Finally turbo is on.... (Long)

[Diesel JD]

Well guys my 86 is finally turbocharged. I really am grateful the Lord has blessed me with the time and money to do this it was no small undertaking . I must be honest, my mechanic friend Rick did almost all the work installing the thing. If you happen on here man, thanks again, you're a good friend and a talented mechanic! As for the install, some of you guys remember my kit is a mostly complete ATS 088(non gated) style turbo. I had to have a new crossover pipe fabricated, bought a new downpipe from ATS, and had Ken rebuild the turbo itself, pretty clean install except for having to cut away some of the firewall and further pry it back to get firewall clearance, unfortunately we still have that stupid pipe rubbing against the firewall just a bit so that it causes a really sick vibration at idle. But no bad sounds running down the road or anything. The only other problem is we had no idea how to modify the kickdown lever for the C6 to clear the airbox so it is now without a kickdown and I suppose without passing gear unless I manually downshift.... any ideas? Now you all probably really want to hear about boost and pyro numbers...well I only see .5-1psi driving at normal "suburbia" type driving, and only a bit more than 1 on the highway unless I really FLOOR the engine. Of course I have yet to pull anything with the turbo installed or haul any big loads...nor have I touched the fuel screw. The highest EGT I saw was around 600*F from the ATS factory port in the uppipe. I should also mention my parents deserve a great deal of thanks for running me back and forth to Rick's shop and I also appreciate all the help from you guys here as this board and a lot of you were my resources to "do my homework" and get most of the little extras that make an install go easier. Anyone who's contemplating a turbo installation, I believe its worth it...it just makes the truck more enjoyable to drive...all of a sudden you can keep up with traffic on the highway and the truck doesn't feel all wound out at 65-70. I do advise you to secure a shop with a lift if at all possible or at least some way to raise the front of the vehicle to a more comfortable height and safely work under it. Those of you that have done an install on your driveway...you all have my admiration.....and pity. I can't imagine how long it would have taken.... I guess that's about it for now.... I do have a couple more questions...please read... thanks

 

[SKimballC]

Hmm, I had a turbo like this with a C6 for a spell, but didn't install that one and can't for the life of me recall how the kickdown could have interfered with the airbox.
As for the low boost, check for exhaust leaks first. You will probably need to turn the fuel up if you haven't done so already. It may take a bit of experimentation.

 

[Dieselguy123]

Maybe try to fab up a braket to use a cable for the kickdown?

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

What kind of stuff did you have to cut? You shouldnt have to cut anything out of the firewall.
Sounds like possibly you have bad cab mount cushions.

 

[Diesel JD]

I know the cab mount cushions were wore out...too lazy or cheap to replace them I guess. All we cut off was a hair off the firewall right where the downpipe is, then a little piece of the C6 as per ATS instructions. I'm not real worried about the low boost, but I may try to turn up the fuel screw a half a flat or a flat to get a bit more. Really I like the truck a lot and don't want to burn the motor down. Really the vibration of the downpipe on the firewall is the only thing that sucks about it right now.

 

[RLDSL]

I know the cab mount cushions were wore out...too lazy or cheap to replace them I guess. All we cut off was a hair off the firewall right where the downpipe is, then a little piece of the C6 as per ATS instructions. I'm not real worried about the low boost, but I may try to turn up the fuel screw a half a flat or a flat to get a bit more. Really I like the truck a lot and don't want to burn the motor down. Really the vibration of the downpipe on the firewall is the only thing that sucks about it right now.

If you replace those worn out cab mounts, chances are, you'll take care of the vibration. I didn't have enough clearance with mine either. I put a set of the poly cab mounts in and an extra 1/8" thick spacer on top, no more problems.

---------Robert

 

[Diesel JD]

But from what I hear replacing the cab mounts is an extreme PITA right?

 

[RLDSL]

But from what I hear replacing the cab mounts is an extreme PITA right?

Take a sawzall to the old ones . There's all kinds of great instructions for beating them out, the bushings came with instructions to make a puller. I welded up and bent the foo out of 3 or 4 pullers, and combined with a serious impact gun got all but one off, still ended up resorting to the sawzall for it. Would have been quicker and easier just to cut them all off in the first place. Did have to drop the front tank a few inches to get to the left rear.

If you keep that thing banging on the downpipe, something's going to have to give eventually

 

[Diesel JD]

I giveup, I guess I'm going to have to fix the cab mounts...I had the exhaust reworked a bit, and its better but still making some vibrations. I can't tell how much is vibration though and what's just noise from the engine compartment. We cut a small hole in the floor trying to clearance the firewall....oops. A lot of engine turbo and road noise is heard. I also think I'm going to have to reinstall the CDR 'cause there is just too much blowby for my liking. Doesn't puff real hard or to the tune of one particular cylinder. It might be ok if it was a hauler or work truck but I do too much around town driving for this. Bound to get my some bad attention in our very "blue" county.

 

[SKimballC]

JD, is your truck 2wd? Just curious. On my 4x4 I still have to be careful when re-installing my downpipe or it'll buzz on the firewall. I feel your pain, it makes for a harsh driving experience.

 

[Diesel JD]

Shane its 2WD, I guess fixing the cab mounts would be best, but I really hate to mess with it!