1999-2000 Protege Turbo Help
 

I have a 1999 Protege ES 1.8 Liter and I've been modding it for a few years now. I really need the help/advice of any resident turbo gurus. I've got future plans for forced induction (budget willing) and need to get some answers:

I realize that in many instances you sacrifice power for practicality/driveability-- an equilibrium of things you're willing to live with/without. I know of a number of turbo kits out there for my year protege: i.e. the garrett t25 kit, the Mental Addiction Motorsports revised street sleeper (t28), and a few t30 kits. My goal is to invest my money where it counts-- under the hood. This will not be a track car, other than something I take to the track on the weekends occasionally, but for the most part will be a daily driver. I want to improve the protege's performance as much as possible without effecting the driveability so much that it becomes impractical or a maintenance headache. My question is, what would be going too far for daily driving stock block and internals? I'm aware that with larger turbos, it would be a wise investment to put in a built short block with forged internals if you're planning on running anything over 10 psi. I'm also aware that with larger turbos, it becomes necessary to get a FMU (quite pricey as well). Realistically with larger turbos, if you want to make a build correctly, safe, and dependable... you need deep pockets an ass ton of money (and time of course, neither of which I have a surplus of). Which kit will be gentle enough to let you keep your existing block and internals (for now at least), but still offer good numbers? Are these larger turbos (and consequently the block, internals, and FMU expense) necessary for good performance? Would the performance from a t25 kit be worth the $2700? I'm almost positive with the t30 and decent boost, you'd be asking for disaster if you didnt invest in a built short block and forged internals, but what about the Mental Addiction Motorsports t28? Same deal? I guess to sum it all up, what turbo kits (listed or not listed) will produce safe, good numbers with the stock block and internals. I've got an unorthadox stage 1 clutch and flywheel SS clutchline, an injen CAI, essentialspeed bored throttle body and intake manifold, and a B&M SS (although really only the clutch has much relevance to this). Help please. Feel free to let me know of any other kits i'm missing. Thanks in advance guys.

your understanding of turbos and how they work is lacking. I could go into extensive detail but it's easier if you just purchase the book "Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell. It's a great book for beginers needing to learn about FI systems.

Just to hit the highlights though:

#1. do NOT judge your boost level by your turbo size....there are several other factors more important....(i.e. saying you can only run 10psi on a T3 is foolish....bad things will happen)

#2. you MUST have an FMU and voltage clamp in your boosted 3rd gen unless you're running a stand alone EMS like me (haltech). Adding boost without fuel is immediate death.

#3. If you're planning on just getting something streetable with decent gains that will still be somewhat reliable look for something in the 160-170whp range....and NEVER touch the boost. The problem with turbos is most people get the boost bug and turn the thing up and pop it instantly. Learn to be satisfied with what you have or just buy a faster car to begin with.

#4. There is virtually NO difference between a standard old Cheap-o T3 and a T28 that everyone raves about. The only difference is the T28 will spool a hair faster however the straight T3 will be a more capable turbo on the upper limits. My T3 on my pinto ran 23psi daily with 28psi race days. A T25 will provide more than enough boost to shatter your stock block...don't go any fancier than you have to....just wasting money.

#5. where are you going to get a T25 turbo kit for $2700?? If you say "turbokits.com" you need to SERIOUSLY do some homework before you go any further.

Roddimus Prime,

What is this WOMP supercharger I hear you talking about so much? I'm assuming you feel it's a better alternative than any of the turbo kits out there considering you have it. What set up are you running and if i'm not mistaken, aren't you selling WOMP kits? If so, what are you asking for them? And what upgrades would you recommend along with your kit, i.e internals or upgraded block, etc.

BTW, 2700 was just a number I pulled out of my ass. Anyway, if you were to go turbo, what setup would you run/recommend?

I just did some research on the WOMP supercharger on some other various threads, so you can disregard the last question, (thanks though). The WOMP sounds incredible, I know they make them for 2.0 motors, but what about 1.8's? If not, could they be interchangable at all?