Plan of action...what d'ya reckon?

[timiano]

Hello all,

I'm just getting started on thinking about where my VR-4 journey is going to take me. What I have a the moment, is the following:

1) Stock VR-4 Leggie
2) HKS Superdragger
3) Uprated fuel pump
4) Front Brembos (soon to be fitted when I source Evo wheels)

For the nearish future I was thinking along the lines of:

1) Custom downpipes
2) Decat
3) Blitz SBC i-Color
4) Blitz A/F Analyser

How does that sound for starters? Anything I'm missing? Its my daily driver, so ultimately need reliable, and can't sound like the exhaust has been sawn off at the manifolds.

Also, where can I source/fabricate custom downpipes and decat in the UK? I've searched on the forum and see that 2 peeps have attempted such a job and made a batch of a few things. Also I see that a jap website does downpipes too, but wanted to weigh up my options and costs, so any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Tim

[VR4 MAD]

Well seems like a reasonable plan to me (though I don't claim to be an expert).

What, if any plans, do you have for the boost? I see there's no boost controller on the list, and as we all know, a little extra boost goes a long way.:evilgrin:

You may want to add the controller to your future plans and the down pipes and exhaust analyser will help with keeping that extra boost under control too.

BTW, what jap web site does downpipes out of interest. :speechles

Cheers and keep us up to date with your mods.

:2thumbsup

[timiano]

Hi mate

Before anyone asks, yes I'm an insomniac..must sleep.

Anyway, the Blitz SBC i-Color is the boost controller. I'll have a search for the jap website that does downpipes, can't remember what it was, think it begins with a 'T'?

Cheers

Tim

[bradc]

Wynn, the Blitz SBC is a boost controller :)

To me it sounds like a good plan Tim, you may want to look at a k&n panel filter as well, and maybe a hard pipe kit for the turbo pipes

[mpau009]

Yeah i'd go for an electronic boost controller and a gauge as one of my first mods, even if you set the maximum close to factory it gives you a load more acceleration down low.

[ritch_w]

a wee touch of boost is the way to go, then the down pipes and decat to help the flow

[Spirit]

I was toying with upgrading my Blitz Dual SBC Spec S to the SBC-I Colour but Kev at AP says he would go for the following instead:

Apexi AVC-R (there is the limited edition black one)
Apexi AFC-Neo

Worth taking a look at these as an option instead.

With regards to the downpipes/decat I would see if you can get them custom made locally to where you are. Maybe worth putting an ad in the classifieds for a decat wanted, as there may be someone out there willing to part with one, or even speak to Richy Rich as I think WRD were going to make some more

[timiano]

All good info, cheers guys

Pete, I've had a look at the Apexi setup. But I had some concerns regarding a couple of aspects. First was the look of it, the car is shared as a daily driver with the missus and the i-color looks more polished. Second was how much info it can show in a guage like fashion eliminating the need for any pods (missus would go mental). And, finally was the few bits of reading about boost spikes with the Apexi and not being able to get in under control.

I appreciate the last bit could also be due to other parts in the system though.

The Apexi seems to weigh in cheaper on all fronts, but then also the SBC is a dual solenoid unit which I read is a good thing.

Good point over the decat in the wanted section, I think I shall.

Cheers fellahs!

Tim

[Nutter_John]

Hi Tim

I have the apexi on mine and never have too much trouble with spikes , as for the display it can show boost , speed , rpm , injectors , throttle pos , and something else ( can't remember ) .

I had mine set up on a rolling road which was only 57 quid to be done after i'd fitted it

[Axeboy]

£300ish for custom downpipes.

C&C exhausts made mine, work well, the sound is fantastic.

[timiano]

£300ish for custom downpipes.

C&C exhausts made mine, work well, the sound is fantastic.

Sounds good,

C&C though?...Command and Conquer, Camping and Caravaning......./help

Any links, contact details appreciated.

I note RC Developments are about a 2 minute drive away from where I live, would they be worth a call also?

Cheers

Tim

[timiano]

Aha!

Is it this one?

C & C Customs Stainless Exhausts Ltd
Unit 14, Dalziel Rd, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G52 4NN

Quick question,...when you say it sound is fantastic...is it well mannared at low revs, ie doesn't sound like Wayne in his scooby sti with 10 inch tail pipes?

[Axeboy]

Fine at low resv, just sounds far better when the throttle is down.

Not loud either, just a nice sound.


They are Glasgow... so not ideal, they would need to work on the car.

[Funkstar]

Try this for your decat bud:

http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=legnum+decat

[timiano]

Cheers for the link

Am I going to need 65mm or 76mm decat pipe going to HKS Superdragger?

Cheers

Tim

[Funkstar]

Cheers for the link

Am I going to need 65mm or 76mm decat pipe going to HKS Superdragger?

Cheers

Tim

No probs mate.

65mm is standard I believe (2inches). But with your exhaust being aftermarket it would probably be 76mm (2.5inches)

But please don't "Commit To Buy" on my advice, please wait for a more knowledgable person to come along and confirm this. /pan

[bradc]

2" = 50.8mm
2.5" = 63.5mm
3" = 76.2mm

[VR4 MAD]

Wynn, the Blitz SBC is a boost controller :)


Ooops..........silly me. Forgot that the i-colour is a boost controller amongst all the other fancy display features it has......Sorry

Note to self........only post after thinking first..........:baby: /pan

:inquisiti

[Funkstar]

2" = 50.8mm
2.5" = 63.5mm
3" = 76.2mm

Ha ha. My maths is really that bad then. Cheers Brad.

What's the standard VR4 exhaust size then? I thought we were 2" as standard and 2.5 as a upgrade. Or am I just thinking downpipes........

......What size are the downpipes anyway???

[bradc]

the main exhaust part is 2.25"

my downpipes are 2.5" with a 3" exhaust in my purple vr4. It splits to 2x 2.5" at the back of the car with a 4.5" tip on either side.

I intend to change it to 2x 2.5" pipes the whole way from the turbos when I upgrade them to gt25r's

[Dan_G]

yeah, the plan sounds like a good one...

I know nofink about the SBC... but I can recommend the AVC-R its brilliant... it constantly monitors and learns the boost characteristics of the car and adjusts its control to try and maintain constant boost.... boost spiking has not been a big issue in my experience...

maybe also consider a gauge for oil temp if you are going to up the boost...

[timiano]

Can get a oil temp add-on to the sbc i-color. Thats why I fancy it, cos you can bolt-in loads of add-ons into the one controller if I understand it correctly.

Tim

[Dan_G]

Can get a oil temp add-on to the sbc i-color. Thats why I fancy it, cos you can bolt-in loads of add-ons into the one controller if I understand it correctly.

Tim

if thats the case, brilliant!!... if you could add on oil temp and pressure to the sbc i-colour that would be ace... I would even be tempted.. ::2thumbsup

[bradc]

Thats one of the reasons I went with the Autronic ECU, it can output about 10 different things to a computer screen for real time monitoring. The only thing it can't do is EGT which is annoying, but it does do everything else :)

[thehedgepig]

Pete, I've had a look at the Apexi setup. But I had some concerns regarding a couple of aspects. First was the look of it, the car is shared as a daily driver with the missus and the i-color looks more polished. Second was how much info it can show in a guage like fashion eliminating the need for any pods (missus would go mental).
Tim

You could try the same set up as me....

Have a look at my dashboard in my garage. They are the Apexi AVCR & SAFC11 built into a custom dash I made using 5mm MDF and alot of skinned knuckles!!
Its also has a decat 2.5 inch stainless pipe fitted.

[timiano]

Update:

Well the wheels have arrived, Enkei EVO 8's fitted with standard EVO import yokis. If my mate has time for me this weekend, we'll be in his shop on the ramp for nice shiny new red wheel stoppers :)

Anyway, I've been having some further thoughts about where I want to go with this. I know where I don't want to go at the moment, which is bigger turbo, intercooler etc.

I've also got to think of funding and time. RT5 is around the corner so its not like it can all be done. With that in mind I'm going safety first, supporting mods second and then all hell break loose for the 3rd stage.

So here's a rough plan:
December:
Brembos
Enkei's (EVO8)

January:
ATF cooler
Intercooler water spray
Oil catch can
Super blue brake fluid change

February:
Custom downpipes
Decat
Cusco piping kit
NGK Iridium plugs

March:
Blitz SBC Spec R
Innovative LC-1 WB O2
eManage blue + software kit

If I run over, the I'll leave the emangage until after the ring.

Opinions?....ave I missed anything?

Thanks

Tim

[Wodjno]

Update:

Well the wheels have arrived, Enkei EVO 8's fitted with standard EVO import yokis. If my mate has time for me this weekend, we'll be in his shop on the ramp for nice shiny new red wheel stoppers :)

Anyway, I've been having some further thoughts about where I want to go with this. I know where I don't want to go at the moment, which is bigger turbo, intercooler etc.

I've also got to think of funding and time. RT5 is around the corner so its not like it can all be done. With that in mind I'm going safety first, supporting mods second and then all hell break loose for the 3rd stage.

So here's a rough plan:
December:
Brembos
Enkei's (EVO8)

January:
ATF cooler
Intercooler water spray
Oil catch can
Super blue brake fluid change

February:
Custom downpipes
Decat
Cusco piping kit
NGK Iridium plugs

March:
Blitz SBC Spec R
Innovative LC-1 WB O2
eManage blue + software kit

If I run over, the I'll leave the emangage until after the ring.

Opinions?....ave I missed anything?

Thanks

Tim

Fit the E-Manage first ! It will have paid for itself by the ring, in the way of fuel savings :pimp2:

[timiano]

I'm a total Noob to hairdryer operated cars, but...

If I install the eManage first and set-up to get around the 12:1 ratio, when I up the boost, I'm going to have to ideally reset everything on the eManage so I don't run to lean as there'll be a boat load more of air.

Assuming I'm correct, I think the easiest way for me is to put in the boost first and then sort the fuel.

How much mullah are we talking saving, I'd have thought if might be 5% at best, which wouldn't really pay for itself....could be wrong.

One question that has now just popped into my head about AFR is, Does your motor run richer with less boost, or does the fuel controller put in fuel as a percentage of the air? If the latter, maybe its ok to go emanage first, as its relative to air as opposed predefined amounts at a given rpm?

Does any of that make sense?

Thanks in advance

Tim

[Axeboy]

I wouldnt bother with bigger turbos.. well, i wouldnt.

A lot of cash for not that much gain really.

The drivetrain would probably go before you push the td03's past the limit... in my opinion.


Bigger turbos are not cheap, and not trouble free, one for the gent with a lot of free time to tinker and know-how. Such as Valmes, Zentac & Dave

[timiano]

I wouldnt bother with bigger turbos.. well, i wouldnt.

I think you've misread me there mate......


Update:
I know where I don't want to go at the moment, which is bigger turbo, intercooler etc.


But thanks for the input, all is appreciated :scholar:

[bradc]

A bigger intercooler is a fairly simple mod anyway, and I would do that before water spray, makes more sense to have better performance the whole time rather than a small portion of the time.

[TAR]

Have a look at my dashboard in my garage. They are the Apexi AVCR & SAFC11 built into a custom dash I made using 5mm MDF and alot of skinned knuckles!!
Its also has a decat 2.5 inch stainless pipe fitted.

Just had to say - what a good looking console you got there. /GJ The cars cool too

[Axeboy]

Ahhh, "Dont" :)

My bad... :)

[timiano]

A bigger intercooler is a fairly simple mod anyway, and I would do that before water spray, makes more sense to have better performance the whole time rather than a small portion of the time.

Read that a bigger intercooler can loose out on the top end because the turbos are so small.

Any thoughts?

[Kieran]

Read that a bigger intercooler can loose out on the top end because the turbos are so small.

Any thoughts?

Depends on size and design... And to some margin, how much it costs.

Fit a huge 600x300 bar and plate cheapo special from ebay and you may well loose power, yes. The core may be good at cooling, but the ickle turbos we've got will have a job filling all that extra area.... Especially if it's a badly designed/cheaply constructed core.

Personally I went for a Greddy Spec-V unit. The Spec-V is well matched to the Legnum's whizzers - the core's not an oversize 300x600 jobbie and it's an extruded tube/fin design, so it flows very well indeed. All the pipework is lipped to stop leaks and blown off hoses too - there's even a relocation kit for the power steering cooler so that doesn't foul the new intercooler. It's a very well thought out design. I almost went for the Spec-R, which is bigger and uses a denser core, but for my aims, this would be to cooling focused, probably too big and would probably loose too much pressure accross it. I think that for stock TD03s, the Type-V is a good, well thought out upgrade unit. In fact the only downside is that the intercooler outlet pipes need careful alignment to stop them resting on the ATF cooler lines. This is not a worry over abrasion - I didn't notice at first, and this resulted in the outlet pipes heat-soaking massively and undoing most of the cooling being done! /duh

For further reading, try this link - Have a coffee ready!:book:

http://www.are.com.au/techtalk/intecoolersMR.htm

[bradc]

I went with a tube and fin 600x300x100mm :) I won't need it now, but when I change to GT25R's, I want an intercooler that can handle it.

[timiano]

What a difference a year makes...

Well almost a year. Anyway, the only thing that ever got done was the Brembos and Enkeis. But, things are changing now.

I'm booked in to have custom downpipes done as a local performance specialist, and I've just ordered a Greddy Profec E-01. Friend of mine is supplying a BOV of an EVO, and a decat pipe.

So, it's all go. Hopefully I'll have some news over the next 3 weeks.

Tim

[ritch_w]

Hi Tim

hows the car? hope its serving you well, still miss the legnum - best car i have ever owned! (mpg aside)

[timiano]

Going well mate.

A few issues, nothing major. I ragged the speed sensor on the N/S at the Ring at Easter, and have been running around without AYC/ABS for a while. Also, ripped the flexi on the downpipes at a particular nasty 'level' crossing. It wasn't exactly level..and well, you know how low that Leggy is.

It's had an outing at Castlecombe too - which actually got the better of me.

Best car I've ever owned too mate. I still get jealous over my mates EVO though, and it's always a temptation. But, you can do so much with the Leggy. It even gets down the allotment and carts the dogs about - thank god for the lining I bought.

MPG is still thirsty - very. It'll be interesting to see what these new 'go faster' bits do to it. I'd imagine it's going to be fairly awesome.

[timiano]

Profec E-01 arrived this morning. £219 delivered. 6 day turnaround!

Nice!

[timiano]

Well

After returning from Newcastle last night, I've had chance to have a play with the car with her new shiny downpipes and decat. First impressions when starting was much quieter - but, bear in mind that I had torn the flexy on the originals. I couldn't place too much difference from what I remembered pre-torn flexy. So that's good news.

Pootling out of my parking space and taking it for a slow drive through small streets to get up to temperature, and it sounds almost similar to stock downpipes, cat and superdragger. Again, good. It sounds a tiny little more raspy, but in a nice way.

So, up to temperature, and down on to the A50, locally known as Walton Drag (Wally Drag). WOT and the slightly agressive miaow turns into a raging lion. To be honest, the superdragger sounds fabulous anyway, but the note had changed. In terms of performance; well it is subtle, but it is better. If I had to try and describe it, I'd say that boost come on a bit lower down, and it held it all the way to the red line. The engine sounds and feels more powerful, and I suprised myself how quickly I got up to 100 without realising. 3rd gear is where it is at....just lovely.

I'm really excited about getting the profec-E01 fitted now, as I reckon with the supporting modification of the downpipes and decat, I will really realise the effect of the increase in boost and have a bit of a monster on my hands!!!

Fuel will come at a latter date with an EMB. Got to replace the rears for Brembos first, service, K&N panel filter, and maybe look at an IC. I'm looking forward to the track days already!!!

[valmes]

Do you have a G-Tech, RSM or Dragstrip close by? :)

[timiano]

Do you have a G-Tech, RSM or Dragstrip close by? :)

Unfortunately no. I may invest in a G-Tech one day, or go along to Santa Pod sometime next year.

Just done a 200 mile run with the new pipes, a passenger (wife) and 2 dogs and a car full of stuff. Wasn't too noisy, and all in all everything behaved very well. The car is hugely smoother now I have the disks skimmed. I mean really lovely.

Profec-E01 screen is being fitted to the sun visor next week, and if we have time, we'll fit the solanoid and controller too. Some Brembo rears are coming too, so I might change them over first.

[Wodjno]

Unfortunately no. I may invest in a G-Tech one day, or go along to Santa Pod sometime next year.

Just done a 200 mile run with the new pipes, a passenger (wife) and 2 dogs and a car full of stuff. Wasn't too noisy, and all in all everything behaved very well. The car is hugely smoother now I have the disks skimmed. I mean really lovely.

Profec-E01 screen is being fitted to the sun visor next week, and if we have time, we'll fit the solanoid and controller too. Some Brembo rears are coming too, so I might change them over first.

I have a G-tech Pro for sale if you require ;)

And also a G-Tech Pro Competition :pimp2:

[Beastlee]

I'm glad to hear the down pipe change does not generate too much noise. I've done things backwards in so much as I have the Profec E-01 fitted and now I'm looking at the Pro shop pipes with a de-cat and the standard system.

[timiano]

Hey guys

Car update time:

The Profec E01 was installed by my best mate Phil from Car Planet in Warrington over the Christmas period. We had a rough play with it on our 'private test track', and we couldn't make head nor tail of it (Auto Mode) - A bit of RTFM required.

His colleague (Matt) did the electric install for me. He split the screen from the unit and mounted the screen on the visor. The bit with the SD car is mounted in the driver side kick panel via wire extensions - quite a neat trick really.

After said RTFM, things started to get a little clearer, and I know what I'm doing now. Current settings I have that work well are Set 45%, Gain 30%, Start 0.6 Bar. At Set 50% I was getting 'cut' when doing a low rev 3rd or 4th acceleration - although high rev at peak through the gears didn't. Knocking it back and increasing the gain gives better results, and I'm peaking at about 0.9Bar.

Anyway. I want to make a few more changes before I do the fine tune. I've just ordered a K&N panel filter, and set of NGK Iridiums (BKR7EIX). That should replace the HKS Shroom that I have, which I believe is robbing power - so moving back to the stock air box + better panel.

Car feels really strong with the mods I have now. I'm going to have a play with the unmetered air screw too - wind it out a little - as I'm burning super rich with the mods. With all that done, things should be very nice.

The ring trip approaches, and I'd love to have an eManage put in + tune, but I think it maybe a little early for that; you know how these things take much longer than you plan! So, I think reality, I want a few safety mods, along the lines of an ATF oil cooler and a set of harnesses.

Oh, and I should be getting a set of rear Brembos soon, just sorting out the deal, as it involves a swapsy set of front Brembo disks.

I also did an engine flush and change, transfer box, rear diff and AYC (all Amsoil) over the festive period - so all is lovely and lubricated again.

[Beastlee]

I'm amazed that you are running such high figures on the E-01, from what I read on here and my own experience I have had to retard mine from a set of 40% to 38% due to cut. My gain is back from 10%to 9% and I have the start at .54bar. At the initial figures I was peaking at .89bar but as it got cold I had fuel cut when at 5K+ RPM in 4th and 4K+ in 5th.

I'd love to know what the correct settings should be for these things.

[Throbbe]

Any pics of the E-01 install? Sounds very neat.

[timiano]

Well, it's that time again.

I've now got the original airbox back on, with a K&N high flow panel filter in there. The noise has reduced slightly, but I prefer it that way somehow.

Changed all 6 plugs too. The front 3 were different to the back 3, but all seemed in relatively good condition, all be it fairly well worn - especially the rear. The rears were an f'n swine as the rubber on the HT leads has bonded.

The deal for the rear Brembos fell through, with one of my mates getting ripped off :( - It should be being sorted though. However, I managed to pick up a set off of an Evo 8 on eBay for £117. Put some new disks and red stuff pads on, and a set of hoses from Exact, and off we go. They still need a bit of bedding in, but they're grand.

The boost characteristics with the standard airbox have changed. It seems to have pegged it back a little. I suppose the volume of air has changed, but the density has increased, so there's no difference. But, there is no cut at the moment - so it's time to wind the set, gain and start up a little again!!

I've got a nice Defi boost guage installed in the far right corner of the dash too :)

Had some trouble with the fuel filler neck having rotten through, and peeing everywhere when filling up. We've put a temporary fix in place with some liquid steel and little rubber hose on the breather, which will hold for a while. I've got a new one on its way from Denmark this week though, and will fit when I get back.

One bit of bad news. Some ferking twot, has shunted into the passenger side front wing of my car, while parked in the street. It will need a full repair on it, as pulling it back out will break the paint. It doesn't look 'too' unsightly, but it's pi$$ed me off no end. The alloy took a good scrubbing too. Nobody has owned up, but what did I expect. Where I live, I expect the odd bumper scrape or tiny dink, but this was a little bit above and beyond the call of duty. Anyway, it'll be sorted - just not before the ring.

Apart from that, I'm all rocking ready to go. E-Manage will have to wait until later in the year. Just need to set the EBC up a little more - plenty of time on route to the ring :D

Tim

[timiano]

Any pics of the E-01 install? Sounds very neat.

I'll see what I can do on Thursday before I leave out. Otherwise, it'll be when I get back.

Tim

[Beastlee]

Tim, have just read back through the earlier post regarding rear brembos. I have toyed with this idea myself as I don't want the hassle of doing the fronts. I'd be keen to see any info when you do it.

[timiano]

Hi mate, I've got a facelift Leggy, if that is any difference to you.

The calipers were a straight fit. All that needed doing was changing the hoses to a set of 'Exact' ones, as the fitting is different (banjo). And, you can either remove the guard, or as we did, trimmed it down.

I've had the fronts done for over a year now, and they are f'n brilliant.

Gonna have to get some pictures up soon. Once I've got the wing sorted out.

Tim

[Beastlee]

I'd love to do both front and rear but as I'm in a remote location I don't really want to deal witt he hub carrier conversion. That's if I coudl get them in the first place.