Steve wrote:
Mike, I used to have my doubts about turbos. After putting over a quarter million miles on a 626 turbo with no turbo problems, and owning a Seca 650 turbo for a few years (no turbo problems, it could spin a cluth loose though) I am of the opinion that if it is a good part, and properly installed, run with lots of fresh oil, and warmed up & cooled down properly - it's gonna last.
Besides, anyone with a HS stage 2 can drill holes in their airbox if they want to right?
My reply:
I'll take your word on the holes. I haven't done the Holshot thing for previously "low end torque and mileage" mentioned reasons.
I agree that factory engineered turbos are A OK. It's the Bucky Beaver weekend! kits that I was refering to. My main point there was that even if it works, you may have to take some to much of this stuff off to get at various bits normally accessable but now non wrenchable. Wheelies to kill at 100mph are another story.
Re: Turbos
Some Nostalgia which reveal my geezerness.
I was never much of a student, but when I managed to graduate from grade 13, (Ontario),.... with an A and 2 B's, (and much less).
My parents were so astonished that they decided that some form of reward was in order, ie. Mom's replacement car which I drove more than she did.
I derided the GM econo 3'sp auto 6 banger choice as no better than the current VW bug.
So.... Out we go to a seldom used highway with the demo & the bug.
Dad pulled out foot matted, with me behind. I slam shifted since I knew he could not hear it and dam near kept up. End of argument.
Long story, but Dad turned up with a Corvair Monza Spyder, (Turbo).
Now THAT was a young man's wet dream, in those days.
It shed fan belts regulary and we carried spares with wrench. As you mentioned, Turbos WORK with good engineering.
The Corvair Spyder, for it's time, was a sleeper/screamer.
Opposed 6 cyl, 4 on floor and cornered like a cat, (Ralph Nader be damed).
It is the ONLY time in my life that I outran, (evaded?), a cop car, albeit that I didn't know he was on my tail. If anyone is still awake & interested, I will chronicle the tale.