Thread: Hey Classic Owners...I was thinking..

Like most of us here being on a budget, we want the most out of our hard earned $$. I have about $2500 to spend on my car and wanted some opinions on which route to go. At this point i am 50/50.
My goal is to have a STREET CAR that can be daily driven(but isn't) and have enough power to be above average with out having UNUSEABLE street power. I already have a VE, SSAC, Calum REALTIME ECU, N60maf, and 3" exhaust. My first build was to have:
Custom 4:1 Header with Megaphone/reverse cone 3" $800
Custom Flange made for my EFI ITB's $200
N1 Cams $400
Springs/Retainers $350
AEM Stand Alone $1400

My other thought was to just Boost my VE.
GTiR/Avenire Ex. Mani
Injectors
T28
Fuel Pump
Intercooler
Piping
For under a grand...
*GTX2871R(if i splurge).

If i go Turbo, I get to keep my stock Mani and not have to get a stand alone. I only plan on boosting max a 10 lbs. if i do go that route. I know im definitely saving more if i Boost WITH more power, but is a ITB set up worth it? Please help me decide. Thanks in advanced.

Much simpler to boost the VE plus you have more room to upgrade for even more power, especially with the RT ECU. Or the issue may be how hardcore NA are you & how deep are your pockets? On the plus side the ITBs & AEM alone would kick serious butt.

VEs are temperamental with respect to manifold and turbine housing (as been proven many times over again). Simple, YES, if you know the dynamics involved.................Simplicity is relative.

If you DO end up with a GTI-R mani, please properly port it. Also, a T28 is on the "smaller" side when it comes to a VE (truth be told, most T2 framed turbos are small regardless of DE or VE IMHO). The GTX series is not such a bad idea, just make sure you order it with a "bigger" turbine housing (or from what I understand, they do not sell with a turbine housing so that leaves the choices a bit more open). Used GTX pop up n Zilvia all the time and are not too expensive to be had.

MINIMUM 550CC injectors and you are all set!

What kind of ITB's? A lot of factors play a role in the ITB route where some have tried unsuccessfully. It would be a shame to have a custom flange made and drop the money on the standalone to find out there are no gains due to a poor design or not a large enough throttle. ITB's are the truth for a fun VE though. 260+whp with ease on a basic built 20ve is doable.

The thing that turns me off from boost is grenading transmissions.

Here are the ITB's i have made by EFI.


I keep hearing the same thing about being a waste if there are no gains on an ITB set up..but since i already have these, they can't be too bad? From what i understand, the runner of the stock VE Mani is actually smaller than 48mm so if this is true, in theory, my ITB's should be ok right? is a 2mm difference of the M3 ITB's going to be that crucial?

I plan on porting the Mani if that is the route to go. I have been looking at the Zilvia forums..waiting on that one sale...

Also, you do not really need a GTX turbo. If you are not pushing the limits and it's day to day stuff, not needed. Even for the track, unless you have the extra income and is looking for something specific, a GTX is not warrantied

Just grab a nice T3 setup with a decent size back end and call it a day. Money well spent!

I guess it will be hard to say without actually doing. How far are the throttles from the head when bolted up? If you can get the adapter made cheap, I would give it a shot. If it doesn't do well, sell those to the DE boys and invest in the proven 50mm itb's. Seeing them in person, I feel like they are the perfect 2.0 ITB. The gains/response/powerband is just insane.

THat's teh plan..im sure i have no problems selling it if it doesnt work with my set up. Im sure hoping it does though.

as stated earlier, just get a simple T3 setup with a good tune..will be a blast to drive....