General's self built / tuned Holset powered WRX (Video,Pics)

[GeneralTJI]

This is my main project, just thought I'd share...

Here is a link to the whole build post (lots of pics and info etc.) http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1644137
Or there is all the info and pics on my website: http://www.generaltji.com

Couple shots of the finished deal:







Here is a video I put together after tuning on it Saturday morning... still have some tuning to do, but it's running pretty good! 19psi relative to sea level....

FIXED aspect ratio of the video, new one here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bqCc_768SE

1st video (same) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhrZanru0Wk

Thanks for checking it out guys!

[Fkyx]

That wagon is a BEAST. I LOVE it.

[AWD_addict]

Nice DIY project.

[skid542]

Very nicely done. That engine bay looks pretty clean and well thought out. It's always nice to see an 'average joe' car that is built and built correctly.

Congrats. No doubt that took a lot of time and work to make happen, well done.


On a small side note, how do you like the 6sp? I'm looking to go that route this spring and have read all the opinions of 6mt vs built 5sp... blah blah... but how do you like it? This car mainly for drag, road racing, auto-x, daily driver?

[GeneralTJI]

Thank you for the kind replies guys!

I do very much like my 6spd.. actually I love it!

The 07 has the upgraded synchros and different gearing. You can trap in the 117 area still in 4th (depending on redline of course). This could almost be an issue for me where I stand currently though, I should be able to stretch 4th out and avoid making the 4-5 right before the line. I'm slowly building a cammed motor that should eliminate that I suppose... Anyway.. another nice thing is that 5th is very close to 4th so you don't bog out. It also works with the stock WRX R160, axles (just have to get axle stubs and seals and put in the tranny) Because it has the 1.1:1 output for use with a 3.54 rear-diff for a FD of 3.9. Not a bad swap overall.

I have seen guys put massive amounts of power through the 6spd and it takes it. If a Dogbox was cheaper I would have considered going that way, but for the price I feel it's the toughest thing out there.. not to metnion the tight 6 speed gearing is nice too.

[SILINC3R]

very nice and very quick, must be a blast to drive. sounds real good too, stock exhaust or aftermarket

[93forestpearl]

Very nice. I hope your shortblock holds up for a little while too, lol.


Diesel truck turbos can be fun. I'm seriosuly contemplating a GT3782 VNT if it works out for my buddy. If his blue box of fail would work (Hydra)...

[kimokalihi]

So how come you wrapped all the piping except the part going from the turbo to the intercooler?

[GeneralTJI]

I built a 4" downpipe that tapers back to 3.5" under the car, I used 2 3.5" Dynomax Bullet mufflers and built the rest of the piping.. still pretty loud for two mufflers and of course when the EWG opens it gets silly loud. Thanks btw!

Diesel truck turbos can be fun. I'm seriosuly contemplating a GT3782 VNT if it works out for my buddy. If his blue box of fail would work (Hydra)...

I agree.. for the price you can't hardly beat it. I paid $200 for this Holset in nice condition.. sometimes you will see brand new Holset's go for $4-500!!

So how come you wrapped all the piping except the part going from the turbo to the intercooler?

I'm out of wrap for one Actually I didn't because my theory is: the air coming out of the turbo is quite possible hotter than the under hood temps.. or at least close enough.. but the air coming out of the IC is hopefully cooler than the under hood temps- so I'm trying to insulate it there. This is of course my theory and in reality it probably makes less difference than I'd like. Also, the the hot side pipes are aluminum and keep there look pretty well, where the cold side pipes are steel (so I could cut and weld them to make the run I needed) and paint always gets scratched.. this way the paint is covered up and protected a little bit better.

[GeneralTJI]

Edited up a new video... it has a lot of the same footage from my WRX project but now the second half is all Legacy SS footage... some back road redneck rally

Check it out and tell me what you guys think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFpeEfuxx4Y

[impreza_GC8]

Great build. What are you using for EMS by the way? I didn't see it listed, sorry if I missed it.

[AWD_addict]

Nice driving in the Legacy, I wish I had those roads to practice on!

[GeneralTJI]

Tuning with the stock computer on the WRX. It's amazing how much ability they have "unlocked" now... it's not far from a standalone. Even has LC after adding in a patch in the stock rom. Can't do speed density... and there are some other things lacking, but considering it cost me $90 for the cable and everything else was free.. I'm not complaining!!

Now if we could just do the same on the Legacy's man that would be nice!

Thanks for the comments...

Thanks AWD_addict.. nice living in the middle of nowhere.. never even saw another car while out fooling around.. man was it cold, and these roads are pretty wash boarded and rough.. but hey, it's a ton of fun. Probably should quit beating on my daily driver though

[93forestpearl]

Too bad you are limited by the stock MAP sensor. Diesel turbos are happy at high pressure ratios.

[GeneralTJI]

It it somewhat of a bummer, but you can go beyond the limits of the sensor. Fueling is MAF based, and engine load is calculated from the MAF table (among other things of course)... I don't use any of the factory boost control, which is where the MAP plays it's biggest role. I ran 28psi breifly with my t3/t4 and fueling checked out. Plus at this altitude I get about 3psi or so extra before you max the limit of the MAP. I think with a built motor / cams I'll be looking to push this turbo into the upper 20's boost wise, which from what I read, this thing is happy anywhere from 25-35psi... and as well as it runs at 22psi (19 relative) I can't wait to turn it up some more!