Turning a 1950's Military Truck Into a Turbocharged Monster

This episode marks the start of a brand-new build series where we attempt something that absolutely should not work.

Behind me is a 1950s Scammell military recovery truck, powered by a huge, ancient petrol engine that was never designed for modern technology. In this series, we’re replacing the carburettor and magneto ignition with a full standalone ECU, coil-on-plug ignition, fuel injection… and a massive turbocharger.

In this episode, we:
• Unbox the turbocharger and engine management parts
• Walk through how modern EFI and ignition will replace 1950s technology
• Strip down the engine bay ready for development
• 3D scan the engine bay to allow accurate CAD design
• Begin designing the exhaust manifold using the scan data
• 3D print and test-fit a prototype manifold flange
• Lay out the plan for fabricating the turbo system in the next episode

This is the first step in turning a 70-year-old military truck into something it was never meant to be.

Huge thanks to:
• Friday Parts for the turbocharger
Website link: https://www.fridayparts.com

• Speeding Performance Parts – ECU, injectors, ignition components
Website link: https://www.speedingparts.co.uk

• Exact Scanning Solutions – 3D scanning the engine bay
Website link: https://exactscanningsolutions.co.uk

Next episode: fabricating the exhaust manifold, mounting the turbo, building the exhaust system, and starting work on the intake manifold.

⚡ Follow along on Instagram:
Business –   / bespoke_performance_eng  
Personal –   / scott_nagle