Turbo upgrade options for x50 996 tip

[qfix]

I've attempted to use the search function before posting, but I can't seem to find a consistent answer. If I was looking to upgrade the k24s in my x50 would I be better off to go with the k24/18g option given the extent of my mods will be:

Ecu tune (sportec)

Europipe stage 1

The most I'm looking for to add some HP and decrease lag. Am I better off to just stay with the stock k24's and let the ecu tune address the lag or will a hybrid upgrade be worth the expense? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[kosmo96]

go to 6speedonline.com, forums for 996 turbo and you'll learn everything you need to know from experienced experts who've done what your thinking of.

[Dus10R]

If your goal is keeping it simple and reducing lag, then the 18g isn't what you want...

Just get a flash and be done. The 18g has lots of potential but it doesn't reduce lag unless you change out air inlets also and then to really make it work safely you need to do fuel injectors and an EBC to get full benefit.

[daytrip00]

The exhaust alone should cut down the turbo lag. I barely notice it anymore since I upgraded mine.

My personal preference is to do the tune and be done with it. Anything else and you'll be trading higher top end for lower reliability. You'll also need a bunch of supporting mods (to upgrade the fuel system) if you want to go any further than just a tune will allow again affecting reliability and smog readiness.

One thing I'm considering myself, however, are GT2RS intercoolers. This should actually increase the life of your engine and give you a bit more power as it's WAY more efficient at cooling the intake air.

If you decide to upgrade the turbos anyway, really read up on it. There are a ton of tuners that sell crap parts and just want to make a quick buck. They'll sell you their "expertise" but at the end of the day they're usually just mechanics making guesses about what they THINK will work better without the science and engineering to back it up. Over on 6speed, somebody did a test of a bunch of aftermarket intercoolers and they actually performed WORSE than stock. Be careful, be prudent and be slow would be my advice.

[Bostonduce]

The devil is in the electronics more than bolt-on upgrades.

You risk having the TIP ECU dump your extra boost in a effort to protect the transmission.

You will have to reprogram it so you can use just about anything over 1.0 bar. Requires removal and 'bench' reprograming of the specific TIP ECU-not as easy as the traditional "tune" that everyone is always taliking about.

BD

[Brenton]

BD

I don't quite understand what you are saying about the trans dumping your extra boost.

Also how do you know if it is happening?

My car can hit the 1.0bar, is that the limit of the car or is it the trans stopping it there?

Edited August 12, 2011 by Brenton

[Hroussard]

The exhaust alone should cut down the turbo lag. I barely notice it anymore since I upgraded mine.

My personal preference is to do the tune and be done with it. Anything else and you'll be trading higher top end for lower reliability. You'll also need a bunch of supporting mods (to upgrade the fuel system) if you want to go any further than just a tune will allow again affecting reliability and smog readiness.

One thing I'm considering myself, however, are GT2RS intercoolers. This should actually increase the life of your engine and give you a bit more power as it's WAY more efficient at cooling the intake air.

If you decide to upgrade the turbos anyway, really read up on it. There are a ton of tuners that sell crap parts and just want to make a quick buck. They'll sell you their "expertise" but at the end of the day they're usually just mechanics making guesses about what they THINK will work better without the science and engineering to back it up. Over on 6speed, somebody did a test of a bunch of aftermarket intercoolers and they actually performed WORSE than stock. Be careful, be prudent and be slow would be my advice.

[Hroussard]

Intercoolers cool the air so you can get more fuel in the cylinders without incurring detonation. therefor, it increases your fuel burn. So unless you really want to drive the beast at high power settings (heavy throttle) because you are tracking etc it's bragging rights only ... really...

[deepblue5280]

Interecoolers wont *give* you more power but will help prevent loss of power reduced timing from heat. As far as turbos, if you want less lag, the general rule is a smaller turbo, there are some exceptions such as bearing types and hybrid configurations. the simple answer in your case is definitely open up the exhaust (I*really* like the Europipe) and get a well established vendors tune, this alone will make quite a bit of difference for the buck.

[KevinMac]

Go here, Kevin is on Rennlist, and has turbo solutions for all cars. He does zero clearence reworks of your exisiting and provides tunes . Give him a call. .

http://www.ultimatemotorwerks.com/

Edited September 2, 2011 by KevinMac

[cannon1000]

The 1.0 Bar limit is because the wastegates are set to let boost beyond that out. AFTER you upgrade your exhaust and get a flash and your car is capable of producing more boost - then upgrade your wastegates (and possibly your Diverter Valves if needed).