[DML] Re: turbo delorean and locking problems

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

On Sun, 15 Aug 1999, Hickman wrote:

> Today i was looking in my Hemmings for a Delorean I wanted to buy and I
> read that this guy had a turbo delorean.. Now I read in my book that
> John DeLorean didnt make these turbo engines because he got into trouble
> so fast.. So is this true? And one other thing, I also read in my book

Yes. A turbocharged version was planned for the 1984 model. The turbo
version was extremely high tech (by 1984 standards) and probably would
have produced in excess of 200 HP. Only prototypes were made of this;
none were sold through normal channels.

There are a lot of turbo DeLoreans out there; except the prototypes, they
are all done with aftermarket kits. The most popular current kit is the
"Island" kit which is a low pressure twin-turbo system developing about
170-180HP on 5-7 pounds of boost.

> that it is possible for the mechanisms in the locking and unlocking
> switches to malfunction and lock you in your car. Has this ever
> happened to any of you?

It happens, but there are upgrades available (such as the popular
LockZilla) which correct it. Any DeLorean oriented mechanic should be
familiar with the cure for this problem.