Quote:
Originally Posted by brgelise
I'll bet, like myself, the biggest concern is engine life! Sure I'd love to run with the big dogs but at the track lap after lap, how long before she blows apart? Price is great, but unless its in the hands of a true expert, used power adders are risky at best!
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A used power adder is not any different than a new one except that you are going to save several thousand dollars. As far as parts being "Used" The only part that would be of any real concern would be the turbocharger. This turbo only has about 2000 miles on it and it is the new Garrett GT2871R dual ball bearing type. I am sure it has another 100,000+ miles to go before it has any issues. My whole car only has 10,000 miles on it and it did not get a turbo kit until it had around 7000 miles on it. I then had it redone and added the new turbo and manifold later.
These engines have been staying together at 600+hp. Running low boost on a stock engine with this kit is no different than adding the aftermarket superchargers etc. Basically, you just need to make sure that you supply enough gas so that you do not run into a lean condition. I understand that the stock pistons are a concern when you get too much over 300hp. This would also be true with a supercharger.
If you put forged pistons like my drop in Mahle's, with a good tune, 350whp is not a problem at all and will be reliable all day long as long as you have it tuned properly. As the power increases, the transmission is where the concern lies. I have not had any issues with a stock trans (Even though it is a Euro trans with different gears). I may run into problems eventually with more power if I am not careful.
One advantage a turbo has is that it does not run unless you are "on it". It will not effect gas mileage unless you are using the turbo because it runs off of the exhaust rather than the power of the engine. You will also usually make more power with the turbo. This set up will spool quickly and make the car not only an absolute blast to drive, but a force to be reckoned with. I actually use a two stage boost controller and that way I could run it around 12psi for normal driving and kick it up to high boost when I really wanted the full power. Even at low boost it was making about 280-300whp with the low compression pistons.
Why bother spending money on a header, aftermarket exhaust, and computer upgrade when you can get a turbo for about the same price and instead of 20hp you can get an extra 120hp bolt on for a stock engine.
By the way, it is still available. I am pretty surprised that no one has jumped on this.