2021-08-01 Fast Car

P ho t og r a phy : A d ria n B ra nna n Car: Twi n -c h a rg ed M it s u b is h i Ev o IX O wn e r: Simon Cot tin gha m THE FC PORTFOLIO

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Words Dan Sherwood Photography Various FC TECH: 13 REASONS FOR TURBO FAILURE

ARE YOU KILLING
YOUR TURBO?

We speak to top forced induction experts to find out 13 reasons
why turbos fail and how you can prevent it

Turbos are the magical power adders that put huge smiles are extremely tough pieces of hardware that endure some of
on our faces, but treat them badly and they’ll throw a hissy the harshest conditions your engine dishes out. Looked after
fit of diva-like proportions. However, is it all the turbo’s fault? properly, they can last the lifetime of your car, even when
Or are there other factors at work that are leading to their tuned, but they’re not indestructible and they rely on other
untimely demise? Speaking to a host of top turbocharging parts of your engine being in tip top condition too, so read on
experts it appears that, far from being the prissy prima to see the top 13 reasons you could be killing your turbo and
donnas that many people mistake them for, turbochargers what you can do to prevent it.

How to prevent it

Similar to before, a good quality oil and filter,
changed well before the prescribed intervals is
essential, although adding an inline turbo pre-
filter could also help catch any errant particles
hell bent on waging war on your turbo.

1 OIL STARVATION reading directly from the oil feed union to the 3 IMPACT DAMAGE
turbo – as any drop in pressure can destroy a
Without question the most common cause turbo very quickly. The air filter isn’t just there to protect the
of turbocharger failure is oil starvation. A engine itself from ingesting harmful debris such
turbocharger’s turbine shaft runs at speeds 2 OIL CONTAMINATION as dust particles, small stones, dirt and leaves,
of over 150,000rpm and at temperatures it’s also there to protect the turbocharger’s
exceeding 900°C, and can do so almost Many people assume that if they run their compressor wheel and its delicate blades,
endlessly, but only when they are lubricated as engine on dirty or contaminated oil, the oil because almost any object that gets sucked in
they were designed to be. To work effectively, filter will remove any foreign matter before is going to do major damage. Just a small chip in
a turbo needs a constant flow and pressure of the oil reaches the engine or the turbocharger. one of the compressor wheel blades will cause
clean, good quality oil. This not only works to However, this can be a very costly mistake. Just an imbalance that will cause the bearings to fail
lubricate the thrust and journal bearings, but like having not enough oil is seriously bad news at some point, while greater impacts can snap
also helps stabilise the rotating shaft and journal for your car’s blower, running with contaminated off portions of the blades or and even shatter
bearings, as well as acting as a coolant. This oil is also a sure fire way to kill off your turbo. the entire compressor wheel. Although more
requirement is intensified as the turbocharger This is because any particles of debris floating likely, and easier to prevent, impact damage
speed and engine load increases. Even a small around in the oil system, from the products of isn’t limited to the turbo’s compressor wheel,
reduction in oil pressure can be enough to kill fuel combustion such as ash, soot, the un-burnt as it can also happen to the turbine wheel by
your turbo in seconds and can be identified heavy ends of the fuel and water, to tiny metal debris from inside the combustion chamber.
by either blueing on the turbo shaft or seized particles produced by the general wear and tear This could be anything from lumps of carbon,
bearings. The main causes of oil starvation of the engine, will eventually get past the oil injector tips or broken valve parts, to bits of
range from oil pump failure, low oil levels and filter and end up at the turbo causing damage weld or rust from the manifold. But whatever it
old dirty oil, to broken or blocked oil feed pipes, to the usually smooth surfaces of the bearings is, anything hitting the turbine wheel will cause
which can be obstructing the flow of the oil to and shaft. But it’s not just particles getting past considerable amounts of damage.
the turbo, even if your oil pressure gauge is the oil filter that can cause damage, as other
registering that all is fine at the engine itself. engine problems that allow water or fuel to mix How to prevent it
Be warned. with the oil, even in small quantities – such as
head gasket failure – will prevent the oil from Always invest in a good quality air filter with
How to prevent it working as it should, reducing the supportive, good filtration properties as well as air flow
cooling and lubricating functions of the oil. And and make sure you clean it regularly as per
Use a good quality oil and filter and change when this happens, it is always the turbo the the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, be
them sooner than your manufacturer fails first. sure to check the turbo for loose connections
recommended intervals. Keep an eye on your oil and debris, especially if fitting a turbo after
pressure too – through either the factory gauge a previous failure. If possible, check exhaust
or preferably a more accurate aftermarket item manifolds for signs of internal rust or loose weld
spots too.

defining car culture 053

FC TECH: 13 REASONS FOR TURBO FAILURE

Make sure if you have your turbo rebuilt
that you entrust the job to a reputable
professional

THE 4 BUILD QUALITY The thrust bearing is a cruical part of your
WARNING turbo and could need upgrading if you want
SIGNS To meet the stringent OE specifications for any to run more boost
part of your car, only quality assured materials
There are several ways that your vehicle are used, and this applies to the turbocharger How to prevent it
will let you know that its turbo is in need too. Add in the constant quality checks on both
of maintenance or repairs: the materials and workmanship and you can see If you’re car’s turbo is looking past its best, it’s
why original equipment parts can be expensive. a good idea to have it checked over before
CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS A high quality aftermarket turbo, built by a you ask it to work harder than it was designed
reputable specialist, will also have strict quality to. This could involve getting it refreshed by
On most modern cars, the computer control, testing and development procedures to a turbo specialist with new bearings or even
diagnostics will pick up turbo faults and ensure your turbocharger is fit for purpose. Like uprated bearings if you are planning on pushing
the check engine light will come on. Of with the OE parts, this also adds to the cost. The things further.
course, the check engine light doesn’t problems can arise when you try and cut costs
just cover turbo failure, and you will need by purchasing cheap turbos. These turbos are 6 HOT STOPPING
to do some further checks to see what cheap for a reason and it is often down to a lack
kind of engine problem you have. of quality control when it comes to the materials A turbo spinning at up to 100,000rpm creates
and workmanship when the turbo is being built. a lot of heat in the shaft and bearings, much
THE BOOST GAUGE This can mean that, although they may seem of which is dissipated by the flow of oil.
fine for a short period of time, their usable When allowed to slow down and cool over a
Some turbocharged vehicles are fitted lifespan is often radically reduced, meaning that reasonable period of time it isn’t a problem.
with a boost gauge, which lets you know the savings you make on the purchase price are However, by shutting off an engine immediately
how much boost your turbo is producing lost through having to buy twice. after being on boost the flow of oil is halted and
(you can also fit one to your car if that heat is trapped inside the turbo. This heat
desired). If your boost gauge isn’t going How to prevent it can cause damage including a warped shaft –
up as much as it used to, then there is due to turbine droop – as well as carbonising
a good chance your turbo is in need of Always do your research into the turbo you the oil and damaging the bearings too. At this
repair. are considering buying and the company that stage it’s all over and turbo failure is imminent.
you are buying from to ensure you are getting
POWER LOSS a quality product that has been tested and How to prevent it
developed to deliver the results you need. Also
If you notice that your turbocharged that the company can provide the backup in It’s recommended that you end your journey at
vehicle is accelerating more slowly than the case of any problems and technical queries. a more sedate pace or, once at your destination,
usual, or isn’t capable of reaching the The same applies to reconditioned turbos. simply leave the engine ticking over for a few
speeds it once could, this may be a sign Make sure you are buying from an experienced minutes to allow the turbo to cool down before
that your turbo is failing. specialist like Turbo Zentrum, that knows what shutting it off. A turbo timer is a device that
they are doing and has repaired the turbo can be used to do just that and will allow the
A SMOKING EXHAUST properly to the right specifications. engine to run on for a set period of time after
the ignition has been turned off and the key
If the turbo housing has cracked, or the 5 THRUST BEARING FAILURE removed.
internal seals have blown, oil will start to
leak into your exhaust system. As this As the compressor wheel spins, it is effectively
burns off, it produces a distinctive blue/ trying to pull the shaft out of the front of the
grey smoke, which will probably become turbo. It is prevented from doing so by the
more apparent as the engine revs turbo’s thrust bearing which holds the shaft
increase just following an idle situation. in place and resists this axial force. When the
turbocharger is designed the thrust bearing
A LOUD WHINING NOISE is selected to deal with the standard boost
pressure that the turbo is going to see, often
Often, a failing turbocharger will make a using a 270° bearing. Start increasing the boost
loud, distinctive noise when under boost by way of a remap for example, and the thrust
- a bit like a dentist’s drill or police siren - if bearing will start to struggle to contain it. This
the compressor wheel is damaged. If you can lead to a reduction in lubrication and a rapid
start to hear this noise from your engine, increase in wear of the thrust bearing, which can
it’s definitely time to have it checked out! be identified by in-and-out play in the shaft and
smoke from the exhaust.

054 www.fastcar.co.uk

FC TECH: 13 REASONS FOR TURBO FAILURE

7 CLOGGED ENGINE BREATHER An oil catch tank can be used to vent excess How to prevent it
pressure and collect any oil vapour
The engine breather system is an important Ensure that all the turbocharger pipework, as
part of the engine, it’s a one way valve that 9 OVER-BOOSTING well as the intercooler is sound with no splits,
allows high pressure blow-by gasses from the cracks or leaking joints. If you are increasing
crankcase to pass through without causing Also known as ‘over-speeding’, over-boosting is boost on a car with old rubber hoses, consider
excessive pressure in the oil system. If this gets where the turbocharger is operating well above uprating to silicone hoses which will not perish
clogged it will allow excessive pressure to build its normal limits, and, like any component that over time and are capable of holding greater
up in the engine which will then pressurise the is working harder than it was ever designed pressure. Also, ensure that the wastegate and
turbo system, causing oil to force its way past to do, this causes excess wear and eventually actuator are operating correctly and that they
the bearings, causing both damage to the damage. This damage can effect everything are rated to suitably vent enough air flow to
bearings themselves and blue smoke to be from the bearings to the shaft and even the maintain the desired level of boost.
emitted from the exhaust. turbine and compressor wheels themselves,
which can actually expand and rub on the turbo CHECK
How to prevent it housing, causing damage to the blades, or YO’SELF
even burst apart completely due to the huge BEFORE
For most moderate stages of engine tune, the rotational forces. Over-boosting can occur for YOU WRECK
standard PCV system should cope with the various reasons from incorrect ECU mapping YO’SELF
increase in engine power whilst continuing to a faulty or undersized wastegate or actuator,
to control the emissions from the crankcase. but is more commonly down to a simple air leak If you notice any of the warning signs,
However, even on a fairly new car, the system in the turbo system. There are numerous places then get your turbo checked as soon
should be thoroughly checked and any suspect that air can leak from the turbo system including as possible. Your turbocharger isn’t
valves and hoses replaced. For motorsport broken gaskets, split hoses or punctured going to repair itself, and the longer you
applications or more radical stages of tune a intercoolers, all of which force the turbo to work leave it, the worse (and more expensive)
remote catch tank is advised to both vent excess harder and harder to try to reach the required the problem will get! Essentially, you
pressure and collect any oil vapour. boost pressure. This cycle continues until the are looking for signs of oil, excessive
turbo exceeds its manufactured limit and fails, movement, impact damage and contact
Carbon build up in your often with dramatic results. between the compressor wheel and
turbo can cause big housing. Before you start the process,
problems. A product we recommend checking the air filter,
like Cataclean or Revive exhaust system, breather system and
Turbo Cleaner can help fuel system on your vehicle are all
by breaking down carbon working properly, as these can cause
deposits before they cause similar symptoms to turbo failure. Once
damage you’ve done that, you’ll need to remove
the air filter to gain access to the turbo.
8 CARBON BUILD UP First, examine the exterior, checking for
any signs of oil or loose connections.
Not only can running your turbocharged car Then, check the compressor wheel – it
on old, dirty oil cause damage and wear to should be clean, without any dings,
the bearings and shaft of the turbo, but it can chips, or signs corrosive pitting. Look
also lead to a gradual build-up of sludge, not out for evidence of excessive movement,
just in the sump and the engine’s oil galleries, ensuring that the wheel can’t touch the
but in the turbo’s oil feed pipework and inner housing, and check to see whether the
oil ways too. Just like arteries in your body, turbocharger is able to rotate freely. If
these crucial pathways for the flow of oil – you are feeling particularly ambitious;
some of the narrowest being as small as 1mm you can also check the exhaust side of
in diameter – are essential to keep your engine the turbo. First, remove the exhaust pipe
and turbocharger in top condition, so any all the way to the turbo, so you can see
restrictions or blockages due to carbon sludge the turbine wheel. This should look clean,
deposits can prove fatal for your turbo. Some with no carbon build up, scale or oil
cars seem to suffer from carbon build up and along the surface, and the blades should
excess sludge more than others and as this is be free from cracks, wear and damage.
an inherent design flaw, there is not much you Finally, you can check the turbo housing
can do about it other than keeping an eye on at the exhaust end for any cracks or
your oil condition when checking levels – thick leaks, which will also affect performance.
black oil needs changing fast – and carrying out
regular servicing.

How to prevent it

The use of good quality oil and fuel will help
limit potential build up, as will regular oil and
filter changes. Also, make sure to inspect the
waste oil and filter for signs of build up when
you replace them to get an insight into what’s
going on inside the engine.

defining car culture 055

FC TECH: 13 REASONS FOR TURBO FAILURE

10 BAD RE-MAPS How to prevent it

Remapping is a procedure where the fueling, Eliminating compressor surge can be achieved
timing and boost parameters of your car’s by fitting a blow-off valve suited to the amount
ECU are altered to provide more power from of additional boost that needs to be released.
the engine. It is usually very safe when done However, if you are still experiencing surge
by a professional, especially one who examines when you are at wide open throttle – when
the engine for faults before they begin the any BOV would be shut and not flowing any air
process of updating the car’s ECU with an anyway – you need to look at other areas such
uprated map that keeps the turbo within its as turbo sizing, wastegate and actuator function
tolerances. Unfortunately, as well as there being and mapping.
many unscrupulous and poor quality mappers
out there, there are also many cheap remaps
available that achieve more power by simply
upping the boost levels and nothing more,
causing over-boosting among other potentially
damaging issues to both your turbo and engine
as a whole.

13 EXCESSIVE EXHAUST GAS
TEMPERATURES

Whilst turbochargers are built to withstand the
high temperatures generated during normal
operation, if the temperature of the exhaust
gases is too high, then it can cause catastrophic
damage. Typically, this damage is located
around the turbocharger’s turbine, cracking
the housing, causing excessive erosion and
corrosion, whilst causing collateral damage to
other components, like the wastegate.

Make sure you do your research
and select a reputable tuner

How to prevent it 12 FITTING A DRY TURBO How to prevent it

When selecting a tuner to remap your car, make If you’ve had your turbo serviced or have bought Excessive exhaust gas temperature (EGT) can
sure you have done your research and checked a replacement or upgraded turbo, don’t fit it be caused by various things including poor
feedback from previous customers. Also try and unless you have primed it with oil first. From the quality oil, faults in the oil cooling system,
speak with the tuner first to see if they suggest moment the engine fires up, the turbo will begin incorrect mapping or engine modifications and
any other supporting modification that will be to spin very fast. If the oil feed pipe is empty poor maintenance. To ensure your car is staying
required to get the best results. And remember, and the turbo un-primed it could take several within a safe range, fit an EGT sensor, ideally
as well as a way to gain more power, a remap seconds for the vital lubrication to reach the one that feeds back to the ECU. That way, if the
is also fundamental to how your car drives and turbo, which could easily cause damage to both temperatures go up it can shut down the engine
how reliable it is, so don’t just go for whoever the bearings and the shaft. before any damage is done.
offers the most gains for the least money. It’s
also worth checking your own car over before How to prevent it CONTACTS
you book it in for a remap, as any faults will
need to be fixed first before a safe and suitable Simply pouring some oil through a straw into www.turbozentrum.co.uk
remap can be applied, so don’t waste time and the turbo’s oil inlet hole will get you going but, www.samcosport.com
money if your car isn’t up to scratch. ideally, once fitted, you want to stop the engine www.drivenracingoil.com
from firing up by unplugging the ECU or similar www.bmcairfilters.com
11 COMPRESSOR SURGE and turning it over until the oil light goes out www.cataclean.com
on your dashboard. You can then start the car www.turbosmart.com
Turbo cars make some great noises, especially normally, however it’s recommended you leave www.revivecleaner.com
when they are tuned, and that’s all part of the it idling for around five minutes to allow the oil www.turboperformanceltd.com
fun. But some noises can signal problems to warm up before going on a test drive. www.telfordturbos.co.uk
that, unless sorted, can lead to premature
turbocharger failure. One such sound that you
don’t want your car to be making is the ‘flutter’
or ‘turkey gobble’ sound sometimes wrongly
referred to as ‘wastegate chatter’. This noise is
the sound of compressor surge, which happens
when the turbo is delivering more air than the
engine can take in, which then backs up in the
system and eventually tries to force its way back
through the turbo the wrong way, hitting the still
spinning compressor wheel blades. This may
sound pretty cool, but the added pressure on
your turbo will cause accelerated bearing wear.

056 www.fastcar.co.uk

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HOT RIDE

AFMRAEZSOHN
For the latest showcase of Meguiar’s detailing prowess, Tom
Clarke wanted to build a low-slung cruiser. But, as we all know, it’s

never that simple…

Words Dan Bevis Photography Simon Miskelly

Surprise reveals are quite tricky these days, aren’t expensive options and our budgets for Tom vs Dale
they? What you’re seeing here is a world-first exclusive are modest and strict to keep the competition fair. My
magazine debut. Of course, regular readers will be thoughts then turned to something we don’t really see
very familiar with this car because we’ve been running much here in the UK, and I’ve seen a couple of really
monthly updates in the back of the mag for ages, the nicely-built Volvo Amazons, so the search began.”
Meguiar’s face-off between Tom and Dale growing
into a social entity way bigger than the sum of its parts. As project bases go, this is pretty far removed from a
And those of you who were at the Players Classic at nimble hot hatch. But goddamn, it’s a sturdy one. The
Goodwood in June will have pored over the Volvo in all statesmanlike Amazon is one of those ineffably solid
its glory as the covers came off… and no doubt heard it a creations that seems to survive everything the universe
mile away, as Tom revved the nuts off that magnificently can throw at it and never falter or erode, like Uluru or
shouty engine. Screamer pipes are for winners, that’s Gary Lineker, or a refrigerated Twix. Interestingly, this
just a fact of life. seriously-styled three-box was the first car to have
seatbelts fitted as standard and was very heavily treated
Quite a curveball choice for a project though, isn’t it? with underseal and anti-corrosion oils, meaning that it
In the last Tom vs Dale Meguiar’s head-to-head that ran was both rugged enough and safe enough to uphold
in Fast Car, Tom opted to build a Renault 5 GT Turbo the values we now accept as being traditionally Swedish.
– a balls-to-the-wall wide-arch goliath, offering nineties Bury an Amazon in a snowdrift and it’ll just shrug it off.
vibes in spades with his own unique modern twist. So
we weren’t really expecting him to size up an old Volvo Before we dive in, we need first to sort out the name
for the next round – but as we can now see with some issue. (And you’ll have to forgive us a bit of geekiness
clarity, subverting expectation and refracting it into here. If it starts to get a bit too wiry-beards-and-real-ale
magnificence is just what this dude does. for you, feel free to skip to the next paragraph.) You see,
when Volvo introduced the model in 1956, they called
“I basically wanted to do old-and-fast, and my first it ‘Amason’. But German motorcycle firm Kreidler had
thoughts went to a BMW with a big engine; say, an already called dibs on that name, so an agreement
E30 or 2002 with the M5 V10,” Tom grins. “But they’re was reached that Volvo would alter the spelling to

The 133 badge denotes Tom’s
Amazon is a later-spec car

058 www.fastcar.co.uk

VOLVO AMAZON

Defining car culture 059

HOT RIDE

Bonnet-vented
screamer pipe and
exhaust spits flames

‘Amazon’ for the Swedish market, and change the I was scarred from the Renault 5 when we bought an
name completely to ‘120 Series’ everywhere else. This, absolute dog of a car! So one that ‘needed work’ was
unhelpfully, has caused no end of confusion, but in a not an option. On the flipside, you can get a really clean
nutshell it works like this: the model designation for the example for £10k and I knew we wanted to chop it up,
four-door saloon is P120, two-door saloons are P130 and so I didn’t want to spend a chunk of my budget on a
estates are P220. However, it’s the actual badges you strong car. My searches showed that Volvos in Europe
need to pay attention to because, for example, a P120 were reasonably priced – but with the obvious hurdle of
could be badged as a 121 or a 122 or… well, there are a them being in Europe. I reached out to my colleagues
number of options, it all gets bloody complicated. Later in Meguiar’s Sweden, who helped with the search and
cars are sometimes known as 131, 132 or 133, although located a really clean, honest car. The only problem was
we should probably stop digging through the numbers getting it home, so we did the only thing you should
now in case Stephen Hawking comes round to tell us off. do… road trip! My colleague Patrick and I flew over to
We’re in over our heads here, this isn’t Classics Monthly. Stockholm and, after a few failed starts, we drove it the
1,681 miles back to Daventry.”
The point of all this is that Tom is a man for whom
details are hugely important; he’d found himself a P130, Such an epic journey is a brilliant way to get to know
and the theme from the off was what he calls ‘OEM++’ – a car, but the growing emotional connection didn’t put
keeping it as sympathetic as possible while also radically Tom and the Meguiar’s guys off the idea of cutting the
altering everything. “There are plenty of Amazons in the thing up. “I’m an idiot,” he shrugs. “I’d seen super-low
UK but they vary in price and condition,” he reasons. American cars throwing up sparks, and that’s what I
“You can buy a four-door for not a lot of money, but wanted.” It’s a simple concept, but this little acorn of an

There’s been a lot of work
done to the Amazon’s
chassis to get it this low

060 www.fastcar.co.uk

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HOT RIDE KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

idea is where the mighty oak of the project grew from The default engine choice for a lot of Volvo modifiers is simply to
– and job one was to tear apart the chassis; because throw a T5 in it, but Tom was thinking a bit more laterally. In line
throwing a load of extra power into a venerable classic with his OEM++ theme, he wanted a larger version of the single-
can get a bit terrifying otherwise. cam B-series to provide a tasteful element of continuity. So the
engine you see here is a B230FK, the 2.3-litre four-pot pinched
The first move was to bolt in a Volvo 240 rear axle, from the Volvo 940 Turbo. Rather than push for silly numbers, Tom
with the twin benefits of being stronger and having simply wanted something that would pop and bang and give a
disc brakes, although this wasn’t simple as it had to bit of poke, so it’s still running stock internals but has been fully
be narrowed and adapted. Indeed, ‘this wasn’t simple’ rebuilt by Deutsch Tech. However, with the Owen Developments
could be the motto of the build, as every single element turbo (related to the units they supply to the BTCC), a plethora
of the car has fought back to some degree. A custom of custom parts from Forge Motorsport, and that Deutsch Tech
tunnel was required to allow the car to run low, with bonnet-exit exhaust and screamer pipe, it’s a long way from
GM Bodycraft on the fabrication; they chopped out, stock. Call it 300-320bhp, along with a whole lot of fireworks. And
raised and strengthened the chassis rails, four-linked the brilliantly, the ECUmaster management has a Bluetooth sender
rear, and then the shell went over to Phil at The Install allowing Tom to use his phone for readouts, so he was able to
Company for the suspension graft. This involved space- keep the original dials in the dash. It’s all about the details.
framing the back, fabricating a Watt’s linkage, boxing
and strengthening everything and integrating it all into The 16in SSR Performance
the existing chassis. The front and rear is all custom- Reverse Mesh wheels with
engineered to let the car drive as low as possible – colour-coded centres suit
Bilstein manufactured bespoke dampers to provide the
required travel and lift, and Phil mated this to Air Lift the Amazon to a tee
Performance hardware throughout.

“There were so many hurdles throughout the project,
and the whole build was hampered by Covid,” says
Tom. “It went to Phil in March 2020, and then we just
couldn’t get the parts we needed. What should’ve been
six weeks turned into five months – it wasn’t anybody’s
fault, that’s just what we had to battle with last year.”
When the car was finally ready to go over to Deutsch
Tech, the Meguiar’s team were beside themselves with
excitement to see the next steps being made. Raptor
Coatings came out to cover the entire underside in
black tough-coat, and then it was time to get the engine
build underway. Tom was keen to run a single-cam
B-series [see boxout], but it’s fair to say it’s evolved a bit
throughout the build: having bought a cheap B230FK
(always keeping the Meguiar’s budget in mind!) and had

“There were so many hurdles
throughout the project, the whole
build being hampered by Covid”

062 www.fastcar.co.uk

VOLVO AMAZON

The cool race pedal box Original shifter
contrasts with the period swaps the cogs
steering wheel of a BMW ZF
5-speed manual
gearbox

Deutsch Tech check it over, the figurative kitchen sink “We wouldn’t have been able to do the next step
was thrown at it. Making things hard on themselves as without OBP Motorsport’s support,” says Tom. “They
always, the guys stood the engine up instead of canting supplied a pedal box as well as a hydro handbrake,
it over 45-degrees like it would in its native environment, line-lock, battery box and fuel cell.” This race-derived
a Classic Swede plenum was added, and then the intake equipment works hand-in-hand with a clever braking
trumpets needing 100mm trimming off because, with setup; the stock front calipers are three-pots (with one of
the engine in the wrong place, everything else was in the the pistons being absolutely huge) and obviously it now
wrong place too. The wiring was all torn out, with Tom’s had 240 calipers on the back, so these were all rebuilt
mate Bobby building a bespoke race-spec setup from and fitted with EBC discs and pads.
scratch, with overkill military-spec connectors. Forge
Motorsport custom-made a huge amount of parts in This level of attention carried over to the interior too:
situ specifically for this car, including the radiator (with “I was adamant that the rear seats would go back in,
header tank integrated for tidiness), intercooler, dump so the bench needed a lot of modding,” Tom explains.
valve, FPR, and clean and tidy lines. One of Deutsch “The fronts were custom-built by Cobra Seats, based on
Tech’s strengths is custom exhausts and manifolds, and the Nogaro but with the headrests removed. I wanted
they played a blinder with the bonnet-exit screamer to use some of the material from the original seats, so
package working with the Owen Developments turbo. that’s where the stripe of green came from – I removed
Transmission-wise it’s a BMW ZF manual, for which
conversions kits are readily available in Sweden – a
significant chunk of the project budget, but well worth it
for the dependability.

Custom seats
are based on
modified Cobra
Nogaro buckets
Defining car culture 063

HOT RIDE TECH SPEC:
VOLVO AMAZON
it so it could be reused!”
When it came to the exterior, the car made the ENGINE: B230FK 2.3-litre four-cylinder, Owen
Developments turbo, Forge Motorsport intercooler,
decision for itself. Tom was sure he was buying a cream Forge Motorsport radiator, Forge Motorsport boost
car, but when he saw his new acquisition was actually pipes, Forge Motorsport dump valve, Forge Motorsport
Volvo Light Green it was love at first sight. And once boost compensation valve, Forge Motorsport turbo
the build-up was complete at Deutsch Tech, it was all blanket, Forge Motorsport turbo trumpet, ECUmaster
stripped down and the shell sent to Reflex Auto Design. EMU Black ECU, Deutsch Tech custom exhaust manifold,
All the little age-related dings and dents were perfected Deutsch Tech 4in teardrop exhaust with integrated
so the original panels could be saved, and every trim screamer pipe, custom intake plenum, ST180 coil
hole was welded up so the chrome trim could be pack, Brise alternator, Mocal fuel lines and connectors,
reaffixed perfectly straight. Even though there’s a fuel adjustable cam gear, VX cam upgrade, OBP fuel cell,
cell, the filler cap has been retained for the OEM++ Bosch fuel pump, custom wiring - DR harness with
vibe, and the body received a full respray in its factory military-spec plugs
colour. With the Players Classic reveal date rapidly
approaching, the Amazon made it back to Deutsch Tech TRANSMISSION: BMW ZF 5-speed manual with custom
for the rebuild just a couple of days before the unveiling. bellhousing, Sachs 6-paddle clutch, lightened flywheel,
No stress then! “The reaction at Players was incredible,” custom propshaft, narrowed Volvo 240 rear axle
Tom beams. “A lot of people said it was their car of
the show.” Testament indeed to a job well done, and SUSPENSION: Custom fabricated front suspension and
you’ll no doubt be seeing it at all sorts of shows across rear axle with 4-link and Watt’s linkage – by The Install
the summer, as the Meguiar’s team will be getting the Company, GM Bodycraft raised subframe (75mm), Air
Amazon out and about as much as possible… but don’t Lift Performance 3P management, Air Lift Performance
go thinking it’s a pure show pony. Tom’s insistent that it’s compressors, Air Lift Performance tank, Air Lift
a driver’s car: there’s a Morgan Motors-spec Kenwood Performance bags, custom Bilstein dampers
system living behind the dash and 6x9s hidden under
the rear bench, and he’s deliberately retained the BRAKES: Rebuilt standard 3-pot front calipers, Volvo 240
original steering wheel and gearstick for the old-school rear disc setup, EBC discs and pads all round
feel. There may be a lot of snorting power to exploit, but
this OEM++ P130 is an out-and-out cruiser. And he’s got WHEELS & TYRES: 8x16in (front) and 9x16in (rear) SSR
the sparking titanium scrape plates to prove it.  Performance Reverse Mesh wheels with colour-coded
centres, 195/40/16 Nankang tyres
It’s been a hard slog to get
the Amazon complete, but INTERIOR: Custom-built and reshaped Cobra Nogaro
the results are well worth it! seats with deleted headrests, Schroth Racing harnesses,
modified original rear bench, OBP Track-Pro V2
floor-mounted pedal box, OBP Pro-Drift V3 hydraulic
handbrake, OBP battery cage (battery relocated inside
car), custom tunnel to allow for prop, Kenwood / Morgan
Cars factory-option hideaway Bluetooth audio system,
Kenwood speakers

EXTERIOR: Reflex Auto Design full body paint in original
colour – Volvo Light Green, all panels removed, aligned,
and refitted, original metalwork straightened and
perfected, early-style grille, rear reflector delete, US-spec
taillights, redundant fuel filler cap permanently fixed,
entire underside Raptor painted

THANKS: “Thanks to Deutsch Tech, The Install Company,
Bilstein UK, Air Lift Performance, Car Audio Security,
Reflex Auto Design, Nankang, The Wheel Specialist
Fareham, Forge Motorsport, OBP Motorsport, EBC
Brakes, Owen Developments, Kenwood UK, Cobra Seats,
ECUmaster, Mana Performance, Raptor Paints, and GM
Bodycraft.”

064 www.fastcar.co.uk



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AUDI RS3 (2015-2021)

Words Rich Gooding 2015
-2021
AUDI RS3PhotographyAudi
The RS3 was Audi’s first crack at a mega-hatch. Firing an opening salvo that
highlighted Audi’s ambitions to take a slice of the performance hatch pie, the
second-gen ‘8V’ model saw the RS3 get even brawnier. Eminently tunable as
well as a good secondhand buy, what should you look for if you fancy one?

The Ur-Quattro’s legendary status is assured, but swift estate car. The first Audi hot hatchback, the S3
we bet Audi didn’t even dare to consider that its all- arrived in 1999, and has been followed by mega-
conquering rally weapon would spawn whole families powerful saloons, estates, and SUVs. Currently
of all-wheel drive sporting machines. Yet that’s numbering 15 S and RS-badged cars, that sporting
exactly what it’s done. The 1990s S2 coupé started lineage has ultimately resulted in the R8 supercar, a
the ball rolling, the 311bhp Porsche-fettled RS2 (RS very long way from those first snowbank-sliding Ur-
= Racing Sport) laying the foundations for the super- Quattros, but a descendant none the less.

Defining car culture 067

FC BUYING GUIDE When you see the twin
oval pipes and iconic
Tech specs RS badge, you know it
means business
Model..........................................RS3 (8V, 2017)
Engine.....................................................2,480cc
Max power ...................... 394bhp @ 7,000rpm
Max torque...................... 354lb ft @ 5,850rpm
Transmission ...............7-speed DSG dual-clutch
Max speed.............................................155mph
0-60mph...........................................4.1 seconds

History also guaranteed this time around, with the carbon inlays and a panoramic glass sunroof
Quattro system dialled to push upto 100% of signified the special edition.
The first RS3 came to the UK in April 2011. the engine’s torque to the rear wheels.
Packing a 335bhp turbocharged five-cylinder A brand-new ‘8Y’ version of the RS3 looks
engine from the TT RS sports coupé, the RS3 A wide-reaching update in 2017 heralded set to debut later in 2021. Although it packs
turned up the wick on the 261bhp S3 quite the arrival of the handsome £45,250 three- the same 394bhp under its more muscular
considerably. Its 332lb ft of torque saw it box RS3 Saloon, as well as a hike in power body, torque is now 369lb ft, promising a
scamper to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds – no to 394bhp. Now firmly under the Audi Sport scorching 0-62mph pace of just 3.8 seconds.
doubt helped by its standard launch control umbrella, the updated 8V RS3s gained The biggest talking point is the new RS
system – and an S-Tronic double-clutch enhanced tech including a 12.3in fully digital Torque Splitter, though, which makes its
gearbox and permanent ‘quattro’ all-wheel Audi Virtual Cockpit driver’s display. Audi debut. Distributing drive torque between the
drive system (actually a Volkswagen 4Motion- Sport Edition versions arrived in 2019, the rear wheels in a fully variable manner, it’s got
derived Haldex system with Audi fettling) £50,285 RS3 Sportback and £51,285 RS3 mega-hatch aficionados and performance
helped it grip the roads like a limpet. Only Saloon featuring a black styling pack and Audi fans very hot under the collar. The big
available as a five-door Sportback, the RS3 gloss anthracite 19in alloy wheels. Inside, question is: will it drift?
‘8P’ signalled that Audi had serious hot hatch
ambitions, building a car with more firepower 8V RS3s can have the limiter
than the all-wheel drive Golf R. Initially only removed for a 174mph top speed
500 RS3s were UK-bound, but so popular
was it, that another 250 of the £39,930 cars
soon followed.

The RS3 ‘8V’ hit the streets in 2015. The
ingredients were very similar – a warbly and
deliciously sounding five-pot engine, all-
wheel drive, Sportback body – but a power
bump to 362bhp that eclipsed that of the
hardcore Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. This
time, 343lb ft of torque helped 0-62 times
tumble to 4.3 seconds before the new
pocket rocket romped onto a top speed of
155mph. Owners could ask for the limiter to
be removed, liberating a truly Top Trumps-
beating 174mph where conditions allowed
– in a five-door hatch! Optional weaponry
included magnetic dampers and wider
255/30 front rubber. More driving fun was

068 www.fastcar.co.uk

What to look out for ‘8J’ TT RS. These can suffer from a build-up AUDI RS3 (2015-2021)
of carbon in the cast aluminium-silicon alloy
Based on sorted Audi and Volkswagen cylinder head, especially around the valves. The RS3’s potent powerplant
Group mechanicals with a proven pedigree, The 394bhp ‘DAZA’ arrived in 2017, but both has won the Engine Of The Year
RS3s offer little to catch out the unwary. As have an almost unburstable reputation as long
with most used cars, a complete service as they are regularly serviced and maintained. award for eight years running
history is worth its weight in gold. Regular “Having built a number of customer vehicles
maintenance by a specialist is a must, though, now running the TTE700 turbochargers, the system installed on smaller Audis is in fact
especially when it comes to the Haldex all- ‘DAZA’ motor in the later 2017-2018 (67-68 a Haldex multi-plate clutch arrangement
wheel drive systems and DQ500 S-Tronic plate) cars is an absolute gem of an engine,” which sends power to the rear wheels. The
gearboxes. Interiors and body work present confirms Brown. “Providing they see regular seven-speed DQ500 dual-clutch gearbox
no notable issues and the engines can cope maintenance, they should last well.” was designed for high performance engine
with huge power outputs, so there are plenty outputs with up to 443lb ft, so it should
of reasons to get out there and get yourself Some cars may have seen an update for very easily handle the RS3’s gobfuls of
an all-wheel drive mega-hatch! the fuel pump module carried out by an Audi torque. Check that all gears engage cleanly,
retailer, which replaces the lift pump module and watch for other common issues that
Bodywork & Trim under the rear seat. If this hasn’t been done, include faulty Haldex clutch system pumps.
constant cutting out at low speeds or when These give the game away by repeatedly
Audis come with a 12-year anti-perforation idling, or a refusal to start for around 10 illuminating the traction control light. Leaks
warranty as standard as well as a three-year minutes will be the tell-tale signs, along with around the bevel boxes or drive shafts should
paint guarantee and issues are generally few a low fuel pressure error code. be replaced under warranty on later cars.
and far between. The flared wheel arches can
attract stone chips and, as with any used car, The quattro permanent all-wheel drive However, whatever you do, don’t skimp
it’s sensible to check for any uneven panel on servicing and maintenance as it’s a false
gaps as well as obvious inconsistencies in economy. “The DQ500 gearbox is a good,
the paintwork, which might point to hidden strong unit; however it does require the
accident damage. Overall though, the S-Tronic oil and filter services to be done
RS3’s body seems to invite very few issues. routinely,” states Brown. “Picking up a car
“We’re not really in the body work game, that has had these forgotten or omitted
but we’ve not really seen any notable issues
on these models that we’d have any cause
for concern on,” says Al Brown, product and
trade manager at Volkswagen and Audi part
specialists Awesome GTI Ltd.

Engine & Transmission

The RS3’s 2,480cc engine is generally tough
and can deal with massive mileages. Winner
of the Engine of The Year award for the
2.0-litre-2.5-litre category for a massive eight
years running, the 362bhp ‘CZGB’ unit first
appeared in 2015-2017 RS3s, based on the
‘CEPA’ engine installed in the 2009-2014

The RS3’s dual clutch gearbox
and transmission can cope
with big power increases

Defining car culture 069

FC BUYING GUIDE

could be costly. However, in general, as long during the build stages. MSearivnitceinnagn&ce
as they’ve been well serviced and driven with “The cars come with a decent set of
a moderate amount of mechanical sympathy, With any high performance car, regular
we don’t see many major issues with them. calipers from the factory,” Brown reports. serving and maintenance not only protects
The prop shaft coupling bolts can be a weak “However they are fitted up front with the life of the vehicle, but also ensures it holds
spot for people who partake in regular non-handed discs, which often result in its value. A minor service every six months for
‘launches’ – for which we offer an upgraded them overheating one side on the front cars that put on the miles costs around £179
ARP prop bolt kit.” discs when used on the track.” This can be from an Audi or VW specialist such as PSC.
sorted by fitting upgraded discs. As with An annual service which includes oil and filter
Chassis other performance machines, check the changes can cost £260, with a comprehensive
alloys for signs of corrosion or damage. The 24-month inspection around £375.
The standard suspension is reasonable and inside edge of the front tyres can wear very
not particularly problematic, according to badly and is a known fault. Mismatched Brown points out some specifics that will
Brown. “Many RS3 owners opt for a thicker rubber and tyres from the more budget need their condition to be maintained to be
rear anti-roll bar to dial out a little bit of end of the scale should also raise eyebrows. in tip-top order. “The Haldex all-wheel drive
the understeer that these cars can see,” system needs regular care. Removal of the
he says. If you plan to regularly venture on Interior & Electrics Haldex pump and cleaning the pump strainer
track with your fast Audi, you may choose to is necessary as the fifth-generation Haldex
consider more comprehensive suspension Being an Audi, the RS3 is built to a very system used on these cars does not have a
upgrades. “A complete coilover kit would high standard and this is readily confirmed replaceable filter like the earlier generations
be a welcome addition for fast road use and by Brown, who reports no major issues with do. Also keep on top of regular oil changes
beyond,” Brown states. If the rear of the the interiors of the all-wheel drive hot hatch. and the DQ500 S-Tronic gearbox; it’s heavily
car sounds noisy, check that the rear shock “There really is nothing to report. As with recommended to keep this in order to keep
absorber mounts have been changed, as most VW/Audi Group cars, they are fairly the car in good condition.”
early cars were fitted with the incorrect items well put together with very few reports of
electrical gremlins or ‘fit and finish’ issues.” If you should find the RS3’s stopping-
power wanting – and we very much doubt
Cool, classy and well that you will – a complete Tarox front and rear
built interiors are an disc upgrade with Ferodo DS Performance
pads will cost in the region of £1,834 from a
Audi trademark specialist such as Awesome GTI.

Top Mods

 Forge Motorsport turbo inlet pipe
 Intercooler upgrade (APR/Forge/Wagner)
 Milltek or Scorpion secondary exhaust

catalyst deletes
 Vagbremtechnic 362mm brake disc set

with upgraded pads
 034Motorsport rear anti-roll bar

Conclusion

Even the earliest 8V RS3s aren’t cheap
but it’s a lot of car for the money. The hot
Audi’s rarity doesn’t help to lower prices
but there are plenty of cars around at low-
ish mileages to be enjoyed as a potentially
appreciating modern classic. The raft of
available modifications – those five-pot
engines can be tuned to over 700bhp! –
and unburstable mechanicals make for an
enticing combination. Get out and bag
yourself a warbling hot hatch wonder! 

Contacts

www.audirs3oc.com
www.audi-sport.net
www.club-audi.co.uk
www.audiownersclub.com
www.audiclub.co.uk

Prices

2015 Sportback:...........£25k (60,000 miles)
2018 Sportback:...........£42k (30,000 miles)
2020 Sportback:............. £52k (4,000 miles)

070 www.fastcar.co.uk

@SCORPIONEXHAUST Feel, hear and live the power of Scorpion.
SCORPIONEXHAUSTS
/SCORPION You only have to hold a Scorpion exhaust to appreciate the
SCORPIONEXHAUSTS premium design and construction qualities, which translate into
tangible gains in both performance and reliability. Hand crafted in
England and widely regarded as the best exhaust on the market
today, Scorpion has become one of the most popular upgrades
a driver can make.
The real difference is the way a Scorpion feels. No other
exhaust is created with our passion, expertise and experiences.
Everything that we have put into developing the worlds best
car exhausts over the years is designed to be shared, felt and
experienced by you.

SCORPION AUDI RS3 CAT BACK SYSTEM FITTED WITH TWIN ACTIVE EXHAUST VALVES.

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TUNING GUIDE

It may not be the first name
you thnk of when it comes to

hot hatches, but the i30N
can mix it with the best

HYUNDAI I30N The i30N was developed at
the Nurburgring by ex-BMW
TUNING GUIDE engineer Albert Biermann

The Hyundai i30N is the underestimated gem of the
hot hatch crowd, but it’ll more than hold its own
against the usual suspects, especially when tuned.
We speak to expert tuners Courtenay Sport to give
you a quick fire guide to hot up your Hyundai.

In 2017, the Hyundai i30N hit the hot hatch world with a bang.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Korean manufacturer had pulled
out a car that could take on the segment’s top guns and not only
that, but beat them at their own game. Much of the hot Hyundai’s
success came from the firm drafting in engineer Albert Biermann,
who was previously the head of BMW’s revered M Division, and
honed and developed the car at the legendary Nurburgring.
Packing either 250bhp in the N, or 271bhp in the N Performance
model, straight out of the box, with braking, handling and
build quality to rival the best in the game, the i30N should be
overlooked at your peril, especially the N Performance model,
which would be our pick of the bunch. And with top tuners such
as Courtenay Sport now offering a host of upgrades to make the
car even hotter, there’s no doubt that the i30N is the thinking
man’s choice of hot hatch hero.

072 www.fastcar.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH HYUNDAI I30N

ENGINE Sport is a simple plug and play affair that you to save your money for the exhaust
boosts power to around 305bhp and system. The OEM exhaust is a roarty unit
The Hyundai i30N uses a 2.0-litre, 16v 332lb ft. But if that’s not enough for you, with pop and bangs aplenty, but it is quite
turbo G4KH Theta engine, which comes then there are hardware upgrades you restrictive, especially in the flexipipe, so a
with either 250bhp in the N, or 271bhp can make too. The stock inlet is superb, bigger bore replacement here does reap
in the N Performance. The block itself featuring big bore pipe work and a cone around 10bhp alone for around £170.
is essentially the same unit as found filter in the stock airbox, so gains in this Combine this with a GPF delete or cat-
in the Mitsubishi Evo X, but has been area are hard won, with an induction kit back system from the likes of Milltek and
strengthened by being of a closed deck making more of an aural improvement you get a nice torque gain low down, plus
design, which means it’s also a great base that any noticeable power increase. To this an even better aural experience.
for tuning. end, a simple uprated filter for the stock
air box is recommended, which allows An uprated tube and fin intercooler from
First up is an option for those not Wagner will also be worthwhile, as it flows
wanting to get their hands dirty, and that’s better and has improved cooling properties,
a remap. A stage one map from Courtenay allowing more boost to be run. Combine
these with a stage two map and you’ll be
seeing around 325bhp and 350lb ft. Finally,
any more will require a hybrid turbo and
uprated fuel pump, but combined with a
stage three map, outputs of up to 400bhp
and 385lb ft are to be expected, making for
a seriously rapid hatch.

SUSPENSION

The stock suspension is a properly sorted
set up, with an excellent e-differential and
electronic damper control via the steering
wheel modes. If you want to retain this
functionality, then simple lowering spring
kits are available from Eibach and ST, but
the ride does tend to suffer. A better, if
pricier, option would be to upgrade to a
full coilover system from the likes of KW.
Their V3 kit with damper cancellation
offers an excellent choice for lowered
road driving, with superb handling and
ride comfort, but you do lose the ability
to adjust the damper settings from the
driver’s seat. For those who want a more
hardcore option or that want to do a lot of
track work, the KW Clubsport kit is what
Courtenay Sport recommends, along with
adjustable camber bolts from Powerflex.

BRAKES

Unlike many other hot hatches, the i30N doesn’t use a swanky Brembo setup or similar and
just makes do with its own braking system, lifted from a heavier model in the range. But far
from a poor option, the stock brakes are immense, with excellent feel that gives plenty of
confidence and power. Due to this, it’s worth limiting upgrades to a set of uprated pads from
EBC for the road or some Pagid RS29s for the track, with a set of Tarox S2000 two piece
discs a good option simply due to their lighter weight. Teamed up with some Goodridge
braided hoses and your brake setup will be stunning!

defining car culture 073

TUNING GUIDE IN ASSOCIATION WITH HYUNDAI I30N

The stock suspension is
sublime, but coilovers
are recommended for
serious track work

much functionality, but you could always
get the stock wheel customised with
wither a flat bottom, some carbon-fibre,
or retrimmed to your taste by companies
such as Royal Steering Wheels or Control
Customs who can tailor the wheel to your
own spec.

INTERIOR STYLE CONCLUSION

The i30N’s interior is simple and stylish with When it comes to styling the i30N, you’re It may lack the kudos and brand heritage
supportive sports seats, a multifunction pretty much limited to low-line kits of the likes of Honda’s Type R, VW’s GTi
steering wheel and a multimedia screen including splitters, side skirts and diffusers or RenaultSport and Ford’s RS monikers,
dominating the centre of the dash. To be from either Maxton Design or Zaero but the i30N relies on much more than
honest, there’s not a lot we’d change, but Design, but that’s no bad thing, as these its badge and is a better car as a result.
if you were looking to track your Hyundai, make just enough impact to help the car In stock form it’s a belter, but with the
then Recaro do their excellent Pole stand out. Wheel wise, the N comes with potential to add 50% more power into
Position bucket seats with i30N specific 18in wheels from the factory, while the N the mix, plus make the already excellent
mounts and you can get a bolt-in rollcage Performance has 19in, so either size will handling and braking more focussed
from either Rollcages UK or JP Cages. It’s fit no problem. Just ensure to select a and potent and you’ve got a seriously
not recommended to fit an aftermarket lightweight option if you want to retain the impressive hot hatch for very reasonable
steering wheel, as you would lose too car’s excellent handling, and it’s said that money. So if you want to fly fast and under
an 18in wheel with a quality 235/40/18 is the radar, or you’re just not that bothered
the sweet spot for performance and ride, about the badge, you can pick up a three
although the 19inchers definitely win in year old i30N for around £20k and have
the looks department. one of the finest hot hatches around.

Large infotainment screen CONTACT:
dominates the dashboard
Courtenay Sport
www.courtenaysport.co.uk
01692 404313

074 www.fastcar.co.uk

WWW.AUTOFINESSE.CO.UK

10 MINUTE TECH:

1B0 LMINOUTWE TECOH FF VALVES
Each month we quiz a specialist with 10 quickfire questions about a product to give you the
knowledge you need to not only make the right decisions when it comes time to upgrade,
but also to have the ammunition to impress your mates at your next meet. This month we
speak to Turbosmart to get the lowdown on blow-off valves…

1 WHAT ARE BLOW-OFF VALVES sound. However, some more recent 4 HOW DO AFTERMARKET
AND WHAT DO THEY DO? ECU systems require an element of BLOW-OFF VALVES DIFFER TO
this expelled air to be fed back into OEM ONES?
A blow-off valve or dump valve – more the intake tract to keep the ECU
commonly known as a diverter valve or happy (and prevent over-fueling due Quite often the stock dump valve is
recirculating valve in recent years – is a to a reduction in metered air volume made of a plastic injection moulded
valve built into the compressed boost by venting to atmosphere), which is material comprising a plunger with a
side of the turbocharger or pipe work where recirculating valves are used rubber diaphragm that over time can
to allow the expulsion of excess boost which plumb the vented air back into fatigue and begin to leak, especially
pressure from the turbo system when the inlet. Unfortunately, for some, the with increased boost pressure and heat.
coming off the throttle. Most blow-off lack of noise with recirculating valves is Stock valves are also often smaller,
valves (BOVs) work via a vacuum line, a downside, so there is a third option which means they cannot flow enough
which allows the piston to open when called a dual port BOV, which gives air to fully depressurise the system,
the throttle is closed and release the an awesome atmospheric noise whilst especially when boost levels have
pressurised air – however many modern still retaining enough air in the system been increased. This in turn can cause
cars now come with electronically to keep the ECU happy. The best of compressor surge as the boost pressure
actuated BOVs. This elevates pressure both worlds! Finally the latest range are struggles to escape and ends up trying
on the turbo itself and stops any direct electronic replacements that are to exit back through the turbo itself –
excessive surge whilst allowing the often found on the latest generation of which can be heard as a fluttering or
turbine blades to continue spinning, cars, however, they are usually (certainly ‘turkey gobble’ noise, as the air hits the
resulting in greater longevity for the in the case of Turbosmart’s EM range) still-rotating blades of the turbo.
blades, shaft and bearings and allowing billet aluminium casings, brass pistons
marginally quicker spool up between and considerably faster electronics to
gear changes and throttle application. operate the valve.

2 ARE THEY ALL THE SAME? 3 WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF? Aftermarket BOVs do away with the
rubber diaphragm and are often much
In short, no. While they all effectively Generally speaking aftermarket blow- larger, meaning no leaks and much
do the same job of allowing excess off valves consist of an aluminium body, higher flow rates.
boost to escape from the turbo system, a brass piston and a spring for the
the way they go about this can vary. piston to work against. Depending on
Fully atmospheric BOVs vent all of this whether it is pneumatic operation or
excess boost straight out into the air, electric, they will either have a plug or
which gives the trademark whoosh-tish banjo bolt vacuum take off.

076 www.fastcar.co.uk

BLOW-OFF VALVES

5 WHY, OR WHEN, WOULD
YOU NEED TO UPGRADE YOUR
BLOW-OFF VALVE?

Many people upgrade their blow-off
valve simply to gain the noise, which,
even on a completely stock car is quite
easy to achieve. However, the main
reason to upgrade your BOV would be
to improve performance and increase
reliability. If your car is over 10-years-
old or is running higher than standard
boost pressure, there is a good chance
that your stock BOV could be either
leaking – meaning you are losing power
through reduced boost levels – or isn’t
capable of flowing enough air – leading
to potential turbo problems further
down the line. For this reason, we
suggest that an uprated BOV be one
of the first considerations for upgrading
when tuning a turbocharged car.

6 HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO are mass manufactured and ultimately that the only downside is your fuel bill
GET THE RIGHT TYPE OF BOV? built to a budget for a specific power is likely to increase, as you will find
level and to ensure a good shelf life. yourself using boost all the time to hear
Like most tuning parts getting the right Once things are pushed, and you that awesome blow-off noise!
blow-off valve can depend on what start running more boost and higher
your goals are for the car. Are you just engine temperatures, the natural shelf 10 OTHER THAN ENSURING
looking to add a cool whoosh-tish on life of the OEM product is shortened YOU GET THE RIGHT ONE FOR
your gearchange? Are you wanting due to the cheaper materials and YOUR APPLICATION, WHAT ARE
to replace a leaking OEM valve on a manufacturing process. By fitting an THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
standard engine? Or are you looking aftermarket valve, such as those from TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN
for the ultimate in performance to help Turbosmart, you will eliminate these BUYING AN UPRATED BOV?
reduce your lap times? Then there’s issues and have a more effective valve
your specific application to think about. that will also last much longer. It’s all about the R&D and testing!
What type of BOV you may need Don’t buy the fiddly little kits that are
could depend largely on your ECU 8 WHAT OTHER MODS available on the market or the cheap
requirements and whether it needs to SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN eBay junk, it will only fail and you will
add some recirculation or can simply UPRATING YOUR BOV? spend twice. Follow a brand that you
vent to atmosphere. Finally you need know has strong technical facilities,
to consider space, as there’s no point That could be a long list but one of the partners and development platforms,
in buying a big BOV that can flow loads most useful is a boost gauge, as this such as Turbosmart, and you will love
of air if you can’t physically fit it in your way you can see if there are any boost every second of ownership.
engine bay. But whatever your needs related issues should the car feel like it’s
there is something suitable in the down on power. It’s also great to check Contact
Turbosmart range, from stock power, that you are hitting optimal requested www.turbosmart.com
right up to big boost race applications boost pressure. Another modification
and even the latest electronically that you could make while you are
controlled versions. fitting a BOV would be to replace your
factory rubber hoses with some silicone
7 WHAT CAUSES FACTORY alternatives, as this will ensure the
BOVS TO FAIL, OR NOT BE system remains in optimum condition
SUITABLE FOR THE TASK? DO with no air leaks.
AFTERMARKET BOVS SUFFER
THE SAME FATE? 9 ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES
TO UPRATED BOVS?
The main reason for blow-off valve
failure is usually fatigue in the plastic Some models can require a small
body itself, or of the rubber diagphram amount of maintenance, but other than
as a direct result of boost pressure and
heat. The valves present in most cars

defining car culture 077







FRESH KIT

NEW PRODUCTS

The latest products to empty your wallet from the big wide world of car culture...

PRREODDHUCOTT

TTS PERFORMANCE SUPERCHARGER THE ROTREX CONNECTION
KIT FOR FN2 HONDA CIVIC
TTS Performance has long been hailed as a respected specialist in the field
The FN2 Civic Type R may not have the same following as its iconic of supercharging thanks to a colourful history of car, motorbike, jet ski and
forebear the EP3, but peel back that polarizing angular styling industrial generator forced induction conversions that it has carried out using
and you’ll find the same over-engineered K20 engine that is just Rotrex superchargers. The Silverstone-based company’s choice of blower is
begging to be tuned to the hilt. What the screaming 2.0-litre VTEC largely down to the fact that Rotrex units are almost silent in operation, even
unit has in abundance is revs, but it does lack torque and that’s though they can be run at much higher speeds than superchargers from
where naturally aspirated tuning struggles to really add gains, as it rival manufacturers. An ability for even the smallest of Rotrex units to run at
often relies on raising the stratospheric rev-limit even higher with 250,000rpm means that characteristics including increased boost levels,
peaky cams. No, the best solution to add meat to the K20’s power totally linear power delivery and instantaneous throttle response are achieved
curve is boost, and the supercharger conversions from Silverstone- – features that will boost your car into hypercar levels of performance!
based TTS-Performance are some of the best in the business.
Using a range of Rotrex centrifugal superchargers, capable of
boost pressures of up to 20psi, plus all the necessary ancillaries,
associated belts, pipes, hoses, clips and even an intercooler, oil
cooler and new filter needed to ready the installation for mapping,
your FN2 can flex its new muscles to the tune of up to 600bhp! Kits
are available in a range of supercharger sizes depending on your
pocket and desired level of performance, and the best part of all is
that on many of the kits you can keep your air con intact, making
this conversion just as handy on your daily driver as it would be on
a track weapon.
Price: from £4662
www.tts-performance.co.uk

defining car culture 079

QRC CARBON PARTS FOR MK3 FOCUS RS

These new carbon-fibre upgrades from Polish composite experts
QRC are taking the UK market by storm. Made from high-quality,
pre-preg carbon-fibre finished in high-gloss, these lightweight parts
are made the exact same dimensions as the OE plastic parts they
replace, making fitting them a breeze. QRC’s first venture into the
Ford market is for the Mk3 Focus RS, with the products available
including a front splitter, front number-plate panel, front fog light
surrounds, rear diffuser, engine cover and door mirror covers; prices
start at £148 for the door mirror covers ranging to £2600 for the full
kit. For more details head to the QRC website.
Price: From £148 (full kit £2600)
www.qrc.com.pl

REVIVE TURBO CLEANER

Revive turbo cleaner is a range of safe, water-based, non toxic,
non corrosive and non flammable fluids that can help restore your
engine’s power and economy, reduce emissions and keep your
turbo healthy. The treatment is simply sprayed into the vehicle’s
intake system before the turbo inlet whilst the engine is running.
Revive’s patented formula then breaks down surface layers of soot
and carbon deposits that can build up within your turbo and around
your valve stems and seats. These tiny particles, which are no larger
than the soot particles the engine naturally generates, then simply
exit through your car’s exhaust system, making it safe to use on
vehicles fitted with catalysts and particulant filters.
Price: from £35
www.cleanmyengine.com

AUTOGLYM UHD POLISHING COMPOUND

UHD Polishing Compound is Autoglym’s ultimate paint renovation
blend – an easy-to-work cream that is designed to get rid of swirl
marks and other paint defects to rejuvenate your car’s bodywork.
The kit comes with 500ml of the polishing compound, 160mm soft
and medium foam polisher pads, and a super soft finishing cloth.
As a paint renovator, it’s best used with a dual-action polisher, and
as such requires experience and expertise to achieve best results.
However, careful use will provide the perfect base for the application
of finishing products such as Ultra High Definition Ceramic Coating
and Ultra High Definition Wax to give your car a show-ready shine.
Price: £54.99
www.autoglym.com

GOODRIDGE BRAKE LINE KIT FOR SEAT AND CUPRA

PTFE-lined braided brake lines are an excellent addition to any
tuned car as they firm up the pedal and offer a more direct feel
and stronger stopping power. Goodridge, the global automotive
performance fluid transfer systems manufacturer, has announced a
new line of brake hose kits for Seat and Cupra applications; including
the latest Seat Arona, Ateca, Ibiza, Leon, Tarraco and Cupra Ateca
and Formentor models. Goodridge has been manufacturing hose
assemblies for performance, OEM and motorsport applications for
over 50 years now, working with some of the most well know race
teams and top marque original equipment manufacturers in the
world, and these latest kits benefit from all that knowhow. Each kit
is a direct replacement for the OEM hoses, ready to fit as a cost-
effective braking upgrade to your OEM braking system or as the
perfect addition to a ‘big brake’ upgrade. And with thirteen distinct
colours to pick from, there’s no danger of any colour clashes!
Price: From £35.83
www.goodridge.com

080 www.fastcar.co.uk

FRESH KIT

ABT EXHAUST AND WHEELS FOR AUDI S3 APPAREL

At the end of last year, ABT Sportsline began to supply the ABT Power STATUS ERROR STICKER
performance upgrade for the current Audi S3 with the designation 8Y.
Thanks to ABT Engine Control, the sporty compact delivers a hefty 370bhp. BOMB BACK PACK
In order to acoustically accentuate the increased power of the 2.0 TFSI, a
new stainless steel ABT exhaust system has been developed for the S3 This ultra funky back pack is
featuring 102mm quad tailpipes in a stylish matt black finish. not only a cool style statement,
But that’s not all, as the world’s largest automotive aftermarket and but also an extremely practical
performance parts specialist for Audi and VW also has three new rim solution to carrying all your
designs for the S3 in its range. On the one hand, there are the 20in SPORT essentials. The water resistant
GR rims in both gloss and matt black, while on the other is the 20in classic material is printed using state
5-spoke design SPORT FR in mystic black. The 19in five-spoke ER-C Sports of the art DTG printers for a long
rim also perfectly emphasises the powerful appearance of the S3 and is lasting design that will protect
available in matt black. The latter colour scheme is perfectly complemented your gear from the elements.
by the matt black tail pipes of the ABT exhaust system. It also has a dedicated laptop
Price: Various pocket and padded straps
www.abt-sportsline.com to ensure it’s a comfortable
carry.
GAZ GOLD COILOVERS FOR VW GOLF MK7 Price: £49.99
www.statuserror.co.uk
The Mk7 Golf is a capable tool straight out of the box, but we all know that
both handling and looks can be radically improved with uprated suspension HOONIGAN ‘TIRE
and the Golf is no exception. The Gaz Gold coilover kit for the Mk7 Golf SLAYER’ T-SHIRT
is suitable for street, track day and even outright competition vehicles - Everyone loves a
especially those that have been subject to extensive power upgrades. The black tee, and this slick
kit contains a pair of full coilover units for the front, with GAZ adjustable monochromatic item from
dampers, lowered springs and height adjustable spring seats for the rear. Hoonigan fits the bill to
Coming with 60mm of height adjustment means you have plenty of scope a… tee. Known for their
to get your car’s fitment on point, while the multi-grade high viscosity index association with driving
fluid inside the dampers helps resist fade under extreme conditions. As well legends Ken Block and Travis
as height adjustment, the GAZ Gold units also feature bump and rebound Pastrana, Hoonigan knows all about burning rubber and this
damping adjustment that can be altered while on the vehicle by means of Tire Slayer t-shirt with chequered flag strip is a nice nod to the
an easily accessible adjuster knob. All units are individually tested before thousands of rubber bands destroyed by the petrol-loving pair.
leaving the factory and are covered by a two year warranty. Price: £24.99
Price: £1277.10 www.amazon.co.uk
www.gazshocks.com
STRICTLY STATIC OG CAP
Keeping things simple with a classic camper shape and an
adjustable clip back closure, this rad red cap from Strictly Static
is just the thing to keep your bonse cool and covered when the
sun is blazing.
Price: £24.99
www.strictly-static.com

defining car culture 081

FRESH KIT

AUDIO & TECH

Indulge your inner geek with the best audio, visual and gadget tech around

PIONEER SDA-11DAB DIGITAL RADIO ADAPTER

Fed up with the limited choice of tunes on analogue
radio? Then you need to get into the digital age and
get yourself a DAB radio. And with Pioneer’s SDA-
11DAB adapter, you don’t even need to change your
existing headunit. For a bargain £110, this nifty piece
of kit can be installed into any existing factory stereo
either wirelessly or hard-wired and also features
Bluetooth technology to allow you to safely and
legally answer your phone on the move. With great
DAB performance opening up a whole new world of
digital stations, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and its easy
to use interface and menu system means it’s a cinch
to set up and use, even while keeping your eyes on
the road.

Price: £110
www.pioneer-car.eu

JL AUDIO ACTIVE MICROSUB ENCLOSURE MEGUIAR’S MT320 DUAL ACTION POLISHER

Getting big bass in your ride doesn’t necessarily mean you need to Everyone likes a clean car, but few go to the lengths of compounding,
cram your boot full of mammoth subwoofers, as there are a host polishing and waxing their four wheeled friend with a dedicated
of more modestly sized options out there that will happily produce machine polisher. And while to many it would seem like a job best
prodigious bass at a fraction of the size. The JL Audio active left to the professionals, with the right tools you can achieve that pro
MicroSub system is just 47cm long, 28.3cm high and 13cm deep shine right on your driveway. The MT320 is a dual action polisher
and houses a single 8in W3v3-0.4 subwoofer. This mini air mover is from detailing gurus Meguiar’s which allows users of all skill levels
powered by a similarly dinky 250W Class D amplifier which is built to get better results than by hand and deliver those results safely
into one end of the rigid MDF enclosure, while a clever port design without damaging your paint or leaving behind any swirls marks. A
is located at the other. This combination may lack physical size, but thumb-adjustable speed dial and outer casing have been designed
the bass that it produces is far from small, offering an output usually for a more ergonomic feel, and provides a speed adjustment
only seen in far larger systems. The MicroSub is compatible with a between 3000-7500 opm for faster compounding, superior final
large range of OEM and aftermarket headunits and can be easily polishing and easier waxing and to ensure you get the best possible
disconnected if you ever did need to free up its tiny footprint. finish every single time.

Price: £580 Price: £280
www.celsusice.co.uk www.meguiars.co.uk

082 www.fastcar.co.uk

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Motorsport is back! EXCLUSIVE: READERS’ Q&A:
As the calendar lls
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n Extra content Mexican holds his nerve on the streets of Baku to pick up the pieces as title chasers face disaster
n Extra value
n Extra excitement PEREZ SURVIVES THE CHAOS TO OPEN
HIS RED BULL VICTORY ACCOUNT
By Matt James
Perez took second F1 win Azerbaijan Grand Prix winner
Sergio Perez feared that his Red
Hamilton locks up and Bull-Honda would fail on the
loses potential podium final lap of the restarted race
as an hydraulic problem struck
his Honda-powered car.

The Mexican inherited the lead
when team-mate MaxVerstappen,
who had led the event from lap 18
and was steering a course to victory,
suffered a tyre failure, which pitched
him into the wall.

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during a two-lap restart dash to the
flag as the Mercedes man slithered
off the circuit atTurn 1. Hamilton
recovered to 15th.

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machine would have ground to a
halt before the end.

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race.And really, it was quite difficult
all the way until the end,” said the
relieved winner.

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added: “We were really concerned
that the car wouldn’t get to the end
of the race, which is why he stopped
after the chequered flag.

“You thought that we could only
lose when they got the restart,
but thankfully it all worked out
tremendously well, and Sergio
did a great, great job.”
Report, page 4

THE VOICE OF BRITISH MOTORSPORT WRC FEATURE KELSEYmedia

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MOTORSPORT

DRIVER INTERVIEW:

HUBERT “TRUPO“ TRUNKENPOLZ 

How did you get into motorsport? the Red Bull Ring in Austria, at its debut race,
I actually started my racing career on two was also a big highlight of my racing career.
wheels, not four, when I raced motorcycles in
the National MotoCross Championship and Which is your favourite circuit to race on and
later in the Superbike National Championship. why?
I started car racing very late in 2009 in the KTM That’s easy: Mugello in Italy. It’s such an intense
X-BOW battle series. circuit to drive with a fast long straight and
some very technical corners. There’s a good
What other series have you raced in?  reason that many F1 teams use it for testing. It’s
I have also raced in the Creventic 24-hour a lot of fun to drive.
endurance series.
You currently race the new KTM X-Box GT2,
What has been your racing career highlight what is that like?
so far? The GT2s are really amazing cars! Whereas the
I’d say that would have to be my 3rd place standard X-Bow road car (which is a blisteringly
finish in the SPX Class in the 24 hours of Brno fast open-top two seater) uses a 2.0-litre, four-
and the 24 hours of Barcelona. They were great cylinder turbocharged Audi engine producing
races that I really enjoyed. It was a hard fought 300bhp, the GT2 cars run a 2.5-litre engine and
battle over such a long race, but to end up on are tuned to 620bhp and only weigh 1050kg,
the podium was an amazing achievement. Of with a more aerodynamic carbon-fibre cockpit
course, my first ever victory with a KTM GT4 at and bodywork, so you can guess from the

CIRCUIT PROFILE: OULTON PARK
Each month, we’ll dissect one of the country’s top tracks to give you the edge on your next trackday

Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Cheshire, Oulton is a you, this is easier said than done.
spectacular (and long) circuit, and a very rewarding one for the You can tackle Island Bend carrying a lot of speed from the
driver. What makes it so great for the crowds is your proximity
to the track, so you can almost feel the heat of the exhausts straight and just back off the throttle rather than brake hard,
and smell the tortured rubber. making this a furious entry into the Shell Oils hairpin. Shell Oils
is a rare beast, a fast hairpin, but it has a fairly steep camber,
However, this comes at the price of less prevalent run- most pronounced at the base of the incline.
off areas, meaning caution should be advised – especially as
Oulton is one of those tracks that just makes you want to push Try and smooth out the kink of Foulstons as much as possible
harder each lap. for the drag up to Knickerbrook and the deceptively fast Druids
over the double apex. After that you just have to watch the dip
From the awesome first Old Hall right-hander, through the after Lodge and you’re on for a quick time.
almost blind downhill entry to Cascades, keeping your lines is
key. As the track drops away and the camber works against Oulton Park is around 20 minutes from Chester and is easily
reached from the A54 and A59.

084 www.fastcar.co.uk

CIRCUIT
ESSENTIALS

ELECTRONIC
WASTEGATE

power-to-weight ratio what they are like to some light food and hopefully a good night’s If you drive a turbocharged car and are
drive. The acceleration and handling is simply sleep the night before. serious about performance, you need
mind-blowing, yet they are still fun to drive, as to ensure that your car’s boost control
they are not so scary or difficult to handle like What advice would you give to anyone is on point, as it will not only maximise
the GT3 cars. wanting to get into racing? the potential of your car’s turbo, but
You can make it if you really want it - try to also ensure optimum reliability and
How does it compare to other race cars/ connect to teams and other drivers to get a engine longevity too. And when it
series you’ve driven in?  foot in the door and don’t give up! comes to boost control, Australian
It is very early days for this new series, as it only firm Turbosmart are the experts.
started in 2020, but I think it has a great future Their latest range of electronically
as there are amazing cars from many of the controlled external wastegates are
top manufacturers in the hands of experienced state of the art and are the go-to
amateur drivers on the grid! So far it’s been wastegates used in the KTM X-Bow
really good fun and I am looking forward to the GT2 series, allowing precision control
next races! from a compatible programmable ECU
without the need for springs, hoses or
If you could race in any car or series, what boost reference signal, meaning much
would it be? faster and more accurate opening and
I would defiantly do endurance races and closing as a result. Add in class leading
maybe some GT3 amateur series. flow capacity and heat handling
characteristics and you’ve got a
How do you prepare yourself for race day? potent combination for the ultimate in
I tend to do some easy exercise in the morning boost control.
with a short run and stretching, followed by
Price: from £791.99
Contact: www.turbosmart.com

FAST FACTS

Track length: 2.69 miles (full circuit)
Corners: 8

Highlight: The entry into last corner
Lodge, a favourite for last ditch

overtaking manoeuvres, and the

stomach-lifting dip on the exit

Price: From £139
Website: oultonpark.co.uk

defining car culture 085

SSIULNVDEARYS8TOANUEGUCSITRC20U2IT1 BNOOOWK

BOOK ONLINE NOW: WWW.FORDFAIR.CO.UK

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Booking fee applies. Club discounts subject to availability, limited tickets available at discounted price.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. All attractions are subject to change. Advance public tickets sales close Midnight Friday 6th
August 2021. Club booking deadline Monday 19th July 2021 or until space sells out. Warning motorsport can be dangerous.

EUROPES BIGGEST JAPANESE CAR SHOW

SATURSDILAVYER4TSHTOSNEPETCEIMRBCEURIT2021

TAICDBKNVEAOTONSOCOWEKNDL!Y ALL DAY TRACK ACTION
DEDICATED CLUB DISPLAY AREAS
DRIFT DEMONSTRATIONS
RETAIL VILLAGE

BOOK ONLINE NOW WWW.JAPFEST.CO.UK

Booking fee applies. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. All attractions are subject to change. Advance public tickets sales close Midnight
Thursday 2nd September 2021. Club booking deadline Monday 16th August 2021 or until space sells out. Warning motorsport can be dangerous.



FAST PROJECTS

TOM’S 1967 VOLVO AMAZON COUPE P090
It’s only bloody finished! And it made it to Player’s Classic in one piece! Hooray!

START FINISHED!!!!!

MAINMMAOINDMS:OMDOSR: EAIFRARBIRDICEASTUIOSNPEWNOSRIOKNTH•ACNOYBORUACSAENATSSHRAEKTERAIMST•IDCEKTARTO•IATISRTLEIFETLPWEHREFOELRSMANCE AIR RIDE

DAN’S MAZDA RX-8 P092

Lubrication breakdown sorted. Beefier brakes in place. What’s next? NEVER FINISHED

START

MAIN MODS: RESPRAY IN BMW AUSTIN YELLOW, TAROX BBK, OHLINS COILOVERS, ROTA WHEELS

MISSING IN ACTION

OLLIE’S VW UP! GTI P000
Ollie’s Up! gets some new rolling stock with OZ Super Turismo wheels and Nankang tyres

START ALMOST FINISHED

MAIN MODS: COBRA NOGARO SEATS, FORGE INDUCTION KIT, MILLTEK EXHAUST AND MORE

DAN B’S HONDA FN2 TYPE R P000
The FN2 gets its geometry sorted, while Dan gets his own skills topped up with a trackday

START NEVER FINISHED

MAIN MODS: GOODYEAR TYRES, EBC BRAKES, MILLTEK EXHAUST, HKS INDUCTION KIT

DAN’S EP3 TYPE R P000
The EP3 gets a well earned rest while the attention focuses on getting the RX-8 up and running

START NEVER FINISHED

MAIN MODS: TTS SUPERCHARGER, FORGED ENGINE, FK2 SEATS, BC COILOVERS, MFACTORY LSD

defining car culture 089

FAST PROJECTS

The refurbed SSR
splits look the nuts

Tom Dale

After last year’s epic
battle, the UK’s most
famous detailing duo
are back for round
two…

Last season Tom’s R5 GTT build just Twitchy bum time
pipped Dale’s awesome W114 build. In doing the last few tweaks
our eyes they were both winners, but before firing up the Amazon
this hasn’t stopped Dale wanting his
revenge, so they’re both back with their
new projects, and, of course, we’re here
to document the builds. Bring it on…

TOM’S ’67 VOLVO AMAZON COUPE

Blood, sweat, tears and a bucketload of determination in the face of
adversity has seen Tom’s Amazon cross the finish line to make its
debut at Players Classic

Name: Tom Clarke back on the gas again! But this time it’s are based on the firm’s popular Nogaro
Job Role: Marketer who oversees the not in a blind panic to get the car ready, design but with deleted headrests and
UK marketing office, advert placement but to enjoy driving it! retrimmed in black leather with a stripe
and key account marketing fulfilment of the original green vinyl running down
The final week leading up to the show the centres. Combined with the Scroth
We made it! Bleary-eyed and running was a tense time as Reflex Auto Design harnesses, they look awesome!
on little more than quadruple espressos completed the flawless Volvo Light
and Monster Energy, it was a relief Green paintwork and the Amazon was The final pieces of the puzzle were
when the Amazon finally rolled into moved back over to Deutsch Tech in then to simply bleed the pedal box, fit
Goodwood circuit, under its own steam, Milton Keynes for the final assembly to the front bumper and get a base map
to take pride of place for the reveal at be completed. onto the car’s ECU so we could start the
the Players Classic show on Saturday wild turbocharged engine for the very
19th June. Once back at the MK HQ, the first time.
Amazon’s split rims, which now have
Throughout the build there has been body-coloured centres, polished lips This was another tense moment as,
countless issues to overcome and and black barrels, could be reassembled by this time, we had practically ran out
problems to solve, not least the whole and the tyres fitted, taking extra care of time, and if the engine didn’t play
Covid pandemic throwing a sizeable not to damage the luscious lips! ball, we wouldn’t have the hours left
spanner in the works, but we can now to fix it. To say we were biting our nails
take our foot off the gas, and put it… It was then on to the interior for the at this point is an understatement. But
new custom-made Cobra seats to be we needn’t have worried, as the engine
fitted. These unique posterior perches

090 www.fastcar.co.uk

All that’s left now is to give the
old girl a good wash... anyone

know a decent detailer?

fired to life and the base map allowed it Looking fresh in its Light
to idle smoothly and we could finally get Green paint the Amazon
the car moving and onto the trailer to
make the trip down to Goodwood. was a star of the show
defining car culture 091
I had a little fun the night before the
show, in that I posted on Instagram that
the car wasn’t ready and we weren’t
going to make it, which got a lot of
tongues wagging. But the next day,
we rolled into Goodwood and had an
awesome weekend. All that’s left to
do now is put a final power map onto
the car and she’s good to go! To read
more about the build, check out the full
feature on page 58! Adios Amigos! ■

FAST PROJECTS

The RX-8 in for some minor
surgery at Knight Racer HQ

DAN’S MAZDA RX-8

After flying through the MOT, an oil pump issue called
halt to the RX-8’s return, but not for long…

We were all smiles when the RX-8 from Mazda cost around the £700 mark! and replaced with our new secondhand
sailed through its MOT last month. We managed to source one from part. Voila! Problem solved!
After more than a year sat idle, we were
worried that something might rear its Mazda breakers Boston Rotary for just While we had the Mazda on the lift, it
ugly head and cause a problem, but £65 delivered, so we were glad to not seemed rude not to add in an upgrade
after that 12 month ticket was issued have to go to a main dealer to have our too, so we fitted a set of TarOx F2000
we breathed a sigh of relief. But just a pants pulled down. grooved rear discs and TarOx Strada
mile after leaving Knight Racer’s MOT pads. We’d been running a TarOx six-
station, we found the car was not able Unfortunately, being just before the pot big brake kit at the front for years
to rev past around 2500-3000 revs. We bank holiday, we would have to wait with excellent results, so thought it was
looked at the dash to see the check a few days until the replacement part high time the rears received similar
engine light was illuminated and knew would arrive, so we had to leave the treatment. We’ve yet to give the brakes
something was not right. Luckily, we RX-8 in Knight Racer’s care, while we a good work out since they were fitted,
were still close by to Knight Racer, so borrowed a friend’s awesome FD2 Type so can’t tell yet if they've radically
we turned around and limped back to R for the weekend – big thanks Chris improved stopping power, but they
the garage for further diagnosis. Presley, we owe you one! certainly look prettier!

At first, we thought it may simply be When the part finally did arrive, we Until next month! ■
a glitch that required disconnecting the were surprised at how small it was,
battery to reset the ECU, but plugging but it’s obviously essential, as it’s what THANKS TO:
in a code reader flagged an issue pumps the oil to the squirters in the
with the oil metering pump. A quick housings that lubricate the rotor tips. Knight Racer
call to rotary specialists, Rotary Revs, www.knightracer.com
confirmed it, with the advice to get a Fitting the part was a case of Boston Rotary
secondhand replacement, as new ones removing the battery and tray and the www.facebook.com/BostonRotary/
driver’s side front wheel for access, but
then it was just a few hose connectors
and bolts to undo and it was removed

092 www.fastcar.co.uk

The RX-8's rotary engine The battery and tray had ...to gain access to the
is a mystery to some to be removed... faulty oil metering pump

Working pump The new rear discs certainly
ready for install look the part!

New TarOx F2000 discs
and Strada pads

The Knight Racer guys
gave the RX-8 a quick
underbody check too

defining car culture 093

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defining car culture 095

ASTON MARTIN DB7 FERRARI MONDIAL JAGUAR XK8

1997, 52000 miles. Auction 28/29th July. DB7 1985, 17000 miles, £43,500. Re-imported from the 2004, 94000 miles. Auction 28/29th July. XK8
3.2 Auto, Coupe, Yellow (Cat D), Petrol, Auto, USA this is a cat-free car. Originally a Euro car sold in Zeemax Auto, Coupe, Red, Petrol, Auto, 4196cc.
3239cc. Four previous keepers, current since Germany and exported to California after just a few One previous keeper, Zeemax conversion. FURTHER
2016. Comprehensive history file, predominantly months by it’s original owner as he relocated there. DETAILS TO FOLLOW. Please call 01233506266,
by Chiltern Aston Martin. Subject to an insurance Please email [email protected], South East. South East. (T)
claim in 2006, rendering a category D. MOT until
21 October 2021. More photos on our website and 107469 108749
will have fresh photos taken when arrived. Please
call 01233506266, South East. (T) FERRARI TRIBUTE LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH

108753 1971, 72000 miles, £10,500. Tribute Ferrari 1990, 4784 miles, £367,500. 25th anniversary,
250GTO replica based on Jap MX5. Built 5.2L. One of just 57 right hand drive cars. Recently
BMW Z3 by Tribute. Car is perfect. Paint immaculate, no subjected to a full mechanical recommission along
problems at all. Lost license due to bad eyesight. with full paint enhancement and 5 year ceramic
Please call 01276 23078, South East. coating. Please call 01623 411476, East Midlands.

108472 107912

JAGUAR XJ8 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

2000, 19584 miles, £14,995. Straight Six. Topas 2005, 48000 miles, £18,350. 4.25 Coupe. First
Blue with Black trim. Auto. 1 Previous owner. registered on 30/12/05. Final Edition bay blue with
Owned from new and used as a second car. In the ivory leather interior. Service history, sold with 12
last 6 years the car has only covered just over a 1k month’s MoT. New front discs and pads. In beautiful
miles. Drives like new. Please call 01636812700, condition. Please call 07598 328025, Yorkshire
East Midlands. and the Humber.

108738 107420

FERRARI 308 JAGUAR XK

2018, 18000 miles, £21,495. 2.0 C 200 Sport,
5 door, automatic. Estate selenite grey metallic
exterior. Please call 0161 476 5915, North West.

107287

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK

1983, 77000 miles, £72,500. 308 GTS QV. Full 2012, 10531 miles, £28,000. 5.0 Portfolio Coupe 2003, £12,995. A powerful AMG SLK32 with
ownership and service history from new. Re- auto. Mint condition. Full Jaguar main dealers comprehensive history in stunning order. Please call
Conolised interior 2017. Bare metal respray 2019. service records, all documented (hard copy and 07711645465, South East. (T)
G-Tehniq Ceramic coated with 9yr warranty 2019. electronic Jaguar service). Stratus grey metallic,
Electronic ignition. Bespoke leather luggage set. cream full leather pack. Last service Jaguar car full 108214
Please call 07767498902, Yorkshire and the inspection video showing excellence of this vehicle.
Humber. Please call 07963 349422, West Midlands.

108233 107729

MG TF PORSCHE 968 PORSCHE 993

2005, 37000 miles, £6,295. Rare 80th Heritage 1994, £22,995. 968 Sport ‘Club Sport Lux’. Manual, 1995, £199,995. This truly unique Porsche 911 is
Ltd edition 160vvc. Finished in Goodwin Green with speed yellow exterior, two door. 1 of only 306 the result of a Porsche enthusiast’s desire to create
a tan cockpit, wood finishes with black Alcantara models made. This one has had only 6 previous the ultimate air cooled 911 variant providing extreme
sport seats. CAT D back in 2007, had slight damage owners covering just over 119k miles. 6 Speed performance and capability in all conditions, further
to O/S rear wing which has since been repaired. gearbox, lift out sunroof, 17 Cup wheels, electric enhanced on its arrival in the UK by Harry Metcalfe,
Recently featured in the MG Enthusiast magazine. mirrors, Cd player, Original Porsche spare wheel British Motoring journalist and creator of Evo
Please call 01932 241843, South East. (T) and pump. Comes with a very good service history Magazine. Please call 01944 758000, Yorkshire and
with 35 stamps in the service book. Please call the Humber.
106969 01636812700, East Midlands.
106854
PORSCHE 911 108734
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
PORSCHE 968

1982, £43,996. 911 Targa (930). Full professional 1994, £22,995. Sport LUX. Finished in Speed 2013, 115000 miles, £6,200. Golf 1.6 TDI. Full
restoration over five years. Original factory colour, Yellow with Black Interior, Colour Coded 5 Spoke service history, MoT till 25th November. Great first
full nut and bolt engine rebuild. Less then 3k 17” Alloys, Extensive Service History, 22 Service car, low insurance. 20” 3SDM. Bilstein Coilovers,
miles covered over last 11 years. Right hand drive, Stamps – All main Dealer or Porsche Specialists, Maxton spoiler tip. Water pump and timing belt,
manual. Lots of paperwork and invoices. More includes 6 Speed Gearbox, Front Splitter, Koni Sport Dec 2019. Heater matrix replaced, Dec 2019.
pictures available on request. Please call 07721 Adjustable Dampers, PAS, Electric Windows and New shocks all round, Feb 2020. Mechatronic
539904, South West. Mirrors, Removeable Sunroof, Central Locking Etc. unit replaced by VW, Feb 2020. Please call 07377
Please call 01636812700, East Midlands. 359860, South East.
108822
106841 107834
PORSCHE 991
PORSCHE 944 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

2016, 9500 miles, £149,745. 991 GT3RS 4.0. 1986, 120538 miles, £3,000. Porsche 944 Lux 2016, 38000 miles, £21,495. Beautiful Pure White
Ultra violet purple with black leather and Alcantara .Belts and water pump replaced, 4 new tyres, new Tiguan R-Line 150bhp DSG with contrasting two tone
carbon 918 bucket seats. Full Porsche service interior. Comes with all paperwork and spare key
history. Please call 01296 663824, East of England. battery, brakes refurbished, immobiliser fitted, dry present. Please call 02879633011, Ireland.
(T)
garaged for the last 15 years. Please call 07411 107192
108540 509039, Wales.

107859

PCUALRL-POOUSTTER LIKE FATHER GIRL
LLINICKWEHIDSDEOTTN’S MX YPB OSWWAP EFORCUS

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