944 Turbo VEMS Installation and Setup

[blade7]

Luckily the turbo is so well hidden in the car she'll never see it! You've got everything else sorted, just make sure you get the 3" downpipe while you're at it. 400HP here we come!

And hope the clutch holds it.

 

[Frenchy]

Great write up Dave, that is a full on feedback loop system using PID,probably as accurate as you can get, the vendor knows his onions.
Keep up the posts.

 

[944 man]

I think you're ****ing into the wind without a bigger Turbo....

I agree - that brings a whole host of other questions/issues/specifications and hiding the box from the wife too!

Have it delivered to the reception at work.

Amateur.

 

[blade7]

How many UK turbo owners are using VEMS now?

 

[PSH]

How many UK turbo owners are using VEMS now?

Not I...??

 

[blade7]

You're firmly entrenched in the 90's though Pete [].

 

[PSH]

No denying that Paul...?? then again Vitesse has never let me down whereas I have read the opposite for some VEMS users, not all I'm sure...

 

[Mark_Hamilton]

Great write up David, especially since I am seriously considering VEMS for my car. I know your setup has moved on massively from standard Turbo S spec but do you have any previous insight into what would be possible with a original 2.5l engine in good nick and the 26/8 turbo. Looking for maximum throttle response and drivability from 3000 rpm north and not outright power. Most people are suggesting a swap out of 26/8 to 26/6 for this but interested in your thoughts.

 

[Eldavo]

I wouldn’t be changing to the 26/6 - very backwards step.

I had my 26/8 rebuilt by Turbo Dynamics and "hybridised” (if that’s a word) - together with the EBC solenoid with VEMS I was making 18psi of boost at only 2752rpm! As such, I think with a standard turbo, VEMS and a good map (I could email you one) you could get circa 320-330bhp and maybe >350ft/lbs - the torque was what made made so driveable as through dyno tuning and boost mapping it was level from 3k-5k rpm.

 

[blade7]

Sounds good [].

 

[Mark_Hamilton]

That sounds exactly what I am looking for. My current setup is a stage 2 JMG affair producing around 260bhp at wheels so similar to one of your original runs before all the latest mods etc. Engine is solid and has modified head and gasket etc for reliability . I don't want to go past 350 bhp as its enough without major further mods but a better throttle response and flat torque curve is appealing. Be interested if anyone has done similar or if everyone else is going for big bhp.

 

[Eldavo]

My mate Rich who races a 944T very successfully says one of the biggest improvements was fitting the S2 ring and pinion gear in the gearbox. I seem to recall that Augment Automotive used to do a ”honey badger” quick spool turbo built on a K26/6 but I didn’t think the figures were particularly impressive given the limited top end power and the commensurate costs.

Whacking a modern small frame GTX series turbo on there would probably be the best bet but that’s not a simple bolt-on affair.

 

[Mark_Hamilton]

After a good chat with Peter at Turbo Dynamics, it appears that a refresh on my current 26/8 may be on the cards. A combination of a new dual ball bearing centre and some clever tuning/replacement of the blades etc will yield spool up between 750-1000 rpm lower in rev range (Decent 15-18psi boost by 2750 hopefully) and the ability to hold on to maximum boost further up the rev range (more efficiency = less heat = more torque/power up top). Maybe another 10% on torque/power above 5000 rpm. Cost for turbo mods is going to be between £500 - £800 depending what is done etc. Once installed will try with motronic first and then plan to replace with Vems if warranted. The latest dyno run I have is currently producing around 270 bhp at wheels so if I get the improvements above it should make a significant difference to drivability. Thanks for all great feedback/advice so far.

 

[Eldavo]

Sounds good - I had 18psi by 2752rpm on my 8v engine and it was a hoot to drive on country roads.

 

[dlknight]

Will be interested to hear how you get on with Turbo Dynamics Mark, will be checking my Turbo for wear whilst I'm stripping and rebuilding the engine. Could do without the additional expense but there is always project creep

 

[Kongsodoken]

Interesting I’ve been talking with Turbo Dynamics they said a "drop in " ball bearing cartridge didn’t exist
I guess they have to build as a special

if there is a saving for them by making multiple units would get mine done too []

 

[Mark_Hamilton]

Will report back when project underway. Will be sending oil feed line to them also as the new dual ball bearing cartridge requires an oil feed with different connection turbo side. Apparently this approach has been used on a number of racing cars using the older style KKK 26/X turbos so should have been heavily tested by now !

 

[blade7]

Interesting I’ve been talking with Turbo Dynamics they said a "drop in " ball bearing cartridge didn’t exist
I guess they have to build as a special

LR have offered a BB cartridge on their turbos for years, so there must be one out there.

 

[Kongsodoken]

Interesting I’ve been talking with Turbo Dynamics they said a "drop in " ball bearing cartridge didn’t exist
I guess they have to build as a special

LR have offered a BB cartridge on their turbos for years, so there must be one out there.

sounds like it - I’m sending my Turbo off next week so see what happens