Whistler turbo on a Chevy motor

[plym49]

Has anyone ever mounted a whistler turbo on a small-block Chevy?

(No, I have not been drinking.)

 

[V8srfun]

If you just want noises I understand but that is all it will be worth. It is not the right size for a small block and has no wastegate to control boost so it could go bad in a hurry. Gasoline engines also are the opposite of diesel in that you can not run a diesel to lean as to cause damage unless preignition occurs. Where gasoline engines are extremely sensitive to lean conditions and will fail almost immediately in catastrophic ways. Before you do this or take the idea any further you need to look in to how you are going to control your fueling and timing with the added turbo.

 

[plym49]

Yes, the question was prompted by the sudden proliferation of outrageously turbocharged gasoline engines/cars that seem to have appeared overnight. In terms of airflow, a SBC is maybe half the cubes of a multi but the rpms are double. So, maybe the size is within reason? For sure there would be all of the plumbing and command and control capabilities for fuel and spark. It sure would sound pretty. Kind of surprised if no one has done this, even if on a rat rod.

 

[V8srfun]

Nobody has done it because honestly it’s a crappy turbo. It is terribly inefficient and does not have a good bearing cartridge . Modern turbos are far better in every way and in many cases cheaper unless you’re going for one of the big names with all of the extra features.

 

[plym49]

Yeah, I was thinking about it because I have one and, well, whistler. Would not be after any serious power boost.

 

[Mullaney]

Yes, the question was prompted by the sudden proliferation of outrageously turbocharged gasoline engines/cars that seem to have appeared overnight. In terms of airflow, a SBC is maybe half the cubes of a multi but the rpms are double. So, maybe the size is within reason? For sure there would be all of the plumbing and command and control capabilities for fuel and spark. It sure would sound pretty. Kind of surprised if no one has done this, even if on a rat rod.

.
Still, it is a cool idea.
Except that is isn't a good idea.

 

[V8srfun]

Yeah, I was thinking about it because I have one and, well, whistler. Would not be after any serious power boost.

the challenge is that it is far more complicated to turbo gasoline engines compared to diesel. With diesel you can just slap a turbo on it and it will work with no other modifications necessary kinda like what the government did with the deuce (I know they also adjusted the timing but that is not necessary and is really only done for reliability). Gasoline engines are extremely sensitive to timing, air fuel ratio, intake air temperature, and boost pressure. Where is is basically impossible to run a diesel to lean a boosted gas engine will last about 1.5 seconds if it goes lean while under load and in boost and the ring lands will retire in short order if your ignition timing is ever so slightly ambitious for the conditions.

basically what I am trying to say is that the cost of doing the job (right) or at least done in such a way that you have reasonable reliability out of the machine would cost far more than it would be worth just to hear the sweet sound of a Whistler.

 

[m1010plowboy]

So I'm driving along in my chevy today listening to this whistler video,........

A whistler on anything is cool. A White multi-fuel whistler in a chevy would keep the 5 ton in the mirror.

 

[fleetmech]

Theres a guy on youtube with one on a 6.5 GM, and from the sound of it, even that barely spools it up. I do wish there were some other loud turbo options... I would love that scream on my 24v Cummins.

 

[V8srfun]

There are plenty of options for loud turbos but they are expensive. If you call precision they will build you one that is appropriate for the engine you have. Just be prepared to have a light wallet for a while.

 

[G744]

Many turbos have a removable silencer ring in them to prevent just what you are wanting to hear.

Study time!

DG

 

[frank8003]

Many turbos have a removable silencer ring in them to prevent just what you are wanting to hear.
Study time! DG

turbos have a removable silencer ring - Google Search

 

[fleetmech]

Silencer ring? You mean those things I pull out for weight savings?

 

[Mullaney]

Hmm...

I thought the silencer ring was worn on the 4th finger on the left hand.
Saving weight is a questionable feature.

 

[davidb56]

Hmm...

I thought the silencer ring was worn on the 4th finger on the left hand.
Saving weight is a questionable feature.

that one usually gains weight.

 

[Mullaney]

that one usually gains weight.

.
Yes Sir! Agreed 100%