Need a turbo recommendation

[turboman38]

Finally convinced a friend to change to the dark side. He bought an 86 T-Type with 53,000 miles on it. He wants to run in the 11s but if I know him, I would feel safer getting him enough turbo to go high 10s. So I ask the all important question:

What turbo will meet his needs? I was thinking a TE44 but the TA49 seems to be very popular but don't think the 49 will go 11s. I know from experience, a 60 series (TE60) requires a convertor.

What about a PT51? HEard some people having problems with them.

Just want to get some opinions.

The car is stock except for a 3 inch downpipe, chip and a K&N. I already told him to get a fuel pump and regulator. The car will be mostly street driven.

By the way I'm trying to bring my dad to the dark side. I told him that his grand kids could ride in a GN but not his vette.

 

[azgn]

it takes a bit more than a turbo for 10's..........TA-49/TE-44 are good for high 11's with the right supporting cast (exhaust, intercooler, injectors, traction, etc)

 

[turboman38]

I know all the other factors that have to go into making a car run 10s. I'm just not sure what turbo will take him there. I leaning toward a 49 but even with a bigger intercooler and heads will it still go high 10s with a 49?

I actually thought of two more questions that I think I know the answers to but would like some verification from the board members.

Has anyone ever gone in the 10s on totally stock heads while retaining the stock cam?

If the above answer is no then has anyone ever gone 10s on totally stock heads?

 

[BABY BOEING]

Tim Stockwell Ran 10's with stock long block. Ta 61 turbo.

 

[ijames]

My opinion is that a te61 or pte54 is about the smallest turbo that can reach the 10's in the hands of a reasonably skilled tuner. You'll need at least a 3000 stall converter, and ported heads will make much more difference than a cam.

 

[azgn]

a TA-49 is not a 10 sec turbo (although anything is possible....)

if you want a 10 sec turbo, get a TE45A (and then get 3600 stall converter, 55-72 lb injectors, etc etc etc)

 

[HRpartsNstuff]

The TE-61 is a nice compromise for excellent street manners & 10 sec capability. I ran one at 11.1's with a stock converter, but it was not user friendly. With any turbo over a 49, and 10 sec goal, you will have to do a converter upgrade. I would shoot for the 61 & a vigilante 3000/3200 stall converter. It is nice & tight for every day driving & lets it spool up fast at the track. That is a lot of fun on the street & it will go 10's with tuning & boost. I wouldn't get too crazy if the owner is on a learning curve with it, easier to blow up that way.

 

[turboman38]

Excellent feedback guys! I will check with my buddy and ask him how fast he wants to go. Seems to be fairly easy to get into the mid to high 11s but a 10 second car is alot more work and expense. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[HRpartsNstuff]

Originally posted by turboman38
Seems to be fairly easy to get into the mid to high 11s but a 10 second car is alot more work and expense.

Oh yeah.... Been there done that

Mid 11's is way more economical & much less wrenching! Also, check your local track on their roll bar rules. Tracks are either 11.99 or 11.49 I believe for the break point for having a roll bar installed. Might want to have that in mind too if you guys are going to race it a lot.

 

[machinegun]

Just to present more info on the roll bar issue. NHRA sanctioned tracks require it at 11.99, IHRA sanctioned tracks require it at 11.49. Depending on your track you can sometimes a away a little. 10's though and I guarantee that you will be asked to leave without it ( For good cause ). I would like you all who read this to pick up the latest Muscle Mustang and Fast Fords. There is an article by one of the regulars on his last visit to an event that he reflects on the safety issues he saw. I will find the article and try to scan or type or locate it online for you. Very good info and something to think about. Sorry to get off topic but safety is important. The 49 is not a 10 second turbo but is an excellent high 11 turbo. Works good with stock stuff too.