to get to 20psi youd need a pretty decently sized turbine (to make that boost efficiently) inside a small enough housing to fit alongside the engine.

you have to keep in mind though that the callaway guys who had a budget infinitely higher than yours hit about 280HP with their build. technology has come a long way since then but it will still take a good investment to pull this off. certainly its doable though.

i would suggest either ceramic coating or thermal wrapping the exhaust manifold to help the spool up a bit. ceramic would probably be better.

also look into a good external oil cooler (ditch the NA cooler, a turbo unit might be good enough) because the oil will be getting very hot if you hang a turbo off the exhaust side, especially if its a "dry" turbo.

 

If you want a "factory feel" I say the lsx is the way to go vs. a fabbed up turbo car. Also, you said that the 944 is unique but you'd lose that w/ a 951? Not sure I follow. How many true 450hp daily drivers are here on the list? Reliable-maybe. DD - not so much. I love my 951, and at one point I was piling up parts to upgrade the turbo, etc. but to be honest, with the weather(heat) here having such an effect on performance I changed my mind. If I keep the car it's getting an lsx.

 

if youre feeling adventurous, and since youre already going to be making a custom exhaust manifold, you could try using a built "S" 16v head which would definitely help you get a better top end

one of the good things about this project though is that the pistons needed are readily available from a 951 parts car for $150 or so but they might need modification if you did use the S head

 

Spencer... there's quite a bit of room beside the engine when you take off the headers, and exhaust. I think you could get a decent sized turbo in there.

Ceramic coating everything would defiantly be needed. The heat on the floorboard alone would melt the carpet.

I think you guys have talked me down to a reasonable level. I'll still go with my LS2. I think Sid's right. I would be happier in the end with the LS2. But I would still like to try out a Callaway setup. I think with todays technology, not only with turbos, but with standalone systems and high temp coatings, its something to consider for any NA owner looking for more power.

I don't think its out of the question at all.

 

burma, thats a fabulous picture of your car

there is a nice bit of room but it would take a bit of space up with the dump pipe, and then the intake and charge pipe etc.

i think this would be a very neat project. someone down the line should definitely do this. this is definitely on my list of cool things to do with a 944 someday though.

the LS2 would be easier to get into the car and would give you great power forever and would be a pretty solid investment. trying to build your own callaway might get to be more expensive than you planned on, but it doesnt mean it isnt worth trying.

 

I think the Callaway clone would be neat as a "just because I can" project but not from a cost or dd standpoint. Spencer-thanks for the compliment. I need someone better than me to take some pics though.

 

do you have a larger version of that pic? id love to see it lol