Locals, what SC/Turbo kit would you prefer

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by Evil Twin

Sounds like a good plan,and I commend you for first learning how to drive what you've got before changing it. Did HPF tune your Evo using an aftermarket ECU or by chipping your existing ECU or by adding some sort of rising rate fuel regulator?

I think they just messed with the mapping not completely sure because I didn't want to get in their way and just watched from afar. There is some great tuning software out there for the Evo though, forgot the program I used since last I used it was 2 years ago but we'd hook the laptop up and mess with the maps while going down some back roads. All I know after adding a new fuel rail, the cams, bigger fuel pump, etc the HPF's tune really helped out with making the car perform without fail.. at least until my exhaust manifold warped.

[Evil Twin]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

I think they just messed with the mapping not completely sure because I didn't want to get in their way and just watched from afar. There is some great tuning software out there for the Evo though, forgot the program I used since last I used it was 2 years ago but we'd hook the laptop up and mess with the maps while going down some back roads. All I know after adding a new fuel rail, the cams, bigger fuel pump, etc the HPF's tune really helped out with making the car perform without fail.. at least until my exhaust manifold warped.

If you can re-program an existing ECU, then at least you've not lost the benefit of the thousands of hours already spent by the manufacturer to tune the car. If you're dealing with a car that's already boosted, then you're even further ahead, as seems to have been the case for your Evo. But if you're adding a turbo onto an engine designed for NA -- and you're using a stand-alone ECU -- then you're starting at ground zero. In my experience, having done this once, it's easy to get the car to start and run "okay" but as soon as you start leaning hard on the motor, you'll discover all sorts of issues that may never materialize on a street-driven car.

My bigger point is that everyone takes fuel-tuning way too lightly, and it's (i) harder to do right than the (most of the) tuners would have you believe, (ii) much, much harder to get the fuel-tuning right for a turbo than a supercharger, (iii) only on the track that tuning reveals its limitations, at which point you might find yourself buying a new motor and having to admit that, well, that dyno-tune wasn't as robust as you had hoped.

But 'nough said. I just hate to see folks go through this without their eyes fully opened about the risks/costs and issues.

Best,
Twin

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by Evil Twin

If you can re-program an existing ECU, then at least you've not lost the benefit of the thousands of hours already spent by the manufacturer to tune the car. If you're dealing with a car that's already boosted, then you're even further ahead, as seems to have been the case for your Evo. But if you're adding a turbo onto an engine designed for NA -- and you're using a stand-alone ECU -- then you're starting at ground zero. In my experience, having done this once, it's easy to get the car to start and run "okay" but as soon as you start leaning hard on the motor, you'll discover all sorts of issues that may never materialize on a street-driven car.

My bigger point is that everyone takes fuel-tuning way too lightly, and it's (i) harder to do right than the (most of the) tuners would have you believe, (ii) much, much harder to get the fuel-tuning right for a turbo than a supercharger, (iii) only on the track that tuning reveals its limitations, at which point you might find yourself buying a new motor and having to admit that, well, that dyno-tune wasn't as robust as you had hoped.

But 'nough said. I just hate to see folks go through this without their eyes fully opened about the risks/costs and issues.

Best,
Twin

We used euro spec maps and rally spec maps then tuned off of them for our street tuning. I believe one of my previous friend had was a Ralliart map.
I know you're right, and usually going with lower compression pistons with a turbo upgrade is a must, most people I known have replaced parts in the block when adding on a turbo kit. Others swap motors, and ricers just slap them on and only use their boost to show off on the street. I also had a fuel/air controller, so I don't take it lightly at all. Even with all my performance mods I had on the car, I also got other mods that did not increase horsepower at all like an oil catch can.
My number one issue is reliability and performance, not necessarily HP gains. I learned this the hard way, I bought an exhaust manifold that provided better airflow then stock. It had higher gains then some other companies products but this company forgot to mention that it was not ment for reliability, a few races and you'd have to swap it out. This company is no longer in business as far as I know.
We all want best bang for the buck (for those of us that aren't rolling in cash) but with the Lotus, I might end up paying a little more for higher quality products this time around.

[Kiowapilot]

Originally Posted by mjf

So where in the NW can we actually get an SC/Turbo kit installed? I know Park Place offers a Katana install for about $8k. Are there other options in the area or is it all diy work? For now I'd probably be satisfied with just a new tune so that I can get variable cam timing (like the elise sc has). =/

We can do it in my garage. After I get done installing mine it should be pretty easy. I am planning on getting a BWR later this month. hopefully......... Just waiting on a bonus from the military. My charges are cheap, bring some tools and bring the beer and we will get-er done.