I have a XFlash Stage 1+ (TBE + Helix O2 + TP, 264/272, cam gears, IC, Stock '03 compressor + 10.5 hotisde), which last dynoed ~330whp on Turbotrix's DJ.

My question is.. what are my options from here on out? If possible I'd like to make maybe another 30 whp or so but I don't know how feasible it as at this point without shelling out big bucks. I'd also like to stay on the stock turbo if possible for drivability reasons. Unfortunately it seems like most of the modified stock turbos (WR, 20G) don't seem to be all that hot.

Some of the things I've considered.

1) Stepping up to a SMART XEDE. But at ~$1000+, is that a cost effective option? I'm not one to tinker with my maps, so I feel like doing this would be a huge waste for me IMHO.

2) Change cams. Are Revolver cams all that? I don't think I'll see the benefits of 280/280 on the stock turbo.

3) Alcohol Injection. Except, I don't think I can do that with the XFlash, can I? I'll probably have to get a XEDE first.

Any other ideas?

 

C'mon guys.. not even a titter?

 

Alky...

 

Do you have any other mods other than power?
I'd suggest stepping up your suspension at this point.

I was where you were at now and I decided to go stage 2, after which I got coils. Honestly I wished I had invested more into suspension first and then later going the stage 2 route.

 

Stage 2, beeotch
Garrett Ballistics GT30R with Vishnu collar or header for direct bolt on!

 

Thanks for the ideas guys.. I do plan on getting some coils but I'm still on the fence about what I want.

Can anyone say anything about my idea of moving from XFlash -> SMART XEDE? I know there is some power left on the table in the flash, and the addition of SMART can improve some off peak conditions and drivability. Do you guys think I can get some additional power from moving up to a XEDE? I know someone must have made the switch, please tell me your experiences!

Also, I'm hesitant about moving up to a bigger turbo as this is my daily, and I love the stock turbo's drivability. Will moving up to a TME (currently on stock 03 + 10.5) give me anything?

 

The TME will provide better performance than the stock turbo. Especially the stock 03 turbo. You wont be dissappointed with it. Much better spool-up and mid-range punch as well as improved top end.

As for the XFlash, it is likely that you will get better perfomance out of the SMART XEDE set-up. Mainly because you can dial it in yourself and extract the last 10% that we leave on the table with the baseline mapping. Drivability is also improved, especially during low load and transient conditions.

 

Cool, thanks Dustin! That's the kind of info I was looking for.

How does the TME compare to the new IX turbo? Do you guys still prefer the TME over it?

 

Honestly, we haven't tested an EVO IX turbo in an VIII. But I'm sure it wont have the spool-up characteristics of the smaller TME. And it will also require a revised turbo outlet pipe. If spool-up and midrang response/power is your thing, get the TME. If you are trying to make as much power power as possible with a "stock" turbo, get the IX turbo. Hope that helps.

 

Stage 2+

 

I'm not educated on Xflash or SMART, but why not get alky + custom tune for the same price as your new SMART system?

 

What's the point of running alchy with a reflash? What happens when it runs out?

 

Junk go b00m.

 

Maybe you should upgrade your brakes, the faster you go, the more stopping power you need, just something to think about.

 

Eventually in your upgrade path you will need the exede so you might as well get it next,plus you will have more power whenever you run a race gas map.