Anybody with the Apex-I RX6 Turbo kit?
Originally Posted by platinumspecv
Well the reason why i am considering Apex is because from what i've "heard" -it produces a nice solid powerband. I want 370-380whp daily driver that makes power till redline. And has a very nice spool. It really sucks just looking and reading about the kits - and not have "real" testimonials from people. That's why I made this thread. so i can hear from owners.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Orange County, CA
They use what is essentially the best turbo for its size period, the RX6B. The RX6B was developed for formula one racing in the 1980s and was also the base for the turbochargers used on the Ferrari F40. With APEXi going by the wayside Power Enterprise now has the rights from IHI to purchase and utilize the RX6B. They will be releasing Kits for the Lancer Evolution and the WRX STI in the coming year. Power Enterprises stainless non-purged-gas welded manifolds and intercooler coolers (ARC) are simply peerless in quality and design, but do not expect them to be cheap. If you want the best possible and do not care what it costs, this will be the way to go for "meaty" powerband with monster top end. A Casio will tell you the time just as well as a Tag Hauer but... 
Originally Posted by MINES13
They use what is essentially the best turbo for its size period, the RX6B. The RX6B was developed for formula one racing in the 1980s and was also the base for the turbochargers used on the Ferrari F40. With APEXi going by the wayside Power Enterprise now has the rights from IHI to purchase and utilize the RX6B. They will be releasing Kits for the Lancer Evolution and the WRX STI in the coming year. Power Enterprises stainless non-purged-gas welded manifolds and intercooler coolers (ARC) are simply peerless in quality and design, but do not expect them to be cheap. If you want the best possible and do not care what it costs, this will be the way to go for "meaty" powerband with monster top end. A Casio will tell you the time just as well as a Tag Hauer but...
Sorry guys, cannot give up my source........just wanted to know if this kit was worth it even at 3300....becasue msrp of over 6000 is way too much for me.....but 3300, with supporting mods, may be doable, engine managemnt, larger FMIC, cams , fuel upgrading....etc.....
to the guys saying thr manifiold cracks.....how long ago was this??? how do you know this issue has not been corrected?? and if it does crack.....would a stronger completely custom one have to be built, or would any other manifolds you know of out there work???
to the guys saying thr manifiold cracks.....how long ago was this??? how do you know this issue has not been corrected?? and if it does crack.....would a stronger completely custom one have to be built, or would any other manifolds you know of out there work???
Personally I would say jump on it if its 3300...and then let us know how it goes 
All manifolds that are not cast will (and often do) crack. I dont care who makes it. I have seen 2 AMS manifold that were cracked. Of course they were replaced in a fast manner, and the customer service at AMS is top notch, but there is no such thing as a bulletproof turbo kit.
The RX6B IHI turbo has a well earned reputation as a solid performer on the track. And I mean 'road racing'...not drag
All manifolds that are not cast will (and often do) crack. I dont care who makes it. I have seen 2 AMS manifold that were cracked. Of course they were replaced in a fast manner, and the customer service at AMS is top notch, but there is no such thing as a bulletproof turbo kit.
The RX6B IHI turbo has a well earned reputation as a solid performer on the track. And I mean 'road racing'...not drag
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Orange County, CA
Originally Posted by A418t81
I'll take a turbo designed and developed in the late 90's (the GT-35R) over one developed in the 80's. Also, the casio tells time just as well as the Tag, but probably will last longer, require less maintenance, and be easier to work on/replace if anything happens. I'm all about spending money where I think its warranted and the JDM companies have NOTHING over the American ones and cost more. I'll be giving my money to AMS or Buschur and never think twice about it.
Originally Posted by MINES13
Crack open a history book and you will come to find that in fact, the GT series turbochargers are not as new as you may think. A derivative has been in production use since 1989 (Nissan). As with anything technical, the current RX6B and GT series turbo have certainly evolved since they were originally introduced. Also take note that 1980s F1 engine technology is still light years ahead of production car technology today. The only thing the Garrett units have on the IHI pieces are the cost and ease of service. Take them apart and they are about as similar as apples and oranges. I have never seen a turbo with tighter clearances in the bearing journals then an IHI, period. The side effect of IHIs machining and assembly precision is an extremely durable turbo that can and does stand up to the rigors of racing for hours on end. This is why IHI turbochargers dominate to the top levels of European racing. Having played with and rebuilt both I would have to say that the IHI units pound for pound are better judged purely on the metrics of sizing, power band, durability scale. Again, I am not saying Garrett turbochargers are bad or even just ok and the differences I stated for most street cars would be negligible to say the least.