alanb2000

is there a safe way to go beyond the 316hp on this engine

can anyone recommend a good tuner-budget say £5-10k

I would like over 400 hp , without decat and too much noise perhaps the equivalent of a type 25.The suspension, brakes are fine its just more engine power i seek(safely) prepared to forego warranty

SSCJAY

The engine should be capable of upto 400 bhp and remain reliable, the only weak point is the pistons.

For around the 400 bhp mark all you need is:

md321 Turbo
larger injectors 650cc.
Ecutek remap

You should see change from £3000 fitted, so will leave plenty left over should you want forged engine at a later stage.

ZEN Performance

From a standard car you are looking at the following elements, a few are preffered, but worth doing.

3" exhaust (with sports cat)
Exhaust manifold
Cold air induction
Uprated fuel pump
Replacement turbo (the main bit!)
Uprated injectors
Oil catch can system
Ecutek remap

The tricky part is the engine, as at the 400hp level it's just about safe option, but for solid 450hp (for instance) then it's definitely time for the engine out and at least new rods and pistons.

You can get to say 380-400hp on the standard engine with ease, and within your budget, to open the motor will cost a little more than £10k by the time you've done all the bolt on bits. But for the way it drives I would start with 380-400, and do it in such a way as you have a little headroom should you "go internal" at a later date.

Paul

alanb2000

sounds good if the existing exhaust incl prodrive cat can be retained and i note a cai is not needed.I know that ultimately a 3inch straight thru with headers is desirable but i did all this on my ctr nearly failed emissions and went deaf after a while!

SSCJAY

Yes sorry forgot to put the 3" exhaust is required but with a high flow cat down pipe and good mapping you will get through the mot no problem, obviously there are a variety of exhausts to choose from, I have a revolution which although is a cheap exhaust flows well and is very quiet on cruise and on idle. Standard intake is o.k for around 400bhp but CAI helps bump the power figures up.

Fuel pump is a must aswell but these are only £80 anyway.

ZEN Performance

Sorry but Prodrive don't replace the cat for the RB320, and the rest of the exhaust isn't going to be ideal for 400hp (they only fit a back box and bypass one minor cat) We use a Milltek exhaust system which passes an MOT and gives a nice tone, while not being too loud.

Paul

alanb2000

sounds good! see you soon- i musy admit im getting a lot of sceptism from the rb320 site ref the pistons ability to handle 400hp?

ZEN Performance

400hp is possible, but I wouldn't rely on it to be 100%reliable for 50,000 miles. That is why I would recommend doing the bolt ons to get you most of the way there, then uprate the engine a little later and turn up the boost. If you wanted a reliable 400hp, then to just open the engine and change pistons, could be part of a sub £10k overal package.

Tidgy

scoobyclinics sc450 it, 9k for 450bhp

SSCJAY

As Zen said there is not exact science how long the pistons will last at 400 hp, some make 50000 other only make 10000 miles,

I would recommend oil catch can system as when a piston lets go will start to pump a large amount of oil through the breather system which will then be sucked back into the air intake and clog up the turbo/intercooler etc.

Normally a ring land failure on the pistons is not that catastrophic and the car is still driveable (to get it to the nearest garage), normally the worst thats happens is very slight damage to the exhaust valve and seat where the broken part of the ring land passes out of the engine.

To drop some forged pistons into your block should not cost more than £1500 + vat even done by a reputable subaru specialist, Wiseco pistons & rings are about £350 then you will need the obligatry ARP head studs & new gaskets and should not take more than 20 hours labour to change.