what do you think?:13b swap or 12a turbo?
02-10-02, 01:18 AM
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what do you think?:13b swap or 12a turbo?
I have finally decided to drop some money into my car. Its an 85 RS with about 70k original miles, and it practically looks brand new. (new paint job, perfect interior.), anyway i got a price quote from a local guy who will drop in a 13b modded out to about 220 hp, for $3,200,(total project i have about $4,500 saved up for) if i provide the motor, (not sure about trans)- includes complete rebuild and carb setup,(sounds like a fun car!) not sure about details, OR on pork sport i found a 12 turbo for $930, which i coud do myself, My quesion is HOW much HP does the 12A turbo have, and how hard to install (referring to the j-spec differences)?- WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND? PLEASE REPLY-THANKS
02-10-02, 01:30 AM
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Im going a 13bt swap in my 85 GSL, but its gonna be like $4000 parts to do it. The 12A turbo was 165hp, if i remember correctly... But remember that motor hasnt been in a car in over 15 years, it might be one of those rebuild with hard to find parts kinda thing...
02-10-02, 04:25 AM
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You have a situation which I faced, a good motor in the car which has many milrs life in it
The first question is whether to take it out or not. If it had done say 125,000 miles it is a different story.
An option is to modify the carb plus K&N air filter, add a oood header and exhaust system, and you have gone to about 140-150 hp.
The 12at engine produced 165hp with EFI. Any engine you get now would be due for a major rebuild.
It is possible to add a turbo to your existing motor as long as it is relatively low boost becausr you are starting with the NA compression.
The result with the previous improvements would get you 200hp+.
The engine does not have to be pulled out of the car and a 13b bought and fitted. It could be a much cheaper solution giving you money for suspension upgrades and better wheels/tires. You could save the cash for a better upgrade later on.
You could buy an imported 13b and have it rebuilt as quoted. From the sound of it you will be getting a carb. bridgeported motor to get 225hp.
Have you thought whether there will be noise and pollution problem?
It could end up as marginal street driveable. I am not going to buy into that argument as its well covered on the forum.
My advice would be to seriously think of keeping the existing motor, upgrading the inlet and exhaust side and adding a turbo with intercooler. Just cost that option out. remembering all the costs of an engine swap.
As for as costs are concerned, you are looking at a $4,500 project. Shop around for costs of rebuilding with a bridgeport. Does the quote you have include taking out and fitting the engine. better carbs, fuel pump, ignition header and exhaust system necessary to get 220hp? I expect at that price its just a case of turning the key on and checking the dyno. The advantage is it is local, so it is easy to go back if there is a problem.
I would not advise going down the track of a 12at motor.
The first question is whether to take it out or not. If it had done say 125,000 miles it is a different story.
An option is to modify the carb plus K&N air filter, add a oood header and exhaust system, and you have gone to about 140-150 hp.
The 12at engine produced 165hp with EFI. Any engine you get now would be due for a major rebuild.
It is possible to add a turbo to your existing motor as long as it is relatively low boost becausr you are starting with the NA compression.
The result with the previous improvements would get you 200hp+.
The engine does not have to be pulled out of the car and a 13b bought and fitted. It could be a much cheaper solution giving you money for suspension upgrades and better wheels/tires. You could save the cash for a better upgrade later on.
You could buy an imported 13b and have it rebuilt as quoted. From the sound of it you will be getting a carb. bridgeported motor to get 225hp.
Have you thought whether there will be noise and pollution problem?
It could end up as marginal street driveable. I am not going to buy into that argument as its well covered on the forum.
My advice would be to seriously think of keeping the existing motor, upgrading the inlet and exhaust side and adding a turbo with intercooler. Just cost that option out. remembering all the costs of an engine swap.
As for as costs are concerned, you are looking at a $4,500 project. Shop around for costs of rebuilding with a bridgeport. Does the quote you have include taking out and fitting the engine. better carbs, fuel pump, ignition header and exhaust system necessary to get 220hp? I expect at that price its just a case of turning the key on and checking the dyno. The advantage is it is local, so it is easy to go back if there is a problem.
I would not advise going down the track of a 12at motor.
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