Putting on an HX-35

[thechoochlyman]

I'm debating on whether to change the whole turbo, or just change out the front housing. I've heard several people say that the larger exhaust housing is good for higher-end power, and the smaller ones will run out of steam pretty quick. My H1C has (I'm assuming) an 18^cm housing, whereas the stock HX-35 has a 14^cm (Correct?). To my knowledge, simply changing the compressor housing will only increase my compressor wheel size by 2 mm (54-56), so should I just go ahead and change the whole setup? I do want more low RPM boost because the soot is driving me crazy.

[ellis93]

If the 35 is off an early 2nd gen its a 12cm exhaust housing.
Put the whole turbo on, you'll like it. It will spool a lot faster and give a little more air. I will however heat the motor up in the higher rpm range. On my truck, while towing I seen a 75 degree increase and maybe 50 or so empty.

[thechoochlyman]

That's not too bad. Hopefully it might go down a bit after I get an intercooler on.

[dvst8r]

The HX-35 does a better job matching the power band of the VE motor hands down. It is well worth the swap for the whole thing. If you don't have enough air up top anymore add a primary turbo...

[thechoochlyman]

Go twins? I'd love to try that, but I don't think the H1C would work too hot...

[Douglas]

hey-Hey!!!,
My 1990 came with a 21 on its H1C. I put on a 16 and it was a vast improvement. I then got a 24V's 7-blade HX35 and installed the 16 cm housing on it, built a new cross-over tube and bolted it on. Lag is short, and it works quite well. Silencer ring is missing, and it is still quiet; maybe poking some holes in the airbox will let out some noise? using the rubber bit from an IC'd truck to mate up to the HX35's 4" inlet. Probably needs a better exhaust...Diamond Eye will be getting some of my money shortly I think.
cheers,
Douglas

[thechoochlyman]

Yeah, I already put about 8 two inch holes in my airbox - but just for breathing improvement, not so much for the noise. It's a good free upgrade. And I'll be building a 4 (or 5 if I'm feeling adventurous) inch exhaust for it.

[Douglas]

hey-Hey!!!,
Are we there yet?
Did you have to make a new cross over tube or did you make the OE cast bit fit? IIRC I had planned to try it with the OE cross tube but it didn't quite fit and I did not want to modify it( and then not be able to re-install the H1C backup that is now resting comfortably in the shop). I think it was a 2" to 2-3/4" to go to the outlet on the '35 but I got a spigot from Columbus Diesel and ran a 3" straight to the cross tube.
cheers,
Douglas

[thechoochlyman]

Nothing done yet... I should be getting the turbo tomorrow, and hopefully I can start installing it in the bottom half of next week.

[Mark Nixon]

I'm really digging the HE351VE (VGT) turbo for it's adjustability and broader range.

Mark.

[thechoochlyman]

I'd love an HE351 sometime. But I couldn't pass up this turbo for the deal I got on it.

[thechoochlyman]

I figure I can go ahead and update this thread a bit.















Ah... dreams.

[thechoochlyman]

KDP is still where it should be.

[thechoochlyman]

Inside of my timing cover - they've been making these things longer than Dodge let on.


Got the outline for where to cut


I'll have to trim the edges of the radiator a bit




I used stainless rivets to help hold on the piece on the backside - I had to cut off the lower tack weld.


Had to trim up the bottom of the latch housing


Where it'll sit... approximately. I'll definitely have to fab up basically a whole front-end for it.

[thechoochlyman]

Ideas for connecting this?















And, after spending some time thinking, I figured out how I'll have to put in the bolt underneath the pipe - I'm gonna make a stud bolt to stick up so I can put a washer and nut there.



This was just so I could drive it.


I'm gonna have to use the ol' oil-based filter until I can get my other one piped in.


Here's some shots of my expertly-fashioned hornucopia.


You can see the stud-bolt I had to make - I bought another 8 mm bolt and cut the top off, then welded it to a 5/16 bolt. Voila! Stud bolt.




I got my exhaust [mostly] rigged up.

My makeshift DP - I cut the flange directly off the old Downpipe, then welded it at a downward angle to a 3-4" reducer. Below that is the flex pipe and 90 degree elbow you see.



Had to go with a muffler this time. It's a 4" glasspack though, so it should flow pretty good.


Flex over the rear axle






This is as far as I've gotten. I need to definitely put another hanger back there.




Here's another couple shots of my welded-up turbo flange




Comparison of the old intake piping size compared to the new.


The truck will barely smoke at all now. I can stomp down on it and it'll just take off - barely any lag, and it won't leave a huge soot trail behind.