Can these Ford Escort Diesels be turbocharged?

Answer 1

It is unknown whether or not this engine can be turbocharged. But we'd love to see someone try it and share their results! If you have Japanese connections, you might want to investigate the Mazda-made direct-injection turbo version of this engine, offered in the 1999 Mazda Capella (Mazda's Japanese-market midsize family car). That engine is the same basic design as ours, and might fit in our cars.

The 1753 cc IDI diesel(60 bhp) which was used in the older generation Escorts were later upgraded to Di turbo(90 bhp). The Di turbo diesel had premature wear on con-rod bearings compared to IDI diesel. One can try to give mild boost to IDI diesel by adding a small waste gate turbo. I say small turbo, smaller the turbo-earlier it kicks-in. This will improve its initial response by a great deal and also prevents from the con-rod bearing failure.