Turbo project ahead

That's right... GA16DE+T on the way. I am missing a few parts and the most crucial is which tuning route to take. I am glad to wait a little longer though...I hear through the grapevine that Calum has something in the works for the underdog GA, and MegaSquirt is ongoing as usual, hopefully with some upcoming chip to maintain VTC (Variable Timing Controller) functionality...and there's always good ol' JWT with their ECU reflash. But that one is costly, and you need to pay full price for another reflash if you change your setup. Which I plan to do.

The last thing I'll do to the motor while N/A is to advance my timing again (finally!), and install an SR20DE throttle body mated to a spare upper intake plenum ported larger to fit the new TB.

Stage 1 is a budget naturally-aspirated to turbo car conversion. used Garrett T25 turbo, front-mount intercooled, log manifold, 240SX MAF, 370cc injectors to get started with. I still need the MAF, oil and water lines for the turbo, and to drill my oil pan for the return line. Add to that adapters for oil pressure gauge and oil temp sensor, and a boost gauge. Oh yeah, and a bigger exhaust will need to be fabbed up. I might re-route my (unused) washer nozzles to be able to spray the intercooler at will. Hope to gain around 40 HP to the wheels with little lag.

Stage 2 I would foresee possibly upgrading to a GT28RS "Disco Potato" turbo, if I can/want to fork over $1000 or so, but likely just a turbo rebuild on the one I have or maybe a newer ball-bearing T25 from Garrett. Add water/methanol injection and push the boost up higher with the help of a good boost controller, preferably something that can tune boost for each gear. I also have a spare head lying around, from the old motor, which I would love to port out and match to the manifolds, and maybe install some turbo cams in. But that's a long way off.

As for now, I'm sourcing a used NX1600 transmission with better gear ratios and final drive (sportier but a little less fuel efficient) to tear down and rebuild this winter, and install a Phantom Grip LSD at the same time. This will go on the car in spring, at which time I will install my aluminum flywheel and the shifter stuff - a short shifter and a more solid bracket for the shifter stabilizer.

Yes I am a car nerd. And I don't know if anyone has even ever read any of this blog, but that's unimportant. It is a log. Now go drive!!