Twin Turbo Discussion

[jklein68]

I had an interesting conversation with the guy who owns the machine shop that is working on my heads and block. I'll paraphrase but essentially he said that based on the porting and valve work the most efficient way to push horsepower would be with a twin turbo setup.

It got me thinking...I used to have a BMW 335, BMW's "Efficient Dynamics" was based off of a twin turbo design. They called the turbos "pocket" turbos because they were so small. They were able to operate with very little lag and didn't require much boost to have a car that was pretty fun to drive 300hp/300tq with a wide power band.

I'm not trying to drive massive horsepower numbers, going for 700-750 at the top end.

I understand that a twin turbo setup adds cost and complexity but what would some of the advantages be? Disadvantages?

Would two small turbos be that much more streetable and responsive than the alternative? Like I said I most likely won't need a giant turbo to begin with.

 

[Six-is-Enough]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

Biggest thing is Cost, Cost, Cost. Lots more expensive.

2 turbos instead of one.

Custom headers instead of stock manifolds.

Pain in ass to run dual exhaust with awd.


You can make the HP you want with a single turbo without it being to tough.

 

[canadian]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

When going with a a big single you have to spool it. Usually done with a higher stall torque converter. Using two smaller ones you get more air with less lag. At least that's what I've always heard. The biggest issue is cost. If you have a good tuner and the properly matched parts, a single would probably be easier to do.

 

[Quickstop [UK]]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

Ask people with twins if they'd to it again... you can get driveable and powerful without the twin setup. Spend the equivalent in tuning it and matching the cam and convertor and you'll be fine. Cost of the twin setup is mammoth.

 

[e95 Ty]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

My engine made 726hp/811ft single PTE billet 6768 on e85/e98 no lag at all. The new turbo's are much more efficient than even a few years ago and unless going huge on the turbo (which you don't need to do to make 700+hp) you shoulden't have much lag, but as i'm sure you've heard on here before a lot of it has to do with the right setup and tune.

 

[jklein68]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

No one wants to defend twins? I figured this would at least start a good conversation... What would the dyno chart look look like for twin turbos vs. a single turbo at the same HP levels? Let's say 500HP. I would assume that both builds are optimized for 500HP.

Either way I can't afford or need twin turbos at this point but was interested in the idea.

 

[nallj92]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

If cost was not a factor, twins would be optimal. I just think nobody here has had much if any experience with twins, thus the knee jerk to say singles are better. It all depends on goals, and $$. Ideally twins would flow more exhuast (less backpressure), faster spool up (if properly sized), and able to move more amounts of air than a single.

A built motor and a pair of stock syty turbos would be pretty cool to do.

Gerber's TT Ty is also a example of a good matched twin set-up.

 

[midnightbluS10]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

Jeff's TT V8 Ty is also a very good setup.

 

[jklein68]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

Thought that I read a post once form WindedV6 that stated twins don't necessarily spool faster than a single...

I'll try to find the post,I may be off.

 

[JSM]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

Yes I have twin turbo's. The main advantage to them is the ability to empty the wallet twice as fast. Two turbos, two wastegates, 2 downpipes, etc.

If you got some extra money to spend go 3, 4 or 5.

If I did it again it would be single turbo.

 

[Darin]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

If each setup is optimal, then neither setup is better than the other one, correct?

I agree, single is the best way to go. Or, if you were to go twins, look into a very difficult to set up compound setup, that's the best of both worlds.

 

[Cheyenne4.3]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

My engine made 726hp/811ft single PTE billet 6768 on e85/e98 no lag at all. The new turbo's are much more efficient than even a few years ago and unless going huge on the turbo (which you don't need to do to make 700+hp) you shoulden't have much lag, but as i'm sure you've heard on here before a lot of it has to do with the right setup and tune.

ws that horsepower to the wheels or to the flywheel

 

[The Devils Own Chariot]

Re: Twin Turbo Discussion

Single turbo is more efficient over all. If you check out the new billet turbos you would be amazed by what they can do. They can be very small and still push 600 or 700hp no issue.