Discussion
SonicHedgeHog said:
Given how much you've changed this is probably a dumb question, but here goes anyway. Do you think the mods have improved significantly on the standard car? What has been the best mod and which, if any, would you not do if you were starting again? Great car btw...always great to see someone who isn't a sheep.
The GT86 as standard has been built to a price, and specced to meet a general requirement. What I have tried to do (and have not finished yet) is to mod my one to exactly what I want, without in anyway making it a Barry Boys candidate 
I have carefully thought through all the mods, so there is nothing I would change if I were to start again. Of all the mods, the turbo is most probably the best, in that it gives the car the power to go with its looks and handling, whilst not affecting the daily driveability of the car in the slightest.
Time for an update 
Finally I have had the proper exhaust fitted, and the mapping updated by Fensport. I now have two switchable (on the fly) maps - low boost - 7.5psi, and hooligan mode high boost - 10.5 psi, which equates to approx 300bhp at the flywheel, a nice 50% uplift from standard
Fensport were invited by Top Gear Magazine to their test track yesterday, as the want to do a feature on the Fensport AVO turbo GT86. So Adrian Smith (the owner of Fensport) and I took our cars there yesterday - Adrian's road car is a stage 1 auto, whilst mine is the full monty stage 3 manual. Needless to say, all were suitably impressed, the feature should be out in about 6 weeks time. The Stig was there doing some work with 3 Porsches, and when Ollie Marriage, the Top Gear Magazine editor was taking me around the Top Gear Track in my car, the Stig's comment was: "Jesus! .. whats that??? sounds bloody awesome"
Anyway, a couple of videos and pictures:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xemmuL5v51I&fea...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbgkTEJls8c&lis...
Finally I have had the proper exhaust fitted, and the mapping updated by Fensport. I now have two switchable (on the fly) maps - low boost - 7.5psi, and hooligan mode high boost - 10.5 psi, which equates to approx 300bhp at the flywheel, a nice 50% uplift from standard
Fensport were invited by Top Gear Magazine to their test track yesterday, as the want to do a feature on the Fensport AVO turbo GT86. So Adrian Smith (the owner of Fensport) and I took our cars there yesterday - Adrian's road car is a stage 1 auto, whilst mine is the full monty stage 3 manual. Needless to say, all were suitably impressed, the feature should be out in about 6 weeks time. The Stig was there doing some work with 3 Porsches, and when Ollie Marriage, the Top Gear Magazine editor was taking me around the Top Gear Track in my car, the Stig's comment was: "Jesus! .. whats that??? sounds bloody awesome"
Anyway, a couple of videos and pictures:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xemmuL5v51I&fea...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbgkTEJls8c&lis...
richtea78 said:
Does the Stig keep his helmet on all the time?
Yes he does! He disappears into an office when he is not driving, and then re-appears when he has to go out again We went out onto the track as he came in from doing a few laps in an AMG Merc, and that is when he heard my car, and made the comment. It is really funny seeing him walk around in his white suit and helmet the whole time.Thank you very much 
Haven't got AP Racing Brakes yet
. On the agenda for next spring. I will shortly be fitting my winter rims & tires, which are 'only' 17", and therefor won't fit over the AP Racing BBK.
For those who may be interested, had the car on the dyno at Powerstation in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on Friday. Low boost (7.5psi) gave 295bhp with 234 lbf.ft torque. High boost (10.5psi) gave 326bhp with 258.9 lbf.ft torque
Here is the high boost graph:
Haven't got AP Racing Brakes yet
. On the agenda for next spring. I will shortly be fitting my winter rims & tires, which are 'only' 17", and therefor won't fit over the AP Racing BBK.For those who may be interested, had the car on the dyno at Powerstation in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on Friday. Low boost (7.5psi) gave 295bhp with 234 lbf.ft torque. High boost (10.5psi) gave 326bhp with 258.9 lbf.ft torque
Here is the high boost graph:
Thank you
Fuel consumption (according to the onboard ave. fuel consumption reading) is about 27 mpg. This is including the driving at the Top Gear track on Tuesday, and about 2 1/2 hours on the dyno on Friday. So, no economy queen, but, as you say, MartynVRS it is not really the point
Fuel consumption (according to the onboard ave. fuel consumption reading) is about 27 mpg. This is including the driving at the Top Gear track on Tuesday, and about 2 1/2 hours on the dyno on Friday. So, no economy queen, but, as you say, MartynVRS it is not really the point
Lefty said:
Sounds wonderful!
Lovely smooth power delivery too, must feel pretty quick?
Thank you. Yes, it does feel pretty quick Lovely smooth power delivery too, must feel pretty quick?
When Top Gear Magazine did the review of the Litchfield Supercharged BRZ, they published a number of comparative bhp/tonne figures to show where the Litchfield car sat performance wise. I thought I would work out mine, and add it to the list. I have also added the BMW M1 coupe and M135i for interest sake
Standard GT86 / BRZ 159 bhp/tonne
Astra VRX 187 bhp/tonne
Audi TTS 188 bhp/tonne
Porsche Cayman 199 bhp/tonne
Nissan 370Z 206 bhp/tonne
BMW M1 coupe 216 bhp/tonne
Litchfield Supercharged BRZ 226 bhp/tonne
Jaguar V6S 232 bhp/tonne
BMW M135i 232 bhp/tonne
Lotus Elise S 235 bhp/tonne
Fensport AVO Turbo GT86 261 bhp/tonne
Edited by DaveJH on Sunday 3rd November 22:28
Edited by DaveJH on Sunday 3rd November 22:29
LordGrover said:
Wow! That's much more than I was expecting.
Congrats mate.
Thank you very much,m'Lord Congrats mate.
minerva said:
Any further updates / videos / general chat about the car? This is my favourite thread on here and I am so close to following you!
Thank you - I am honored! I have unfortunately been out of the country for the last couple of weeks on business. Next step when I get back is to fit an oil cooler, which is currently in a box at home. I am taking the car to another dyno on the 9th December to get another power graph - my aim is to get runs on as many different dynos as possible, to put to rest any claims that my power output is not genuine!I think that the level shown on the Fensport is based on their "stage 1" tune and boost level - circa 7.5 psi. Whilst I have that as my default setting, I can change on the fly to my full blown Fensport "stage 3" mode of 10.5 psi. My car is currently maxed out on what can be achieved on 99 RON fuel and the standard fueling system (port injectors and fuel pump). Personally, there is no way I can see any justification for going for any of the (at least currently available) S/C options. They offer absolutely no benefits, but I can list a hell of a lot of disadvantages.
Power required to drive them = lower power gain
Limited power output potential
Heat soak with the Sprintex
Belt / pulley durability
Requirement to remove the hood insulator with the Sprintex instillation
Access to the oil filler with the Rotex offering
Depending on how the turbo is mapped, off boost no extra load on the engine - obviously not so for a mechanically connected S/C
Limited charge cooling potential with the Sprintex - elevated IAT
Higher CofG compared to the AVO turbo
Enough?
Limited power output potential
Heat soak with the Sprintex
Belt / pulley durability
Requirement to remove the hood insulator with the Sprintex instillation
Access to the oil filler with the Rotex offering
Depending on how the turbo is mapped, off boost no extra load on the engine - obviously not so for a mechanically connected S/C
Limited charge cooling potential with the Sprintex - elevated IAT
Higher CofG compared to the AVO turbo
Enough?
JackP1 said:
What Myths? Manufactures will put it in black and white that any non-manufacturer guaranteed changes will void warranty. If you're are approved then obviously you have nothing to worry about!
I definitely don't want to turn this into a debate or argument, so perhaps I should have been a bit more specific in my previous post. Basically, a new car's warranty is against failure due to latent or manufacturing defects. Obviously no OEM is going to cover non standard aftermarket parts, however if a 'failure' has nothing to do with post manufacture modifications, then the obligation of the manufacturer still stands. From a point of honoring their warranty obligations, Toyota is one of the most honorable manufacturers there are, and, having worked for Toyota previously for over 24 years, and part of that being very close to the whole warranty process, I know exactly where I stand. richtea78 said:
So if the engine went south wouldn't they just claim it was as a result of the forced induction and the warranty would be invalid. Im not trying to cause an argument but its genuinely something I am interested in. I realize that changing things like the suspension wouldn't affect the engine warranty but how do you tell what causes an engine failure.
Take a real example, Honda specifically told me that if I fitted an exhaust to my car, then it would likely invalidate the warranty in relation to the engine. At best it is going to leave you trying to prove what caused a failure?
They did say I could fit a Mugen exhaust however at £2440 they arent exactly cheap! Could probably fit a non OEM exhaust and buy a recon engine for less!
http://www.gt86ownersclub.co.uk/forum/lets-talk-warranties-once-youve-modified_topic4644_page1.htmlTake a real example, Honda specifically told me that if I fitted an exhaust to my car, then it would likely invalidate the warranty in relation to the engine. At best it is going to leave you trying to prove what caused a failure?
They did say I could fit a Mugen exhaust however at £2440 they arent exactly cheap! Could probably fit a non OEM exhaust and buy a recon engine for less!
minerva said:
The internet is a cruel place... Stop trying to be clever and point out potential pitfalls and instead appreciate that this is a brilliant car made even better! Jealous?! of course we are.
r1chardh said:
Brilliant work! I love everything about this build - not just the power, looks, grip etc, but little details like the camera. Jealous? Yes indeed!
Thank you for the great comments! 
I really appreciate them.Wow m'Lord - what can I say?
What a fantastic write up - thank you!!! It was a real pleasure to meet you this morning, and to have a chance to share my pride & joy with a fellow GT86 owner and petrolhead. my mission in life with my car is to share the pleasure of a properly sorted GT86 with as many fellow petrolheads as possible, so I am really glad you were able and prepared to make the 70 odd mile trip (each way) to experience it!
What a fantastic write up - thank you!!! It was a real pleasure to meet you this morning, and to have a chance to share my pride & joy with a fellow GT86 owner and petrolhead. my mission in life with my car is to share the pleasure of a properly sorted GT86 with as many fellow petrolheads as possible, so I am really glad you were able and prepared to make the 70 odd mile trip (each way) to experience it!
Thank you for the kind words, everyone.
There will still be more to come On the cards, auto folding mirrors, oil cooler (both going on this week coming), and then in the new year, big brake kit, some carbon fiber bling (but definitely not detracting from the current sleeper look), and possibly a set of forged pistons and rods with a slightly lower compression ratio to allow a bit more boost
There will still be more to come
On the cards, auto folding mirrors, oil cooler (both going on this week coming), and then in the new year, big brake kit, some carbon fiber bling (but definitely not detracting from the current sleeper look), and possibly a set of forged pistons and rods with a slightly lower compression ratio to allow a bit more boost I have fited my oil cooler, which I did not want to fit in front of the intercooler / radiator / air con condenser stack, but rather on the RHS behind the fog light position.
Certain high end German Manufactured car drivers have ensured that I have a permanent hatred and aversion to front fog lights, so removing it and replacing the fog light moulding was no loss:
Developing the mounting brackets:
Brackets all finished and anodised / painted
To help get the hot air out, I have fitted a louver panel into the fender liner.
Certain high end German Manufactured car drivers have ensured that I have a permanent hatred and aversion to front fog lights, so removing it and replacing the fog light moulding was no loss:
Developing the mounting brackets:
Brackets all finished and anodised / painted
To help get the hot air out, I have fitted a louver panel into the fender liner.
Edited by DaveJH on Tuesday 24th December 18:00
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff