how would one go about getting a turbo running on a carbed car. i know theres two setups, can someone explain, thanks

 

there are 2 types of carbureted turbo set ups available.

1. draw thru turbo set ups

2. regular style set ups


in a draw thru, the turbo sits right next to the intake manifold and carburetor, exhaust powers the turbo of course and air is drawn thru the car by the turbo and then re blown back thru it, there are actually 2 types like this, one found on early buick regal turbos (not grand nationals 78-79) and then the type found on the corvair and some rare model corvettes as well, all pre 1980.

the other is just like an EFI set up, as where the turbo just plain pushes air into the manifold but it blows thru the carb, this takes a special carb that is capable of being pressurized and has special floats and different fuel bowls as well. tuning is a little trick with both set ups, simply because boost will sometimes push the secondaries open and dump a little too much fuel.

on the regular carb style set up an "air bonnet" is used to seal off the carb and pressurize the intake tract, these bonnets are very expensive ranging from 190-900 dollars.

i only know this because i have had to work with both styles








this dyno plot was done on 9.2 psi, they eventually made over 1000hp, with no intercooler! but this was on an engine dyno too

 

The draw through is pretty interesting.

 

i don't like the idea of blowing gas through the turbo. it does work, but it seems like it would have more drawbacks to me...besides the obvious draw back of being carburated

 

yeah the 78 buick regals was slightly different from the picsture, i believe the corvair's was the same tho.

im not feeling the draw thru, although the 78 i worked on ran a 14 flat on a stock motor and turbo!