dbf73

What do you have for mods?

darrendeguire

I've had the car for about 7mos and have done a few DE's with it and now we are starting to fine tune things. Current mileage is 49,970. I have receipts for everything listed below:

At 37,921 miles the p/o had the following done:
Installed:
- OBD II system (I have a receipt from Automotion for $3,200)
- Upgraded Fuel Pressure Regulator
- New Plugs and Wires
- Front & Rear Monoball Mounts
- Bilstein RSR Struts
- Eibach springs
- shifter stalk
- pedal pads

At 45,307 the p/o had the following done (receipts as well for this):
- R&R Engine and Transmission
- R&R Left & Right Cylinder Bank
- R&R Pistons & Cylinders & Replace Rings
- Valve Job & Set Springs
- Measure Hydrolic Lifter & Replace with Solid Rocker Arms
- Replace clutch assembly with lighweight flywheel/sport disc
- Install dual air intake
- Install battery cut off switch
- Install clear bra

I have done the following in the past couple months:
- installed roll bar
- installed optima battery
- installed sparco evo l seat and recaro seat (long story)
- 4 wheel alignment
- installed remote oil cooler fan switch
- installed RUF aux. oil cooler
- normal maintenance items: new rotors and pads, oil changes, brake flush, new advan a048 tires

Nothing done to the turbo's that I can find. From what I have read around here they may be in need of some maitenance. We will see as we dive in and start tuning things. We pegged the mechanical guage we used to measure the boost at 1.0. Unfortunately the guage wouldn't go higher so we are not sure how much boost we had. It was running very rich even at idle so we may need to adjust the fuel press. regulator. I'm a rookie at all of this but I have a good mechanic and the advice of this board as we start to figure things out. Lot's of fun.


- Valve job
- Solid Rocker arms installed

Woodster

Has the ECU been "reprogrammed" by anyone?
such as Protomotive, FVD, GIAC, etc?? or is ECU stock
(I was confused what the $3200 was for)
cheers to your efforts!
marty K.

Woodster

per Geoffrey @ 22% driveline loss (assuming 4wd dyno) = 360 + 80 == 440 @ the crank
if 2wd dyno then 360 + 54 == 414 @ the crank (Horsepower)

what are the experts thoughts????

darrendeguire

I'm confused too. We are not sure if has been programmed or what? I have a receipt for 3200 for the unit but when I installed the seats the unit looked original. I hope it is an upgraded unit that only needs to programmed. It could be the original was put back as well. Not sure. Hope to find out soon.

ca993twin

I would hazard a guess that $3200 buys you a 1997 ECU (since the 1996 ECUs are difficult/impossible to reprogram), and an aftermarket reprogamming job (usualy $2500, but discounts are seen). This would make very perfect sense with the 440 engine HP number projected by Woodster for an AWD dyno session, and a bit weak if done on a 2WD setup.

darrendeguire

It was done on a 2wd dyno so I think the numbers are bit weak if it is a programmed 1997 ecu. We are going to play around and see what's what. My mechanic won't be able to tune the ecu if we do indeed have a 1997 version, so I'll need to send it to Steve W. or one of the several other capable tuners.

Other upgrades:
- I forgot to list the carbon fiber strut brace the p/o put on as another upgrade on my list.
- The sway bars are adjustable as well so this may be an upgrade too but I'm not sure. Given the fact that he spent big $ on the suspension set up I can't imagine he would of left the sway bars as stock
- And steel braided break lines (front only)
- 5 pt harness to go with the seats of course

All we need now is a good driver!!

ca993twin

The USA version of the Turbo "S" was conservatively rated at 424 engine HP, so its possible that you have a milder program, like the "S". If you feel the need for more HP, your next step would be upgraded turbos (see Kevin), and a dyno tune AFTER the turbos are in place.

Your mods sound great. You should have lots of fun with the car just as it stands.

Woodster

Car sounds like it is beautifully "set-up" and maintained,
enjoy with the rubber side down.
Marty

ScottMellor

Do the run in 5th gear next time. Closer to 1:1, so less gear box losses.

darrendeguire

Redline in 5th gear! Now that would be interesting. Top speed in 5th I would guess is around 150 or so. It was my first dyno experience so I may sound like a wuss but that kind of wheel speed on the dyno would be interesting to say the least. Even 3rd gear redline was "fun". We had the car tied down in the front as well the back and it still seemed a little shaky. Maybe its just my lack of experience.

darrendeguire

Marty, these cars are lots of fun as you guys already know. I'm still learning but I hope to move on from this car into something dedicated to the track. I want something that has as much of the safety equipment I can put it and not have to worry about myself or the car as much. I feel like this car is just too nice to abuse on the track. Especially considering I hope to do some club racing with PBOC next year. I want to get the car nicely tuned but not go crazy with hp. Just quick and very reliable. I will probably be in the market to sell it sometime early next year and move on to the track car.

Woodster

darren, I understand the craving for the track, I just took mine to
brainerd intl speedway on July 5th. The car is so fast yet so scary
(mainly due to its very high speed capabilities and its lack of a roll
cage, and proper restraints). I to may move to a track car, but i
cannot sell (and be without) the turbo. Mk

ScottMellor

We did mine in 4th and 5th on "Bad Day". No drama at all.