MAD WGN - powerup under way

[drewbytes]

MAD WGN is at Marrano's at the moment, for the 2nd and final stage of it's powerup.

Sonny did an LS2 engine conversion several months ago (brand new crate engine), and prepped it for forced induction by fitting 317 casting heads to lower the comp to 9.8, a GTS style cam and FI friendly head gaskets etc. Wagon made 287 rwkw in this guise.

Originally the plan was to go twin turbo, but just as the car was due to go to Sonny to have them fitted 450 Kw Adventura put his Whipple kit up for sale. My main reason for going the PD blower is it makes 3-4 psi boost starting at idle, and therefore makes gobs of power and torque where I drive most of the time under 3500 rpm.

The other good thing about the Whipple is I could sell my manifold, TB, OTR, 25% UD etc, and so I got $2000 back off the purchase price to put towards fitting and tuning.

Sonny stripped the Whipple down to it's undies, checked it over, and gave it a fresh coat of paint. Unfortunately though it's not a straight bolt on to an LS2 (it's off an LS1). Sonny spent some considerable time modifying things so it would fit. He's also converted the wagon to a VZ tankless radiator setup. The original coolant bottle will probably remain as the tank for the water/methanol injection system rather than using the windscreen washer bottle.

Yes there are heat issues with these style blowers, but seeing as I'm not a drag racer and only give it squirts on the street and love low down torque, it should suit my driving style exactly. Sonny took me for a drive in a Harrop blown car and the noise they make is horn too!

Just waiting on the custom fuel system at the moment, we have a bit of a surprise there, something that I haven't seen or heard done before. I'll leave that one in the bag until it's done and we have pics. I think there will be a few people wanting these once they see it, I believe Sonny will be selling it as a kit once we've tested it on my car.

Depending on when the fuel system arrives, it may be ready for the long weekend - Sonny? :whip: Although more than likely it will be the following week.

http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple1.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple2.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple3.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple4.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple5.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple6.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/whipple7.jpg

[DaveHAT]

Nice drew ... very very nice indeed.

Just when we think there are no more engine combos for Drew to try in his wagon .... BAM ! :)

Looking forward to seeing the torque figures on this little sucker when done ! :beer:

[35R]

cool stuff

Steve took me for a spin out the back-blocks of botany just a few weeks before he removed the blower... then onto foreshore drive... totally crossed up, lets just say changing direction 180*... love the noise! heaps of character and grunt

[nirvana]

i saw it yesterday at sonny's shop when i dropped my car off was pleasantly suprised.
well done andrew that wagon will scare a few people. :burnout:

[Goanna]

Nice work drew...still can't forget the ride with the 427! Look forward to this returning to Canberra so we can all have a perve!!!

[NickS]

Good stuff Drew ... I was wondering what you were doing next and I was wondering if we would see Steve's weapons of mass destruction pop up again somewhere ... I guess both questions have been answered now !!!

Look forward to seeing the results of this one ... since Sonny finally got rid of my car he has been churning them out, I suppose finally having some reliable staff helps there. Any guesses or targets for output or are you not too fussed about the numbers ???

Can't wait to see it ... I'll have to get down there and have a peek.

:up2sum:

[drewbytes]

Any guesses or targets for output or are you not too fussed about the numbers ???

It should make good power as these kits typically make around 330-350 rwkw on stock LS1 engines.

400 rwkw would be a nice figure to make, but it's more for the instant torque of the low/mid range. However if I can have that and a stomping top end too, who am I to complain? :)

[Bermudablue]

it makes 3-4 psi boost starting at idle

I was there on tuesday and had a look at your car.Sonny turning slowly by hand was making it puff out a pound or two...lol
The radiator conversion looked good too with the twin fans.What is the advantage of this?

[450 kW LUBEHAT]

Andrew

Looking good there buddy.

While I think of it, on the floor in the back of the Adventra is/was a farkin big spanner we made to adjust the eccentric bearing belt tensioner.

Both belts that were on it are near new, there is another long high quality belt with it, this is for ron. and I have another new high qual. toothed blower belt here for you as well.

There is an Allen key with the big adjuster and a spanner for the tensioning idler (to push the tensioner back to release belt pressure)

Now this little kit allows you to change any of the belts on the side of the road in 5 minutes. (bring it all around and I'll show you how) this way you are always in control.

Belt aren't an issue, I have only ever broken 1 at Oran Park (found out Starry sold it to me with a 2nd hand belt on) :rolleyes:

Bought top qual. belts and never had another problem.

Need to give you some Mainlube 335 Synthetic 300C grease for the blower belt adjuster bearings, I put special C3 high temp. clearance bearing in there, after I redesigned the whole set up with new high carbon shaft and cut grease channels to make it greasable,

Cheers

Steve :)

[drewbytes]

Thanks Steve, I'll pass that info on to Sonny.

Quicksilver, dunno mate, have to ask Sonny. I know he wanted to keep it as cool as possible with the Whipple.

[BLK 1T]

Andrew
I too saw your car earlier in the week. Should be loads of fun when its finished. Steve seemed to have trouble getting traction with four wheels driving, how you gunna go with only 2. :stick:

Steve - King of the after sales support, providing spanners and free advice.

Quicksilver - I know the VZ radiator is one of Sonnys favourite upgrades, when ever Ive asked him why, the answer was "its just better" (no more detail offered).
Phil

[fatas]

DOES VZ RADIATOR = no resovior or tank on the guard ?

[Bermudablue]

No resovoir.A totally sealed unit.Larger capacitiy too by the look of it.

[highlander_69r]

looks awesome:bow:

cant wait to the final result :)

[BOMI]

:thumbs:

Looks like you have a great set uo there Drew :bow:

I bet it sounds awesome.


Troy :)

[Ron]

Was at Sonnys today Drew ,along with Tiger Dave and a few others ,its looking good mate,should be awesome when finished.

[drewbytes]

Sonny has tuned the car, it ending up making 380.5 rwkw (510 rwhp) at 6499 rpm at 10 psi boost. It is making over 1000 rwnm of torque from the start of the dyno run around 2500 rpm to 5500 rpm.

I haven't driven it yet, can't wait, according to Sonny it's a beast on the road :)

Here is a video of it on the dyno:
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/hsvzclubbie/?action=view&current=DSCF0978-1.flv

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/15.jpg
http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/16.jpg
http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/17.jpg
http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/18.jpg

[NickS]

That's an awesome result Drew ... :bravo: to Sonny also.

That's pretty bloody close to exactly what I have at all wheels, I still haven't mashed the throttle but I have given it a bit, no wheel spin what so ever thus far. I would be very interested to hear how it drives, how enthusiastic can you be on the throttle, how easy is it to get the rears spinning ??? Just interested in a comparison of AWD vs RWD with pretty much the same output.

Enjoy the new setup mate ... what's next :stick:

:cheers:

[Goanna]

Wow, awesome drew, sounds very nice, love that Whipple noise! Considering the ease that 450kwadventra could get his awd sideways this thing might be a bit scary!! Let us know when its back in Canberra, would love to check it out!

[RedVYIISS]

nice numbers, she'll be fun.

And Nick... 2WD / 500 rwHp, coming to work on Monday (I think), I had a little play with a Typhoon.... at approx 120-130 km/hr I tromped it... and the bugga spun em up and scared the sh!t out of the Phoon driver.... (didn't let him know it, but I was ready to check undies myself!!!!). The road appeared to be dry but I may have hit a little damp patch.

I went and bought two new rear tyres yesterday!

[CarlFST60L]

I remeber Drews last videos of his 427, you ganna make some more with this setup Drew :)

congrates on the car, would love to hear some of your thoughts compared with the stoker!

[Goanna]

Wow, i can't believe the imature behaviour of some people!! reading over at Ls1 about drews car and the way some people just have to go and try to spoil it. Exactly the same thing that happened with Nick. 2 Awesome cars that i would kill to own! Drew and nick you guys have 2 awesome beasts and i hope you enjoy them like they should be!

Mods on this site, i hope that if these trouble makers manage to get over here they get the ban they deserve. Why can't other people respect someones else desision on what, who and when he does something to his car!!!

Well done Sonny too on another well Built car!!

[scat2k3]

What a great result Drew !

Like others, I'm interested to see what you think of it on the road.

Enjoy mate !!

Cheers,

Scott

[DaveHAT]

Congrats Andrew,:bow:

Some people like the whipple blowers and if you read the shit on LS1 ... some don't ---> YOU DO, so f*ck what anyone else thinks about it. :werd:

That much torque at such low rpm will be mindblowing to drive. Hard to contemplate really. :bow:

[drewbytes]

Wow, i can't believe the imature behaviour of some people!! reading over at Ls1 about drews car and the way some people just have to go and try to spoil it. Exactly the same thing that happened with Nick. 2 Awesome cars that i would kill to own! Drew and nick you guys have 2 awesome beasts and i hope you enjoy them like they should be!

Mods on this site, i hope that if these trouble makers manage to get over here they get the ban they deserve. Why can't other people respect someones else desision on what, who and when he does something to his car!!!

Well done Sonny too on another well Built car!!

Thanks mate, much appreciated :) I'll take you for a spin soon, should be collecting it on Saturday.

I've heard a lot about these things throwing belts. Sonny spent not far off an entire day measuring and aligning all the pulleys so they were in perfect alignment to the exact mm. Apparently they were quite a bit out to start with. They shouldn't throw belts if you set them up right to start with - that's why IMO Sonny is the man :bow:

[VooDoo]

Drew, congrates on such a great car. Its a true credit to yourself and your chosen workshop. I hope it keeps that smile on your face for years to come.

BTW, i know you havent driven it much but how does it compare with the strokers?

I have a 2.2L twin screw sitting here atm and tossing up whether to put it on the work ute or in the barge :D

[Sonny@AutoWerks]

Heres the last lot of some pics of the rest of drews fuel system setup,hope all have enjoyed the thread

If most of you will notice we heavily insulate the fuel lines,there is a good reason for this,those braided lines are like a hack saw,they run close to brakes lines & other lines,and in time with movement,they can saw striaght thru the metal lines and cause danger or harm,its best to be safe then sorry.

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/300.jpg

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/301.jpg

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/302.jpg

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/303.jpg

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/304.jpg

http://www.lostmybeer.com/sonny/whipple/305.jpg

[NickS]

Thanks mate, much appreciated :) I'll take you for a spin soon, should be collecting it on Saturday.

I've heard a lot about these things throwing belts. Sonny spent not far off an entire day measuring and aligning all the pulleys so they were in perfect alignment to the exact mm. Apparently they were quite a bit out to start with. They shouldn't throw belts if you set them up right to start with - that's why IMO Sonny is the man :bow:

Nothing less than perfection ... :bravo: Sonny.

I think you are forget one thing with this setup Drew, you are in for some trouble as from previous experiences we all know that this kit EATS gearboxes !!! Then again I suppose it could have been the AWD and Steve's driving style ... :hmmm:

NAH ... can't be, Steve drives like a grandma ... :stick:

Can't wait to see this thing running in person one day ... :bow:

[RedVYIISS]

It's interesting isn't it, Delco's never had a prob throwing belts and neither has Steve (and I've seen Steve give that thing sh!t!!!!).

Delco & Steve are perfectionists.... and the results with this install will show that if set up properly, throwing belts wont be an issue.

[450 kW LUBEHAT]

She's lookin great Drew, was at Sonny's yesterday and gave it the old once over, Sonny has done a great job as usual, very tidy "factory fit" looking.

Everyone you take for a ride will poo them selves, these Whipple's set up right are awesome, and for those who disagree, I'm talking about after a Tuner like Sonny has tuned it with a 2 bar tune.

We had to pick up 50 kw when Sonny 2 bared the Adventra.

I see someone asked if I liked it so much why sell it? simple, the hp bug must be fed, and 50% more power doesn't come cheap, I needed the $$$

Would I own another Whipple, shit yes, the low down power it great.

Would I own a TT, shit yes, the top end is phenomenal.

This time round it's CUBES for me, until next time

Cheers

Steve

[Ryzz]

I remeber Drews last videos of his 427, you ganna make some more with this setup Drew :)

congrates on the car, would love to hear some of your thoughts compared with the stoker!
I remember Sonny taking me for a run in the 427 and telling me to "hold the laptop", i got out of the car afterwards and my comments where something along the likes of "Thats Farking Insane", as i picked my jaw up off the ground and cleaned off my undies. Hopefully this will be even better!!!

[fatas]

good work sonny good work drew i think i can breath here :headbang: :bow: :toetap: :stick: :confused: :beer:

[Sonny@AutoWerks]

Is it safe to post here :toetap: ,this thread seems to have touched some edges of some ppl..

[NickS]

Is it safe to post here :toetap: ,this thread seems to have touched some edges of some ppl..

It's all good here Sonny ...

[Ryzz]

Ive cleaned the thread out over there in an attempt to get it back on topic.

[Hazza]

Very nice Drew. Should keep you on your toes (especially down low) that's for sure!! You interested in joining us for a skid pan, or motorkhana or wakefield day?

Also quick question. Who are you using to engineer it for rego in the ACT?

I have been looking into compliance issues for supercharged/turbocharged applications in the ACT and there's alot of talk about it but the only rock solid legislation I found is here http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/safety/road/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx (http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/safety/road/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx). In paticular the document called "NCOP3 Section LA Engines 3 Feb 2006". Its the new national code which is eventually going to be Australia wide. The ACT were the first to adopt it a year ago.

[drewbytes]

Very nice Drew. Should keep you on your toes (especially down low) that's for sure!! You interested in joining us for a skid pan, or motorkhana or wakefield day?

Also quick question. Who are you using to engineer it for rego in the ACT?

I have been looking into compliance issues for supercharged/turbocharged applications in the ACT and there's alot of talk about it but the only rock solid legislation I found is here http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/safety/road/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx (http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/safety/road/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx). In paticular the document called "NCOP3 Section LA Engines 3 Feb 2006". Its the new national code which is eventually going to be Australia wide. The ACT were the first to adopt it a year ago.

John Wilson from KZ Engineering I used once before on a blown 5L VN Calais. Although if you have a better idea I'm all ears!

Not sure on the track days, but possibly a skid pan or motorkhana.

[seldo]

John Wilson from KZ Engineering I used once before on a blown 5L VN Calais. Although if you have a better idea I'm all ears!

Not sure on the track days, but possibly a skid pan or motorkhana.
My Bro-in-law in Melbourne may be able to help you if needed - he's a certified DOTARS engineer.

[Hazza]

Funny you say John Wilson. He was the name I was given too. But since these new laws, he is not taking on some of the work he used to. I got the customer who was interested in a Harrop/TT kit to ring him and ask and apparently he gave the advice that you cannot turbo/supercharge LS1/2 commodore's anymore because of some new power to weight legislation which means the car would have to weigh 1900+ to be legal. But when we looked at the legislation, we think he is reading the wrong clause (LA2 - fitting non-standard engine + forced induction instead of LA3 - fitting forced induction on standard engine) but he is very adament he is right.

Seldo maybe your bro-in-law could help clarify. As aspiring to one of these kits myself one day, I am personally very interested in this, as I don't like the idea of voiding my insurance/rego if involved in something and getting sued.

John Wilson from KZ Engineering I used once before on a blown 5L VN Calais. Although if you have a better idea I'm all ears!

Not sure on the track days, but possibly a skid pan or motorkhana.

[NickS]

Funny you say John Wilson. He was the name I was given too. But since these new laws, he is not taking on some of the work he used to. I got the customer who was interested in a Harrop/TT kit to ring him and ask and apparently he gave the advice that you cannot turbo/supercharge LS1/2 commodore's anymore because of some new power to weight legislation which means the car would have to weigh 1900+ to be legal. But when we looked at the legislation, we think he is reading the wrong clause (LA2 - fitting non-standard engine + forced induction instead of LA3 - fitting forced induction on standard engine) but he is very adament he is right.

Seldo maybe your bro-in-law could help clarify. As aspiring to one of these kits myself one day, I am personally very interested in this, as I don't like the idea of voiding my insurance/rego if involved in something and getting sued.

Lucky my Coupe weighs in at 2000kgs ... :werd:

[drewbytes]

I'll give him a call Hazza and see what he says. I rang him several months ago about TT the wagon, and he said no problem... Unless he's changed his mind since then. I believe you are right, he should be looking at LA3 not LA2...

[Hazza]

Okay. My info is 2nd hand so may not be 100% accurate. Let me know what he says. These laws have been in for a year so doubt what he told you a couple months ago is inaccurate. Maybe he just prefers not to deal with them if he doesn't have to (ie anyone who rings about it).

Yes Nick there you go, there's at least one advantage to hitting the 2 tonne mark!!

[seldo]

....Seldo maybe your bro-in-law could help clarify. As aspiring to one of these kits myself one day, I am personally very interested in this, as I don't like the idea of voiding my insurance/rego if involved in something and getting sued.

Feel free to give him a yell at info@cartech.com.au Just say David told you to call. (he's usually a bit slow to reply)

[fatas]

drew mate love the wagon love the work sonny did.:)
ryzz i didnt start shit over there just sick and tired off the stuff justice and co put up may be its time they got a hoilday:toetap: sonny has every right to pull the money he spends over there and just sit back and laugh at the loosers:toetap: may be he will :confused:

[35R]

Drew,

Thanks for taking the time to post all the info and pics

And congrats on the result, I'm sure it will be awesome to drive.

[Hazza]

Drew.

I just found out Butler's Car (Summernats TOP60 PWR Blown Showcar) is back at GenTech and was just engineered today!!! Marcus said the engineer gave it the nod no problems. Marcus uses the engineer from Canberra Service Centre next door to GenTech (I think his name is Ray).

Next I think Butler has to go to Sydney and get the emission tests done (its free apparently now) to pass that side of things and then if tech standards/ACT rego agree with the engineer it will be fully complianced. Although the ACT do not test for emissions, I believe the emission testing has to be passed once initially to be compliant but will never be tested again after that.

Hazza.

[drewbytes]

Drew.

I just found out Butler's Car (Summernats TOP60 PWR Blown Showcar) is back at GenTech and was just engineered today!!! Marcus said the engineer gave it the nod no problems. Marcus uses the engineer from Canberra Service Centre next door to GenTech (I think his name is Ray).

Next I think Butler has to go to Sydney and get the emission tests done (its free apparently now) to pass that side of things and then if tech standards/ACT rego agree with the engineer it will be fully complianced. Although the ACT do not test for emissions, I believe the emission testing has to be passed once initially to be compliant but will never be tested again after that.

Hazza.

That's good news Hazza :) I guess it's ok then to have a blower strapped on. Do you know how much CSC charge to engineer? Might have to give them a buzz and see if they can do my wagon.

edit: I think the name is Mitchell Service Centre?

[Hazza]

Pretty sure it was around $850. And it's not Mitchell Service Centre, but Canberra Service Centre doesn't exist and for the life of me I can't remember the name of the place (Canberra something Centre I think) but its in that laneway right beside GenTech. I'll find out.

I also heard that tech standards can fail a vehicle even if its engineered but once Butlers goes through we have a precedent at least.

[veewhytu]

Drew you're obviously a big fan of "bottom of the basement" grunt... first a stroker & now a whipple..im jelous ,sounds like heaps of fun :dance:

Id like to hear your opinion on how it compares to big cubes, not too many people have had both in the same vehicle so im waiting keenly for the "seat of the pants ometer" report :)

[drewbytes]

I'll write a detailed report in a month or two after I've lived with it for a while, but some inital feelings:

Torque - tons of it everywhere right from idle just like I was after. Instant is how I would describe the torque delivery.
Drivability - exactly the same as when it was just the LS2 without Whipple.
Economy - according to the dash used approx 1 litre / 100kms more on the highway, can't advise around town but of course expect it to use more.
Noise - can't hear the fuel pumps at all (thanks Sonny) or the Whipple at cruise. Give it a bit of throttle and you get the Whipple whine. It's not as loud as I imagined it would be which I guess is a good thing - it's probably just about the right level. Not sure how loud it is outside the car though.
Interestingly the intake temps drop when you give it a bit because of the water injection - without it the intake temps would go up not down.
Intake temps were around 70-75 stuck in Sydney traffic, 45-55 on highway. Give it a little squirt and temps drop at least 5 degrees almost immediately.
I haven't given it a flogging, that's not how I drive my car anyway, but it's certainly got plenty of poke any gear any rpm.
The install is very neat and high quality. Sonny probably went a bit overboard with the fuel system and fittings, but I'd rather have the best and be as safe as possible.
All the belts are still in their original locations :p after many many dyno runs and test drives by Sonny.
Only down side is my fuel gauge is playing up again like it has a couple of times in the past - grrr - reporting incorrect fuel level.
So far very happy with it.


I've decided to put a new set of 19" wheels on the wagon too, so if anyone wants my Advanti Racing 18" ones cheap with 4 near brand new tyres for $850 check out the for sale section. They'll be up there with photos soon.

[nirvana]

im happy for you andrew and you like it thats the main thing.
don't worry what happened on ls1, me,seedy, nicks we all whent through the bitching and back stabbing it happens.
now enjoy driving your beast around.


cheers,
dennis.

[RedVYIISS]

good stuff, enjoy it.

I look forward to a users report after you've lived with it for awhile.

[drewbytes]

Ok, yesterday I put the finishing touch on MAD WGN - there's nothing else to do (did I really say that? :lol:) except enjoy. I normally only do 15,000 kms per annum (only have 49k on the clock after 3.5 years), but clocked up 1,500 in the last week enjoying the wagon. Faultless and a pleasure to drive.

19" VZ R8 wheels, re-painted in shadow chrome. Thanks to Sonny for selling me the wheels, and to Payless Tyres for the 245/35 Nankang NS2's. Ride seems to be the same as with the 18's, I can't really notice any decrease in ride quality and the missus hasn't said anything so it can't have got worse!

I've very happy with the way it looks with the wheels, looks fantastic in the flesh. Everyone who saw it at Marranos on Sat though it looked great too - thanks guys and good to meet a few more forum members.

http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/wheels1.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/wheels2.jpg
http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/wheels3.jpg

[35R]

wheels look great and really set it off nicely Drew, looks great.

[bluess57]

Wagon is looking good.
Please take us ACT people for a ride ... :)

[NickS]

Good to see you ever so briefly on Saturday Drew ... as I said then, those wheels look dead set perfect on your wagon, love 'em.

:bow: :bow: :bow:

[scat2k3]

Money well spent Drew. They do look great.

We might have to organise another Berrima cruise at somestage so the Sydney and Canberra folks can catch up again.

Cheers,

Scott

Edit: There seems to be a few members with new wheels recently. Scotty, how is the treatment holding up mate?

[DaveHAT]

Lovin the new wheels Drew ... moi moi nice.

As an aside , your old wheels are causing merry bloody hell just quietly ... :headbang:


:lol:

[BOMI]

They look the goods mate, Nice "Finishing" touch mate.


Troy :)

[drewbytes]

Lovin the new wheels Drew ... moi moi nice.

As an aside , your old wheels are causing merry bloody hell just quietly ... :headbang:


:lol:

Don't worry Dave, you'll think of something to tell the missus :)

[Scotty]

Saw the wagon at Sonny's the other week... the wheels look horn... good choice... and I am not bias... they definately suit the wagon.

[drewbytes]

Saw the wagon at Sonny's the other week... the wheels look horn... good choice... and I am not bias... they definately suit the wagon.

Thank you :)