Is my AU the Only engineered Turbo LPG AU on here?

[TURBOTAXI]

I know I caused some controversy with my home spun installation and subsequent engineering. Since that time I naturally take a keen inerest in aftermarket turbo installations. I know of one other AU that was unengineered in Vic that I think ended up on the auction floor for about $5-$6k.

What I have not really seen is any other AU falcons with legal turbo installs. Are there any others out there?

I still love my Turbo AU and it smokes my stock XR6T on LPG or petrol up to about 160kph.

Lost of people plan to fit a turbo, some even buy the gear. A very small number fit it up and drive it around unengineered. How many AU's out there have gone the whole way to a legal car?

I am just realising that it may be the only one?

[private9]

I reckon you might be the only one!

In VIC at least, I know it can be pretty difficult to get legal, with the cost of emmissions tests and all.

[Justin@]

Originally Posted by private9

I reckon you might be the only one!

In VIC at least, I know it can be pretty difficult to get legal, with the cost of emmissions tests and all.

The cost of that is way better than having the boys in blue and the epa handing out fines and yellow stickers though.

[sly]

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

What I have not really seen is any other AU falcons with legal turbo installs. Are there any others out there?

I am still vacillating between going with a CAPA Powerdyne kit or a turbo. Did you have to take your car to Sydney for an emissions test? If so, how much does it cost and how hard is it to pass?

None of the LPG people around here (lower Hunter Valley) want to do LPG as blow through. A couple would set it up suck through (which I'm not keen on) and the rest want to sell me vapour injection.

[The Monty]

Its not LPG but Duffmans is totally legal. I have talked to paul@elite, and when mine goes in, while its still at his shop, he will get a guy to come around and blue plate it. There is also another one running around in Brissy as well, but that might be an E-series. Its not that hard to get a blue plate in QLD, as long as its nice and neat, no leaks, and has a cat, it should pass.

[Eu-GenixX]

mine will have a blue plate when it's complete too....

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by sly

I am still vacillating between going with a CAPA Powerdyne kit or a turbo. Did you have to take your car to Sydney for an emissions test? If so, how much does it cost and how hard is it to pass?

None of the LPG people around here (lower Hunter Valley) want to do LPG as blow through. A couple would set it up suck through (which I'm not keen on) and the rest want to sell me vapour injection.

No I didnt actually require a emissions test (cough) The engineer made the argument that as the engine management remained unchanged the original drive cycle was unaffected. When I went to have the details updated at the RTA I had to discuss the car with the duty inspector (over the telephone - his weekday job was as a LPG installer) because the Gilgandra RTA was not familiar with this type of thing. I explained the whole conversion and he didnt bat an eyelid at the fact that emissions were not done.The fact that I was about 500k from testing helped? There was also he fact that when the certifcate was issued it was running LPG only.

I need to get back on a dyno, but there is some real potential in the landi renzo system before having timing shaved out it managed 162rwkw, but we couldnt take it over 3500rpm now with 4 degrees out at WOT it goes out to redline and my guess would be it has between 180rwkw and 200rwkw. I know Ian Schmidt aka Goldie has used these landi convertors on safari turboed V8 landcruisers for a safe 245fwkw and massive torque.

I realise the above text is more power adder section, but what I was really curious about was AU Falcons with engineered turbo set ups.

[Turboconvert]

well there is another turbo au xr6 here in dalby is enginereed (does not run on gas mind you), but he does not come on to these forums. so enginereed au turbos, as rare as they may seem, are floating around.

[sly]

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

No I didnt actually require a emissions test (cough) The engineer made the argument that as the engine management remained unchanged the original drive cycle was unaffected.

LOL (cough)...

My local engineer said straight up I'd need testing if not fitting a complete emissions-complied kit. Sort of narrows the field a bit, unless the emissions testing is MUCH cheaper in NSW than Vic and I can find a flash tuner who can get it right first go with a turbo. Maybe I should move 500km west for 6 months...

He also said that front-mount intercoolers were becoming an issue due to their effect on airbag deployment, sort of suggesting that FMIC's will need to be tested like bullbars in future. Just as well you got in early.

[AU2PWR]

Mine will be Engineered .. Properly , because A. I Drive like a bit off a hoon sometimes and on the off chance that i do get pinned , i wouldnt want a Canary because its not Legal , so mine will have to past Emissions and Fab before i can drive it ...

Cheers
Daniel

[TURBOTAXI]

My understanding is that now its all on the RTA system and registered with the FMIC etc... and that I have the report in the car, there is really nothing that can be yellow stickered. My car was engineered as is. Fact is no one loks my my AU twice because it looks like such a peice of crap (Unless its under boost and whistleing). It helps that from the outside nothing looks different to stock. The intercooler has seen so many K's it looks like a radiator now (no shine etc...)

To do an EA to AU Turbo really properly its my opinion that you would need to go to some form of boost referenced ECU change - ie wolf, motec etc.... It is my understanding that road authorities take a dim view of aftermarket engine management - the engineers I spoke with didnt want to inspect my cars if they had an aftermarket ECU.

AU2PWR - Being in Vic you run the chance of a roadside emissions test - that is what I heard. Can anyone confirm.?

Its probably like the cars that were engineered in the good old days and are still registered on the same report of 20 years ago. No way it would get approved today, but was approved back then - Cars like that 2 door 302 escort drag car- tubbed, 9 inch, roll cage and full NSW rego in a recent mag.

This is the second car I have had engineered - the last one was a 1200kg Hilux with a quad cam 1UZFE 206 kw V8. It looked lke a stocky too - light truck tyres, 2.4 diesel badges etc.... Didnt get pulled over once despite the sweet note at redline in 2nd.

I think the best thing to do is to strike the terms of the deal with the engineer before going ahead. After all its not the $660 for the report that costs. Its the costs of doing what the engineer wants. Probaby also wise to talk to the blue slip provider who will be doing the design check as 10mm clearance is the rule but the right person might let 8mm slip if there was no other way to do it. This barrier can send you back to the drawing board if the inspector see's something different to what is in the report, especially if they have put pen to paper on an inspection.

There is also the consideration that if you looked hard enough there would not be too many 5 year old cars that would pass a RWC or blue slip if the inspector wanted to find something - they can, phrases like "excessive movement" is hard to challenge when there are not specifications for acceptable wear on bushes for example.

I hope you have a great time with it.

[AU2PWR]

Well, come september , we will see how we go ..

[private9]

I may very well be wrong, but I think in VIC at least, you must do emissions testing at a cost of around 2k per test - ie, if you fail the first test, you need to fork out another 2k for the second!
Not condoning unengineered cars for a second, but if my understanding is correct, it's no wonder many people run the risk of not having it all engineered.

[schuldiner]

slightly off topic here but TURBOTAXI, do you live in the main town of Gil? Dad's side of the family were all born and raised there pretty much and id id see a couple pretty sweet falcon's across the road from his place the last time i was up there (late September '06)

[sly]

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

My understanding is that now its all on the RTA system and registered with the FMIC etc... and that I have the report in the car, there is really nothing that can be yellow stickered. My car was engineered as is.

Fair enough. I mean future new FMIC installations will have that hoop to jump through as well. Didn't mean to imply it would be retrospective.

To do an EA to AU Turbo really properly its my opinion that you would need to go to some form of boost referenced ECU change - ie wolf, motec etc.... It is my understanding that road authorities take a dim view of aftermarket engine management - the engineers I spoke with didnt want to inspect my cars if they had an aftermarket ECU.

Clean Air Act 2000 (NSW) bans "general-purpose computers" ie programmable systems as engine management on road-registered vehicles. $10,000 fine for the owner, $50,000 fine for the workshop that fits it, even if the car is tuned to pass the EPA drive cycle.

OTOH my local flash tuner guru seems to think that EEC-V has boost reference available. When I asked about tuning a SC setup he suggested fitting a 2 bar MAP sensor and wiring it into the PCM. I need to follow this up and will post results of further enquiries. This bloke spent 9 months researching the 1500 or so variables in the PCM exposed by the Advantage programming software before doing his first tune, he seems to be more thorough than some.

This would be less of an issue with a centri blower - there shouldn't be any mid-range boost spikes and with boost proportional to revs then the advance curve should be safe if revs-referenced only. Will still follow up in case it's a viable option for those preferring to turbo.

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by schuldiner

slightly off topic here but TURBOTAXI, do you live in the main town of Gil? Dad's side of the family were all born and raised there pretty much and id id see a couple pretty sweet falcon's across the road from his place the last time i was up there (late September '06)

About 50 K's away.

The sweet falcons are not mine. Mine are all ugly. - Except the Xr6T.

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by sly

Fair enough. I mean future new FMIC installations will have that hoop to jump through as well. Didn't mean to imply it would be retrospective.


Clean Air Act 2000 (NSW) bans "general-purpose computers" ie programmable systems as engine management on road-registered vehicles. $10,000 fine for the owner, $50,000 fine for the workshop that fits it, even if the car is tuned to pass the EPA drive cycle.

OTOH my local flash tuner guru seems to think that EEC-V has boost reference available. When I asked about tuning a SC setup he suggested fitting a 2 bar MAP sensor and wiring it into the PCM. I need to follow this up and will post results of further enquiries. This bloke spent 9 months researching the 1500 or so variables in the PCM exposed by the Advantage programming software before doing his first tune, he seems to be more thorough than some.

This would be less of an issue with a centri blower - there shouldn't be any mid-range boost spikes and with boost proportional to revs then the advance curve should be safe if revs-referenced only. Will still follow up in case it's a viable option for those preferring to turbo.

Yeah, I have been told the EEC measures some amount of positive pressure in the manifold.

If its true I dont know. If it did and there was a flash tune available for the model that might solve some problems.

[private9]

Turbotaxi, serious question here. How do you find the reaction from people when they pick up on the fact that your ex-taxi is turbo? To me, that surprise would be justification enough to do it!

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by private9

Turbotaxi, serious question here. How do you find the reaction from people when they pick up on the fact that your ex-taxi is turbo? To me, that surprise would be justification enough to do it!

Yeah, people look at you like your one of those people who talk up an inline V6 nitorus festiva (owned by your second cousin tony) that is registered, runs 8's and unfortunately cannot be shown to you because its top secret. Or if you were to spin a yarn about your registered 454 Powered mini :

If I pop the bonnet (they realise I am not pointing at the A/C compressor or alternator and suggesting its a turbo.)

Real performance car lovers (not those impressed by 20 inch rims, a stereo system and a backwards baseball cap) are impressed with its stealthy (read crap) exterior and appreciate the significance of the simple mixer LPG/Turbo and are even more intrested when I say I get 450k for aout $36.

I have a few mates who are 45+ and have sleeper cars VLT's, supercharged GENIII's repowered V8 Turbo (and heavily muffled) LPG Volvo, I learnt early on that sleeper is the way to go. (though I havent been able to bring myself to debadge the XR6T - Yet)

I know in a straight line it outdoes a six speed VX GEN III + exhaust ute, and I know its faster than my XR6T up to any legal limit. I really need to get it on the strip on back on a dyno to be able to satisfy the critics - But I am very satisfied.

It is a satisfying feeling when you see the shiny, tarted up (but mech stock) car next to you. I have nothing to prove - but to know you can mash the pedal and pass them like they are standing still. (especially when they see how beaten up the taxi is, and the LPG tags - lol)

I am pretty partial to my car (as you can tell)

[private9]

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

Yeah, people look at you like your one of those people who talk up an inline V6 nitorus festiva (owned by your second cousin tony) that is registered, runs 8's and unfortunately cannot be shown to you because its top secret. Or if you were to spin a yarn about your registered 454 Powered mini :

If I pop the bonnet (they realise I am not pointing at the A/C compressor or alternator and suggesting its a turbo.)

Real performance car lovers (not those impressed by 20 inch rims, a stereo system and a backwards baseball cap) are impressed with its stealthy (read crap) exterior and appreciate the significance of the simple mixer LPG/Turbo and are even more intrested when I say I get 450k for aout $36.

I have a few mates who are 45+ and have sleeper cars VLT's, supercharged GENIII's repowered V8 Turbo (and heavily muffled) LPG Volvo, I learnt early on that sleeper is the way to go. (though I havent been able to bring myself to debadge the XR6T - Yet)

I know in a straight line it outdoes a six speed VX GEN III + exhaust ute, and I know its faster than my XR6T up to any legal limit. I really need to get it on the strip on back on a dyno to be able to satisfy the critics - But I am very satisfied.

It is a satisfying feeling when you see the shiny, tarted up (but mech stock) car next to you. I have nothing to prove - but to know you can mash the pedal and pass them like they are standing still. (especially when they see how beaten up the taxi is, and the LPG tags - lol)

I am pretty partial to my car (as you can tell)

Good stuff! Agree with you on the whole sleeper thing, definitely the way to go.

I would LOVE to own something like this for a little while, I think the reaction and fun factor would be soooo much more impressive than any other polished, blinged and turbo'd AU!

[BLACKAUXR8]

sleepers are definitley the way to go. Were nearly finished putting a 2ltr turbo in my mates escort. ITs stock yellow with stock wheels and 1.6L bages still on it and its got white walls. The cops dont even look at you. I start my car and the next thing you know theres 3 of them standing round the car!

[sly]

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

I have a few mates who are 45+ and have sleeper cars VLT's, supercharged GENIII's repowered V8 Turbo (and heavily muffled) LPG Volvo, I learnt early on that sleeper is the way to go. (though I havent been able to bring myself to debadge the XR6T - Yet)

That's my demographic! I don't want to be a blingmeister, a dyno king or a drag queen.

Something low-key that has similar performance to an XR6T would do me just fine. The 2.5" exhaust on my wagon ends in plain pipe - not a ****y chrome tip in sight to attract unwanted attention. The broken front bumper lip (where a Rotty took a dive) is held up with hay twine.

When I am certain of what I need to do for legality and happy with my gas tech's proposed setup I'll go ahead with either a 6PSI (or so) turbo or a CAPA kit. The engineer I'm talking to has, funnily enough, a 350-powered Volvo 264 for his wife's daily driver. So far he has offered good helpful advice and not been even the slightest bit obstructive.

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by sly

That's my demographic! I don't want to be a blingmeister, a dyno king or a drag queen.

Something low-key that has similar performance to an XR6T would do me just fine. The 2.5" exhaust on my wagon ends in plain pipe - not a ****y chrome tip in sight to attract unwanted attention. The broken front bumper lip (where a Rotty took a dive) is held up with hay twine.

When I am certain of what I need to do for legality and happy with my gas tech's proposed setup I'll go ahead with either a 6PSI (or so) turbo or a CAPA kit. The engineer I'm talking to has, funnily enough, a 350-powered Volvo 264 for his wife's daily driver. So far he has offered good helpful advice and not been even the slightest bit obstructive.

Its all about getting the right people. He sounds like the man to help you.
The volvo V8's are just awsome - volvos are great cars - a 4cyl 740 has more bottom end bearing area that a 351 clevo, but they are better with a V8.

Why would we want to attract attention to ourselves ? Its easy enough to get into trouble without advertising!.

Gave me a laugh.

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by BLACKAUXR8

sleepers are definitley the way to go. Were nearly finished putting a 2ltr turbo in my mates escort. ITs stock yellow with stock wheels and 1.6L bages still on it and its got white walls. The cops dont even look at you. I start my car and the next thing you know theres 3 of them standing round the car!

I have had the flashy twin exhaust V8's and I am hapier in my under the radar cars.

Love stock wheels on a sleeper!

[sly]

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

Love stock wheels on a sleeper!

Only reason I don't still have stock wheels on mine is the BA front brakes. My only concession to dressing up is a set of AU1 XR8 factory 16" 5-spokers from eBay. Cheap as when every other man and his dog wants 18"+++

[AUI99]

How many rwkw r u pushing out on the au?

[TURBOTAXI]

Originally Posted by AUI99

How many rwkw r u pushing out on the au?

If you are asking me - I dont know. Last dyno reading I had was 162rwkw but now I have a new motor, ecu mods and more boost.

I would guess between 180 - 200rwkw, but cannot confirm.