96 twin turbo Nissan 300 ZX may be a source of a decent turbo for your application. Get em used off a junker motor.

regards
Mech

From speaking with tuners who specialize in Dubs, the only difference in the block is the presence of piston oil squirters, and the injection pump had a boost enrichmernt feature. I'd be happy to review any documentation that points to the contrary, though.

I have an LDA (boost enrichment) pump if I need it. I shouldn't, and the N/A pump is capable of flowing enough fuel to reach 15 psi on small turbos, although not without smoke.

All due respect, I need turbo suggestions, not advice on the differences between engines or specific components. On topic, please?

I thought smoke had to do with not having enough O2 to fully combust the fuel? Wouldn't a large boost decrease smoke instead of increase it? On my turbo diesel, it smokes a tiny bit if I lay the hammer down before the turbo spools, and then cleans out as the boost kicks in.

Christ, I don't know much about specific turbo applications, but do you plan to intercool your boost? I believe that would also lower your EGT (exhaust gas temp). More off-topic I know, but I like to learn.

Yep, going to intercool.

The smoke issue I was referring to is when making big boost on a n/a pump. You turn the fuel screw up, and that increases fueling across the board, so you get smoke off boost.

I believe my head gasket has stopped leaking since removing the rotor vanes from the vacuum pump. There was never a compression leak, so its not in bad shape that way.

Where do you want peak torque and hp to hit? Do you want the power delivery to be more truck like ( hit hard from bottom and then stop at like 3600 rpms or so )?

That's precisely what I want, actually. I plan on pulling trailers with this car once it's sorted, and I do like to have done fun occasionally, as well. It already drops power like a brick at 4k rpm, and I'm ok with it. A little more pickup couldn't hurt, and better efficiency isn't a bad thing, either.