Trail Turbo ??

[yammiman]

Okay, I would like to hear from you trail turbo guys the pros and cons of your turbos - are the trail versions as trouble free as the vendors let on that they are? - are they as smooth in operation as they say? - just looking for some honest feedback

 

[woodsrider]

They are all "trail" friendly. The only thing you might want to consider if you are going to do a lot of trail riding is how long of rides you go on. If you buy a front mount you could loose furl tank capacity. Rear mounts and side mounts use the stock tank. Like any sled, proper clutching is the key to sled performance.

 

[pro116]

you also have to take in to consideration the noise like for wi any alteration to your exhaust you get busted.Some turbo actually make the exhaust quiter than stock.

 

[Turk]

Run quality fuel. You might want to run lower compression pistons or extra head gasket for safety. I did both. With a front mount turbo be prepared for an annual cracked header or exhaust leak . Other then that ; every one will want to ride it & after a few runs for curiosity no one will want to race you any more. I run 10 pounds boost with 10:1 pistons & extra head gasket & I have a big safety margin on 91 octane. At that boost they are silly fast for a trail sled. I gutted my exhaust & it is only slightly louder then stock until you open it up then it sounds like a formula 1 indy race car! You don,t even know the turbo is there until you open it up & on warmer days you can feel some heat on your right leg. I don,t have a rear heat exchanger & have never had an over heat condition even after multiple 1000' WOT runs.

 

[snowy1]

like Turk said run good fuel and lower compression with head gaskets or pistons to be on the safe side, most of the motor problems are due to too much boost for the fuel being run, the only problem with the front mounts are headers cracking.

 

[yammiman]

How much fuel capacity do you loose with the front mounts? Are there any aftermarket headers that are less prone to cracking? I was unaware of the engine modifications for 10+ boost - the one I have looked at has 12 pounds - great info!

 

[yammiman]

One other question, are the MC Express available anywhere in the states? - are they rear mounted?

 

[woodsrider]

MCX makes both front and rear mount turbos. You do not have to do engine mods if you run race fuel or a blend of race fuel and super unleaded. Check out the boost calculator in the stickies to see what octane you need for the boost and elevation you plan on running at. You generally loose a gallon with front mounts. If you dump the exhaust into the tunnel it really quiets the sleds down.

 

[yammiman]

So are the MCX's available in the states?

 

[sledheadgeorge]

I agree with Turk as well. Mine does not have the low compression pistons. Just 3 stacked gaskets. Rear mount with 10 and 12 lbs of boost (with switch), at 91 oct. fuel. Up to 15-16 with race fuel mix. Have had no problems with motor with over 8,000 miles on it. Clutching is key with trail turbos if you will ride them all the time. You don't need clutching for racing if you will trail ride. Besides, even with a trail set up the only other sled that will come close is another turbo. And if you are going to ride it on long hauls you should have a good idea of the operation of the set up just in case you run into any leaks. Only problems I have ever had on long trips were the clamps (at the intake from the intercooler) and I will change them yearly from now on. As far as vendor set up. You should do your own research in your area, and make your decision from there. Hope this helps. Good luck