Turbo Retrofit Poll

[Ekh]

Let's assume that about a year into production Elio offers a turbo version of the car. The turbo can be retrofitted to your Elio. It will boost power from 55 to 70 or 75 horsepower. Assume that the turbo requires new pistons, possibly a re-worked head, and a re-done exhaust manifold, as well as the turbo itself.

The turbo option includes higher spring rates, beefier shocks, and upgraded brakes as well as the stuff it has to have to work at all with this engine.

So, sports car lovers, what do you pay for this beast of an Elio?

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

I support your right to put a turbo on your Elio.

Even if I choose to remain normally aspirated.

 

[Grumpy Cat]

I thought I read the turbo was going to be in the ~4k and it is just bolt on.

 

[Ekh]

I thought I read the turbo was going to be in the ~4k and it is just bolt on.

Where did you read that? The entire base engine costs less than $800, if it's in line with the usual no-more-than-ten-percent pattern. And it doesn't look like a bolt on will work.

 

[Grumpy Cat]

One of these threads:

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/elio-turbo.1864/ - Most likely this one

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/the-turbo-elio-is-coming.6247/

 

[Ekh]

One of these threads:

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/elio-turbo.1864/ - Most likely this one

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/the-turbo-elio-is-coming.6247/

But not from anything Paul has said, right? If it's supposed to sell for about $4k, and it's a bolt on, what is generating all that cost?

 

[TCBronson]

It is my understanding that the engine was designed from the beginning to handle a turbo, I would like to think it would be just the Turbo and installation kit only. No new pistons or head etc. And no suspension or brake upgrades needed either. I would also like the total HP to be at least 100. I would pay up to $2000 for a kit like that OR trade in my Elio for a factory Turbo model if the kit was higher.

 

[wizard of ahs]

I thought I read the turbo was going to be in the ~4k and it is just bolt on.

A $4K turbo on a $7K vehicle............ I DON'T THINK SO !!!!

 

[raptor213]

Precision Turbo & Engine has attended Elio Supplier Summits and appears to have all but committed to designing a turbo package/kit for the Elio. Assuming they don't develop a clean-sheet design and instead pull from current off-the-shelf inventory, at listed MSRP prices of an entry-level turbo, entry-level air-to-air charge intercooler, and the hoses, flanges, clamps, mounting brackets and hardware necessary for proper install, I'd be shocked if it could be done for less than $1400. I'd guess after markups by either/both PTE/Elio, we'd be looking at $1500-2000, potentially not including the cost of installation.

 

[skychief]

Bolt-on Turbos can be a nightmare. I destroyed a CJ-7 engine with a bolt-on turbo. It was a fun 5 months, but a real heartbreak watching it hauled away behind a tow truck.

Installing a turbo on an engine not specifically designed for one can spell trouble. I learned this the hard way.