Exploring The Nooks And Crannies

20 Oct Exploring The Nooks And Crannies

Today it’s back to some archived pictures from Scott’s twin-turbo Explorer build. We’re almost caught back up on it!

Last time we talked about it, we mentioned the intercooler piping. Not all the A/N fittings in the last set of pictures had the lines connected to them, so here’s an idea of what the color scheme will look like with all the new lines and fittings under the engine bay.

Well, there’s a lot more than intercooler piping that needs to be run, too. There’re various fluids that need to be integrated into the turbo build, such as the oil vapors in the PCV system. Speaking of positive crankcase ventilation, let’s take a look at how that’s working with the turbos. Starting with the valve covers…

…And working its way to the two catch cans positioned in the frontmost corners of the engine bay. Back when we started, there was more room in that bay than Ford would ever need. But! Was it enough space for Fluid MotorUnion to fit a twin-turbo setup? Yes, yes it was. But not by much. And yes, we know the pictures are a bit out of order (all the lines have been run by now), but this was the best shot of the ones available.

Finally, as others have mentioned, heat’s going to be important in the functionality of the turbo system. Important in that you’ll want to remove as much of it from the equation as possible. In order to keep various fluids and electrical/plastic components safe from the heat, we created some heat shields. The most important part of the heat shield lies in the gold foil we’ve used on several occasions before. It does a great job of reflecting heat away from surfaces that would otherwise become subject to heat-related issues such as melting or boiling. The driver’s side shield is big and easy to see, but the passenger side requires a clever eye and a steady hand, as it’s hidden in there pretty well. Hidden doesn’t matter, though, because it’s in the right spot to do the right job.

Friday’s almost here. Wait, it’s almost Friday? Oh jeez, back to work.