Editor’s Note:
This blog is about the build from Crucible Coachworks. In the video, he walks through the process of turbocharging a body-swapped Porsche drift car using a Maxpeedingrods Sport Turbo—all on a budget. Check out here for the full video!
Project Goals and Setup
The objective? Add a turbocharger to the Carmen Ghia drift car (a Porsche-inspired shell with a 07K engine swap) for increased power without breaking the bank.
At the heart of the upgrade is the Maxpeedingrods Sport Turbo, which features ceramic ball bearings for faster spool and greater efficiency. Paired with a front-mounted intercooler, custom charge piping, and an evolving exhaust setup, this turbo system is purpose-built for performance and affordability.
Step-by-Step Turbo Installation
Turbo Placement & Mounting
Because the 07K engine’s exhaust ports are on the left, the turbocharger was mounted at the front of the engine bay. Orientation was carefully adjusted to keep the charge piping below the hood line. A custom bracket supports the turbo’s weight to prevent stress on the exhaust manifold—a crucial step for reliability. Although a zip-tie was temporarily used to mock up the positioning, it proved effective during the early fabrication stages.
Intercooler & Charge Pipes
The intercooler was mounted at a 45° angle behind the front fascia. Air is channeled from a bottom intake slit via a front splitter for optimal cooling—bypassing the traditional grille route. Custom 2.5″ aluminum charge pipes were cut, welded, and bead-rolled, connecting the turbo to a VR6 throttle body adapter.
Structural Modifications
To accommodate the plumbing, the OEM hood latch and support braces were removed. A plasma cutter was used to fabricate gussets for the turbo bracket, and coolant lines were routed alongside the wastegate for clearance.
What’s Next in the Build?
Bash Bar: Will serve as the final mount for the intercooler and offer front-end protection.
Exhaust Manifold: A custom equal-length setup is in the works to optimize flow.
Aero Tuning: A splitter and ducting will enhance airflow through the angled intercooler.
Blow-Off Valve: Will be added to the charge piping system later.
Conclusion
This project is a great example of how creativity, resourcefulness, and the right components—like those from Maxpeedingrods—can bring high-performance goals to life without overspending.
With the turbo and intercooler now in place, Crucible Coachworks is ready to move forward with final fabrication and tuning. Stay tuned for more updates from this inspiring garage-built drift machine.
