It has been a long time coming but the GT28R, manifold, dump and front pipe have all been fitted to the Sil. Once again I have taken the easy way out and had Ultra Tune Kalgoorlie install the parts, but I will describe it as best I can.

The kit came with all the gaskets and parts required, although the turbo didn't include new studs for the intake snout. According to the guys, the kit bolted up very nicely with all the parts matching. The water and oil lines required slight modification and the housing needed rotating to best suit the intercooler piping, but the two biggest dramas were with the turbo intake snout and the oxygen sensor mount on the dump pipe.

With the housing of the turbo rotated as much as possible, the intake snout wouldn't allow the stock air inlet pipe to be fitted without fouling. To resolve this issue I had to get the aluminium snout cut and welded in a position to suit the pipe. I couldn't quickly find the solution on the forums at the time, but I'm sure I'll find it now if I look... Anyway, I took it around to Fostinelli Engineering and they were able to quickly sort out my issue for a not cheap, but fair price.

Onto the oxygen sensor mount. The stock dump pipe had an adaptor that the oxygen sensor screwed into, but this was too large to screw into the new dump pipe. After trying a couple of different hose places to find a new adaptor without success, I decided to see if the plug that came with the dump pipe could be drilled and tapped to suit the oxygen sensor. Fortunately, Harley at Harlsan Industries came to my rescue and got this done for me free of charge.

Shameless Plug - Harlsan Industries - 2 Epis St, Kalgoorlie (08)9021 1288
See Harley for the best locally made drilling consumables, such as RC drill rods, blow down subs and adaptors.

Back to Ultra Tune and the guys had no dramas with the remainder of the install. I am yet to have it dynoed and the electronic boost control is turned off until I can see what sort of air/fuel ratios are happening. Fingers crossed the injectors will hold out, not that I will be running high boost anyway.

The new gear totally opens up the engine bay, and also adds a little bit more bling to the under bonnet landscape. Now that these parts have been fitted I am nearing the end of any engine modifications I feel are necessary. Must be time to concentrate on the interior/stereo.

Hmmm... She sits pretty low with the coilovers.

The Driving Experience

Initially, I thought the performance wasn't all that much different, except for better throttle response, but after driving around for awhile I can't get the smile off my face. With the EBC off boost peaks at 0.73bar (10.6psi) and while the exhaust note is thankfully quiet while cruising, burying the boot greets you with a gnarly growl, which reminds me of a Honda for some reason.

Once she has been put on the dyno, I am hoping the boost can be increased and a result of around 230rwhp can be achieved. I am already getting what I wanted which is the increased throttle response from the ball bearing turbo spooling quicker than the stock T25G.

Thanx

Ultra Tune Kalgoorlie - 205 Boulder Rd 6430, Kalgoorlie (08)9022 7709

Harlsan Industries - 2 Epis St, Kalgoorlie (08)9021 1288

Fostinelli Engineering - Yindi Way (cnr Kinclaven), Kalgoorlie (08)9022 9666

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