Upgrading a Turbo I Car |
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Brian P. Minnebo wrote: |
(Though this was written about the Shadow/Sundance, it applies to most EEKs with the Turbo I).
Any 88+ turbo shadow can be made, performance wise, meet or exceed CSX standards. Here are the basics for bringing a 88+ T1 P-body to CSX specs:
- Add intercooler (easy to do). Don't worry about not being a true Turbo 2, any intercooled 2.2 running the same boost level will perform similarily. If you really want an increase, intercool and upgrade your SMEC/SBEC.
- Lower all springs about an inch, via Eiback, MP, or clamps.
- Install new shocks and struts, Sensatrac, KYB, Koni, MP.
- Get some low profile tires onto 15 inch rims. 205/50vr15 were the stock size (89 CSX not withstanding).
I don't believe the other mods will make a noticeable difference.
This is not a full-spec to full-spec conversion, but rather, a general performance equalization.
I purposely omitted things like sway bars, rear disk brakes, and TII computer, intake and sensors, as I feel going the extra mile provides little performance enhancement.
I always think of my CSX as a shadow turbo that was optioned out like a Daytona Shelby. So if you find a Daytona Shelby in a yard, and transfer every suspension and engine part to your Shadow that will fit, you'll be there.
Speaking of the 89 CSX, it was available with 225/50vr15 as an option, so that size will work on a lowered P-body. The only mod with this option was a new steering rack with bump stops to prevent rubbing at full-lock.
So don't full-lock your steering at greater than 5 mph and you should be fine with that size tire on a P-body.
