[s-cars] RS2 Upgrade Questions

[Djdawson2 at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/30/2005 2:47:19 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
tdfeller at comcast.net writes:

My spin on the upgrades....

> 1.    Do I have to run a RS2 exhaust manifold? I have no real issue buying
> one, they are just hard to find and cost big bucks.

I would highly recommend that you do.  As pointed out by the other response, 
it is clearly obvious after hard running that the heat distribution of the 
stock EM is poor... red hot by cylinders 4 and 5.

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> 2.    What turbo should I run? Again, RS2 are somewhat hard to come by and
> many folks on the list reported good luck with other modified turbos.


RS2's are getting harder to come by, and cost alot.  The RS2 works 
exceptionally well, and is hard to beat.  There are options, however, in the hybrid 
world that don't sacrifice low end response.  We've dyno tested numerous 
Garrett/KKK combos, and have a 50 trim version that is producing excellent results... 
and cost is lower.  The top end power also exceeds the RS2 by a significant 
margin.

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> 3.    What changes should be done to the head besides rebuilding? A new
> exhaust camshaft?

An expensive addition, with not alot of proof to  back up the cost.  My car 
made 418/445 last time on the dyno with a stock set of cams, and no head mods.  
I'd have a stock rebuild done on the head, nothing else.

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> 4.    Do I need to change the injectors? Are the RS2 injectors the best? I
> know there are a number of companies that offer a range of different flow
> rate Bosch style injectors.

You will need different injectors.  I haven't tried any alternatives to the 
RS2 injectors at that flow rate.  You never mentioned the MAF... I'd use the 
stock one with the screens pulled, and save the expense of the RS2 MAF.  It does 
not seem to matter.  I've tested both on the dyno, and neither shows any 
variance beyond expected single digit hp/torque figures from one pull to the next.

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> 5.    What programming changes are recommended? Can I stay with the MTM?
> Should I to go with something tuned for the new turbo, whatever that may be?

Since you've already worked with Steve E, I'd go back to him for the popular 
hybrid set designed for the RS2 stuff.  It's the same thing that Bob has, and 
works very well.  I haven't seen anyone making 370hp with it on the dyno, but 
mine did make 325/401 with all RS2 parts and that software.

Also, while the head is off, I'd suggest installing head studs.  There's 
great debate about the value of studs... and a lot of inconclusive conjecture.  
Bottom line, however... I've seen lots of blown headgaskets with stretch bolts, 
and not one on a car with studs.  At $115 for a set, I consider it cheap 
insurance.
HTH,
Dave in CO

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> I know this is a lot of questions and there are no real correct answers. I
> just was hoping to get some ideas for the wealth knowledge on the list. 
>