Need recommendations
 

I would like to ask your opinions on an upcoming project I have. I have an nice 85 GSL-SE and plan to do a turbo swap. I am starting with a clean slate as far as the engine. I have extensive knowledge with the 13b N/A engine, but not much in the world of turbos. Transmission, brakes, etc. will be upgraded during the process and I plan to have everything properly and professionally tuned when completed.

My question is in regards to the engine (management) and turbo itself. What set up is an ideal candidate for ~350-375 rwhp as far as stand-alone brand, turbo size/make, manifolds, injectors, etc? Reliability is key and this is a ground up build onto a short block with NOTHING but the motor - and I mean nothing! I do have the necessary parts to put the S5 motor in my car, so I'm not worry about that. I have serached and found so many turbo options, that I couldn't make heads or tails of it. So I am looking for some tried and true setup to start with that will get me in the door. However, If your first response is tell me to "search" then please stop reading this and don't reply. I am looking for personal recommendations from those willing to share their setups. I plan to keep pricing in mind, but am willing to pay to make a good solid reliable motor but I don't plan on anytyhing radical or over the top. Hoping to get most of the stock TII parts here from the classifieds.

Since it is difficult to find a TII long block, I plan to have to purchase parts (everything) separately since short blocks are all that I can find. I am looking to make a list of all the needed items and wish to ask people with experience to share some recommendations. My goal is to use a S5 TII street ported block as the foundation but I am open to other ideas. I am not looking to have the higest HP or fastest FB, but more a reliable motor that will make a fun weekend driver.

Let me start by tossing a few questions your way to get the thread rolling:

Which intake manifold is the best to use- A S6 (with S5 LIM adaptor plate)? or the stock S5, or is there a latest and greatest aftermarket unit out there?

What exhaust manifold and turbo combo will get me where I need to be reliably: Stock mani and aftermarket turbo? Full mani/turbo upgrade? What worked for you.

Should I use stock sensors for the stand alone, or do I need to buy aftermarket ones to fit the system? Follwed by which system is the most favored (cost aside within reason).

What about the AFM? Might be a stupid question, but does the stand alone use the stock unit? Since I don't have one, which year is the best to use?

Thank you for your opinions and I appreciate your input.

You're going to have better luck in the 1g forum on some of those.

AFM is awful for airflow/tuning, the first thing you're going to do with a standalone is run a MAP instead.

I don't know how the exhaust manifolds fit in the S3, but for 350whp, your options are to run an aftermarket manifold and turbo, or maybe a stock manifold with a BNR stage 4. I'd go with a custom turbo/manifold, as you may have fitment issues with stuff designed for FC's.

I know you don't want to hear it, but you're not ready to do this yet...More searching! All the answers are out there. Like your question on standalones...easily answered in a few minutes ;) Depends on what you use, you'll likely have to rig up a few custom sensors.

True, but too many arm chair quarterbacks there. I'm going to go single turbo so I thought I'd target this sub forum first and get some first handers opinions.

This is why I posted here - thanks - great info - thats what I thought but needed to know from someone from experience!

I figured this but didn't know if the stock mani could house a turbo capable of my requirements. Time to pool up some money for a nice combo!

I know, I know, I know. I was hoping to get a good point in the right directon - thats all. Opinions are like a-holes.....everyone has one. I'm kind of looking for someone who has done what I am looking to do who can share some experience. I have searched but see conflicting info all day long which is tough for me to swallow. Again, thats why I posted here. This forum isolates those who have single turbo setups. I don't want to listen to someone who knows someone who has a brother who has a 600hp turbo setup and gives advice w/o the experience to back it up. Talk is cheap. Searching will do me little until I actually meet up with someone who can coach me along and teach me the ropes. That will be my job in the long run.

Most on ths sub-forum are FD owners and I realize that. but the concepts are the same. I know someone out there has a solid setup for a TII motor who thinks their setup is best.....and if you are reading - post or PM me!!!! I've run nitrous far too long. I want some consistant reliable boost and I look forward to the learning curve! Time to start reading and turning wrenches again!

Anyone else have advice? TIA

Alright, since no TII guru's here. The Cosmo 13b-RE motors are a dime a dozen. Anyone have a setup recomendation to start with? Going single w/ standalone?

A 60-1 or Gt35r will get you those figures, plus leave you with some room to grow. Haltech is a pretty popular setup for what you're after, a lot of support on the forums etc. Its also really easy to tune, and inexpensive. A standalone deletes the afm and uses a map sensors.

I would definitely spend the money on a proper turbo/manifold setup from a reputable shop like Elliott above or Sean at A-Spec. It will save you a lot of time trying to piece things together and hope they fit/work. Again, the GT35R is perfect for your power goals, or to save some funds and lose a bit of response you can go with a journal bearing "GT3574". Microtech is a reliable EMS and cheap, however it lacks the support that Haltech has and does not have the same resolution. I would go for any Haltech/Microtech/PowerFC that you can get for a decent price with a pre-wired harness, again to save you a ton of time.

You can consider checking out the Auxiliary Injection forum and decide for yourself whether adding a water or water/meth or straight meth injection setup would be best for you, there is some great tuning information not only pertaining to AI.

No matter what way you look at it, make sure you have the means to fabricate. No matter how many parts are available to buy, nothing ever will fit perfectly, especially not when you're crossing generations of engine-chassis.

PM me if you want any information on fuel setups, intercoolers, or anything else you may have questions about. I'm no pro, but have done a lot of reading over the years.