Ok Ive finally got my dad to agree to do the welding I need to make my DIY turbo pipes on one condition, that I ask this, he thinks we should make a new manifold, like a honda turbo manfold really short with a log on the end, but put the flange for the turbo on it sideways. He wants to mount the turbo vertically so it basically sits on the downpipe. He wants to add a couple hangers to the DP for support. Neither one of us knows much about what we are doing as far as turbo goes. I know enough to make it work, I think.

What I dont know is, Can a turbo be mounted vertically? Is it going to screw up the impeller shaft cuz its hanging or doesnt it matter?

 

I wouldnt do it that way myself. My reason being is that you are going to want the exhaust flow to be straight coming from the mani and down into the hot side of the turbo.

 

HOMEMADETURBOS.COM

I don't know if I would do that. If you do not know what you are doing be careful!

 

Ok I dont need to hear that homemade turbo is a bad idea, I know this. I want to know if mounting a turbo vertically is detrimental to the turbo itself.

 

Just tell your dad NOT to do it and install it the way it should be mounted.

 

Now just because everyone else has it horizontal on top of the manifold doesnt make it right. I think he may be on to something unless it ruins the turbo because it is on its end

 

I was just thinking also...if you did mount it that way how is your oil gonna lube the shaft? it would end up mostly on one end likely throwing your balance off the balance off and or worse blowing the seals and braking the baldes. Then you also are going to have to think about the return line also. There are several things you are gonna have to think about if he does install it this way.

 

There is a reason for this...as I said before...exhaust flow..you want it straight and short, not going thru a bunch of funky curved piping by the time it hits the propeller.

 

It will be very short like 1 inch runners off the block to a log at the end across them all with the up pipe coming out of the log somwhere. Straight in and straight out the bottom. A million time easier than the U pipes and J pipe everyone else is dealing with

 

Yes I see what you are saying here but look at the 90 degree angle you are taking.....not good. Make the mani like you are saying but keep the flange on the bottom not the side of the manifold. You could go either way...I am just giving you my personal opinion on the matter and what I would do.

 

Good luck with your project!! For some reason a lot of people think If you don't spend 3-4K on a bolt on turbo It's not going to work, well I'm sorry I don't have an answer for your Question but I really hope you succeed with your project
I also like to make things myself rather than Buy & Bolt (where's the challange and fun?)
I'd like to see your work when finished!

 

Have you ever doen a turbo swap before? Believe me it is a pain in the *** and CAN BE challenging! My "bolt on" turbo swap started at 3 in the afternoon and was not completed until after midnight. Making something yourself tho and having it work can be very rewarding also..I agree.

 

All those that miss Claudius say "aye".

I don't know man. I'm sure somebody around here knows an actual technical reason for doing it or not, but it aint me. Be patient, someone with knowledge will post.

 

Ok I can see where oil can be a problem. But unless there is some kid of sump or gravity return I dont see an issue. If the oil comes in under pressure and leaves under pressure it has no where to collect and cause a problem. My biggest concer is whether I will accelerate wear on the compressor because the shaft is going to be hanging on it.

Where are the turbo gods when you need them?

 

okay, I'll have a go at this. I'm no turbo expert, but I am a jet engine expert and they aren't that different. on a jet engine, as with a turbo, there is a bearing called a thrust bearing. not only does it allow the shaft to rotate, but it puts a load on the shaft also. it keeps everything lined up properly. I also know that if a jet engine is mounted vertically, this bearing will wear out at an exponential rate because some of that load is "off" because of gravity. it won't make any difference in operation, but where it will hurt you is in shut down, or "spool down". the shaft will move down because of gravity and put wear on that bearing that will eventually cause it to fail. that's why when they use a turbine to power ships and trains, they are always mounted horizontally, not vertically. hope this helps you out somewhat.