1. Engine Preparation:
* Assess the Engine: The 340 needs to be in excellent condition. A thorough rebuild or at least a top-end refresh (valves, rings, bearings) is highly recommended to handle the increased stress of forced induction.
* Forged Internals: Stock internals are unlikely to survive the boost pressure. You'll almost certainly need forged pistons, connecting rods, and a stronger crankshaft. The increased compression from a turbo can also lead to detonation without the correct pistons and a lower static compression ratio.
* Head Work: Porting and polishing the cylinder heads will improve airflow, maximizing the turbo's efficiency. You might also need larger valves.
* Compression Ratio: Lowering the compression ratio is crucial. Higher compression ratios combined with forced induction lead to detonation (pre-ignition), destroying your engine.
* Oil System: The engine's oiling system needs to be capable of handling the increased heat and demands of a turbocharger. This may involve upgrading the oil pump, adding an oil cooler, and using higher-quality oil.
* Fuel System: A high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel lines, and fuel injectors capable of delivering significantly more fuel are essential. You'll likely need a fuel pressure regulator and possibly a return-style fuel system.
* Ignition System: A high-performance ignition system is necessary for reliable ignition under boost. This might involve upgrading the coil, wires, distributor, and potentially using a programmable ignition controller.
2. Turbocharger System Selection and Installation:
* Turbocharger Selection: Choosing the right turbocharger is critical. This depends on your power goals and the engine's capabilities. You'll need to consider factors like A/R ratio (exhaust housing size), turbine wheel size, compressor wheel size, and maximum boost pressure.
* Manifolds: You'll need a custom-fabricated or aftermarket turbo manifold for the exhaust and an intake manifold designed to work with the turbocharger.
* Intercooler: An intercooler is essential to cool the compressed air before it enters the engine. This reduces intake air temperature and prevents detonation. This requires plumbing and mounting the intercooler.
* Wastegate: A wastegate controls boost pressure, preventing over-boost and protecting the engine. Proper wastegate adjustment is critical.
* Blow-Off Valve (BOV): A blow-off valve (or bypass valve) releases excess pressure from the intake system when the throttle is closed quickly. This reduces stress on the turbo and provides a characteristic "whoosh" sound.
* Plumbing and Piping: All the components need to be connected with appropriate-sized and high-quality piping. This often requires custom fabrication and precise fitting.
3. Engine Management:
* Engine Management System (EMS): A standalone engine management system (EMS) is almost mandatory for a turbocharged application. This allows you to tune the fuel and ignition timing precisely for optimal performance and to avoid detonation. Popular options include Holley EFI, AEM, and others. This is arguably the most complex part of the entire project and requires significant tuning experience.
4. Other Considerations:
* Transmission: The stock transmission likely won't handle the increased power. A stronger transmission (automatic or manual) will be necessary.
* Drivetrain: The entire drivetrain—including axles, differential, and possibly the rear suspension—may need upgrades to handle the increased torque.
* Cooling System: A high-capacity radiator and potentially an electric fan are needed to manage the increased heat generated by the turbocharger and engine.
* Exhaust System: A high-flow exhaust system is necessary to allow exhaust gases to flow freely through the turbocharger.
In summary: Installing a turbo on a 1963 Dodge Dart 340 for racing is a very ambitious project. It's highly recommended to seek the expertise of experienced engine builders and turbocharger specialists. This is not a DIY project unless you have extensive experience in engine building and tuning. The cost will be substantial, encompassing parts, labor, and potentially dyno tuning.
