Hi all, I know just what you are thinking (another dreamer posting in the forums, haha)...

In all seriousness, I am looking for advice and have more specific details listed below.

PHASE ONE

Hardware: APS TT, APS High Volume Intake Plenum, APS 3" true dual exhaust/test pipes, ATS Twin Clutch/Flywheel

PHASE TWO

Complete engine overhaul (long block), PSI raised, tuned/etc...

My main reason for posting here is getting feedback from the experts on phase one. Ideally, the boost levels on the stock block are going to be left very low as I don't have an interest in raising the odds that something forces me into phase two sooner than anticipated

What are the thoughts on the Plenum I've chosen (http://sgpracing-store.stores.yahoo....ivoinpl.html)? Do you folks feel this might be overkill at this stage of the game? I see it as future proofing so I don't need to revisit this at stage two of my plan. However, if it does more harm than good, I can wait for the plenum.

Also, this might be inappropriate to ask (and a mod can delete this section), but if any vendors are interested in doing a bulk order on the mentioned hardware, please feel free to PM me a quote.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

The only overkill I see is the 3" exhaust. 2.5 is plenty good and not too loud

 

On stock block, don't exceed about 420 whp and stay below 400 lbs of tq for longevity. Yes, you can run more, but why risk the block if you plan to use it in a build down the road (save yourself the core charge). The amount of boost needed to attain those levels will vary so I would not be set in stone to say 9 lbs of boost will be your max.

The plenum is helpful, but not a necessity or a real power adder. When you are talking an additional 200 whp, 5-10 whp is not a big deal like it might be with the N/A crowd. Essentially it will even out the flow to all cylinders. It is fine that you have it now, but by no means is it something to be concerned about in terms of it being overkill.

As far as your build goes, find a shop relatively close to you that has all the capabilities and that you trust. Motor build, APS dealer/installer, and tuning capabilities. Have them do everything. Nothing like having too many chefs in the kitchen working on the same dish. IMHO, it is not a good idea to have shop A install a motor built by shop B and then having shop C tune everything.


In terms of specs on your build, set a budget and power goal and the boards can be of more help to you

 

Thanks for the feedback, MrTomCat, appreciate it.

Yes, I do agree with you that for Phase One of my plan the exhaust and test pipes are a bit much but I should probably elaborate.

My goals for phase one are to "only" get 325-375WHP, whereas my goal for phase two is to obtain 500-600WHP. My two choices were to leave my exhaust stock during phase one or to buy an exhaust that would be sufficient for the high horsepower I'm trying to achieve later in the game. That is kind of my creedo for the entire project. Future proof now for large horsepower later.

I suppose I could have also put a third option of buying a 2.5" exhaust until I was ready for phase two and then selling it in favor of the 3" but I already have the exhaust so I'm a little crazy

Thanks again for the reply!

 

Yes, the 3" is overkill. I have some things planned for my car which include running 15-16 lbs of boost through the 2.5" exhaust (500-550 whp) with the big test pipes. The 3" is cool but still overkill in some regards.

 

I see no issue in getting the 3" out of the shute. personally I had planned on getting it, but due to release dates and such, I ended up with the 2.5". I am more than happy with the 2.5" and have been reassured by numerous parties, it will handle what I will throw at it. Some guys just like having the big exhaust for the bragging rights which I totally understand. Me, well, I am glad I have the 2.5" based on how loud the 3" is.

Sorry to tell you, you will be at more than 375 whp out of box with the big exhaust. Running that exhaust will require a custom tune ASAP as your boost levels will most likely exceed 10 lbs.

Whatever you do, don't keep the exhaust stock. Get a proper flowing APS setup with test pipes

 

Haha, that statement is kind of humorous considering we are on a performance enthusiast site and you are apologizing that I will have more power than I anticipated. I totally get what you are saying though, and really appreciate your excellent feedback you've provided! Thanks Zivman!!!

 

I agree with them. They know what they're doing. The 3' is an overkill unless you're aiming for real high. Good luck. Whose doing your install btw.

 

Right now it is looking like same guy who made your exhaust

 

Where is he anyway? I havent seen him on the boards lately, is he still doing the exhaust group buy thing? Hmm... i wonder if he'll do a center exit.

 

here i am!! been super busy as of late. more of a quick run through the forums rather than alot of posting. it is getting hard now though, the rest of the folks have been around just as long and most questions are already answered by the time i read the thread, lol!
btw-the group buy is over for the 2.5" system. no plans right now for a center exit exhaust

 

I'm doing the Phase II right now, waiting for GTM to finish my build and I did stay with the 2.5 exhaust, not sure in what kind of hurry you are but if you can wait a week or two I'll be more than happy to share my results with you.

Since I am in california I want to be as stealth as possible, hence no 3" noise maker...

 

ya kc, running that 3" right away will not be an issue. i have run both my 2.5" and 3" on my car for testing and overall i still liked the 3" better, even for normal putting around town and not getting into much boost at all. the 2.5" would give a better feel in the first 25-50% of slowly inputted throttle, but the 3" still won on over all performance, even at low boost levels.
i run X-pipes in both my exhausts, and they are proving to really even help spool up speeds due to the fact i have to keep cutting more maf signal to the comp to keep it from shutting the car down on hard freeway runs. the X-pipe will increase exhaust velocity at nearly every rpm. i am having to cut way down in the 3000-3500 range even more, lol. maybe we can add a custom one to your aps set up if you like. it will also help keep the noise levels down more too.
i also have my own twin pump return fuel set up i can build for ya that will carry ya all the way through to well beyond your high boost built motor setting.
don't forget about some of the other small stuff like gauges or a boost controller. if you want to come by and see my car and joe's car i'm building to get some ideas, feel free to give a call and swing out.

 

Tomcat, I am VERY interested in your results so please PM me or reply to this thread when everything gets complete. I wish you the best of luck and hope it turns out as well as I KNOW it will

 

Thanks Scott, I will likely do that sometime this week as I'm anxious to get new visions and ideas! Appreciate all your help man...

-KC

 

My feeling is if someone is already digging around your car you should go to Phase 2 sooner rather than later. Unless you are extremely strapped for cash you are going to pay to duplicate some of the labor hours when they go back in and pull your engine for Phase 2.

 

Thanks GZire, I value that stance very much.

One of the main reasons that I prefer the two phase approach (granted, the labor costs of dropping a motor are not exactly mouth watering, haha) is to get used to the car with turbine induced power. I'm rather new to the rear wheel drive, V6 setup and don't want to go beyond my comfort level right off the bat. I really want to learn my car with the new clutch and power, learning how to properly shift and drift (depending on whether tracking or dragging). Again, I do see the logic in your theory however I felt obligated to shed a little more light on why I'm doing it the way I am...hopefully that makes sense

 

^^^It does. Best of luck on your build.