Bolt-On Boost 2002 Part 2 - Tech Review - Turbo Magazine

Jim Wolf Technology 1991 - 1999 SR20DE-powered Nissans:
The Jim Wolf Technology turbo kit boasts impressive boost in performance and encompasses all SR20DE-powered vehicles from 1991 to '94 Sentra SE-Rs to 1995-and-up 200SX SE-Rs, to NX2000s, Infiniti G20s and newer Sentra SEs. The kit also sports CARB certification.

Delivering a 50 percent gain in power production, the kit is ultra reasonably priced at $3,595. It consists of a cast-iron exhaust manifold, T3/T28 series turbo and all the piping and hardware needed to hook it up. Fuel enrichment comes via a JWT-tuned factory ECU and the OE injectors. With only 6.5 psi of boost, the kit requires no blow-off valve, keeping things simple under the hood.

The JWT inventory contains plenty of race parts (low-compression pistons, rods, etc.) that make the kit an excellent foundation for a full-race set-up. Future plans call for an intercooler option. Tested on an Infiniti G20t, the kit delivers a max gain of 61.3 hp at 6900 rpm and a 59.7 lb-ft increase of max torque at 3500 rpm. As far as peak figures are concerned, the SR20 put down 118 hp in all-natural trim, and 177 ponies in boosted guise. Torque jumped from a peak of 115 lb-ft to a whopping 171 lb-ft.

GReddy Honda Prelude 1997 to 99 (Non SH):
GReddy offers the intoxicating aura of boost with its turbo conversion kit for 1997 to 99 Preludes (non-SH models). Pressure is generated by a GReddy/Mitsubishi TD05-18G mounted on a stainless-steel exhaust manifold. Fueling is enhanced with a GReddy FCU and upgraded 370cc injectors. The payoff is 195.5 hp and 185.8 lb-ft of torque at the wheels, which is good, considering the estimated 155 whp starting point--and there's still the potential an optional front-mount intercooler represents.

Dealer Alternative Miata:
There are a number of manufacturers making forced-induction kits for the Miata, but The Dealer Alternative is a company that specializes in them. There are four different kits: one supercharger package and three turbo set-ups. The blower package sports a Sebring compressor, while two of the turbo systems are Bell Engineering kits. The third turbo system, dubbed the Flyin' Miata II, is put together by The Dealer Alternative. The Flyin' Miata II kit uses a Garrett T25/T28 hybrid turbocharger to generate boost. An AFLink piggyback computer commands a pair of secondary injectors to supply extra fuel under boost. The kit includes an air-to-air intercooler and trick cold-air induction system. The Dealer Alternative offers kits for 1990 to '93 1.6-liter Miatas, as well as late-model, 1.8-liter versions.

XS Engineering 240SX Turbo Kit:
Those who own a second- or third-generation 240SX have probably noticed the engine produces a lot of torque but lacks the high-end pull of some of its counterparts. To remedy the lack of top-end performance, XS Engineering developed a bolt-on turbo kit for the 240SX. A cast four-into-one Rev Hard exhaust manifold is responsible for feeding the custom T04 turbocharger a steady diet of hot exhaust gases. The turbo is regulated to a conservative 6.5 psi of boost pressure by a Turbonetics wastegate. A front-mount air-to-air intercooler is included in the kit, increasing performance and reliability by chilling the charge air before consumption. A Vortech boost-dependent regulator and a high-output Nippon Denso in-tank pump handle fuel enrichment. The kit, compatible with models 1995-up, does not currently include a CARB EO number. For performance-hungry enthusiasts, a larger turbocharger option is also available.

Hahn Racecraft Neon:
Hahn Racecraft (HRC) has answered the prayers of Neon speed freaks with its bolt-on turbo kit for 1995 to 1999 Neons. Mitsubishi TDO5H or TDO6H turbos are the basis of the kits. Fuel enrichment consists of an ACCEL in-line pump and an HRC Fuel Control Unit. The complete kit also includes a pillar pod mount, 30-psi boost gauge, blow-off valve, Cerametallic-coated downpipe and fuel pressure gauge. Not only does this kit put two and a quarter to the ground, but also makes 223 lb-ft of torque.

Area 51 Lexus IS 300:
The IS 300 has slowly spawned a number of go-fast parts. This supercharger kit is the first blower to be unleashed on the IS. The kit utilizes a Vortech centrifugal compressor and can be boosted from its standard 5.5 psi to Stage 2 specs with a custom pulley and optional aftercooler. There are a number of tuned IS 300s prowling the streets and, with the recent introduction of the five-speed manual version, we expect the numbers to grow significantly.

Gude Ford Focus ZX3 (Escort ZX2, Ford Escape SUV):
This versatile offering from Gude Performance covers the current generation Ford Focus, older Escort ZX2s and makes a foray into the sport utility world by covering the Ford Escape. The kit sports a Mitsubishi TE04H turbo, mandrel-bent piping, braided stainless-steel lines and all mounting hardware. Gude claims boost can be increased to 14 psi with its optional liquid-to-air intercooler.

GReddy 1999-'00 Civic Si Turbo Kit:
The GReddy bolt-on turbo kit for the 1999 to '00 Civic Si shares identical components to the Acura GS-R kit with the exception of the intercooler piping and the FCU unit. Like the GS-R kit, the Civic Si turbo kit comes with four 310cc injectors and a FCU unit for fuel enrichment. An internally regulated Mitsubishi TD05H-18G turbocharger is set at a conservative 8 psi. The kit comes with all necessary hardware and a detailed installation manual. Two different air-to-air front-mount intercoolers are available as an option. The smaller of the two units does not require any modification to the bumper support but the larger unit requires cutting the bumper support. A one-year warranty covers everything in the turbo kit, except the turbocharger.