Hey guys, so i am going to build a turbo kit for my mini, and i got my hands on a dirt cheap brand new VF52 of a 13' WRX, and i have the access to a cnc machine, so i can adapt the turbo on to a manifold, without spending a sh!tload on a custom manifold. This isn't a forum to brag, or to get hated for going to a turbo, and not buying an R56 (i don't have the money to buy one anyway). I need some help from the guys who have done a turbo swap before, and maybe someone out there has done a VF series.
Need to buy before I think of bolting on the turbo:
Big Valve Head
forged connecting rods
thumper cam
cat-less headers

maybe someone to talk me out of it, or let me know what I'm getting into here

On an unrelated note, i bought the car second hand, and I've done a lot of work on it since I got it, but there was some work done when I bought it, and my 2nd gear will redline at exactly 70mph, what does everyone else's redline at?

 

i dont think anyone will talk you out of it, i will give you a suggestion tho.... keep the super and add the turbo =)

 

I don't think anyone has used a VF series turbo, or any IHI unit for that matter.

The boys across the pond at Mini Torque have more experience with R53 turbo conversions. I think it's a great idea, honestly.

Can I make a suggestions though? My last car was a WRX and I'm still on NASIOC all the time. There are a lot of complaints about the VF52 being a bit laggy regarding spool time, and that's with a 2.5L spinning it; you have a 1.6L.... Rather than picking a turbo because it's a deal, pick one with a proper compressor AR, and more importantly, turbine AR for your much smaller application. Think GT28RS. Even a smaller GT2554R would be fun. You could go bigger, but you really need to be sizing the turbo to the motor.

In a car with a high redline, like an S2000, you can pick a laggy / peaky turbo and have it be fine because you have plenty of time to spool it, but between the R53 redlining @ 6500 and being a 1.6L....my advice is keep looking for a more appropriate snail.

Oh, and forget twincharging

 

First off, considering where you posted this, we would "Never" tell you to buy an R56
And yes, take twin charging out of the equation, besides tuning issues, the M45 not only limits your boost potential but sort of kills the added benefit of the efficiency of a turbo system. As far as lag is concerned, with the weight of our cars & FWD, lag can be a good thing, problem is finding the correct balance to put power down in the optimal place.

You'll of course also need pistons, OEM limitations are about 20-21psi, as is the OEM Map Sensors. So if you're wanting to use more, be aware of these issues.
Injectors & tuning needs to be worked into the equation too.
And, don't forget to work in your charge cooling, either custom FMIC or "good" W/M kit like the Aquamist that runs off of IDC. Plus all the custom plumbing & depending in your power desires, possibly a fuel system upgrade. (New pump & return style system)

Oh, almost forgot W/P, you'll either have to go electric or the R50 setup..

There's a lot to it, but it can be very rewarding in the end, best advise I could give is to do your research & don't get in a hurry, do it right the first time.

 

Man, this is why I love this forum, you guys are so awesome. But, back to the topic, as ridiculous as it sounds, I want massive power, and I know for twin charging, or even just the vf52 I'd need a fully built engine, and clutch, so I was thinking just going all the way and stroking the 1.6 to a 1.8, has anyone done an application like that? And I want massive power as my daily driver, she's no slouch now, but I just want more!!

 

stroker is defiently a viable option and having such a large turbo isnt such a bad thing, its gunna kick you in the pants every time and keep that smile on your face

youll have to put that build into a post on this forum!

 

It's not a matter of it being fun, or it kicking you in the pants. You're probably not going to want a turbo that hits full boost at 4500 RPM, in a car that has a 6500 RPM redline and no variable valve timing to assist with spool times.

If you want to run a Subaru turbo in your kit, find a Version 8 STi twin scroll, or any twin scroll turbo for that matter. Otherwise, size the turbo (primarily the turbine A/R) for the type of performance you want and the engine size you have.

Read pages 2 & 3: http://www.turbobygarrett.com/turbob...Tech%20102.pdf

 

I will start a thread as soon as I get the Bosch 550 injectors and RMW Cam, but the whole build will take a while, as I'm in college, and builds aren't cheap lol, but expect to see a build in November or december