Upgrading turbo and need advice

ma70

New Member
Jul 21, 2009
8
0
0
north carolina
ok im going from my stock ct 26 to one with a 57 trim the question is should i go ahead and do the head gasket fix first? what would be the best thickness? im only going for 350-375whp at the most. I also need to know what needs to be done to the ecu, as far as A/F mixture or whatever should be addressed when changing to an upgraded turbo? Im knew to the game obviously, but would like to learn as much as possible. That is why im asking the experts Any advice will be appreciated.
 

aznboik1mva

New Member
Aug 20, 2009
328
0
0
Manchester,Ct
If you do a little searching everything has been explained about what you are looking and planning to do. Up in the right corner there is a search bar that will help you out alot later on in the future, so look into using the search bar alot.

read this http://www.suprastore.com/stivimk3tu7m.html
that is a great way to start uprgrading your 7m. but first make sure your 7m is reliable, dont go and start upgrading then BOOOM!!!...and then you have no money to fix it lol. learn from other peoples mistakes aha
 

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
I would rec the mhg first. This requires head and block surfacing (backing plate also), Head studs too. I however made 371 on a composite gasket but do not recommend (bhg). In my case i did the 57trim, upgraded ic kit, lex afm, 560cc injectors, afpr, fuel pump and safc2.

There is a sticky on headgasket selection, read that and that will help alot. One thing you will need to do is figure out how much is taken off head and block to determine how thick it needs to be.
 

Drake69

Enjoyin' mah ride...
Aug 24, 2009
648
0
16
55
Richmond, Virginia, United States
If you already have bought the 57trim turbo, you CAN get away with putting it in and using it, BUT you should immediately add a boost controller (you'll need one eventually) and keep it set at 8~9 lbs until the rest of the motor is ready for more boost. I hit this dilema when I saw oily smoke from the tailpipe when I got on the turbo, and subsequently made the decision to upgrade to 57 rather than a stock rebuild. I haven't put mine in yet (just ordered!), but you can run with the more powerful turbo so long as you keep it set at stock levels ONLY, then focus on refreshing the engine with gaskets, cooling, other parts, etc..., and then start planning the high-end build once you have everything stable and happy.