Engine Drivetrain 2nd Gen S Most liked posts in thread: Is upgrading the turbo overkill?

Exactly what I was going to write!

Udgrading the turbo doesn't do much good if it can't breathe, so those should be the areas you work on first - just like Way said....

These engines are strong little buggers, so unless you're aiming for really big HP, you should be fine with stock internals. Don't forget that with added speed you may need to uprate the shocks, brakes and tires too.

Finally, the biggest speed increases at the track usually come from driver improvements and upgrades, not HP. So unless you're a pro or someone with a ton of track experience, consider doing some HPDE's or sponsored track events first, then you'll be able to use the extra HP once you get it.

 

^+1. If you want to start tracking the car, I would suggest doing things in the following order. (Just my $.02, YMMV)

1) Do 2-3 DE's with the car completely stock
2) Start upgrading the suspension (best to do only 1, maybe 2, mods between DE's). These are momentum cars, so the more speed you carry through the turns, the harder it will be for the big HP cars to catch you on the straights. Plus, it's fun as shite to give one the pass and then hunt him down for 2-3 laps and make him give it back to you .. or better yet, push him hard enough that he blows a turn.
3) Upgrade tires/brakes
4) Upgrade engine.

 

Here's my 0.02...

0.) Safety - keep this in mind throughout all your upgrades. Not every car needs a full cage, seats, and 6 pt harnesses, but it's important to balance your tolerance of risk with the car's safety equipment. Invest in a helmet when you go to the track, maybe an R3 or HANS, a CG Lock or 4 point harnesses, etc.

1.) Tires - sticky street tires and lighter wheels improve everything: grip, acceleration, cornering, suspension rebound, road feel.
2.) Brakes - Blow through a set of OEM pads while you're still under free maintenance to see how street pads work on the track.
3.) Suspension - start with camber plates, springs, and a rear sway bar.
4.) Engine - you'll know when you need more hp. Either you're catching people in the curves and losing them in the straights, or you have the urge to race high school kids at stoplights, you'll know.
5.) Aero - when you can't push the car through the air any harder, make the air push back less.

 

I agree
Get what you have on a track, then decide what you REALLY need.

Mark

 

I disagree, the turbo on the mini cooper to me is much too small.
My friend Thumper MCS did indeed upgrade his turbo
and the added punch on the highway is what the car really needed.
Keep in mind i say this from the stand point of having a pretty messed with R53

 

We're talking R56 turbo's not R53 SC's

 

As your going to the track for HPDE's this is great advise

 

:arf: Play Grand Turismo!

 

Every time I see one of those "behind the scenes" interviews with racers, they're all playing video games! Makes me wish for a racing seat to put in my living room.

And another alternative to track time is karting. It's a great way to keep your instincts sharp and learn how to pass in a racing scenario. And a lot of cities have indoor tracks, so you can do it all year round.

 

Real tuning experts correct me if I'm wrong but one can attain and surpass the HP/Torque of a JCW with a MCS by adding CAI,Boost Tube Upgrade(turbo intake 'muffler' delete),better exhaust(JCW,Borla etc),and an ECU tune.:thumbsup. Just my 2ct.

Jason

 

If you want faster on a track I'm gonna echo BThayer23 here:

-Driver Mod: Adjust the nut behind the wheel first. This has done me the most good.
-Tires: Dumping the stock run-flats for even just nicer street tires will be day and night difference in performance.
-Brakes: I just blew through my first set of stockers and getting a new set under maintenance agreement next week. I'm already planning on swapping out for some EBC Greens.
-Suspension: I am still running stock. I haven't found the full potential so I don't see the need to change... Yet.
-Engine: I'm installing an exhaust this weekend but it's just for the happy noise not performance.

I've been AutoX'in for 4 years and I hit the indoor Karting track regularly. It's fun and does make you a better driver.

 

The one and easiest suspension upgrade I'd recommend is a larger, stiffer rear anti-roll bar. My cars both tended to pick up the inside front tire on slow corners and smoke it on the way out. A stiffer bar cures this with little compromise in the stock handling.

 

Not that I'm a expert, just spend Wayyyyy too much time fartin around with this stuff

For pure HP/Torque I agree with your list if you added a Intercooler

Usual disclaimers for the nut behind the wheel and suspension

 

:ihih: It has been done many times *wink *wink*

 

:cornut:Thanks Man.

Jason

 

Im aware, thats why i mentioned my friends R56, that he changed the turbo on his car Stating that i have a very fast R53 and he can nearly keep up with me is well impressive?
Hope thats more clear. sorry for the mis understanding.

 

That does clear it up, thanks