Are the connecting rods the same in a turbo and non-turbo EA82 engine. I'm planning on an engine rebuild and need to decide which block to use to make my high compression turbo engine. I've heard others state that they just put turbo heads on a NA block, but I am thinking of putting NA pistons into a turbo block. Just want to look at all of the issues, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

thanks

I asked this very question: rods are same, pistons different, head combustion chamber is same. I wanted mpfi heads on high compression SPFI NA. High comp pistons on turbo heads and turbo'd is a disturbing thought, you must be planning on going light boost? If top end held together, the crank only has 3 main bearings. Just changing my exhaust to less restrictive nearly killed my ol' EA82!

Would be fine for awhile no doubt

Thanks for the info. Others have put the turbo heads on aNA block and back into the turbo car with stock boost(7lbs) and have had no problems. I have plenty of sapre parts, so if it blows I can put in another motor fairly easily.

 

Thanks for the info again

If top end held together, the crank only has 3 main bearings. Just changing my exhaust to less restrictive nearly killed my ol' EA82!

Would be fine for awhile no doubt

 

Just remember: there may only be 3 mains, but it is a very short crank, and is forged. If changing the exhaust almost killed your EA-82, it had other problems from the start. It has already been proven that these engines can hold together while making lots of power if it's put together correctly and in good running order.