by jamesrguk » Tue Mar 01, 2016 10:30 pm
I think most would agree that the after market turbo kits which were installed back in the 80's were never a perfect setup, they do offer increased HP, numbers quoted vary a lot, I've never actually seen a BAE turbo'd D on a Dyno.
Generally they run at very low boost simply because the stock K-Jet injection system wasn't that well suited to forced induction, for example the fuel enrichment under boost was a bit of a fudge, and too much boost and the injectors risk popping out amongst other things.
That said, they can run reliably, and because of the low boost the turbo probably don't overstrain the engine.
Turbo parts shouldn't be too much of a problem, I'm sure people have had them rebuilt and the turbo's weren't DMC specific so I dare say there are options for replacements.
As for chassis rust, it can be an issue, and it somewhat depends on your level of DIY skill as to how much hassle it is to repair, however anything can be fixed if the price is right to start with.
J