Anybody tried this?

[Eric Sanborn]

Haskins Mitchell S TSgt 437 APS/TRP wrote:

>I recently came into a bit of money, and would like to add some 'forced
>induction' to my 1988 Audi 90 Quattro.  As I live in South Carolina, an
>engine-swap is out of the question because I'd lose my A/C.  If anybody
>knows of a way to add a turbo (custom downpipe), or supercharger without
>removing my A/C, would you please share your story here with us?
>  
>

I live in SouthWestern VA.  Maybe not as hot as SC, but I grew up in New 
England and I am a heat lightweight.  So when I undertook my turbo swap 
I did it with the plan of keeping A/C.  Due to time constraints a year 
has gone by and I have not put it back in, but I will this 
winter/spring.  Now my car is a 4kq not an 80q, but they are similar and 
if anything you have a little more room to deal with so it should not be 
a problem.

What I plan to do:

I have retained the entire A/C system. The compressor is currently not 
installed as it would have to share space with the turbo in the stock 
location.  My next step is to build a custom exhaust manifold to put the 
turbo where the CIS box currently is.  That will free up the space 
(while adding power) to install the late model Neon A/C compressor I 
picked up cheap in the factory compressor location.  I think the stock 
compressor would also fit with the revised EM, but I have not looked at 
that yet.

What you might do:

I have to admit I have never looked under the hood of an 80q, but if 
your A/C compressor is low on the passenger side like mine than this 
should work.  Either make or buy (Try Javad as previously mentioned) a 
tubular exhaust manifold.  This is where the real power is anyway.  This 
will put the turbo up near the back of the headlight more out towards 
the fender.  This should free up the required space.  You will still 
likely have to have special hoses made to get around the EM, but your 
local hydraulic hose supplier can do that for you.

There are a number of people who have already done this setup.  I would 
recommend asking around on the forums of www.motorgeek.com.  It is 
loaded with people who have made these swaps.

-- 
Eric Sanborn
'85 4ktq

http://sofadog.net/4ktq/