AVO Turbo Installed on A/T BRZ
 

Intro

I bought my A/T BRZ in May 2012, I have about 7k miles on her now. Since owning it, I felt it needed more power IMO. I know some will argue "it's not meant to have a turbo" ...

Several months ago I had a chance to drive Paul's @AVOturboworld turbo'd M/T FRS, about a week later I pre-ordered mine w/ ceramic coating. I arranged installation and dyno tune with Bob @Drift-Office in Auburn, WA.

I stayed in frequent contact w/ Paul and Bob. I was confident that the AVO turbo was for me. With both parties involved, the end prodcut would be excellent based on their reputations, experience and customer service.

While waiting for the turbo, Drift-Office flashed their NA stage 1 Ecutek tune. The added power and torque gains were substantial, however; it made me realize that I wanted a lot more power and torque.

REVIEW DAY 1

So, the AVO turbo recently arrived at Drift-Office, which I quickly dropped my BRZ off with Bob. My turbocharged BRZ was picked up yesterday afternoon at Drift-Office. Right now, my setup is on Drift-Office's stage 1 tune with 4.6 psi, ~221whp/~181wtq (STD correction) from the stock 165whp/137wtq (w/ HKS catback).

From the one day of driving it, I loved it! It is surprisingly quiet w/ my HKS exhaust, almost as quiet as NA. I immediately noticed the lack of the infamous torque dip and the modest power gain felt significant. Extra power and torque are accessible along the entire RPM range.

Down sides are probably a lower MPG and some rear tire slippage from a heavy foot. I noticed that while NA, I had learned to shift to avoid the torque dip between 3.5-5k RPMs; this habit changed quickly when I noticed easily accessible power in each gear.

I think for some people that want "a little bit more power", this is what they want. They want the stage 1 AVO turbo. This is perfect for a DD in this modest boost setup...

but I do plan on upgrading from the stage 1 to the Drift-Office stage 1.5 and eventually stage 2, which I hear will be awesome :drool:

I'll leave the technical information to Bob and Paul. Dyno results and pics will be posted soon! For now, here's a video Paul shot of my BRZ!

[ame]http://youtu.be/WM4M6r267dc[/ame]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27957

This is AVO's thread about my build.

What's the speculation about AT durability/longevity with each stage?

And what is each stage for this kit - what happens at 1.5 and at 2?

Wow that is very quiet.

From what I understand, the A/T can handle much more power, while the stock clutch on M/T would probably have to be upgraded.





Nothing official from Bob yet, he has a thread somewhere about stage 2. His reported preliminary numbers were <10psi, ~253whp/~220wtq. He has remained hush about any new developments, but he promised me that I will be impressed :rolleyes:

Yeah, even Paul was surprised how quiet it was. I think it's mostly to do with the HKS Legamax catback. The exhaust note is different with the UEL headers, which has a unique growl.

Wow fast! Nice car man I bet you love driving that around. :thumbup:

That's the first good vid I have seen with an A/T also, by far the best I have seen outside of a supercar. My '04 G35 left a bad taste where A/T "sport shifting" is concerned, but clearly it is a different world now.

:w00t: car!

Very nice! I feel like if Toyota/Subaru actually made a turbo version of the FT86, it would be exactly like the AVO kit. Have fun and be safe!

I feel there's more durability in the AT transmission than the manual AZ6 found in our cars. Additionally, not many people are addressing the limits of the stock clutch or trans when going beyond 250# TQ...

More of that to come... later.

And that you will. :)

Regards!


Bob @ Drift-Office, LLC

@Drift-Office what do you think the limits are for the AT and MT transmission for these cars? And I understand the stock clutch should be replaced around 230ftlbs?

230#s would be very close to the limits. There's no longevity at that rating on the stock disc / pressure plate. Apply a generous dose of clutch kicks on the track and well, you'll need a replacement and soon!

The MT? Haven't found the limits... yet! :)

Regards!


Bob @ Drift-Office, LLC

Get back to us when you do! Keep up the good work and thanks for all the info.

But of course, don't I always? :)


Cheers!