[DML] Re: delorean turbo question

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Actually a turbo installation should go better on an automatic *in
general*. It has to do with the match-up of the power curves of the
forced induction from the turbo and the power curve from the torque
converter. On a Delorean they don't seem to match up so good. IMHO the
clutch packs are way too small and will slip and wear too quickly for
the longevity required of a street car. The other big problem is there
is no provision for the vacuum modulater so you get abrupt, hard
shifting. Good for the poor little clutch packs (less slipping) hard
on the drivetrain and the occupants of the car. The turbo packages DO
deliver on their promise of more power. The major problems are:

1) The more power you try to get out of the turbos the less life you
have in the drivetrain (keep the boost below 5-6 lbs)
2) If you want more power AND longevity you have to do a lot more than
bolt on a turbo, you have to change pistons, rings, etc.
3) The way the turbo is installed has a LOT to do with how well it
will work and how long things last.(timing, fuel adjustment etc)  
4) Finally, how (and where) you drive the car. I suspect Dick Ryan got
such good results was because of his altitude. His effective boost
pressure was actually lower than he realized because he was way above
sea level. Anyway if you flog the car, always running at high boost
and low octane and don't mind the racket from all the pinging, don't
expect the motor to last long without complaint.

The bottom line is you do get some benefit from forced induction but
overdone it WILL eventually wear things out prematurely. If you are
reasonable about your expectations and don't overdo things a turbo is
a worthwhile upgrade. It does increase maintainence, adds complexity,
increases fuel consumption, and requires more expensive, higher octane
fuel. 
 At this time I do not know if there are ANY turbo packages still
available new. Island Turbo does not have any new kits to sell at this
time. Legend Industries is bankrupt and out of business.
BTW on Dick's car although the engine and drivetrain were still
working after 75,000 miles both turbos had blown oil seals. With only
30,000 miles on them and no other damage I can only guess either the
oil was not changed often enough and/or the oil used was inferior. It
is possible a different torque converter would improve the performance
on an automatic but with non available off-the-shelf you would have to
custom build one and experiment. A very expensive way to go. It could
take several before you accidently hit the magic combination of parts.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Dick Ryan <deloreanbiker@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> I sort of second David's comments - but only sort of.
> 
> I ran twin turbos on my first DeLorean which was an
> automatic.  After some 30,000 miles with the turbos
> (installed when the car already had over 40,000
> miles), there were no transmission problems.  
> 
> promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail








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