More power from Thema turbo (8-valve)?

[Tee Koo]

What should I do that I would get 220hp from Thema 8-valve turbo i.e, what if I want 250hp or what if 280hp?

[Otto-valvole-per-tutte]

Invest a lot of money!

8O

230 BHP is easy with only chip, after that you have to think of different cams, manifold, specially written chip, 3 inch exhaust, headjob, different headgasket etc. etc.

Easier to use a 16 valve turo engine i guess...

[Tee Koo]

If I raise the boost pressure to 1,1-1,3bar, adjust the fuel pressure, install a 3 inch exhaust and a free-flow-aircleaner, how much power I get?

[Wallace]

Depends how many pistons have holes in them !

Don't go for numbers - go for RELIABLE POWER.

Although IMHO, I would think 1.2 bar way too much WITHOUT a MAJOR re-map of the ECU and a lowering of the compression ratio. Bigger injectors might be needed as well - and I'm not sure the standard turbo fitted in a Thema will hold that kind of pressure anyway.

The "normal" increase for something like this without remaping is only a couple of psi or so.

Anymore is outside the ECU window and will lead to a busted engine.

Freeflow exhaust won't increase power but will reduce lag. If you go for a freeflow air filter, make sure it's getting COLD air from outside the engine bay - possibly using an airbox. hot air plus increased boost again means expensive engine rebuilds.

Cheap power doesn't come cheap. Peverse but true.

[Ken H]

If I raise the boost pressure to 1,1-1,3bar, adjust the fuel pressure, install a 3 inch exhaust and a free-flow-aircleaner, how much power I get?

I'm with Wallace on this one - go for reliability not sheer power. Anything over 1,0 bar or so isn't do-able on this engine without major upgrades. Sure, you can trick the boost and get 1,3 bar, but you'll be generating very little additional power, and engine life will be measured in minutes not years.

To handle the boost increase you're considering, you'll need:

- uprated head gasket
- larger injectors to supply sufficient fuel
- a 60 trim compressor for up to about 1,2 bar with good efficiency
- a programmable or modified ECU
- fuel pump? (I'm not sure what the stock Thema pump can handle)
- cockpit gauges so you can pre-empt trouble before it starts (EGT, A/F ratio, fuel pressure)

I'd also consider:

- larger/better intercooler
- forged pistons (stock CR should be OK with a good ECU)

I have experience with running 0,9-1,0 bar on a Thema 8V turbo engine that was unmodified except for 1) uprated head gasket (this is a must!) and 2) larger intercooler. Although the engine survived a few years of this treatment, I would have to say that it was on a short fuse. Guess I was lucky!

- Ken

[Tee Koo]

I have experience with running 0,9-1,0 bar on a Thema 8V turbo engine that was unmodified except for 1) uprated head gasket (this is a must!) and 2) larger intercooler. Although the engine survived a few years of this treatment, I would have to say that it was on a short fuse. Guess I was lucky!
How much power did that engine produce?

[Ken H]

How much power did that engine produce?

No dyno numbers, but I'd guess around 210-220hp.

- Ken

[8.32]

I think originally this engine has a power of 165.0 bhp so i think it should easily mount to 220-230. Chip, some adjustments to the turbo charger, may be 16V camshafts...
I know a man who has 340hp from 2.0 20V FIAT Coupe motor.

[SteveNZ]

The main restriction is the fuel injectors. They simply wont provide enough fuel for over 200HP. 180-190 is about it. The ECU cant be chipped either.