So after months of saving up and buying misc parts, I finally installed everything. Previously I was vishnu stage 1 with a megan racing header. My friend and I spent almost two weeks to finish the project, working throughout the weekend and after work on the weedays. Everything came together and now it just needs a good tune and better connections on the lower IC pipes. Currently have the Xede and a slightly tweaked map that is running pretty rich at the moment. Future plans are to convert to standalone and get a custom tune in the next month. The actual install of the turbo was probably the easiest part, but the whole project was definitely an undertaking.



stock turbo vs. the ATP 3037S w/ceramic coated exhaust housing

getting ready to pull the engine

partner in crime...

removed the whole engine/tranny/transfer case together. I think dropping the subframe would have been a lot quicker and less hassle.

pulling part the engine

transmission

stock clutch and flywheel

stock friction plate, actually didn't look bad at all after 18k miles and numerous track days

looks like coolant leaking past the gasket?

one part of the block had slight green discolorations to it underneath the head gasket.

getting ready to install revolver cams and new springs/retainers. BTW if you can get the right tool save yourself the hassle of getting creative. I didn't want to pay for shop labor so we customized a tool that worked but was a PITA.

revolver cams/springs/retainers installed w/vishnu cam gears

getting naked

removing the balance shafts with the RRE kit. took a little while to figure it out, after that it made sense. replaced two of the races to keep the oil pressure up. also had to buy two new gaskets.

balance shafts....those things are heavy!

ARP rod bolts installed to specs.

stock pistons....I wish I had the money to go with new rods/pistons/stroker, but from what I have read the stock setup is pretty stout.

close up of the stock piston, took them out to install the rod bolts

Greddy head gasket at 1.4mm, and ARP head studs also installed to ARP spec

exedy twin disc clutch/flywheel

new stainless braided clutch line

working on suspension bushings

new bushings

About to replace the rear diff carrier bushings. I could physically move the whole diff by hand with the stock pieces in place.


you have to press out the stock mount to put in the new ralliart units.

some customized tools for pressing out the bushings

720cc Denso injectors

getting ready to go back into the car. also removed the A/C and used the Evo RS serpentine belt, worked out great. I never use A/C up here anyway.

ceramic coated megan racing header

mocking up the turbo and plumbing

almost done...

as I'm driving the car now...still need to clean up some of the IC plumbing, and recirc the BOV. so far there are only a few times where the VTA gives me any problems. one thing I noticed either from the VTA or the relocation, is that the car feel much more responsive after shifting.

Overall impressions, the turbo sounds like a jet engine, the cams are very lumpy at idle and a little bit more difficult to drive but sounds amazing above 4k rpms, the clutch feels better than stock and completely streetable. Definitely need a custom tune, we did some logging on the wideband as well as some logging just to make sure everything is safe for the meantime. I'm sure I left a few things out, I took a TON of pics but didn't post them all.

 

Lookin' good.

 

Nice pics of the project. Looking foward to reading more on the ATP kit.

 

That is a little more than a turbo upgrade. That is a whole rebuild!


WOW! Awesome. Hope you have fun with it.

 

So youre happy with the turbo kit itself?...i thought the ATP kit bolted up to the stock manifold.

 

Nice, can't wait to see dyno results!

 

cool pics
Is it okay to remove balance shafts? any side effects?

 

I Concur

 

The ATP kti DOES bolt to the stock manifold, the Megan manifold fits like stock. I am still not a fan of that ATP kit as I simply do not trust that custom exhaust housing. You may also want to consider a better FMIC then stock.

 

Only thing I heard bad is just the lag! the kits are very strong as one of my friends has the GT35R kit which isnt bad but on stock manifold we talkin 18PSI @ 5800RPMS which is just unacceptable.

 

yeah that is about 1000 rpms slower then what is possible with a RNR/AMS kit.

 

Awesome write up. Looks like a lot of work!!!!! Good job!

 

I know! But I guess it will become better with a better HOTSIDE and also a better manifold. Probably still be THE LAGIEST GT35R?

 

nice work !

 

Great project!

Interesting to see the leaking head gasket. Also, keep us updated on the rod bolts. I bought em, but ended up selling them.... and I'm begining to regret it.