IX GSC S2 Cams, Stock Turbo
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Evolving Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 180
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From: Seattle, Wa (from Madison, Wi)
IX GSC S2 Cams, Stock Turbo [Updated 12/19/12]
Just got my car back from english racing after getting some work down and figured I'd post the build so far. Hopefully this will be a good resource for people going down the same path.
Stage 1:
AMS TBE-HFC, Cone Filter, MAF, Greddy Profec II EBC, AMS IC/LICP
These were installed and tuned by AMS about 3.5 years ago (2008) The result:
325HP, 314 TQ, 22.7 PSI on 93 oct pump gas
I took the car to the track after installing the Exedy Twin HD clutch. I ran a 12.731 @ 106.98 MPH. There might have been a little more left in it, but not much.
Stage 2:
GSC S2 Cams, GSC Beehive Springs/Retainers/Seats, Walbro 255
These were installed and tuned by English Racing. The result:
358HP, 336 TQ, 24.7 PSI on 92 oct pump gas
The car now pulls harder from about 3k and stays pulling to redline. Before the tune it would slow its pulling after 5.5k. I put together a graph to show the difference between the two tunes.
The drop from 3200 and down is where Aaron (English Racing) started the pull at 2400rpm and Chris (AMS) chose 1700rpm. So since they dont start at the same point it appears to be down power.
I decided on the S2 cams because I plan to upgrade the turbo in the future (FP variant) with a mid 400's goal. I plan on taking the car back to the drag strip as well as some road coarses this year.
Hopefully people find this informative in their future modding decisions.
-----------------------------------------------------
[Update 4/14/12]
Went to get my car retuned a couple weeks ago and came back with 14 more Hp & 19 more Tq. Although we initially saw the Hi-flow cat heating way up and was causing a little knock due to the back pressure and heat blocking up. Aaron from English Racing tuned it to a safe level for now.
The boost was also turned up to 27.02psi from the 25psi set before.
------------------------------------------------------
[Update 5/2/12]
So I replaced the clogged Cat with an AMS Resonated Test pipe yesterday and took it for a drive. No more knocking. I still have to get it tuned though to fully take advantage, but Butt dyno shows a slight improvement in spool. Awesome.
I was very surprised, however, that the loundness level was only slightly louder than the Hi-flow-cat. It has a little deeper tone, but it didn't get much louder. More Awsomer.
I want to get something else to make the re-tune more worthwhile but I'm stuck on what to do. I probably will never need an Intake Manifold, Exhaust manifold can wait for the turbo upgrade, O2 dump is going to be too loud and annoying for me (though I would like the extra power). Any ideas on what to do next?
------------------------------------------------------
[Update 7/10/12]
No parts update besides replacing the stock intercooler/intake pipe clamps with T-Clamps and cleaning my uber-dirty air filter. I did however take it to the track to see the improvements with the cams. I ran a 12.418 @ 111.70 MPH with a 1.801 60'. This was on my 5 year old Bridgestone RE-01R's. I think if I cut it right and get full traction in 1st I should pull the 60' down to a 1.7 which should move me closer to 11's. Atleast now I can ride it out in 4th gear. Though if I get much more power, I'm going to need longer gears which means a built tranny which means money I shouldn't spend. I also want a bigger turbo and a 2.4L. AND we're trying to have a kid. Stupid Priorities.
Video:
-----------------------------------------------------
[Update 12/19/12]
I haven't updated this in awhile since I haven't been doing anything. I barely ever drive my car anymore since I ride share and drive the wife's car. Although I put the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's on as well as the Yakima roof rack so I'm ready for snowboarding season.
A couple months ago I got a chance to run a track day at "THE RIDGE" in Shealton, WA, home of the famous Laguna Seca Corkscrew replica. It was amazing! It was a fantastic course with a good combination of technical turns, elevation change and high speed sections. I took the class which was a great opportunity to work with an instructor to learn the course, the lines to take and how to drive it. I highly recommend both this track and the class. Probably the most fun I've ever had in my car. Plus I got to race with Ferrari's, Lamborghini's and Porches.
The last session, my instructor put in his GPS lap tracker and we gathered some data. I was later able to break down section and lap times using AIM SOLO software to see where I lost ground and where I can improve. I ended up with a 2.06.847 for the best time. I was en route to a low 2.04 until my intercooler coupling blew off going into the final straight. The software also showed my theoretical best lap (best sector times) to be 2.02.936, so there is definitely room for improvement.
I can't wait to get back out there!
4 years ago I upgraded to SS brake lines, changed out the fluid to RBF600 and swapped to Ferodo DS2500 brake pads. They worked fantastic! A ton of grip, solid pedal feel, feedback and excellent fade/heat resistance. I could smell them beginning to cook on the last lap after a 15-20min session, but other than that they worked great. I know there are some better track pads out there (Hawks) but I really like the Ferodo’s. They are an excellent street pad that handles great for track events. Some have complained about the squealing although I put the high temp silicone and copper anti-seize on and have had no noise. They do shed quite a bit of brake dust though.
Even though my next step was an upgraded turbo (FP variety), now I'm looking at upgrading suspension. The MR suspension holds up wonderfully, but I have a bit too much body roll as I’m at the stock height. Suspension’s always been a black magic to me so I have stayed away from it. I want the right combination to increase track performance, but still keep it street friendly. It’s already pushing it with the Cams, clutch and exhaust. I don’t want it to be incredibly stiff or much lower since it sees some deep snow.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a suspension setup or other components such as frame braces or strut bars?
Stage 1:
AMS TBE-HFC, Cone Filter, MAF, Greddy Profec II EBC, AMS IC/LICP
These were installed and tuned by AMS about 3.5 years ago (2008) The result:
325HP, 314 TQ, 22.7 PSI on 93 oct pump gas
I took the car to the track after installing the Exedy Twin HD clutch. I ran a 12.731 @ 106.98 MPH. There might have been a little more left in it, but not much.
Stage 2:
GSC S2 Cams, GSC Beehive Springs/Retainers/Seats, Walbro 255
These were installed and tuned by English Racing. The result:
358HP, 336 TQ, 24.7 PSI on 92 oct pump gas
The car now pulls harder from about 3k and stays pulling to redline. Before the tune it would slow its pulling after 5.5k. I put together a graph to show the difference between the two tunes.
The drop from 3200 and down is where Aaron (English Racing) started the pull at 2400rpm and Chris (AMS) chose 1700rpm. So since they dont start at the same point it appears to be down power.
I decided on the S2 cams because I plan to upgrade the turbo in the future (FP variant) with a mid 400's goal. I plan on taking the car back to the drag strip as well as some road coarses this year.
Hopefully people find this informative in their future modding decisions.
-----------------------------------------------------
[Update 4/14/12]
Went to get my car retuned a couple weeks ago and came back with 14 more Hp & 19 more Tq. Although we initially saw the Hi-flow cat heating way up and was causing a little knock due to the back pressure and heat blocking up. Aaron from English Racing tuned it to a safe level for now.
The boost was also turned up to 27.02psi from the 25psi set before.
------------------------------------------------------
[Update 5/2/12]
So I replaced the clogged Cat with an AMS Resonated Test pipe yesterday and took it for a drive. No more knocking. I still have to get it tuned though to fully take advantage, but Butt dyno shows a slight improvement in spool. Awesome.
I was very surprised, however, that the loundness level was only slightly louder than the Hi-flow-cat. It has a little deeper tone, but it didn't get much louder. More Awsomer.
I want to get something else to make the re-tune more worthwhile but I'm stuck on what to do. I probably will never need an Intake Manifold, Exhaust manifold can wait for the turbo upgrade, O2 dump is going to be too loud and annoying for me (though I would like the extra power). Any ideas on what to do next?
------------------------------------------------------
[Update 7/10/12]
No parts update besides replacing the stock intercooler/intake pipe clamps with T-Clamps and cleaning my uber-dirty air filter. I did however take it to the track to see the improvements with the cams. I ran a 12.418 @ 111.70 MPH with a 1.801 60'. This was on my 5 year old Bridgestone RE-01R's. I think if I cut it right and get full traction in 1st I should pull the 60' down to a 1.7 which should move me closer to 11's. Atleast now I can ride it out in 4th gear. Though if I get much more power, I'm going to need longer gears which means a built tranny which means money I shouldn't spend. I also want a bigger turbo and a 2.4L. AND we're trying to have a kid. Stupid Priorities.
Video:
-----------------------------------------------------
[Update 12/19/12]
I haven't updated this in awhile since I haven't been doing anything. I barely ever drive my car anymore since I ride share and drive the wife's car. Although I put the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's on as well as the Yakima roof rack so I'm ready for snowboarding season.
A couple months ago I got a chance to run a track day at "THE RIDGE" in Shealton, WA, home of the famous Laguna Seca Corkscrew replica. It was amazing! It was a fantastic course with a good combination of technical turns, elevation change and high speed sections. I took the class which was a great opportunity to work with an instructor to learn the course, the lines to take and how to drive it. I highly recommend both this track and the class. Probably the most fun I've ever had in my car. Plus I got to race with Ferrari's, Lamborghini's and Porches.
The last session, my instructor put in his GPS lap tracker and we gathered some data. I was later able to break down section and lap times using AIM SOLO software to see where I lost ground and where I can improve. I ended up with a 2.06.847 for the best time. I was en route to a low 2.04 until my intercooler coupling blew off going into the final straight. The software also showed my theoretical best lap (best sector times) to be 2.02.936, so there is definitely room for improvement.
I can't wait to get back out there!
4 years ago I upgraded to SS brake lines, changed out the fluid to RBF600 and swapped to Ferodo DS2500 brake pads. They worked fantastic! A ton of grip, solid pedal feel, feedback and excellent fade/heat resistance. I could smell them beginning to cook on the last lap after a 15-20min session, but other than that they worked great. I know there are some better track pads out there (Hawks) but I really like the Ferodo’s. They are an excellent street pad that handles great for track events. Some have complained about the squealing although I put the high temp silicone and copper anti-seize on and have had no noise. They do shed quite a bit of brake dust though.
Even though my next step was an upgraded turbo (FP variety), now I'm looking at upgrading suspension. The MR suspension holds up wonderfully, but I have a bit too much body roll as I’m at the stock height. Suspension’s always been a black magic to me so I have stayed away from it. I want the right combination to increase track performance, but still keep it street friendly. It’s already pushing it with the Cams, clutch and exhaust. I don’t want it to be incredibly stiff or much lower since it sees some deep snow.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a suspension setup or other components such as frame braces or strut bars?
Last edited by goucho; Dec 20, 2012 at 07:38 PM.
Seems a little lean, but we don't know what fuel ur using either....but far be it from any of us here to question an English tune...you have nothing to worry about cus they produce great results every time. No doubt you gained tq and power from the cams, etc but comparing the AMS dyno and ER dyno apples-to-apples isn't entirely accurate, so and exact quantitative gain can't be known. Great results tho...a trip back to the track will give you a more accurate idea of what u gained
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: MA
I run them and I had pretty much the exact same experience as the OP in this thread. Even my buddy who has a modded stock turbo Evo 8 commented on how much harder my car pulls all the way to redline instead of just falling on its face at the top of the rev range. The low end feels no different although being on a stock turbo certainly helps with spool... it might be a little bit different if I was running something bigger.
This car has a cat in it so the tailpipe AFR is not accurate. The 12.5 indicated is actually closer to an 11.8 at the testpipe. The drop from 3200 and down is I start the pull at 2400rpm and AMS chose 1700 so since they dont start at the same point it appears to be down power. In reality it isnt but since I didnt know AMS started that low I didnt get them overlayed the same.
aaron
aaron
Nice. This just makes me want those S2s even more. I have a IX turbo that I will put on once I get my GSC S2s. I too plan to upgrade to a bigger turbo in the future, maybe an EF3.
