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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Turbo Intercooler

I have recently fitted a rebuilt low compression 1310cc engine (Peter May) and a rebuilt metro turbo and carb,everything going to plan an running quite well but my intension was to fit an intercooler before raising the boost,big problem is where to fit it!!Anybody else had any joy finding a place for one to go?and if so what size?
I shall be at Peter Mays on Sat morning for my mince pie in case anyone happens to be there running an A series turbo..
Rob Newt

Hi Rob pleased the project is going well.
Yes I run a turbo and am now upto plus 20PSI boost.

My car is off the road at present (fitting new rear springs and possibly replacing clutch when finished talking with Peter May on Saturday morning) so will see you there.


I have an intercooler on my car but can't find a photo at the moment.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Thanks for that Bob.
How have you got up to 20 psi?have you changed the standard actuator and did you ever run the turbo with out an intercooler so you could see the difference with one fitted.
A photo would be a big help if you could find one,hopefully I will see you Sat, Iam the one with no hair and no money in my wallet!!(now i have paid Peter for my Engine,but worth every penny.)
Rob Newt

Here's a picture of Bobs from the archives (hope you don't mind Bob!).


AndrewF

And here's a picture of arnolds intercooler, also from the archives (car is supercharged, but that doesn't matter).


AndrewF

I knew I had a photo somewhere. Thanks Andrew
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

looks like Bobs version is the way to go but i am surprised how sml the intercooler is, was it worth it?
Only problem is I dont have a one piece front end.
I have read a Renualt 5 turbo is a good one to fit, so got a new one off fleabay for a fiver but still seems too big, see picture.


Rob Newt

I like the look of that Rob but as you say difficult to find a position to fit it. I chose the one I have, simply cos it fitted the space available.
Mine is bigger than it looks in the photo and I was suprised at the efficiency of it. I can not comment upon the power gains as I have been unable to measure that accurately but I can tell that my inlet temp is drastically reduced simply by feeling the outlet of the intercooler when compared to the inlet. That said it is easy to understand that a substanial reduction in inlet temp means far more power in the engine
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Rob,
i'm glad you started this thread i've also got a R5 turbo intercooler that i'm scratching my head about where to fit it. I did think for a moment about modifying the heater box but the inlet / outlet of the R5 intercooler is in the wrong place.
Arnold used a Lancia Delta integrale one on his conversion but i haven't seen one of ebay yet.
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

Rob,
I have a steel front end and fitted an intercooler from a Rover 600ti behind the grill.My latest effort involved taking the slam panel support out,but I have a grp bonnet held on with pins so it's ok.


steve cowling

Here,s the earlier Rover cooler.The hole below the grill ducts air to the radiator.


steve cowling

Nice job with the intercoller Steve,2 things, why did you change to the Rover 600ti intercooler and does that hole serve for air flow for your oilcooler and radiator.(any overheating issues)
Good God I never new so many people have gone the turbo route,I think it might be time for a midget/sprite Turbo Club !!
Rob Newt

Hi Rob,
I started with the Rover unit,then upgraded to the wide one later.The hole in the front panel opens up an effective duct up to the rad.which is a thick cored one.No overheating even in Summer at Shelsley,but it is a 72C stat and there is abig electric fan plus timer.This runs for 10 mins after shutdown and thermosyphons water around the engine and turbo.
steve cowling

Hi guys, the more turbo and superchargers, the more I like it!

I choose to do is on the image because:
- i do not want to block the air to the rad
- i do not want anything to be visible (car should look standard)

I considered to cut away a piece of the inner fender and put the intercooler there, but feared the mud from the wheels.

I my case the IC and bypass valve led to a decrease of inlet airtemps of 50 degrees Celsius!! That is pure power gain and less chang of pinging!!

On http://www.kmnet.demon.co.uk/arnold/may08_1.jpg you see also the small air slot to make sure air goes in there and goes out upward and then to the rad
a.o. arnold

Great to meet both Rob and Steve yesterday at Peter May's I am sure we will meet again hopefully at the forced induction section of Midget 50!! 2011.

OK rob you have convinced me to start a forced induction register for the MG Car Club Midget Register website.

I am now considering doing my MGA with a supercharger. :-) Just need some money now..

Anyway speaking to Peter May yesterday he agreed with me that 110 BHP (flywheel) was about the limit for a Spridget clutch and explains why when I put my foot down at 80MPH plus the clutch gives up. So am now going to buy his uprated jobbie with rear seal. Just need some money.. :-)
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Is that a Ford clutch? Peter did my flywheel machining, nice job.


Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

not sure Brad. However Peter kindly allowed me to take some photos of the gear which I can post when I download my camera.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

The ford one is much better, doesn't feel so light as the standard one & can take more bhp.


Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

Bob
Sign me up now for the forced induction reg,I never new there were so many out there!.

I should have my 3.9 diff back next week, so will be able to give Peters clutch and steel flywheel a good testing and i will let you know of any issues.

Once the car is running Correctly I shall change from the standard actuator to the alloy avonbar one I have and let you know what increase in psi i get.(if any)

Back to the intercooler ( I seemed to have forgot where I started)after mulling over all your comments and pictures, I now have an idea of my own and as soon as I shoehorn one in I shall post pictures.

By the way Brad you have a tooth missing out of your flywheel!!(or is it my eyesight!)


Rob Newt

I hope its your eyesight.
Forgive me for asking a stupid question, but whats the ali thing in your picture?
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

Brad
I take it your not a forced induction person!
Its the actuator that opens the wastgate on the turbo,picture was realy for Bob to take a look at as we were talking turbos on Sat Morn at Peter Mays.
Rob Newt

Rob,
i'm going the supercharged route as i like to make things difficult for myself. I've a pop-off valve for the intake & a by-pass for the charger.
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

Yep that is the same actuator as the one I have for my turbo. I paid 58 quid for mine from a company on E bay. You can adjust the boost pressure by shortening the rod that connects to the dump gate. This is shortened by screwing it in.

I think supercharging is just as good Brad and when my banking shares start to do well I am planning to supercharge my MGA.

Here is my email address for anyone who would like to send me details of their Forced Induction engines. I will start a page for us all on the register website if you don't mind

rjwelchmidget at aol.com naturally remove the at and spaces.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I cant remember if you said you had fitted the new actuator yet Bob and if you have what length is the rod that works best for you?,these are the instructions on the avonbar website: Tech tip: When fitting a modified Actuator the pre-load on the internal spring is necessary to achieve the correct boost. So, ensure the wastegate is closed (wastegate pin held closed in diection of Actuator) then adjust the rod so the centre of the eye is approx 3mm shorter than the centre of the wastegate pin.
Rob Newt

Hi Rob,
Just start with about 2mm preload,check the boost on load,keep tweaking it up until you reach the right level.Brings a BIG smile!
steve cowling

Yes I have this actuator fitted already and I have preloaded with shortening the rod as described Keep testing untill you are giving it big licks..
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Just come in from fitting recon diff and it bloomin FREEZING in the garage(I must be mad)even with gas fire on full blast!!

Thanks for that Steve,I will start at 2mm and let you know,I think its probably best to keep the boost down until I have done at least a few miles (2 miles at the mo)other wise the big smile you and Bob keep talking about might not last very long!
Rob Newt

This thread was discussed between 02/12/2009 and 10/12/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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