Bolt-On Boost 2002 Part 3 - Tech Review - Turbo Magazine

Alamo Autosports Ford Focus:
Turbo pressurization has become a realization for Ford Focus pilots, thanks to Alamo Autosports. The turbo kit employs a Garrett T3 turbo with Alamo-spec compressor and turbine wheels. The base kit relies a Haltech AIC, which commands a single 550cc secondary injector along with upgrades to the stock ECU. For those that want more power, a Haltech E6K stand-alone engine management system can be used. During torture testing, which consisted of extended WOT operation at 9 psi, Alamo found rods were a potential weak link as all four broke at once. Alamo used this mishap to develop its line of FocusParts rods and pistons. With the internals, serious power mongers pump up the boost well past the 7 psi of the base kit. Go forth and tune.

Vortech Engineering Acura Integra GS-R:
Integra GS-R pilots have yet another performance option. Vortech's GS-R test mule made the 3,400-mile trek to Texas and back with no problem. The crew on the trip said that the kit has been beaten on extensively to ensure durability. The high revving GS-R powerplant and Vortech's centrifugal design are a good match as the blower makes more power the faster it spins.

APEXi 1992-1995 Civic EX/Si:
It's no secret the 1992 to '95 Civic is an all star when it comes to customizing. Civics of this vintage can be found on-line between $4,000 and $10,000 and we are sure many can be had for less in traditional newspaper classifieds.

The D16Z engine is a gem. It's factory rated at 125 hp at 6600 rpm and 106 lbs-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. The powerplant is a VTEC, single overhead cam design that has proven itself both on the street and at the strip.

APEXi USA developed its kit around an IHI AX53B60-P18 ball-bearing turbo because it provided the best combination of spool-up and top-end flow. With the reduction of friction, provided by the ball-bearing center sections, turbos can produce more flow at higher engine speeds without sacrificing responsiveness on the bottom end. The APEXi kit includes a cast-iron manifold, Power Intake filter kit, and all the necessary hardware. Fuel enrichment is handled by a high-capacity pump and adjustable regulator. APEXi also offers an optional GT intercooler and fuel system upgrades.

Comptech Honda S2000:
Slam the throttle down and release 340 ponies on to the street with the Comptech Honda S2000 supercharger. Utilizing the Paxton Novi 1000 centrifugal supercharger, you will be able to take full advantage of the high-revving, free-breathing S2000. The simple bolt-on installation includes fuel pump and regulator to ensure proper fuel flow and a Comptech air box to ensure maximum airflow. The Comptech set-up, complete with carbon-fiber air box, delivers the knockout blow.

Vortech Civic Si:
Vortech Engineering"s V-5 series blower has been on the market or some time but the Si is the first Honda Vortech has developed a full bolt-on kit for. The V-5 is compact in design and aimed at the cramped engine bays of imports. The D-Trim unit used in this kit moves 650 cfm of air and can support up to 435 horsepower. A heavy-duty version pushes 750 cfm of air--good enough for up to 525. Boost for the standard kit is eight psi but the V5 can be spun to 15 psi (20 psi for heavy-duty units) while retaining abiatic efficiency (be sure you have fuel).

The Si kit utilizes a tube drive set-up to run the blower. The kit includes an air cleaner inlet, bypass valve, in-line fuel pump, FMU boost referenced regulator and a Vortech Aftercooler. The aftercooler consists of a reservoir, pump, lines and heat exchange unit and its operates like an air-to-water interccoler cooling the charge air prior to the combustion chamber. The charge air is funneled through 2.75-inch piping that is available in satin or polished finish.

Our test car had a Comptech header system and APEXi exhaust installed along with the blower. The car was representative of what would normally prowl the streets. We were impressed with its steep power curve. In fact the only thing stopping the power production party was the rev limiter which kicked in at 7,900 rpm.

GReddy Miata (1.6-liter):
There seems to be a whole lot of pressurization possibilities for the Miata. The availability of numerous turbo kits and a supercharger package dispels the Miata's reputation as a "girl's car." The drop-top's low price for used examples only fuels the fire. GReddy was one of the first to develop a kit for the Mazda, providing a clean and simple installation, with a nice kick in the pants.

Hahn Racecraft 1995-'99 Eclipse GS/RS:
The all-natural Eclipse's 420A seems to take well to pressurization and Hahn Racecraft does most of its drag racing with boosted 420A power. The race version of this kit has blasted into the 10s. The street kit is a 5 psi that features a tried-and-proven TD05H-16G turbo, cast stainless-steel exhaust manifold, 2.25-inch downpipe, gloss black-finished piping, an OE blow-off valve from a 3000 GT, as well as an upgraded fuel pump and adjustable fuel pressure regulator for enrichment. The Hahn turbo system is available in three stages. Kit extras include a boost gauge, pillar pod and fuel pressure gauge. The Hahn turbo system is available in three stages and can be configured to work on Sebring and Avengers.

Jackson Racing Ford Focus:
Like Jackson Racing's Honda kits, the Eaton twin rotor supercharger is the weapon of choice. Jackson Racing has developed the infrastructure needed to properly fuel the big boost set-up. Using the stock fuel system, the base kit pumps out 6 psi. The circumference of the pulley used on the system determines the boost level so a higher boost pulley would make more boost. A high-output kit that delivers 8 to 10 psi will soon be on the streets.

Jackson Racing Civic Si:
Jackson Racing has become synonymous with pressurized Hondas and, for the Si kit, has centered its efforts on commanding the VTEC effect. Since VTEC controllers only control the switching of cam lobes and do not address fuel enrichment, Jackson Racing has developed a black box that delivers the VTEC effect at 2500 rpm and proper engine control throughout the rev range. The blower provides optimum power down low and premium power at the high end. The kit is smog legal in all 50 states.

AVO Mazda Miata 1990-2000:
Straight out of Australia comes this hard-hitting kit that includes a ball-bearing turbo and air-to-air intercooler, upgraded injectors and Link fuel enrichment computer. A larger turbo option is also available for those that have the need for speed. Type of Turbo Garrett T3 ball bearing Boost on standard kit 7 psi Dyno tested power output @ wheels ? Fuel Enrichment Link fuel computer, 550cc injectors, in-tank pump Intercooler Included in kit Retain use of air conditioning? Yes Include installation manual? Yes Include warranty? Yes CARB E.O. Pending MSRP $3225   Brainstorm
Dept. THP, 2608 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 815-9825

GReddy 1996-'99 Acura GS-R:
GReddy Performance of Irvine, Calif. has emerged as a leader in producing street legal bolt-on boost. At the heart of the Integra GS-R kit is a Mitsubishi TD05H 18G turbocharger with an 8cm2-exhaust housing. An internal wastegate regulates the turbocharger to a rather conservative 7.8 psi of boost pressure and, unlike some other turbo kits, the GReddy kit comes with four 310cc low-impedance injectors and a Fuel Control Unit for fuel enrichment. The FCU trims down the pulsewidth of the injectors at idle and light throttle driving and increases injector pulsewidth to meet the fuel demands created by positive manifold pressure. This approach increases fuel economy and enhances driveability while keeping the engine at a safe air/fuel ratio under boost for extended reliability. There are two different sizes of intercoolers available as an optional upgrade. Both units are air-to-air, one measuring 7.7x23.6x3 and the other measuring 11x23.6x3. The smaller of the two units does not require any modifications to the bumper support, but the larger unit does.