ACT Induction kits - which one have you fitted & result
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Last April I had my first service on my Chimaera 500 was 2,000 GBP: first service under my ownership (FSH car with only 25 K miles on the clock), so I opted for the “12K service” at Str8six done (great job done by Jason and his team!).
It ended up costing 2 k as lots needed doing on the top of the service:
- New engine mounts
- New bushes all around
- New front and rear Leven drop links
- New steering ball joints
- New Passenger seat belt
- New brake pads
- New battery
- Other bits and bops that needed sorting
The car is in really good condition and handles really well: I have a set of Classic Gold Pros (plus new bushes and new drop links all around).
I am now planning my next service, in April and will spend considerably less, as I will, I think only need the 6 K service and hopefully nothing else (the car is running really, really well and everything works…). Str8six will of course do the work again.
I am thinking about “inverting” in an “induction kit” from ACT and would like to get the feedback of people having done so.
I am going for and induction upgrade, I am not wanting to do the Trumpets one time, the hoses and other, etc… but will rather go for a ”full job” over and done with at once (hopefully next year I’ll have a baby and no extras except the service will be spent on the car…).
ACT are offering several kits and the 2 kits below are the ones that I would consider as would enter in “my budget”:
http://www.actproducts.co.uk/shop/induction-tuning...
TI030 Twin throttle plenum kit: 835.00 GBP + VAT
Twin throttle carbon fibre plenum kit, including airbox, with adaptor plate to fit your existing trumpet base, throttle potentiometer, throttle...
TI031 Twin throttle plenum kit: 1025.00 GBP + VAT
Twin throttle carbon fibre plenum kit, including airbox and Superflare or Exchange Alloy 45mm trumpets,
So here are the questions:
- Have you had any of the above installed ?
- If yes, how has the car improved
- What hapenned to the petrol consuption?
- Are they any side effects?
- Would you do it again.
Basically, I do not exactly know what I am talking about, I am not pretending really need the “extra power”, but I would like to get more power (not sure why, I guess the only explanation is that I would like to get as close as possible to the 300 horse mark – my car was tested a few years back bt a previosu owner and I think the figures where 275 on the dyno).
The only experience with some similar chages were on my 2 stroke 350 cc motorbike (Yamaha RDLC for those in the know) when I was 18 and replacing the standar filter by something less restricting and new jets in the carbs changes the bike dramatically (made it mcu more evil and fun that it already was).
So basically, if you were going to spend £ 700 to £ 1100 and wanted some extra ummpf, whould the above be a good option, or what else would you suggest…
If you are thinking that the best would be to keep the cash and not bother, please let me know as it is an option too.
Any (sensible comment) would be grately apparicated!
Engine wise, except an aluminim radiator and a slightly modified radiator (all done by the any o fteh 3 previous owners, it is box standard…)
Frenchie
Last April I had my first service on my Chimaera 500 was 2,000 GBP: first service under my ownership (FSH car with only 25 K miles on the clock), so I opted for the “12K service” at Str8six done (great job done by Jason and his team!).
It ended up costing 2 k as lots needed doing on the top of the service:
- New engine mounts
- New bushes all around
- New front and rear Leven drop links
- New steering ball joints
- New Passenger seat belt
- New brake pads
- New battery
- Other bits and bops that needed sorting
The car is in really good condition and handles really well: I have a set of Classic Gold Pros (plus new bushes and new drop links all around).
I am now planning my next service, in April and will spend considerably less, as I will, I think only need the 6 K service and hopefully nothing else (the car is running really, really well and everything works…). Str8six will of course do the work again.
I am thinking about “inverting” in an “induction kit” from ACT and would like to get the feedback of people having done so.
I am going for and induction upgrade, I am not wanting to do the Trumpets one time, the hoses and other, etc… but will rather go for a ”full job” over and done with at once (hopefully next year I’ll have a baby and no extras except the service will be spent on the car…).
ACT are offering several kits and the 2 kits below are the ones that I would consider as would enter in “my budget”:
http://www.actproducts.co.uk/shop/induction-tuning...
TI030 Twin throttle plenum kit: 835.00 GBP + VAT
Twin throttle carbon fibre plenum kit, including airbox, with adaptor plate to fit your existing trumpet base, throttle potentiometer, throttle...
TI031 Twin throttle plenum kit: 1025.00 GBP + VAT
Twin throttle carbon fibre plenum kit, including airbox and Superflare or Exchange Alloy 45mm trumpets,
So here are the questions:
- Have you had any of the above installed ?
- If yes, how has the car improved
- What hapenned to the petrol consuption?
- Are they any side effects?
- Would you do it again.
Basically, I do not exactly know what I am talking about, I am not pretending really need the “extra power”, but I would like to get more power (not sure why, I guess the only explanation is that I would like to get as close as possible to the 300 horse mark – my car was tested a few years back bt a previosu owner and I think the figures where 275 on the dyno).
The only experience with some similar chages were on my 2 stroke 350 cc motorbike (Yamaha RDLC for those in the know) when I was 18 and replacing the standar filter by something less restricting and new jets in the carbs changes the bike dramatically (made it mcu more evil and fun that it already was).
So basically, if you were going to spend £ 700 to £ 1100 and wanted some extra ummpf, whould the above be a good option, or what else would you suggest…
If you are thinking that the best would be to keep the cash and not bother, please let me know as it is an option too.
Any (sensible comment) would be grately apparicated!
Engine wise, except an aluminim radiator and a slightly modified radiator (all done by the any o fteh 3 previous owners, it is box standard…)
Frenchie
Got the twin plenum - great throttle response and will give a few more hundred rpm on top of the power band on most engines as well as more torque across the band.
On a 270 bhp John Eales engine that I specified for a customer (4.6, intermediate valves, 218 cam running GEMS) the twin plenum installation made an additional 12 bhp - whereas before it was assumed that the twin plenum wasn't really worth the bother below 300 or so.
The triple is for monster engines really; the combination of twin plenum throttle, 45 mm carbon trumpets and big AFM should be good up to 350 or so, I'd start thinking about a triple if my goal was 330+ or if I needed even sharper throttle respomse on an elaborately built race engine or just if I liked the aesthetics of the triple better...
To reiterate, throttle response is really the main draw of the multithrottle plenum systems, more power/torque a bonus. (Oh and they look nice. And they are lighter than the alloy plenum systems).
On a 270 bhp John Eales engine that I specified for a customer (4.6, intermediate valves, 218 cam running GEMS) the twin plenum installation made an additional 12 bhp - whereas before it was assumed that the twin plenum wasn't really worth the bother below 300 or so.
The triple is for monster engines really; the combination of twin plenum throttle, 45 mm carbon trumpets and big AFM should be good up to 350 or so, I'd start thinking about a triple if my goal was 330+ or if I needed even sharper throttle respomse on an elaborately built race engine or just if I liked the aesthetics of the triple better...
To reiterate, throttle response is really the main draw of the multithrottle plenum systems, more power/torque a bonus. (Oh and they look nice. And they are lighter than the alloy plenum systems).
Edited by 900T-R on Thursday 12th January 14:35
frenchie TVR said:
Basically, I do not exactly know what I am talking about, I am not pretending really need the “extra power”, but I would like to get more power (not sure why, I guess the only explanation is that I would like to get as close as possible to the 300 horse mark – my car was tested a few years back bt a previosu owner and I think the figures where 275 on the dyno).
This is normal and nothing to worry about. Unfortunately a visit to the doctor will serve no purpose, other than to confuse said doctor as the medical world has, as yet, no logical explanation for it. Do not be concerned, here, you are amongst other like minded incurable people 
I've got the triple, and was very fortunate to pick it up as 'old stock', brand new but just over half the price of a new one (if you include VAT). As 900T-R says, the throttle response is really awesome, although in my case it was a last minute addition to a complete engine rebuild/upgrade so I can't really provide an accurate before and after based on the plenum installation alone.
I still have the original hose (from a fish pond) from the CF inlet box that covers the TB trumpets down to the filter in the nose of the car (as can be seen in the piccie) but this about to go and an improved modified inlet system will be replacing it.
One thing I can say without question is it looks like it means business....
Chilliman said:
frenchie TVR said:
Basically, I do not exactly know what I am talking about, I am not pretending really need the “extra power”, but I would like to get more power (not sure why, I guess the only explanation is that I would like to get as close as possible to the 300 horse mark – my car was tested a few years back bt a previosu owner and I think the figures where 275 on the dyno).
This is normal and nothing to worry about. Unfortunately a visit to the doctor will serve no purpose, other than to confuse said doctor as the medical world has, as yet, no logical explanation for it. Do not be concerned, here, you are amongst other like minded incurable people I've got the triple, and was very fortunate to pick it up as 'old stock', brand new but just over half the price of a new one (if you include VAT). As 900T-R says, the throttle response is really awesome, although in my case it was a last minute addition to a complete engine rebuild/upgrade so I can't really provide an accurate before and after based on the plenum installation alone.
I still have the original hose (from a fish pond) from the CF inlet box that covers the TB trumpets down to the filter in the nose of the car (as can be seen in the piccie) but this about to go and an improved modified inlet system will be replacing it.
One thing I can say without question is it looks like it means business....
Will it adapt to my ACT induction kit ,noticed you still have the vacume hose setup cheers .
It can be done, but it's a bit of a pain - the CF plenums were never designed to work with forced induction, they're sealed to the trumpet base/adapter plate by way of a flat, ca. 3/4" flange that rests on the base/plate with a cork gasket inbetween and fixed with small (M5 I think) inside Allen key bolts spaced about 2" apart. If you tighten the bolts too much the CF will bend and get a bit wavy ('t will return to form as long as you slacken the bolts abit within a reasonable timeframe)... The aluminium plenums, of course, have a groove in wihch an O-ring is inserted.
One could probably seal the CF plenum sufficiently for the sort of pressure a supercharger makes by clamping the flange of the plenum moulding between the trumpet base/ stainless steel adapter plate and stainless steel 'runners' alongside the plenum, but so far neither ACT nor myself have done anything like that.
Of course, the flow restriction posed by the standard set up is less of an issue with a forced induction set up as they can be overcome with a bit more boost pressure (although for the same pressure, a better flowing induction system/heads etc will net the same benefits as on a N/A engine) - the advantages in throttle respons and weight would remain, though.
Personally I'd like to try a small liquid/air intercooler core mounted close to the supercharger and intake rather than having an air/air IC needing huge pipe runs to the front of the car and back on a supercharged car, too. The secondary plenum does help throttle response on an S/C car, but every little helps...
One could probably seal the CF plenum sufficiently for the sort of pressure a supercharger makes by clamping the flange of the plenum moulding between the trumpet base/ stainless steel adapter plate and stainless steel 'runners' alongside the plenum, but so far neither ACT nor myself have done anything like that.
Of course, the flow restriction posed by the standard set up is less of an issue with a forced induction set up as they can be overcome with a bit more boost pressure (although for the same pressure, a better flowing induction system/heads etc will net the same benefits as on a N/A engine) - the advantages in throttle respons and weight would remain, though.
Personally I'd like to try a small liquid/air intercooler core mounted close to the supercharger and intake rather than having an air/air IC needing huge pipe runs to the front of the car and back on a supercharged car, too. The secondary plenum does help throttle response on an S/C car, but every little helps...
Hi mate,
First off junk the fish pond pipe & spend £39.00 on a smooth bore plenum to air flow meter pipe to replace it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Griffith-Chimaera-In...
Replacing this pipe is the simplest & best value mod you can do on an RV8 TVR, at £39.00 it's an absolute no-brainer.
Then, if you are going to spend £ 700 to £ 1100 and want some extra ummpf I would suggest checking and addressing the fundamentals first.
Put the car on the rollers and see what it makes.
A good rolling road operator will be able to use the data gathered to give you an idea of the health of fundamentals, like cam condition, ignition timing and air fuel ratios under different load conditions.
If cam wear is evident (which is very common) you are much better off spending your budget with Rob Robertson on a new cam.
The camshaft is the heart of your engine, replacing even a part worn cam with something like Rob's Stealth profile will be a much better idea than throwing your money at fancy carbon fibre induction mods.
If your cam checks out fine, then the top end of your budget will get you very close to having a MegaSquirt fuel & ignition system fitted & properly mapped.
I've not done this yet but I suspect fitting a mappable fuel & ignition system will give equal or better performance improvements compared with the plenum mods from ACT.
Just getting rid of the ancient centrifugal advance mechanical distributor & replacing it with a proper modern mapped ignition system has to deliver significant benefits.
The MegaSquirt system should give you other benefits that the induction mods wont, like improvements in drivability and economy.
Just follow these steps:
1) Fit the £39.00 pipe
2) Book a rolling road session & have a good chat with the operator about the results
3) Fit a cam if needed
4) If the cam is fine use your budget to update the fuel & ignition systems
Then after all that if you want to continue spending you can start to consider the plenum/inductions kits you are looking at.
See you soon, Dave.
First off junk the fish pond pipe & spend £39.00 on a smooth bore plenum to air flow meter pipe to replace it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Griffith-Chimaera-In...
Replacing this pipe is the simplest & best value mod you can do on an RV8 TVR, at £39.00 it's an absolute no-brainer.
Then, if you are going to spend £ 700 to £ 1100 and want some extra ummpf I would suggest checking and addressing the fundamentals first.
Put the car on the rollers and see what it makes.
A good rolling road operator will be able to use the data gathered to give you an idea of the health of fundamentals, like cam condition, ignition timing and air fuel ratios under different load conditions.
If cam wear is evident (which is very common) you are much better off spending your budget with Rob Robertson on a new cam.
The camshaft is the heart of your engine, replacing even a part worn cam with something like Rob's Stealth profile will be a much better idea than throwing your money at fancy carbon fibre induction mods.
If your cam checks out fine, then the top end of your budget will get you very close to having a MegaSquirt fuel & ignition system fitted & properly mapped.
I've not done this yet but I suspect fitting a mappable fuel & ignition system will give equal or better performance improvements compared with the plenum mods from ACT.
Just getting rid of the ancient centrifugal advance mechanical distributor & replacing it with a proper modern mapped ignition system has to deliver significant benefits.
The MegaSquirt system should give you other benefits that the induction mods wont, like improvements in drivability and economy.
Just follow these steps:
1) Fit the £39.00 pipe
2) Book a rolling road session & have a good chat with the operator about the results
3) Fit a cam if needed
4) If the cam is fine use your budget to update the fuel & ignition systems
Then after all that if you want to continue spending you can start to consider the plenum/inductions kits you are looking at.
See you soon, Dave.
Edited by Chimpandtonic on Friday 13th January 09:11
If you haven't already - take the manifolds off, and remove (euphemism for cut, hack, swear bleed, bend, force, etc) the precats.
Its free (you pay in skin), won't fail your MOT and has multiple benefits, all findable via search if you don't know them...
HTH,
Dom
Its free (you pay in skin), won't fail your MOT and has multiple benefits, all findable via search if you don't know them...
HTH,
Dom
Edited by domV8 on Friday 13th January 17:36
I liberated my pre-cats early on but never really felt a benefit.
Other than giving the car a proper service shortly after I bought it, the things that made a noticeable performance difference for me were:
(in order of success)
1) Replacing the cam with a Stealth
2) Fitting a lightened flywheel
3) Fitting an ACT decat Y Piece
3) Replacing the corrugated AFM to plenum pipe with the ACT smooth bore pipe
4) Fitting a Tornado chip & having Mark Adams fine tune things on a rolling road (not cheap)
4) Fitting the SC-Power plenum spacer, heat insulating gasket & bell mouth trumpet kit
5) Fitting the full ACT induction pipe with a K&N filter
I guess next up it's a full MegaSquirt fuel & ignition for me.
Although I must say Mark got the fuelling side spot on from the colour of the plugs it's also very smooth these days, so I would gladly just start with a mapped ignition.
I really want to junk that distributor for mappable advance.
After that it will be stage 3 heads, ported inlet manifold, ya de ya.
Trying so hard not to keep spending, honest
Other than giving the car a proper service shortly after I bought it, the things that made a noticeable performance difference for me were:
(in order of success)
1) Replacing the cam with a Stealth
2) Fitting a lightened flywheel
3) Fitting an ACT decat Y Piece
3) Replacing the corrugated AFM to plenum pipe with the ACT smooth bore pipe
4) Fitting a Tornado chip & having Mark Adams fine tune things on a rolling road (not cheap)
4) Fitting the SC-Power plenum spacer, heat insulating gasket & bell mouth trumpet kit
5) Fitting the full ACT induction pipe with a K&N filter
I guess next up it's a full MegaSquirt fuel & ignition for me.
Although I must say Mark got the fuelling side spot on from the colour of the plugs it's also very smooth these days, so I would gladly just start with a mapped ignition.
I really want to junk that distributor for mappable advance.
After that it will be stage 3 heads, ported inlet manifold, ya de ya.
Trying so hard not to keep spending, honest
Hey frenchie
Thinking of going down the same route.twin thottles and stage 3 heads,but spoke to a guy at act today,for the money gains weren't that good.
So went for k*nd n filter,new pipe from filter to afm and new carbon trumpets.prob for 400 pds gain 10 to 15hp
Then dyno'd to see what I have,then maybe go for bv heads if I havnt got them already !
Thinking of going down the same route.twin thottles and stage 3 heads,but spoke to a guy at act today,for the money gains weren't that good.
So went for k*nd n filter,new pipe from filter to afm and new carbon trumpets.prob for 400 pds gain 10 to 15hp
Then dyno'd to see what I have,then maybe go for bv heads if I havnt got them already !
grngriff said:
Hey frenchie
Thinking of going down the same route.twin thottles and stage 3 heads,but spoke to a guy at act today,for the money gains weren't that good.
So went for k*nd n filter,new pipe from filter to afm and new carbon trumpets.prob for 400 pds gain 10 to 15hp
Then dyno'd to see what I have,then maybe go for bv heads if I havnt got them already !
Don't measure it in simple BHP/Torque terms,see my reply aboveThinking of going down the same route.twin thottles and stage 3 heads,but spoke to a guy at act today,for the money gains weren't that good.
So went for k*nd n filter,new pipe from filter to afm and new carbon trumpets.prob for 400 pds gain 10 to 15hp
Then dyno'd to see what I have,then maybe go for bv heads if I havnt got them already !
If i told you it felt like a 50bhp/yorque increase you'd believe it
dhf said:
grngriff said:
Hey frenchie
Thinking of going down the same route.twin thottles and stage 3 heads,but spoke to a guy at act today,for the money gains weren't that good.
So went for k*nd n filter,new pipe from filter to afm and new carbon trumpets.prob for 400 pds gain 10 to 15hp
Then dyno'd to see what I have,then maybe go for bv heads if I havnt got them already !
Don't measure it in simple BHP/Torque terms,see my reply aboveThinking of going down the same route.twin thottles and stage 3 heads,but spoke to a guy at act today,for the money gains weren't that good.
So went for k*nd n filter,new pipe from filter to afm and new carbon trumpets.prob for 400 pds gain 10 to 15hp
Then dyno'd to see what I have,then maybe go for bv heads if I havnt got them already !
If i told you it felt like a 50bhp/yorque increase you'd believe it
This is something the quarter mile boys haven't sussed yet. They bang on about 'if you have x amount of bhp and x amount of torque you'll never go faster than xxx in the quarter'. What they conveniently forget is that acceleration isn't all about peak this and peak that but how quickly your motor can achieve it.
This is why, despite there over confident boasting and willy waving, when me and beastie meet up with them at a strip somewhere near you this year, we're gonna upset the jolly old apple cart.
They know who they are. And they've been warned. Again.
hasta la vista,
Chilli and beastie
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