TURBOCHARGERS deathtraps or the missing link

[Dirk Diggler]

So we've all seen the pictures in the wall of fame gallery (if you have'nt check it out!) but has anyone here actually attempted this mod.  I am seriousley considering doing this too my poor unsuspecting, under performing 01 GS.  I'm sure that this is one of those things that looks REAL GOOD on paper, but turns out to be a total nightmare.  Being a Tool/Diemaker by trade, I'm positive I can fabricate all of the custom parts (eg plenum,intake,exhaust) the only thing I'm not so sure about is what size turbocharger to use.  I'm sure bulletproofing the motor for this application would be a challenge in it's right.  Something tells me it would be closer to a race prep'd motor in terms of parts used (eg forged crank bigger carbs and the sort) anyway I'll stop blabbering and get too the point.  If ANYONE has done ANY research into this topic at all or if someone has actually acomplished this feat, please spread the wealth of knowledge so I don't end up with a turbine permenently lodged in my skull.


  Oh how I dream of smoking gixxers with my little 500, please help me make my dream a reality.  Even if I don't get a response I think I'll try it anyway, just to satisfy my urge.

[Pam G]

I have seen one or 2 for sale on ebay that supposedly had turbos.   I think there was someone on the old GStwin board that was doing a turbo project for a school project/report.  I forget his name or ID.  Did you do a search on this board yet for any old threads?
Greg Gabis was thinking of installing a turbo on a GS race bike, but he changed his mind and will probably do that to an EX500.  Reason being the EX motor already has a liquid cooling system.

[Dirk Diggler]

Ahhh I'm starting to see that I'm beating a dead horse.  I wonder if the GS would handle a small amount of boost say 8-10 psi without burning up. I'm looking for a 15-20 hp gain anything more and I would worry about the frame breaking in two.  They definitley did not use the thickest steel to build the frames.  I think someone who try's to crank 110 hp on 30 psi has way too much time and money on there hands, and should have there GS confiscated for even thinking about it.

[werase643]

i wouldn't worry about 20 extra hp hurting a steel frame
boost is determined by the wastegate setting
you could have a 3 pound turbo set up...if you wanted.

find a TINY oil cooled turbo....SECA 650 TURBO....and add an extra base gasket to drop the compression a bit....

he he he....
I found one a couple of months ago....
variable waste gate should be good
and an oil cooler pumpin fresh cool oil to the turbo

[Dirk Diggler]

I was just looking at a IHI RHB3 brand turbo that they say is perfect for motorcycle applications. It looks TINY.  I am currentley trying to contact them to get a price.  I'll let you know when I find out. I'm hoping they will have some wastgate info for me as well.

[werase643]

look at the import car tuning stuff for conversion to your needs
they have more than everything

[Rashad]

I would reccomend getting the internals cryo-treated..

This used to be controversial but its getting much better support. I know a few racers who use the method religiously (and have for years) on their trannies..

I also have personal experience with my buddy getting his GTP tranny cryoed (hes gonna be at 400+whp).

Thats an awesome process and its good for a lot of things.. even brakes! It basically aligns the metal particles and makes the part much stronger. NOT BRITTLE.

Anyhow, once you do that, id say you can handle 4-6 psi.. lower the compression as stated.(or get lower compression pistons). Get a small turbo.. maybe off an earlier Turbo KAWI or yamaha. The tubing will be a pain.. and the custom manifold youll need.. but you can do it. ALSO, HUGE exhaust is necessary. Id go with at least 2-3 inch piping... maybe no muffler if you can get away with it.

Good luck and if it works post pics and vids

[Mat]

one of my local shops just put a turbo on a banshee  from what i remember it was a garrett turbo not sure whicho one but it worked
went from 32 horses to somewhere around 90
might of bee this one http://www.egarrett.com/products/gt_15_25.jsp

[pantablo]

if you haven't already try searching for TURBO on this board. Those pictures in WOF were done by someone that started the project on the previous incarnation of this board and finished it not that long ago. Was a school project and there were a series of posts here about the specifics.

Also try PM'ing the person. You'll have to find their member ID from those pictures in WOF (click on pictures to bring them up and that may have their ID).

Good luck.

[Lars]

The guy that built the turbo GS500 was able to accelerate as fast or maybe even faster than a Honda CBR 600.

Drivability is also an issue. Generally, motorcycles with a turbo are harder to ride on, especially in turns. When acellerating out of the turn, the turbo kicks in and suddenly you get way to much power on the rearwheel.

[glenn9171]

That guy that put the turbo on the GS for an engineering project also said it cost him several thousand dollars.  Like $3-4K.  I don't see how an air-cooled engine could put up with the extra heat generated by turbo-charging for very long.  Plus, the 8-10 psi boots mentioned above is a lot of boost for a small engine.  It would be cheaper and easier to just buy a faster bike.  Anyway, you would be buying a new bike when you burn up the engine.

[JamesG]

A cheaper, safer, and arguably better set up would be an effective ram air system. Or if you HAD to have a mechanically assisted induction system, a supercharger.

Either of these would be less expensive and without the dangers of turbo lag...

[Richard UK]

Alternatively, think about a crankshaft driven supercharger.  Use the same compressor off the turbo, but you won't need the fancy exhaust pipe work.  Extend the crank through the side cases and drive the blower with a toothed belt.

[JamesG]

Or just remove the left side cover and generator fly wheel and mount it to that end of the crank...

I have pondered doing that a few times, but the race org I belong to requires "normal aspiration"...

[Dirk Diggler]

I see cryo treated crap in my trade all the time it's some pretty tough shaZam!,  they use it for anything thats going too take extreme abuse (eg forms and punches) that's a really good idea, can't believe I did'nt think of that.  As for superchargers, I think that's a whole 'nother beast.  Either way I'm looking at some sort of cooling system (oil or other) but it is definetley something to consider.  When I get the engine ripped apart I'll see what kind of work would be involved too put a supercharger on.  Thanks for the ideas boy's I'll let you Know how I make out.

[madhatter]

 Why not use nitrous ? instent power at the touch of a button  should also be cheaper & easier than turbo  

[werase643]

It would be cheaper and easier to just buy a faster bike.  

Er....Um...doesn't this rule apply to any performance mod to a &**^%' GS

I don't care if you build a 70 HP grenade!!!!  a STOCK SV has 73......
katana's have 70-75
FZR 600's have 85ish
F2/F3 have 94
how much power do you need to go 70-80.....

[JamesG]

Most of the other bikes GSs have to go up against (in roadracing) are also in the 50-60 HP range. EXs, Hawks, Duc750s, ect.  Building up the GSs power at least gives it a bb-gun  to bring to the gun fight instead of a knife...

For the street,  any turbo or super charging is a waste of time and money. If thats what you want to do, then go for it. Just realize that you will only have a fast slow bike when you are finished.

[Rich500]

Nitrous!? I have never thought about it. ANyone know how hard it would be?  Throw out some ideas on it!

[Rashad]

OK.. first of all.. superchargers...
--------------------------------------

1.) More drag on the motor.. Yes, turbos have a small degree of parasitic loss, but not even CLOSE to that of a charger..

2.)good luck finding a small one to fit..

3.) even if you DO, you will still need a bigger exhaust to benefit.. otherwise its a waste and you wont go above 1-2 psi...

4.) the power curve from a supercharger would be scary and probably cause you to wheelie instantly.. hmmm actually thats a +.....

5.) Try it.. i havent seen a supercharged bike.. and it would be cool.. but dont kill yourself.

ok nitrous...
---------------

1.) The GS is air-cooled, so detonation and pre-ignition would be more than just a scary thought...(for turbo and super as well)

2.) Its temporary.. and the wear it causes, while misunderstood.. still happens.. mainly due to the INSTANT BURST of extra hp..

Some systems use a gradual power delivery, that would work much better.. and be safer... instead of BOOM instant 30+hp..

3.) The cost per dollar on nitrous SUCKS compared to turbo.. because you need to keep gettin the bottle filled... and due to its size the bottle will last you about 1.5 minutes of straight use.. which would be one drag strip day or maybe a few streetraces..

4.) If you dont know what your doing (ex. spraying at idle or when mixture is too lean).. and cant tune the bike just right.. expect engine failure..

Other stuff..
-------------------

If you can adapt the oil cooler off the new GS500F you have a better shot.. and that would be a good idea in general.

Do your research first.. beyond this board.. GO to some reputable car sites.. like www.jbody.org or www.domestictunerz.com where its mostly small 4cylinder GM motors.. (what im into) and they have some awesome techniques on turboes or FI in general..

Oh btw.. You can build a custom turbo setup for a car for UNDER 1600 bucks.. just have to shop around..

The piping is the biggest issue and maybe most expensive on this bike..

Oh yeah, RAM AIR is a joke.. its only helpful at a decent speed.. therefore wont help much.. and its only good for about 8hp on the BIG liter bikes.. the GS in stock form wont  be able to take advantage of that much extra air in the first place.. unless the head has work done or there are some better cams..

GOOD LUCK