Over the winter updates... ...January-February 2008
It's been a long time since an update - that's what happens when you're slammed at work! After installing the headers & cam way back last year, I didn't do too much else. I basically just enjoyed the car the way that it was while plotting what to do next. Then it hit me...while browsing LS1tech, I saw that Air Power Systems (turbo company down under) was running a sale on a new batch of twin turbo kits. I figured why not?! I've had bolt on cars, I've had nitrous cars, I've had cammed cars...but never forced induction. After reading up a little more on the kit, I was sold. Compared to other turbo kits, $5495 shipped sounded like a really good deal.
My plan was simple - more power, faster e/t's, but still have the same excellent driveability. Keep a stock shortblock (save cam), and have a safe setup to last a while. I wanted to make 8lbs at the most.
It arrived in November 07, and sat in my garage for a while...
Although my '99 is my daily driver, I do still have the '93 formula when I need it. I decided to take my time with this install and do a few other things while I was at it - luckily I still had something else to drive. If you're at all familiar with an f-body, you know you're not exactly dealing with an abundance of space in the engine bay. For that reason, I decided to drop the engine to install the kit. Also, the TT kit calls for a new k-member...so why not just take the whole dang thing out?
So I did. If you check my how-to page you'll see the engine-pulling story that I wrote while working on it. That served two purposes - help others who wanted to do it - and also keep a checklist so I put it back together right, lol. I pulled it out of the bottom since I was going to replace the k-member anyway. Besides, to me, it's easier than pulling it out the top. It took me about 4 hours to have it out by myself. Of course, having a lift really helped here.
keliente-powered vehicle
The APS TT kit was really high quality in my opinion. The manifolds are well made, the brackets, lines, fittings, etc were all top notch as well. My only complaint is that it does make some components harder to get to - but really you can't do much about that given the space available. The giant intercooler is pretty sweet too. I did not have to do too much modification to the body to make everything fit - just flatten out a few seams here and there and it went in without a hitch. I also needed a few other upgrades to support the kit. I chose the UMI k-member over the BMR, it is a beefier unit. I only had to clock the turbo minimally to make it fit correctly.
Manifold & turbo assembled Downpipe/wastegate assembled
Also to support the new turbos, I changed heads to a set of stock 6.0L truck heads to lower the compression. I had a custom cam made by PCMforless with better specs for forced induction. And since I didn't change the timing chain or oil pump when I did the other cam back in spring '07 - I changed those too. The oil pan has to be tapped on each side for the oil return lines, that was so much easier (and cleaner) to do with the pan off of the engine. I added some 60# injectors and a racetronix fuel system to keep things safe. Also an e-boost gauge for keeping boost under wraps!
6.0L heads on, new motor mounts, etc Turbo before clocking
Ready to go back in. Sweet intercooler!!
Overall the installation was pretty smooth. I couldn't wait to get it back on the road. I kept the same exhaust as before, just changed it a bit. I never was crazy about the fit of the TSP catted y pipe, so I had a friend make me a new catted y. He did a great job. It doesn't rub or bang anything like before, and his welding is nothing short of beautiful! I also kept the magnaflow exhaust, and added a cutout in the I-pipe. All was good on the first start. No major leaks or issues. My first order of business was to get an alignment...I really flubbed it up when putting on the new k member.
My after-install impression...WOW. My car made around 340hp through the 3600 stall with the before modifications...and 555hp on 8lbs after the TT kit. Gaining more than 200hp in one sitting is an ass-kicking feeling. What I love most is that the car still has great manners. The cam is totally quiet, the driveability is perfect...in fact you don't even know what kind of power you're packing until you get into boost! What's even better is that no one thinks anything of it. Being that it's so plain and quiet, it's often mistaken for a V6 car at the track. Also, I only lost about 1 MPG with the kit, which isn't bad at all - I see about 16-17mpg city driving now.
The E-Boost controller fit perfectly into the vent. Completed install.
The dyno sheet. Run 1 is last year, Run 2 is with the cutout closed, Run 3 is cutout open. 8lbs.