Daytona, the real story
Jim Lill (jpl@vectorbd.com)
Thu, 6 Aug 1998 17:13:14 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
The Turbo III title refers to the DOHC 16-valve intercooled engine. It
first appeared in 1991 (exclusively in the Spirit R/T). It was based on
the 1990 Turbo IV but featured a new head, intake and exhaust manifolds,
and pistons - all designed by Lotus. Because of hood clearance concerns,
the twin camshafts lie alongside the valves and actuate them via roller
rocker arms. The combustion chambers had a pent-roof design with 8.5:1
compression ratio. Like in the other Chrysler turbo motors, this one
featured pistons that have valve reliefs to prevent valve damage if the
timing belt fails. A Garrett TB03 turbo is installed and set for 11 psi of
boost. Balance shafts carry over from the factory Turbo IV, as did the
intercooler. Redline was set at 6500. Power figures were healthy: 224 HP
at 6000 rpm and 217 ft-lb at 2800 rpm.
For 1992 the engine wasn't changed. However, it was now available in the
Daytona IROC R/T in addition to the Spirit R/T. In 1993 the Spirit R/T is
discontinued, leaving only the IROC R/T to carry the Turbo III flag. 1993
would be the last year for the Turbo III (and the Daytona, too).