MY CELICA PROJECT

 I purchased my 1984 Toyota Celica GT for $400. This RWD car has a 2.4L 4 cylinder with an 8 valve head. Stock engine specs: 105 hp @ 4800 rpm, 137 ft lbs torque @ 2800 rpm. Bore 3.62" x 3.50". Compression ratio 9:1. The car curb weight is 2450 lbs. It has a solid axle rear-end with independent front suspension. It does not have a limited slip rear axle, however one can be added from a 1979 Supra as a direct bolt in. The transmission and drive train are built extra heavy as if they were made for a truck. These engines typically last for 300,000 and 400,000 miles. After driving the car for 2 years I decided that it needed more power. I could have went with some very easy horsepower mods, items such as a larger camshaft, a header and a free flowing exhaust. Instead of being normal and doing normal things, I decided to turbocharge the car instead. Unlike other engine mods, a turbocharger can double the engine's torque and horsepower without raising the rev ceiling. This means the engine behaves as though it is twice as big when in boost! Even better, no internal engine modifications are required for moderate boost levels!

As good as turbocharging might sound, there is one thing that almost stopped me from adding a turbocharger. I have never owned, driven, repaired, or built a turbocharged vehicle! When I started this project I knew very little about turbocharging. I didn't know if I was competent enough in my mechanical abilities to undertake such an extreme endeavor. Today I have learned that it is possible to install a turbocharger onto a non-turbo vehicle. It is a daunting task, one that will make you lose sleep for 2 years straight, and one that prevents you from living a normal life. If you can imagine what it would be like to change every hose, every wire and every bracket inside your engine compartment, then you can have some idea of what it will be like to add a turbocharger to your car. Keep in mind that before you begin, you'll need to spend several months doing nothing but research. Because of the difficulty involved, I reserve the highest respect for anyone who can properly implement a turbocharger onto a non turbo vehicle. On this site I've included all of the necessary information and pictures to assist you with your very own turbo project. If by chance you've already completed your very own turbo project, my hat goes off to you! Check out each of the links above and browse through my project. Please sign my guestbook and be sure to drop me an email with any comments or questions. I'd love to hear about your project.

Charles Seiler, Spokane, WA, USA.

08/09/2006