JCB 3CX Non-Turbo to Turbo Conversion

[Classic3CX]

Hello there,

So basically I feel like bolting a turbo onto my current 3CX 1987 (#330600) and have a few questions really, after being told my machine would take a turbo exhaust manifold then all I would have to do is plumb an oil line into it.
Has anyone done this before?
Figured out the parts required?
Is it much of a problem?
It would seem fairly straight forward after receiving the right parts but would be looking to document this as I go so others could do this for POWERRRR in the future. Thanks for reading.


Forgot to mention it’s a Perkins 4236

[Classic3CX]

[diggerjones]

Mines very similar to yours. Mine is 88 grey cab. Trouble with more power it puts more strain on an already tired digger.
I would recon your only gain would be roading and pushing.

[Classic3CX]

Mines very similar to yours. Mine is 88 grey cab. Trouble with more power it puts more strain on an already tired digger.
I would recon your only gain would be roading and pushing.

Yeah I agree, just would be nice to feel the difference as in the torque increase at lower revs just to move the thing. And yeah it would have to be tested and the next weakest link would have to be uprated as well but should get to a point of reliability

[gecko.cx]

My only useful suggestion is based on a mates experience adding a turbo to an isuzu engine years ago.
Due to the extra heat, the original 'turbo pistons' were slightly smaller (greater clearance) than the 'non-turbo pistons'.
So check the part numbers and see if there is a difference (I'm sure there are a few people on here that already know the answer!!)

[Jeremy Rowland]

I really don't think this sounds as easy as is made out; no point in adding a turbo if the fuel injection system is not set up for one; also as pointed out in the post above the pistons may be different and there may be a different compression ratio required, if you want a turbo it would be easier to fit a turbo engine complete and sell the naturally aspirated lump.

Jeremy

[essexpete]

I think like the others you will be pushing it too much. A farm I worked on around 1980 had 2 new MF 590s with the 248 Perkins. They were run in for about 100 hours then fitted with an opico turbo. They did pull well but one used oil quite alarmingly. They were also new engines. I expect they left the farm with under 4000 hours.

[FOWLER MAN]

Hi,
I tend to agree with the previous comments. There are many differences in the build when a turbo is fitted. I certainly wouldn't go down the turbo road.
Fred

[agrimax]

Stronger crankshaft in the turbo engine too.....

[Classic3CX]

I see, hm wouldn’t want to shear that for what it’s worth