Boxster Subaru conversion interest?

[The Radium King]

i wonder if anyone has ever tied an electronic boost controller into a steering wheel position sensor - less boost when turning, more boost in the straights ...

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

i wonder if anyone has ever tied an electronic boost controller into a steering wheel position sensor - less boost when turning, more boost in the straights ...

But what happens if you happen to have the wheel in a neutral position in the middle of a turn/slide (not likely, but could happen)? Full boost when you don't necessarily want it. Or on the flip-side, your boost gets cut when you cut the wheel to move from behind someone to make a pass.

I definitely get where you're going with the idea and see potential with it, but that was where I could see trouble with such a thing.

[The Radium King]

ok, how about interfacing it with a lateral-g sensor? reduced boost when the car is pushing sideways ...

[Topless]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

ok, how about interfacing it with a lateral-g sensor? reduced boost when the car is pushing sideways ...

I don't know. This might result in the same thing as a "lift throttle" mid corner, inducing a spin. The basic rule with a 930 or 951 is: When the car comes on boost, make sure your steering wheel is pointed straight... even if you are mid-corner make sure the wheel is pointed straight.

If it was my car being built, I would favor a wider, fatter powerband and give up some top end HP in favor of drivability. A 997TT is really pretty good here and any turbo motor could be tuned for drivability. Everything is a tradeoff.

[kcpaz]

Originally Posted by Topless

I don't know. This might result in the same thing as a "lift throttle" mid corner, inducing a spin. The basic rule with a 930 or 951 is: When the car comes on boost, make sure your steering wheel is pointed straight... even if you are mid-corner make sure the wheel is pointed straight.

If it was my car being built, I would favor a wider, fatter powerband and give up some top end HP in favor of drivability. A 997TT is really pretty good here and any turbo motor could be tuned for drivability. Everything is a tradeoff.

I am seriously toying with the idea of building a turbo capable Subaru EG33 (3.3 liter flat six cylinder) and swap it in using the same turbo as what's in there now. More torque, more linear power, and faster spool. The down side is the engine is heavier and longer and parts aren't as readily available.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by kcpaz

I am seriously toying with the idea of building a turbo capable Subaru EG33 (3.3 liter flat six cylinder) and swap it in using the same turbo as what's in there now. More torque, more linear power, and faster spool. The down side is the engine is heavier and longer and parts aren't as readily available.

Nah! Get this one sorted and see where she is. Every car has it's own personality and you just have to adapt your driving style to the car. With my car and a stock 2.5L I have to maintain corner momentum and get on the gas really early on corner exit or I am dead meat. With the Boxsubi, you can drive it more like a Viper... Easy into the corner, get the rear really settled on exit and then hit the hammer. You can afford to wait on the throttle a bit because there is so much juice available.

I gotta be honest. When I saw you were putting a STI motor in there I had visions of wiring harnesses hanging everywhere with splices and electrical tape, and two shift levers sticking out of the dash. So many projects like this end up as science experiments gone bad. I am totally impressed though. I had a hint you would put it together well because I had seen some of your Boxster Spec exhaust fabrication and I knew you were pretty handy with a TIG. Stay the course. This car will turn out great.

[kabel]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

i wonder if anyone has ever tied an electronic boost controller into a steering wheel position sensor - less boost when turning, more boost in the straights ...

Yep. My 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 has that and I have to say it is pretty annoying and wish I could disable it for track days (technically you can but it also disables the electric steering assist).

[kcpaz]

Quick update...

Based on the over cooling we experienced during testing, we decided to try out a new intercooler set-up. Without adding any serious complexity, or reconfiguring the front of the car, we were able to add an air to water intercooler system and get rid of the roof scoop. We will be utilizing the center radiator from the engine cooling system as a heat exchanger rather than using it for engine cooling, then just replace the air to air intercooler with a new intercooler, plumb a few water lines and add an electric pump. Basically the same components we will be using in the street cars, but with a slightly larger intercooler core. We will be testing the new set-up this weekend, but already, the benefits are a reduction in weight (up high and out back), reduction in aerodynamic drag, lower center of gravity, and better rearward visibility. We just got back from some dyno tuning and the car made 430whp and 380ft/lbs. The car now weighs 2651lbs with a half tank of fuel and an empty cool shirt cooler. There's another 20lbs that will be coming out over the coming weeks. Leakdown numbers are still right around 10% (cold) which is what they've been since the first test day.