I've been playing with the idea of adding a turbocharger to my Caterham. Many of you know my history with this engine, upgrading and rebuilding it last year at a large cost! It is a 2.0 L ZX1 Zetec, with forged internals, moderate cam, stock compression, Jenvey's, Emerald ECU. Dyno'd just after the build at 163 HP.
I would love to have a Cosworth Duratec, but the cost for a full conversion just seems a little too much for me at this point. Especially since I've got all the goodies on a newly built race spec motor. I've been discussing a turbo build with a shop here in town that is very experienced with race applications, and it seems like a reasonable option. I've found a few UK Caterhams that have done it with good results, and the Zetec seems to be a decent engine for forced induction according to what I've read on the focus forums. A stock engine should be able to make 250 HP reliably if safely tuned, and with forged pistons/rods should be much higher. I'm just looking for about 220 RWHP. The cost would be anywhere from $4000 to $8000, depending on the quality of the build. Part of this would be upgrading the fuel system, which I would have to do anyway with a Duratec. I've considered a number of designs, and have come up with one that should be safe, light, and cool running.
Pluses:
moderate cost
gobs of torque
keeping my current wiring harness, headers, etc.
Can even keep the Jenvey's, using an intake plenum they are now offering for turbo applications.
Minuses:
a little added weight (estimated at about 20 - 30 lbs)
putting more money into an older engine design
cutting another hole in my bonnet
If I could do it all over again, I'd go with a Duratec. But with what I've got, this seems to be a reasonable option. Anyone think I'm crazy? I may just save my money for a few years for a Duratec, but I have to admit I'm a bit of a HP junkie. I don't like working so hard to pass in the turns just to be passed again on the straights!
I welcome any opinions,
Thanks,
Justin
I would love to have a Cosworth Duratec, but the cost for a full conversion just seems a little too much for me at this point. Especially since I've got all the goodies on a newly built race spec motor. I've been discussing a turbo build with a shop here in town that is very experienced with race applications, and it seems like a reasonable option. I've found a few UK Caterhams that have done it with good results, and the Zetec seems to be a decent engine for forced induction according to what I've read on the focus forums. A stock engine should be able to make 250 HP reliably if safely tuned, and with forged pistons/rods should be much higher. I'm just looking for about 220 RWHP. The cost would be anywhere from $4000 to $8000, depending on the quality of the build. Part of this would be upgrading the fuel system, which I would have to do anyway with a Duratec. I've considered a number of designs, and have come up with one that should be safe, light, and cool running.
Pluses:
moderate cost
gobs of torque
keeping my current wiring harness, headers, etc.
Can even keep the Jenvey's, using an intake plenum they are now offering for turbo applications.
Minuses:
a little added weight (estimated at about 20 - 30 lbs)
putting more money into an older engine design
cutting another hole in my bonnet
If I could do it all over again, I'd go with a Duratec. But with what I've got, this seems to be a reasonable option. Anyone think I'm crazy? I may just save my money for a few years for a Duratec, but I have to admit I'm a bit of a HP junkie. I don't like working so hard to pass in the turns just to be passed again on the straights!
I welcome any opinions,
Thanks,
Justin
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