From reading this board, I reckon 320bhp is about the reliable max from a standard UK99/00 car. What do you think?

After that, the clutch goes, and the gearbox isn't far behind (depending on how you use it?).

How much can the motor take before big-ends, pistons and crank become a liability?

I know of a few UK cars running 350-or-so bhp. Are they still in one piece? Nito?

Cheers,

Richard.

 

YHM

 

The big end sometimes goes in standard boost and with full Subaru history. (£2500) Thank **** for an extended Subaru warranty

IMHO if you are going over 300bhp without upgrading the internals of the engine, you are shortening the engine life and taking a risk. If you are doing few miles (under 10k a year) then you may well be ok for as long as you own the car.

 

Hoppy,

gear box should not be a problem as long as you are not a complete hooligan. They will survive well over 300bhp and up to 320/340ftlbs torque based on what I have seen on track.

The internals of the UK box is pretty much the same as the STi for example and there are plenty of those running 350/320. As far as the clutch is concerned - there is a new clutch kit out with a clamping pressure of 1400kg and it drives like the standard car. I t will easily cope with the power you are talking about. The full kit including the release bearing is around £425 - cheaper than the AP or STi uprated clutches which are not as strong.

The problem with UK cars is getting a turbo big enough that comes in early enough to deal with the lower rev limit of UK cars. There are lots of choices now however.

In a UK the most likely challenge are the conrods, then possibly pistons. Crank should easily cope - up to 400bhp is rumoured to be fine - big ends will go if you get a lot of heat or det.

If you are prepared to rebuild - get decent pistons - JE are less noisy then Cosworth - or even go for Sti Forged pistons - wire ring the block, use uprated head studs and gaskets - and off you go - you can run MUCH higher boost and rev higher too!

Trout

[Edited by Trout - 8/17/2002 2:37:10 PM]

 

Cheers for that, Trout. Very helpful indeed. So I don't need an STi or closed decky-blocky thing to get moving

As it 'appens, the good Dr Banks is making some very seductive suggestions to me, so I'll press on with my UK00 for a while longer.

Thanks again,

Richard.

 

Richard,

AFAIK there are no Phase II closed deck blocks - unless made up by someone. A high quality build with STi parts will enable you to run 1.6bar - you could use your UK block. Wire ringing and uprated studs will enable even more - with extra peace of mind.

1.6bar could give you over 400bhp with the right turbo and ECU

Trout

 

Trout. That should keep my credit card busy for the next year or so

Richard.