how difficult to add a turbo to a 1986?

jgw50 · Post by **jgw50** » 28 Sep 2005, 08:59

I have a 2.3L Carburated volvo engine in my boat. Its the first "volvo" I have ever owned, but I currently own 2 cars made by the other swedish car maker and both are turbo's. I was interested in putting a low pressure turbo. Nothing over .5 bar to aviod APC needs and such. Does anyone have any experience in adding a turbo to a non nturbo B230F engine? My major concerns are oil and cooling lines going to the turbo. I could handle manifold, turbo and intercooler.

I would use junk yard parts out of stock 240, 740, or 760, and I priced them out at junkyards. For a turbo, manifold, and intercooler would be $250. I would probably have to get creative on pipwork for intake, but other than that, I think it would be pretty easy.

I dont know how carburators react to turbos though. Its a small single barrel carb, I think that it would be able to handle it, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Mile High Mariner · Post by **Mile High Mariner** » 28 Dec 2005, 08:36

JGW - Just make sure that whatever you modify complies with USCG regs. They're there to make sure you don't blow yourself up because you used automotive-grade parts in a marine application, where things like fuel fumes don't vent out of the engine compartment, instead collecting in the bilge down by the starter until the next time you start the motor - BOOM!

Supercharging is probably a better option for marine use, especially on small 4-cylinder motors like the Volvo 2.3L. Turbo lag and the fact that marine engines run at or near wide open throttle most of the time make a turbocharger a less effective tool when considering forced induction options.