If anyone knows of or has turbocharged a 4.9 f-150, I'm looking to do this but don't know much about what needs to be done or if I can even do it. Mine's a 94 5-speed 4.9 with 80,000 miles on it and I'm looking for some good modifications to build it up without swapping the engine. Thanks.

 

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Do some research on www.turbomustangs.com .

 

There is a 4.9 (300) sticky either the 73-77 or the 4.9 engine forum I can't remember which though, but it's at the top and may help some

 

First thing you'll need to do is figure out which computer and harness you plan to switch too. The 88-95 EEC-IV's (except 95 California) are bank fired speed density which does not play nice with forced induction.

That is, if you planning to keep the EFI.

What power range are you looking for?

 

Not sure, I just read about some guy who used a chevy turbo on his 4.9 and was interested in hearing how he did it and how much it was cost/how long it would take.

 

look at the post just a few before this one and you will see the tread. most of it is in there and if your unsure just ask. people around here are more then willing to help.

 

Theoreticly;

You could use a 95 Cali EEC-IV engine harness and MAF sensor calibrated to 19# injectors, 19# injectors, adjustible FPR set to about 44psi, Garrett T3 turbo (w/50 compressor trim/.82 turbine trim) with a wastegate set to allow 10psi of boost, air-to-air intercooler and produce around 278hp and 348# torque at 4200rpm at the fly wheel. Plus a cam that operates in this range.

I did say theoreticly right?

Several stumbling blocks here. MAJOR changes would need to be made to the table maps for the computer to handle this power range, injector size, fuel pressure, duty cycle maxed at around 85%.

The stock head will need a good port-n-polish to have a chance at handling the airflow requirements.

The cast crank may not be able the torque. Much less the rods.

Stock pistons and rings probably wont handle the boosted compression.

The Mazda transmission is right at it's designed limits at 350# of torque.

The exaust will most likely need to be a good set of headers, high flow cat and muffler with 2.5" to 3" pipes to keep a good exaust velosity.


That's just off the top of my head. It's not a simple thing to boost a 4.9, but it can be done.

My best advise is to do what I've been doing, reseach what it takes to make the most radical engine you can image and then parse it down to what you think you can realisticly accomplish with your skills and budget. Have fun with it, that's what projects are for. If your not enjoying the journey, why are you doing it.

 

What about one of the turbos off a 350 Cummins? If you had a larger dump gate you could still use it on a 4.9 and have plenty of top end potential. that is just if you want to see what you can do with a 4.9 Also, seeing the turbo already hooked up on something might give you an idea of where you wanted to go with it. Of course I'm talking about a salvage option, I wouldn't want to just go out and buy one. you could do that and get one customized to your truck. Just a thought.

 

A turbo from a CTD? The trims will be wrong. The diesel is pushing more that twice the air volume of a 4.9 gas engine. Displacements are sort of close 359cid vs 300cid, but the compress ratios are radically different. IIRC the CTD is at least 17:1 while the 4.9 is only 8.8:1.

 

Sorry just quoting. A guy in the 200 240 4.9/300 Forum got into a sticky about using one on his 300. It's titled "Turbo Question" and is close to the top. I don't know enough about turbos to understand the ins and outs of what is applicable so feel free to correct me. You might contact the guy if you can find the thread and see how he made it work. There is also more than one option discussed and the thread is several pages long. Enjoy.