Clearing Up A Few Things

[ste91]

We all know what the so called "stage 1" mods are but I just want to go over it and clear a few things up for myself. (Assume boost is running at around 12psi and is on the standard ECU).

Exhaust system - I often see people saying 2.5 inch is the right size but there are exhaust systems out there with bigger diameters. I hear that a bigger diameter will encourage boost creep? If you were to go custom would 2.5 inch straight through be ok or is it better to have a middle box to keep the noise down? Is it ok to just go for an "off the shelf" option with a bigger diameter and not worry about it?

Exhaust manifold - does heatwrapping these actually make a noticeable difference? I hear rumours about it shortening the life of the manifold and being dangerous, the usual shit, but I see a LOT of people still using it so I assume it's fine?

Air filter upgrade - for keeping boost creep under control I think it may be wise to keep the EFI pipe but have the filter down in the bottom right corner of the bay away from any direct heat. I see alot of people just sticking the filter where the airbox is which seems pointless to me. Would it also make any difference if the EFI pipe was wrapped in heat reflective tape where it goes over the manifold? I can't see the point of using a front relocation kit if you're only going to have to restrict the airflow to stop boost creep.

Uprated actuator - set at just under fuel cut would this be sufficient enough on it's own to control boost or is an EBC needed? I know there are benefits to having an EBC but are they really necessary at this point?

FMIC - will this give any adverse effects i.e. lag or boost creep? Should there be much of a power increase at 0.85 bar? (Assuming using a cheapy intercooler like Japspeed/AB88 or HDI although JS/AB88 have shitty piping and the HDI core is massive).

Ported wastegate - will porting the wastegate be enough to eliminate boost creep? Is the penny big enough to allow a large enough hole? Obviously at 0.85 bar it's right on the limit of fuel cut so even the slightest amount of creep can't be allowed.

[ste91]

Also one last thing I forgot - Decat.

I'd most probably have to get an SPS one (stainless steel) as they're a nice low price unless a Blitz one was for sale at the right time.

Is stainless steel ok to put heatwrap on? Is it more likely to crack with it on? Is it even worth heatwrapping?

[ste91]

no replies because I posted this at stupid-o-clock in the morning?

[WallaceGlanza]

Firstly, there is no "stage 1 mods" so please don't start using that term.

Exhaust system - I often see people saying 2.5 inch is the right size but there are exhaust systems out there with bigger diameters. I hear that a bigger diameter will encourage boost creep? If you were to go custom would 2.5 inch straight through be ok or is it better to have a middle box to keep the noise down? Is it ok to just go for an "off the shelf" option with a bigger diameter and not worry about it?

2.5" is chosen because it won't cause any restriction in power well into 300bhp, a bigger diameter won't cause boost creep but may give less torque and isn't needed, the noise is upto you, I run a 2.5" system with just a bac box and don't think its that loud.

Exhaust manifold - does heatwrapping these actually make a noticeable difference? I hear rumours about it shortening the life of the manifold and being dangerous, the usual shit, but I see a LOT of people still using it so I assume it's fine?

Heat wrapping won't give a huge increase in power but it well speed the exhaust gases up slightly helping spool and more so will keep the under bonnet temps down. If done properly it won't effect the life of a good manifold at all.

Air filter upgrade - for keeping boost creep under control I think it may be wise to keep the EFI pipe but have the filter down in the bottom right corner of the bay away from any direct heat. I see alot of people just sticking the filter where the airbox is which seems pointless to me. Would it also make any difference if the EFI pipe was wrapped in heat reflective tape where it goes over the manifold? I can't see the point of using a front relocation kit if you're only going to have to restrict the airflow to stop boost creep.

The heat reflective tape will help but still won't be as good as relocating the filter, it gives god gains relocated and not every car suffers creep with it moved.

Uprated actuator - set at just under fuel cut would this be sufficient enough on it's own to control boost or is an EBC needed? I know there are benefits to having an EBC but are they really necessary at this point?

The ebc if setup properly will help to control creep and the overall boost curve yes.

FMIC - will this give any adverse effects i.e. lag or boost creep? Should there be much of a power increase at 0.85 bar? (Assuming using a cheapy intercooler like Japspeed/AB88 or HDI although JS/AB88 have shitty piping and the HDI core is massive).

You shouldn't notice any extra lag but the power increase won't be huge either you will see the biggest benefit in stop start traffic.

Ported wastegate - will porting the wastegate be enough to eliminate boost creep? Is the penny big enough to allow a large enough hole? Obviously at 0.85 bar it's right on the limit of fuel cut so even the slightest amount of creep can't be allowed.

As said before every car is different with respect to creep, there is no definitive answer, but a ported wastegate should be enough to stop any creep.

Please try to separate questions in different threads in future, its better to have each question in the proper area and will encourage people to answer individual questions rather than having to do lots at once.

[ste91]

I also hate using the term "stage whatever" it sounds cheesey but didn't really want to say "XXX bhp setup" because of different ways of achieving the power.

Oh and I didn't fancy making a load of different topics for a few short questions.

cheers

[WallaceGlanza]

I also hate using the term "stage whatever" it sounds cheesey but didn't really want to say "XXX bhp setup" because of different ways of achieving the power.

Oh and I didn't fancy making a load of different topics for a few short questions.

cheers

I didn't fancy answering all thse questions at once but still did.

I'm just saying it for your benefit as people will read all that and be like " where do I start answering all that!?"

[ste91]

I thought it would have looked silly to post up a load of different topics at the same time asking all these questions... considering it's atleast a year or maybe less until I get a GT.

But of course I've caught the "turbo bug" so have already started trying to learn as much as possible. A couple of weeks ago I knew barely anything about turbos

Anyway thanks again.

Also you missed a question