adding turbo to 2.1

[Compo]

as the heading says can it be done and if so whats the best turbo to get please. the 2.1 is on a carb

[HarryMann]

Honestly, if you have to ask it isn't a job for you, as it's only been done seriously by major players in the VW tuning world...

Don't even think about it unless you own an engine development shop with petrol turbo experience

[syncrosimon]

Gives impressive power and torque, but will magnify any weaaknesses on the engine a hundred fold. A small turbo with light pressure may be the best option, like the Nissan Figaro turbo version of the fabled 1000cc 16v unit.

[syncrosimon]

Also the 2.1 DJ is a high compression engine, and as the South African Turbobus above shows, needs at the very least new low compression pistons to be able to run at all.
The shopping list would be long, and as harryman states would need to be overseen by a specialist, most of the Aircooled turbo guys would have a go, as most of the parts will be the same.
When you consider the true cost of many conversions doing this would be no more expensive, and would be a very satisfying thing to do.

I would speak to the Aircooled guys, they will know.

If I remember rightly the turbobus conversion improved mpg at moderate driving rates, wasnt so good over the ton though.

[Laurie]

Given that the head studs are barely able to deal with 'normal life', I think the engine would need a re- think.

Mind you, MV pistons and a 1mm recess in the head might help plus the use of some 10mm type 1 studs, cleared for the barrel base and top lips.

The late 2.1 exhaust would lend itself well to a turbo fitted on the cast knuckle.

Looking at the 2 stage steam engines(Modern Power Generators circa 1896) that ran a piston from the output of the main piston, I thought of running a turbo on the exhaust then using the air output of a big turbo to blow a small turbo which would be a suck through and run cool.

Lancia/weber DCA suck through carb on twin choke manifold.

Then I thought... Why?

Far more fun to fit a Jowett Javelin engine in it.

[Mr Bean]

as the heading says can it be done and if so whats the best turbo to get please. the 2.1 is on a carb

Well Having achieved comfortable cruising speeds of in excess of 80MPH (indicated) High top and all whilse towing my boat which probably weighs as much as a small car and still out excelerating half the stuff I meet on the road I can't for the life of me see why you would need to do such a thing. However if I felt the need for more power/speed I would see about grafting a modern 16 valve engine in and get more performance with reliability. I just love rolling into my local (Mondeo) Ford dealer and picking up obscure parts next day for peanut prices rather than having to hunt around the forum.
Cheers
Ex Nutter Wolfie
(yes I know length could be a limitations but what's new!)