Quote:
Originally Posted by mrg666
For a standalone FI application, I think the Control Box is a must. The on/off switch can be cheap but getting a sudden full boost after a threshold does not sound like a good driving experience. I would prefer the boost to be proportional to throttle level for a consistent driving experience. I also don't know how long the power box can sustain the full boost. It wouldn't be fun to wait for the next boost available after each charge. Though, I would think the battery charge will be a problem if the compressor runs continuously proportional to throttle level. And, when charge is not available for boost or compressor is waiting for switch to turn on, there should be a bypass valve so that natural air flow is not restricted by the dysfunctional compressor. If the price comes closer to $4000 with tuning and cost of Control Box, Edelbrock or Jackson Racing packages are definitely better deals. This is more suitable for working as a supplement in sync with turbo to eliminate the boost lag instead of a stand-alone FI solution.
|
The complete kit + control box is $3,000. The bypass is another $200 not really needed though it’s more for twin charging or larger engines. On the FA20 its not a restriction at WOT even at redline. It could be useful in off boost scenarios but with the control box it would be a non issue I think, similar to what phantom did to combat this.
Charge capacity and recharge rate I can’t find much info on that would be my main concern. The phantoms seemed to make peak numbers for about 25-30sec and IIRC recharged at a 2:1 rate so 30sec use 60sec recharge. Not a good option for the track, but autox, DD, back roads should be good. Assuming the torqueamp has similar charge capacity and recharge rate. Could reach out to them and find out for sure.
With a tune yeah about $4,000. The phantoms and this kit actually make more low/mid/peak torque than the JRSC with normal pulley obviously JRSC makes way more top end, and has pulley options / larger SC unit option. But add in tuning to that, and then if you read the 137 different recommended FI supporting mod threads your looking at closer to $7,000 for a decent supercharger setup.
Then add in install time/difficulty the torque amp may be a lot easier for a beginner DIYer vs paying $1,000 for supercharger install (non factor for some but big factor for plenty). so it could quickly become a $4000 vs $8000 comparison.
And then ease and time to remove kit if you wanted to go back to stock for warranty work or part out later. If you paid $1k for install probably $1k for uninstall too.
There’s also a lot of people who are too scared and don’t want to take on the risk of a real FI setup so they stay NA, but maybe would be willing to take on the risk of this kit if they just wanted another 5-10% top end and some mid range. Seems a little pointless to do real FI for only 220whp. This could be a good cheaper alternative for hitting that goal. I believe you can turn the boost down with torqueamps controller so you could turn down mid range a little if that torque hit down low was too risky/scary for you and just do like 3psi peak tapering off to 2psi at redline. Would save the battery charge too and still add a good 10% across the entire powerband. Remember this kit generates no parasitic loss and no real heat so each psi adds a lot of power, and no lag from intercooler piping etc.
When really broken down, doing as fair of comparison as possible I think it can make sense for a lot of people. Mainly those only wanting another 10% ontop of a FBO NA setup.