hi all... for a couple of years i've been thinking about a very modest turbo for my engine... a Rambler (Nash) 195.6ci OHV. This is a trough-intake design, a fairly terrible engine. Factory rated at 125 HP, in a car with a T-96 trans and an 8" clutch.

Loooong stroke, small bore, interested in drivability 1500 - 3000 rpm. I run it to 4500 *occasionally*, pulls fine, but this is an old slow-turner... I'm not interested in racing or breaking expensive rare parts. In this light car ('63 Rambler American) an additional 25HP would go a long way.

Engine is new, very careful build, balanced, polished pistons and combustion chambers, converted to full-flow oil filtration, Nash-era head cooling flaws fixed. All broken in and sorted out. EDIS/MagaJolt ignition, Weber 32/36 carb, big exhaust. That side of the engine compartment ready -- battery is in the trunk, gennie gone, alternator on the other side. Mounting worked out, and i can mount my exhaust mani upside down, pointing up!

I did a lot of work on this engine, doc'd here: http://wps.com/AMC/195.6OHV/index.html

ARP head studs, but old-fashioned composite headgasket, and this engine prone to head sealing issues. I think I solved those. Not interested in pushing things too much. More than adequate cooling system with computer-controlled dual electric fans.


QUESTIONS:

Is it reasonable to size a turbo such that it won't overboost by redline? eg. let me skip waste gates and all that? Engine redline is 4500 rpm, but it now goes there smoothly.

I really want draw-through with my current carb. I know this means a carbon seal turbo or equiv. I will have to weld up my own plumbing so i can put a blowoff valve on it. Is that enough for draw-through?

I worked out specs (spreadsheet or tuner software) but had a hard time turning specs into a suitable passenger car donor... new is too $$$$. Also, I need a TINY turbo, and too much hot-rod and import-scene stuff are far, far too large.

Is small-gain boost doable/practical? 25 hp or so?

Am I crazy? OK don't answer that (I drive Ramblers)