How much horsepower does the GLH Turbo have?
The GLH Turbo has about 110 horsepower in its classic form. This article explains that figure, how it came to be, and how variations over the years affected output.
What is the GLH Turbo?
The GLH Turbo, short for Goes Like Hell, was a Shelby American–tuned turbocharged version of Chrysler’s Dodge Omni hatchback (with related Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Shadow variants). Debuting in the early 1980s, it paired a lightweight chassis with a small, turbocharged inline-four to deliver brisk performance for the era. The standard GLH Turbo used a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and is the baseline for the horsepower figure most commonly cited today.
Power figures and year-by-year variation
For the majority of its production, the GLH Turbo was rated at roughly 110 horsepower. Power delivery came from a turbocharged engine designed to stay light and affordable while providing noticeable acceleration. Over the years, tiny refinements to boost control and fueling might have produced minor shifts in output, but the baseline figure remains around 110 hp for the standard GLH Turbo model.
GLHS and other Shelby variants
A limited and more extreme line, often referred to as GLHS (Goes Like Hell S), offered significantly higher performance. These editions are related to the GLH family but are distinct models with their own power figures and tuning. They are not representative of the standard GLH Turbo but are part of the broader Shelby-tuned Dodge small-car story from that era.
Summary
In summary, the standard GLH Turbo was built to deliver about 110 horsepower from its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. While some rare variants and special editions in the Shelby lineup pushed power higher, the widely cited baseline for the GLH Turbo remains around 110 hp, a figure that underscores its place in 1980s hot-hatch history.
What does GLH mean on a Dodge Omni?
Goes Like Hell
The 1986 Shelby Omni GLH-S was a modified Dodge Omni GLH, with changes made at the Shelby factory. They were retitled as Shelby Automobiles cars sold at select Dodge dealerships. GLH stood for "Goes Like Hell" and GLH-S stood for Goes Like Hell S'more.
How fast was the Dodge Omni GLH?
It zips to 60 in a mere 6.5 seconds, then keeps right on charging to a 130-mph terminal speed.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Omni GLH have?
142 horsepower
Dodge used two things to build the 1985 Omni GLH Turbo—a swear word and a 142 horsepower turbocharged 2.2L four-banger. Dodge also added a five-speed stick and suspension bits from the Carroll Shelby-developed Shelby Charger.
How much HP does turbo give you?
A turbo can add anywhere from 70 to 150 horsepower, or 30% to 40% more power, but the exact amount depends on factors like engine size, turbocharger size, boost pressure, and supporting modifications. For a street-driven engine with supporting modifications, you can see a 50% or greater increase, while a purpose-built engine can increase power by up to 70% or more.
Factors that influence horsepower gains
- Engine size and type: Smaller engines can see more significant percentage increases in horsepower, while larger engines can achieve larger absolute gains.
- Turbocharger size and design: A larger turbo can produce more airflow and boost, leading to greater horsepower gains, but may also introduce more "lag" (a delay in power delivery).
- Boost pressure: The amount of pressure the turbo creates directly impacts power. Higher boost levels require supporting upgrades to be safe and effective.
- Supporting modifications: To handle the extra power, you may need to upgrade the fuel system, intercooler, engine internals (like pistons and connecting rods), and engine management system.
- Engine limitations: The engine's internal components must be able to handle the increased stress from the higher power output. A stock engine may not be able to withstand significant turbocharging without damage.
Examples of power increases
- Street-driven engine: A properly tuned turbo setup can add 70–150 horsepower or a 30–40% increase.
- Purpose-built engine: With strengthened internal components, power gains of 70% or more are possible.
