AMCpropane

I have a question regarding installing a turbocharger on an AMC 401 that runs an irrigation pump. I am putting in a new center pivot and will need to pump twice as much water as my old system. The pump and generator will require 90 continuious horsepower at 1800 rpm. Can I get a turbo to spool up enough at this rpm to provide some boost. The engine is getting rebuilt and will have a 9.8-1 compression ratio so I don't want alot of boost. I was thinking of drawing through the propane carb. Since the engine is at a set load and rpm getting the timming and air fuel adjusted correctly should not be to much of a problem. Propane runs hot so an intercooler might be a good idea. What are your thoughts? Thanks Rod

Matt Cramer

It should be fine - you'll just pick a suitable turbo size. You'd use a smaller turbo in this application than one on a drag version of the 401, since you don't have to rev it out to 5,000 RPM. You just need to match the turbo to the application, and this is a bit of an unusual application so it calls for a smaller turbo than most domestic big block builds.