Would a 2.3L stroker affect a Big 28 adversely?

[jnf63]

I have done a lot of research, yet I have not been able to learn what I want to better understand concerning turbocharger choices. I apologize if my forum research skills are lacking.

I presently have a ported (turbine housing) Forced Performance Big 28 turbocharger.
Forced Performance Turbochargers: DSM FP Big 28 Turbo
Due to a mechanic’s mistake, I am in the process of building a 6 bolt 2.3L stroker small block (JNZ for my 1995 GSX (all conversion needs are being handled). My 2G head had a valve job, and it contains SI ss valves, BC valve springs/retainers, Crower 264/264 cams, and Fidanza cam gears. Modifications to my air/fuel supply are intact and capable of handling more than the GSX’s current build (re-wired Walbro 255lph HP, Fuelab AFPR, FIC 850cc injectors, ECMlink, ETS FMIC, Greddy EBC, port matched 2G intake). For other upgrades, please refer to my profile.

My confusion lies in the characteristics of my FP Big 28 turbo once it is installed on the built 2.3L stroker engine (Eagle stroker crankshaft, Scat rods, 0.020 over Wiseco 9:1 cr stroker pistons). Considering my modifications, would keeping the Big 28 be pointless since it would stop making “power” so quickly (I am a novice, and I do not thoroughly know all the technical ways to describe “power”)? I understand it will spool very quick (which I do want), yet will it stop making power too low in the rpm range to be worthwhile. I do not intend to race my GSX, but I do want to have the capability to enjoy “spirited” highway driving/passing when needed. As for a HP goal, I do not care to be over 420ish (possibly less) because I would rather have quicker spool abilities than maximum power. I realize that my Big 28 is only capable of 350ish HP, but I provided the “goal” for those that recommend going with a certain, different turbo right away. Similarly, I hope to keep my 264/264 cams presently in my head. I do have FP2 (272/272) cams in their box for future applications (unless it is unanimously explained to immediately use them with the Big 28 and stroker engine). My basic understanding of “power” and flow produced by a turbo leads me to believe that too much cam overwhelms a small turbo (my Big 28). Does this also apply to larger engine displacement? I hope to keep the cost of my engine repair (rebuild) reasonable. So, unless it is ridiculous to keep my Big 28, I would hope to upgrade it later. Likewise, I would hope to not need to change my head (cams). If there are plausible reasons to upgrade to a more appropriate turbo (and/or cams) as soon as the 2.3L engine is built, then please advise me about the choice(s). An explanation in regard to the demands of a 2.3L engine, and a corresponding cam choice, relevant to the turbo’s characteristics would be greatly appreciated (the ideas can be brief and basic since I am a novice). Essentially, I am trying to avoid being overly disappointed in my new engine by using the Big 28 (and/or 264 cams) . If those having experience with my dilemma could educate me, then I could learn from those experiences. I have gotten ideas from the vendor (JNZ) for “future” turbos, yet I am curious if my waiting to upgrade my Big 28 is silly. Some suggestions for turbos have been the Garrett T04E 50 trim, the Blouch Dominator III, the GT3076R, and the BP S200 series (the “complexity” of the HX35 cautions me [I would need much convincing, or very experienced help]). I do not desire to create a “turbo war thread” since I only want advice without any rhetoric. Please educate me about making an appropriate choice, but refrain from attacking anyone’s valid suggestions (abstain from generally saying that turbo “x“ sucks, yet suggest a good choice).
Thanks,
Jim

 

[pboglio]

"Espinelli" used to have a FP Big28 on his 2.3 Liter motor for awhile, then he upgraded to an FP3052. I've got the datalogs, car had some very impressive midrange torque numbers, topend wasn't too shabby either.

 

[DSM-sagacious]

I ran the stock t25 on my 2.4l durring breakin. It spooled just over 2k and rand out of breath just under 5k. I cant imagine a t28 lasting till red line. I ran a pte 50 trim, spooled like stock and pulled untill about 6.5k. A t28 will be a waste of a extra displacement.

 

[casuprock]

"Espinelli" used to have a FP Big28 on his 2.3 Liter motor for awhile, then he upgraded to an FP3052. I've got the datalogs, car had some very impressive midrange torque numbers, topend wasn't too shabby either.

I'd like to see those datalogs too... I've got a fp t28 and am considering the 2.3 liter conversion- I just want to know when the fp t28 will run out of cfms. If it can breath up to ~7k, that's adequate. It doesn't seem like a bad idea if you're not looking for astronomical HP numbers. (esp for road track) because you'll spool up at really low rpm and low end torque would be great.

 

[pboglio]

His car flatlined at 37-38 lb/min in the midrange. Torque numbers were big, like 380 lb-ft and came in a good 300-500 rpms earlier than my 2.0 Liter equipped T28.

 

[casuprock]

380 lb-ft?! That'll have those v8 guys crying in their beer.

Do you know of any dyno graphs for that setup?

 

[pboglio]

It was the DSMLink simulate dyno off his datalog. Its close enough to a dynojet to call it good. The torque band and peak was pretty big.

 

[casuprock]

Did the car have cams? If so, what profile? I picked up bc 272s springs and ti retainers and plan on using those for my stroker build... Are 272's too benign or not aggressive enough?

Postulating that the 272's will flow well enough for the fp t28 but if I ever upgrade the turbo then I'll have to get a more aggressive cam.

 

[jnf63]

His car flatlined at 37-38 lb/min in the midrange. Torque numbers were big, like 380 lb-ft and came in a good 300-500 rpms earlier than my 2.0 Liter equipped T28.

Thanks for your information.

I had expected to report some experiences with my FP Big28 on a Crower 264/264 equipped 2.3L 6 bolt, but my GSX repairs have not been completed by JNZ Tuning. I'll have to continue waiting, and find out if my results are similar to Espinelli's datalogs.
Jim

 

[JusMX141]

The bottleneck is going to be the added displacement trying to push it's way through the small turbine housing and turbine wheel in the higher RPMs. The T28 turbine is a little smaller than a TD05H, and the turbine housing used on the T28 is nothing more than a machined .49 a/r T25 housing....so it should spool like lightning and run out of flow quickly on a stroker.

Your choices are to short-shift in order to keep the turbo in the meat of it's power or sell it and find something larger, but not too large that it would not spool fast enough to remain fun on the street.

I agree with Gene....a FP 3052 would be an excellent upgrade for you.

 

[jnf63]

Justin, thank you for your explanations and suggestions.

I value your input because I have learned that advice from you has great merit, and that it is based on extensive experience.
Jim