urq modification update

[John Karasaki <johkar@teleport.com>]

It's back; and it's great!

Work included:

1) removed AC compressor, condenser, lines
2) removed aux. radiator and hose; plug off now unused outlets in radiator
3) lower temperature thermostat
4) swap out K26 air cooled turbo for k24 water cooled turbo with associated
hardware
5) new voltage regulator in alternator
6) Redline fluids in trans/diff. and rear diff.


I only have put on about 100 miles since yesterday, but it is terrific to
have a "normal" car again.  What I mean by that is the power (as expected)
comes on very, very soon unlike before where you had to tromp the gas pedal
long before you wanted to take off.  As an aside, the turbo we took off had
less than 10k miles and looks like new with zero visual play.  All the
gains are the result of the different turbo housings/wheels/etc.

The power is much smoother as well across the entire power band.  Gone is
the 3500 rpm kick in the pants that the k26 provided.  Watching the boost
gauge immediately jump to 2 bar is cool too.

Thank you Robert Houk (RDH), Scott Mockery, ANDREW FINNEY, Anton Gaidos,
Scotty Boy, Martin Pajak, Jeff Goggin, and numerous others who provided
either direct information or moral support and inspiration.

I'll post a full report after the QCUSA PIR event next weekend, but right
now I recommend this simple modification to any USA (there you go Phil) urq
that is still running the k26 and driven regularly on the street.


P.S.  One added benefit of the swap was a reduction in noise.  The exhaust
on our urq is for the most part a straight through system.  It has been
quite loud since I bought it.  The k24 must muffle the sound better or
something because this is the quietest the car has EVER been since we've
owned it.  So much so that I'm thinking of leaving the cat in (and not
messing with the drive train at all for that matter).  An absolute joy to
drive in parking garages now...
Best Regards,

John Karasaki