I've got a shot at a cheap T3 off a 89 Thunderbird... Is it big enough for a carbed 12A turbo project with 7-8 lbs of boost? or am I just going to run outta top end?

 

I was told that even my bigger turbo(non-stock) off of my Grand National wasnt going to be sized correctly for a rotory, so I'd imagine that tiny litte thing wont be worth it...

 

Not in the least. Start with an HT-18 from a Turbo II RX-7 and work up from there

 

The HT-18 is a good turbo, it would be an upgrade over most turbos from other cars. From what I have heard, basically the hot side is a T4 and the compressor is a T3. Its good for about 250hp on a TII, so I think about that is easily atainable on a 12A, which is enough to give you major traction problems with anything less than a high performance tire, good for a mid 13 quarter mile I think.

 

Not to mention you can hybrid the HT-18 with a T04x compressor side to run more power efficiently and relatively inexpensively

 

But, he is talking about using a NON-rotary turbo - I saw in a big thread about turbos that the compressor/turbine sizings are basically opposite from most piston engine set-ups.

 

That is the route I am going for now, great upgrade. Bad 83 runs the setup and it is pretty kickass.

 

I'm going with just a stock S4 HT-18 on my 6 port for now. Should be good to get me the power I want I think. I MAY go with the hybrid style that firebirdslayer mentioned. Depends on time and money. I just wanna have it running for the spring at this point.

 

MOST Non Rotary turbo's don't flow nearly enough CFM for the rotary motor. HT-18's are cheap, easy to find, and are perfect for a 12A Turbo build

 

His original question was if he should buy the cheap T-bird turbo, and I was jsut stating that while your statement is a very good one for advice regarding which turbo to use, he was specifically asking about THAT turbo.

 

I understand. He asked if it was big enough and I responded in my first reply "Not in the least". It wont flow enough for a rotary as most piston engine turbo's will not. My route is going to be a hybrid from Robert at Rotary Shack. Maybe I can send him enough cheese as payment LOL

 

yes it will just choke it very badly. most piston engines run a .40~.60 T3 hotside....rotaries, even the stock HT18 run a modified t4 that sits in the 1.o a/r range. its exhaust wheel is approx same size as a garret "O" trim wheel which is quite a bit larger than a stage 3, 4, or 5 T3 wheel

thats why most guys look for a "P" trim wheel in about a .84~.96 a/r when they upgrade

For a piston engine a .84~96 hotside with a "P" trim wheel is in the 6~700 flywheel hp range, but for a rotary its only about the 450~500 depending upon compressor wheel.

kenn

 

The 12AT came with a T3 turbo.....

 

K. I'll go with something bigger, if it ever comes along. thanks guys!

 

K. I'll go with something bigger, if it ever comes along. thanks guys!