The AMS upgrade path (2.0T)

I figured I would take a moment and let you know how and why we do things the way we do at AMS.

The first thing we at AMS do when we get a new car is explore the factory potential. We like to have a very accurate baseline of the factory performance. For this, we use our DynoJet 424X dyno. The DynoJet is the standard that all other dyno / dyno numbers are judged by.

We look at horsepower, torque, boost level, timing and air fuel ratios at a minimum. Other things we like to see are fuel pressure, manifold air temperature, knock sensor readings and spark plug condition. All of these things are important to see when trying to maximize a particular setup.

Once we have all the important baseline figures, we evaluate the components on the vehicle and see what we feel will work fine stock and which components will probably need to be upgraded to increase the performance.

On the Gen Coupe 2.0T, we feel that the exhaust, intercooler and intercooler piping are going to be the big restrictions. All three of those items are just tiny from the factory. We already have plans in the works for upgrading these. What we have found on all other turbo vehicles is that just upgrading these items alone (with no tuning) will increase performance. To maximize gains, a tune is suggested. We are currently exploring tuning options which should be available in the near future.

Turning the boost up is the easiest way to make more power. At AMS, we like to see how far stock components will take you before needing an upgrade. We have already turned the boost up on the Coupe and results were on par with what we have seen in other cars. We did find the factory ECU boost limit. At this point, we need to find ways around this. We have some ideas that we will be testing in the very near future. Rest assured, we will be pushing the factory components as hard as we can.

Along with turning up the boost, adequate fueling is required. I have dissected the fueling system and see that upgrades will be needed. Larger injectors, a return style fuel system and a boost compensating fuel pressure regulator will be needed for any substantial increases in power. When it comes to changing fuel system components, a tune will required.

Turning up the boost will likely max out other components in the car. The blow off valve is one of the things that will likely not tolerate increased boost levels. If the factory BOV can not handle the increased boost, it will leak and cause inefficiencies in the system that will limit power. We already have designed a block off plate to enable removing the factory BOV so that an aftermarket higher performance BOV can be used.

Once the above basic items have been improved, our next step will be developing and testing larger, more efficient bolt on turbochargers. These turbos will be modified stock units that will bolt directly to the factory exhaust manifold. We have found that you can make a lot of power while still appearing stock. At this point, it is likely that the factory fuel pump will need to be upgraded.

This is where most people will probably stop…. but we are just getting started. We will explore porting the factory head, aftermarket camshafts, tubular headers with larger T3 framed turbos, etc etc etc.

Stay tuned for regular updates from AMS. This ride is going to be a LOT of fun!!