I Want to put a turbo in my 1990 Sub Legcay L ... ADVICE....

[bigdstees]

So , I am new to the site and just want to first of all say hello.

I got this 1990 Subaru Legacy L about a year ago for FREE! it was garage kept and completely chip gaurded underneath. so it is sturdy . Engine needed new seals, timing belt, waterpump, belts, flushed, etc. all the crap that needs done to it since it has been sitting.....

This car got balls.... couldn't believe it ... drove it from Philly to Pittsburgh and had done 121mph on the Northeast Ext. Highway. 121mph with ease and It really felt like it had more in er'.

So I found a turbo. One that would of been used on the same car. It was only fifty bucks.....

I will rebuild it and all before i put it to use ,,

My uncle is a porsche mechanic and i called him for advice and he said to look into the forums and see what others have done.

My Q's


WIll i need to modify my manifold?

What type of intercooler should i get?



IN GENERAL: What will putting this turbocharger in m ycar
entail?????


Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.....


Thanks guys

[n2x4]

Welcome! If you haven't used forums before - think of them as a knowledge base, there's a good chance that someone's come along and answered your question before. Try the search feature up towards the top of the page and try some key words - you'll find a lot of info.

Here's a few threads that discuss your goals, take a look and let us know if you have any questions.

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... turbo+ej22

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... turbo+ej22

I can answer your basic questions without going into to much detail:

WIll i need to modify my manifold? Nope.

What type of intercooler should i get? 06-07 WRX top mount will fit with ease, as will an intercooler off of a Saab 900. Which turbo did you get?

[wtdash]

Hello,
I would ask to clarify Exhaust or Intake manifold?

Exhaust>>Yes - you'll need the 'header' w/its up pipe.
Intake>>No

Also, I asked the same question about turboing an NA (non-turbo) and unless you only want to run a min. of boost, say <5psi, you'll want to upgrade to Turbo pistons, or you'll melt them (per Mr. Doug V - he should know!)

have fun!
Td

[bigdstees]

thanks guys for your input,

exhaust- i know i need pipes going to it but will it be a big job to alter it?

Im lookin into buying a IHI VF11 9012 . is there a different one i can use that is just as easy to install? ... I was goin with that cuase i knew it would work since they used that exact one on my car..... are the pistons expensive?

thanks

[wtdash]

thanks guys for your input,

exhaust- i know i need pipes going to it but will it be a big job to alter it?

Im lookin into buying a IHI VF11 9012 . is there a different one i can use that is just as easy to install? ... I was goin with that cuase i knew it would work since they used that exact one on my car..... are the pistons expensive?

thanks

Exhaust: The turbo exhaust requires either a 'notch' in the stock crossmember or the Turbo crossmember for the up pipe....this is for the stock parts; otherwise maybe you/local exhaust shop can fab something?

There are MANY turbo options. The VF11 will be easiest if you're acquiring all the stock intake parts AND just want to run a little boost, but since you're starting from 'scratch' you have more to consider. Basically any turbo from a WRX/STI will work, as well, but if used to full potential will make you a pedestrian in short order on an NA engine.

Piston$$? No idea.

Seriously, if you really want to turbo the NA, I'd stick w/the basics. The EJ22e just isn't made to be a high boost engine w/out internal upgrades; the EJ22T from the '91-94 SS/TW IS.

Keep searching on here and NASIOC's 'Subaru conversions' threads, for starters.

Good luck,
Td

[bigdstees]

thanks man,

so are you saying that with that turbo and my 2.2 engine that its safe to use on those stock parts? will i need a different ecu ? how much psi would that turbo put out you think? 10?

i mean ya all im trying to do is get a lil boost... thought it would be fun to do... If i wanted 650hp i wouldn't be doin it with this lol....

[wtdash]

I'm not going to say it's safe to turbo an NA engine @ all....too much risk - to me and your poor EJ22e!

You'll want @ least turbo pistons from what I've read.

The VF11 has a range of 5 psi running wastegate pressure (WG) to over 10 psi w/an MBC (manual boost controller). The stock setting is 8.7 psi.

The turbo ECU has the ability to control the turbo sensors, which you'll need if you go with the 'stock turbo' setup. And you'll need to swap a few wires - cam and crank sensors, etc.

Otherwise you can use a 'piggyback'/aftermarket EM (engine management) to control fuel/timing/etc.

And I can't make any recommendations, since the wiring stuff is over my head (way).



TD

[bigdstees]

holy shit.. turbo pistons are over 400$

i just don't know if its worth while doin this turbo thing since i'll only be paying about forty bucks for the turbocharger itself.

[macipusy]

You might be better off finding a wrecked TLeg and swapping over engine, crossmember and exhaust....I'm not sure about the ECU.
You might be able to get all those parts for 500 or less at certain U-Pull wreck yards.