L2501 Modifications

[Rdrcr]

It’s been a little difficult recently to make time for the work but, I’m slowly making progress;

Can’t wait to get the rest of the tubing fabricated and get this turbo spinning!

Mike

 

[tractorX]

It’s been a little difficult recently to make time for the work but, I’m slowly making progress;
View attachment 82973
Can’t wait to get the rest of the tubing fabricated and get this turbo spinning!

Mike

AWESOME mike!
can't wait for some seat time data.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I’m looking forward to getting this turbo setup completed and gathering data soon.

Here’s a couple progress pics;

We’ll have the charge pipe finished tomorrow and begin work on the down-pipe. I’ll check back with some additional pics tomorrow.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Charge pipe is finished;

I’m expecting the silicone couplers and hose clamps to arrive tomorrow so we can remove the duct tape, lol

We’ve been making the pipe transitions by hand and they’ve been taking way more time than expected. So, if if we make anymore, we’ll go with pre-made transitions to save time. Plus, they’ll look better too.

We’re working on the down pipe now.

Mike

 

[tractorX]

Charge pipe is finished;
View attachment 83734

View attachment 83737

View attachment 83738
I’m expecting the silicone couplers and hose clamps to arrive tomorrow so we can remove the duct tape, lol

We’ve been making the pipe transitions by hand and they’ve been taking way more time than expected. So, if if we make anymore, we’ll go with pre-made transitions to save time. Plus, they’ll look better too.

We’re working on the down pipe now.

Mike

looking good mike!

 

[Rdrcr]

Getting closer;

The Down pipe is almost done. We just have to fabricate a small bracket and then tackle the oil feed and drain lines.

I’m expecting to have this thing fired up in the next couple days.

Mike

 

[#40Fan]

I'm in for updates.

 

[Rdrcr]

The Turbo setup is completed and running;

We made one rookie mistake on the intake charge pipe, we didn’t account for the hood prop-rod/absorber. So, we’ll have to redesign that pipe in the near future. Shouldn’t be a big issue.

I’ll have the tractor back on the property tomorrow and should have some time to run it around on Sunday. I’ll start making adjustments to fuel next week.

Mike

 

[tractorX]

The Turbo setup is completed and running;
View attachment 84024

View attachment 84025
We made one rookie mistake on the intake charge pipe, we didn’t account for the hood prop-rod/absorber. So, we’ll have to redesign that pipe in the near future. Shouldn’t be a big issue.

I’ll have the tractor back on the property tomorrow and should have some time to run it around on Sunday. I’ll start making adjustments to fuel next week.

Mike

congratulations mike!
definitely start your own thread... parts, machining, tuning and data. hell i might get bored one day and wanna turbo mine!

btw dont worry bout the hood prop. just cut a hole in the hood... perfect spot for a blower!

 

[Rdrcr]

congratulations mike!
definitely start your own thread... parts, machining, tuning and data. hell i might get bored one day and wanna turbo mine!

btw dont worry bout the hood prop. just cut a hole in the hood... perfect spot for a blower!

Thank you!
Will do.

The ‘real’ project is the fine tuning, data logging and further testing. Even though it’s just been put together, there are already small items that I wish to change, lol.

I’m looking forward to putting it to the test. I still have a couple months of good weather left.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Super quick observation…this thing hauls a$$ in H gear with the turbo….haven’t even messed with fueling yet. It gets up to speed immediately and has an audible little bark to each throttle adjustment. It’s rather amusing.

I was just running the tractor up and down the street before we put it on the trailer. I think I’m gonna be pretty pleased with this setup.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

It's looking like I'm going to be short on time this week so I'm probably not going to be able to adjust the fuel until next week.
But, I should be able to give a small update this Sunday with Boost/EGT observations from this past Sunday.

Mike

 

[tractorX]

It's looking like I'm going to be short on time this week so I'm probably not going to be able to adjust the fuel until next week.
But, I should be able to give a small update this Sunday with Boost/EGT observations from this past Sunday.

Mike

hurry up, we've waited all year for this!
hell i was think'n let's just meet up at the drag strip or tractor pulls for tuning and data

 

[Rdrcr]

L2501 HST 4WD (LA525 Loader w/ 66” QA Bucket) - TURBO SYSTEM (4PSI - Factory Fuel Setting)

Testing EGT’s (83* outside temperature):

Idle = 250-275*

Traveling on flat ground (M) = 300-500*

Loader work - light load (M) = 500-625*

Pulling box blade - light load (M) = 500-625*

Traveling up 22* Slope (40% grade) - medium load (M) = 575-700*

Peak EGT = 700*

As you can see, nothing really has changed. The EGT’s are running 0-25* cooler with the turbo. I think this is because there is more air going into the engine with the same fuel volume. I am, however, expecting the EGT’s to increase when I add more fuel.

My L2501 typically produces a little smoke on startup, from throttle adjustments and increased loads during operating conditions. Right now, there is zero smoke coming from the engine, regardless of conditions. The engine is using all the fuel it can get. I’ll definitely be adding fuel and playing with the setting next week.

So, I’m a little confused. There shouldn’t be a performance increase from the Turbo kit right now. I haven’t added any fuel. And, not surprisingly, there is no perceptible improvement in (L) and (M) gears. However, there’s a noticeable improvement in (H) gear.

For the first time, I was able to climb my big hill in (H) gear. It wasn’t pretty, the tractor bogged down twice and wasn’t able to sustain a consistent speed while going up the hill, but it made it. That’s an improvement. Plus, the tractor takes off immediately from idle and gets up to speed very quickly in (H) gear.
These are characteristics the tractor didn’t previously perform. Strange.

I welcome opinions.

I’m looking forward to adjusting the fuel next week and gathering some additional data and performance from this Turbo setup.

Mike

 

[tractorX]

L2501 HST 4WD (LA525 Loader w/ 66” QA Bucket) - TURBO SYSTEM (4PSI - Factory Fuel Setting)

Testing EGT’s (83* outside temperature):

Idle = 250-275*

Traveling on flat ground (M) = 300-500*

Loader work - light load (M) = 500-625*

Pulling box blade - light load (M) = 500-625*

Traveling up 22* Slope (40% grade) - medium load (M) = 575-700*

Peak EGT = 700*

As you can see, nothing really has changed. The EGT’s are running 0-25* cooler with the turbo. I think this is because there is more air going into the engine with the same fuel volume. I am, however, expecting the EGT’s to increase when I add more fuel.

My L2501 typically produces a little smoke on startup, from throttle adjustments and increased loads during operating conditions. Right now, there is zero smoke coming from the engine, regardless of conditions. The engine is using all the fuel it can get. I’ll definitely be adding fuel and playing with the setting next week.

So, I’m a little confused. There shouldn’t be a performance increase from the Turbo kit right now. I haven’t added any fuel. And, not surprisingly, there is no perceptible improvement in (L) and (M) gears. However, there’s a noticeable improvement in (H) gear.

For the first time, I was able to climb my big hill in (H) gear. It wasn’t pretty, the tractor bogged down twice and wasn’t able to sustain a consistent speed while going up the hill, but it made it. That’s an improvement. Plus, the tractor takes off immediately from idle and gets up to speed very quickly in (H) gear.
These are characteristics the tractor didn’t previously perform. Strange.

I welcome opinions.

I’m looking forward to adjusting the fuel next week and gathering some additional data and performance from this Turbo setup.

Mike

thanks for the updates mike... lotta progress!
hey got 1 question,
the OP started out with advanced timing and fuel before turboed. do you have plans on advancing the timing too?

 

[Rdrcr]

thanks for the updates mike... lotta progress!
hey got 1 question,
the OP started out with advanced timing and fuel before turboed. do you have plans on advancing the timing too?

Thanks!

I don’t have any plans to advance the timing. I sized the Turbo specifically to work within the factory L2501 RPM range. It’s making boost right off idle. I believe I’ll have more than enough power with the Turbo setup alone.

Would it make more power with the Turbo and advanced timing? You bet! But, I don’t feel it’ll be necessary for my use.

I’ve been spending lots and lots of time digging for information on L2501 modifications and thanks to a couple folks that dyno’d their tractors, I’ll be able to share some excellent comparisons and modification estimates. I’ll include these figures in the new thread I’m preparing.

Mike

 

[Mountainhill]

Thanks!

I don’t have any plans to advance the timing. I sized the Turbo specifically to work within the factory L2501 RPM range. It’s making boost right off idle. I believe I’ll have more than enough power with the Turbo setup alone.

Would it make more power with the Turbo and advanced timing? You bet! But, I don’t feel it’ll be necessary for my use.

I’ve been spending lots and lots of time digging for information on L2501 modifications and thanks to a couple folks that dyno’d their tractors, I’ll be able to share some excellent comparisons and modification estimates. I’ll include these figures in the new thread I’m preparing.

Mike

After my initial decision to buy a L2501, I had a bit of buyers remorse, due to reviews of it’s lack of power. During my 3 month wait, I OTT’d, YouTubed, and read about the L2501. I must say you “ 2501 Mod Guys”, kept me going!! I now have my 2501, so far so good power wise. But knowing it has the potential for more, makes the L2501 a bit unique. In a good way.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
My L2501 has done all I’ve asked of it. It’s performed extremely well on my property. I’m very happy with the tractor in stock form.
However, I feel there are a couple shortcomings and improvements that can be made by adding more power. And, I’m glad we have that option with this tractor.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Non-performance related, but I added the L3302/L3902 floor mats to my L2501;

Installation is super easy and took only a couple minutes per side. I bought them from Messicks.

Mike

 

[MountainMeadows]

I also got the same mats for my new L2501 from Messicks. Great fit but I found it necessary to trim the left mat for a better view of the sight glass.