There is a certain mystique about going with a big turbo upgrade on your FC; it somehow elevates you to one of the Big Boys and easy 400hp+.  I've expanded this section in here just to break-down the support components needed to feed all the horsepower you will be making with the big turbo.  Don't be fooled - taking the step to a big turbo will cost a lot of money and effort to keep you from blowing your engine up.

There are two options to pick from when going with a full turbo upgrade.  The first option are pre-made turbo kits which come complete with all the components and fasteners to install the turbo.  The second option is to go with a raw turbo and then finding all the pieces to make the install complete.


Turbo Kits
 Full turbo kits for the FC3S are offered from HKS and GReddy.  HKS offers their "Sport Turbo Upgrade Kit" which is based on a T04E "57" turbo, good for 300hp.  (Note:  I just checked the HKS USA website, and this turbo kit might be discontinued.)  The GReddy kit uses a Mitsubishi TD-06SH turbo, good for 400hp.

It is possible to use turbo kits designed for the FD3S (1993+ RX-7) if you can space the turbo away from the lower intake manifold on the FC3S 13BT; the FD3S 13B-REW has a lower profile lower intake manifold, so the clearances are tigher.  If you try and use an FD3S kit, you are opened to a lot more turbo kit options from A'PEXi, HKS, Trust/GReddy, and a number of FD3S specialty businesses who cater to FD3S owners.  Keep in mind, you might have to do minor custom work to get the oil and coolant lines to work with the FC3S 13BT engine.

A'PEXi uses the IHI turbos and offers the RX-6 turbo kit for the FD3S.  I have to note this particular turbo, because this is a ball-bearing design.  It is not a large turbo and power output seems to max out around 400hp, but response is very quick.  This is one of the best street kits available for the FD3S.

HKS offers the T51R Kai turbo kit for the FD3S.  It is capable of 500hp, but the large size makes it almost unstreetable.  HKS does sell the turbo flanges separately for custom installs.


Turbo Exhaust Manifolds
If you're looking at bare turbos, you have almost limitless options to choose from.  With HKS offering both collected and divided cast turbo manifolds for Garrett T04 flanged turbines, you are able to use any Garrett T04 turbo available.  XS Engineering also sells a divided cast turbo exhaust manfiold specifically for the FC3S 13BT engine.
http://www.xs-engineering.com/

HKS cast turbo manifold for FC3S
1986 - 1991, Turbo T04 turbo
"Internal wastegate"
Collected turbine		 17141-121188 $340.00
1986 - 1991, Turbo T04 turbo
"External wastegate"
Divided turbine		 17141-116188 $400.00
http://www.hksusa.com/
http://www.hks-power.co.jp/

If you have welding resources, you can build your own tube turbo exhaust manifold.  For mild steel pipes, use thicker piping to handle the high rotary exhaust heat.  Racing Beat sells 0.125" thick mild steel U-bends and pipes perfect for this application.  Racing Beat also sells a ½" thick 13B engine flange.  All you basically need is the turbo flange which is available from most turbo shops (and the wastegate flange if you're going external wastegate). 

Racing Beat mild steel tubing
Pic: Description: Racing Beat Part Number: Price:
Straight pipe
4-foot section
2" O.D.
1/8" wall
mild steel		 16121 $15.00
U-bend
2" O.D.
1/8" wall
mild steel
3" radius
mandrel bent		 16189 $12.00
U-bend
2" O.D.
1/8" wall
mild steel
4" radius
mandrel bent		 16200 $12.00
Engine-to-Header flange
13B
mild steel		 16183 $19.00
Engine-to-Header flange
20B
mild steel		 16184 $42.00
http://www.racingbeat.com/

You can also build the tubular turbo exhaust manifold from stainless steel piping, but this is expensive and requires TIG welding.  Try and find 321SS over the cheaper 304SS; 321SS will stand up better to the heat over the cheaper 304SS.  Stainless steel pipes are available from Burn Stainless.
http://www.burnsstainless.com/


Turbochargers
For Garrett turbo choices, most popular are the 60-1, TS04, and T04E "60" turbos.  Any of these choices will hit the 400hp level.  The 60-1 and T04E "60" make more efficient power under 15psi, but the TS04 makes more efficient power over 15psi.  For street applications, we recommend the 60-1 or T04E "60"; if you're planning on race applications with a little more boost (and race gas), the TS04 is for you.

Turbonetics offers some larger frame turbos based on the Garrett T04.  Called the "T-Series" by Turbonetics, these are typically larger than the previously mentioned Garrett models.  The Turbonetics T-58 is actually a TS04.  Next larger models are the T61 and the T64.  Most notable next is the T66 which is very popular applications for the 13B; it is also one of the biggest turbos the 13B can spin before significant turbo lag is felt.  The T66 is capable of generating 500hp!  On the very edge of turbo performance for a street vehicle is the T70 and T72; these turbos are so large that turbo lag starts to become pretty evident.

Garrett ups the ante on turbocharger technology with the release of its GT-Series turbochargers.  Most of the turbos come with ball-bearing centers, which combat compressor surge damage and increase response.  Popular for 13B applications are the GT35R (i.e. GT3540) turbos.  Turbo response is unparalleled, which makes this a very good street turbo.  Maximum power is not as high as some of the other models, but the GT35R is capable of producing 400hp.  If you want the ultimate turbo for your street vehicle, check out the Garrett GT-Series GT35R.  The difficult part is attaining a turbo exhaust manifold to fit the T3 turbine footprint; we do not know of any mass produced turbo exhaust manifold built for the FC3S.  An option is to use the HKS collected cast turbo exhaust manifold with a T3 to TO4 adapter.

HKS offers several proprietary turbos through Garrett.  Their GT-series turbos are all ball-bearing centers, which increase spool up response and minimize compressor surge damage.  Their largest turbos (T51R Kai series) come in ball-bearing center as optional.  Hold your wallets, as these turbos are not cheap!

HKS TO4 Turbochargers
Pic: Model: Compressor Trim: Turbine A/R: HKS Part Number: Price:
TO4S 60T 0.84 1401-RA031 ¥249,900
TO4R 63T 0.81
0.96
1.15
0.81 (cut back)		 1401-RA073
1401-RA074
1401-RA136
1401-RA140		 ¥260,400
¥260,400
¥260,400
¥270,900
TO4Z 63T
63T
63T
60T		 0.61
0.81
1.00
0.84		 14001-AK011
14001-AK012
14001-AK003
14001-RA031		 ¥312,900
¥312,900
¥312,900
¥249,900


HKS T51R Kai Turbochargers
Pic: Model: Max
Power:		 Comp
Wheel
Trim:		 Comp
Wheel
Inducer:		 Comp
Wheel
Exducer:		 Comp
Housing
Entry:		 Comp
Housing
Exit:		 Turbine
Wheel
Trim:		 Turbine
Wheel
Major:		 Turbine
Wheel
Minor:		 Turbine
Housing
Entry:		 Turbine
Housing
Exit:		 Turbine
A/R:		 HKS Part
Number:		 Price:
T51R Kai



T51R Kai BB		 800ps 56 70.3mm 94.0mm 100mm 80mm 76 82.0mm 71.4mm 99.1mm
V-Band		 115.5mm
V-band		 1.00 1401-RA141



1401-RA146		 ¥283,500



¥344,400
T51R Kai SPL



T51R Kai SPL BB		 1000ps 56 76.5mm 102.2mm 100m 80mm 76 82.0mm 71.4mm 99.1mm
V-Band		 115.5mm
V-band		 1.00 1401-RA137



1401-RA145		 ¥304,500



¥365,400

Trust/GReddy offers Mitsubishi turbos that can be used on your FC3S.  Trust/GReddy already has a TD-06SH kit for the FC3S, but other (larger) turbos include the T67, TD-07, T78, and T88.  The T67 is a hybrid between the TD-06 and TD-07; it is not a very easy turbo to find, but it is out there.  The TD-07 is slowly creeping up as a popular choice for the 13B, but it's not a very easy turbo to find; Trust/GReddy doesn't even list the T67 or TD-07 in their catalogs.  The T78 is larger than the TD-07, and Trust/GReddy does offer a T78 kit for the FD3S.  The T78 is capable of hitting 500hp, but the sheer size of this turbo induces a lot of turbo lag.  FD owners complaint that power doesn't start to build until 5,000RPM, so keep that in mind if you're looking at the T78 as an option.  The T78 is a hybrid slotted between the TD-07 and the T88.  The T88 is the largest model offered, and this monster is capable of hitting 700hp on a 13B for race applications.

Trust/GReddy Mitsubishi Turbochargers
Pic: Model: Compressor Trim: Turbine size: Trust/GReddy Part Number: Price:
TD06-SH 20G 8.0 cm²
10.0 cm²
14.0 cm²
16.0 cm²		 11500185
11500186
11500190
11500195		 ¥180,000
T67 25G 8.0 cm²
10.0 cm²		 11500210
11500215		 ¥220,000
TD07-S 20G 14.0 cm²
17.0 cm²
21.0 cm²		 11500245
11500250
11500255		 ¥260,000
T78 29D


33D


 14.0 cm²
17.0 cm²

17.0 cm²
24.0 cm²
14.0 cm²		 11500330 / 11500331
11500332 / 11500333

11500260 / 11500261
11500265 / 11500266
11500267 / 11500268		 ¥250,000
T88 33D


34D


 15.0 cm²
18.0 cm²

15.0 cm²
18.0 cm²
22.0 cm²		 11500305 / 11500318
11500310 / 11500320

11500314 / 11500319
11500315 / 11500321
11500316 / 11500322
 ¥260,000
T88H 34D


38GK

 18.0 cm²
22.0 cm²

18.0 cm²
22.0 cm²		 11500317
12050323

12050324
12050325		 ¥270,000


¥300,000


A new trend for turbo systems for 13B's is to run non-sequential twin turbos - one turbo for each rotor.  The ultimate set-up would use a pair of GT-series (HKS or Garrett) ball-bearing GT25xx or GT28xx turbos with an turbo exhaust manifold that would keep both turbos separate from each other until after the downpipe.  We're experimenting with a pair of Garrett T3 "60 trim" on a Kouki 13BT very soon, and we'll keep you updated on it's performance.


Wastegates
We recommend HKS or Tial wastegates, as we have never heard of any of them failing.  We believe "bigger is better" when it comes to picking a wastegate, so try and purchase the biggest wastegate you can afford.  HKS offers their Race (50mm), GT (60mm), and GT II (50mm or 60mm) wastegates.  HKS does make their Standard (40mm) wastegate, but we feel it's too small for most high power 13B applications.

Tial makes several different sizes (38mm, 40mm), but we only use their largest standard series 46mm unit.


Front-Mount Intercoolers
With the capacity of more boost, a front-mount intercooler is a must.  The GReddy front-mount intercooler kits are very popular and easily available.  If possible, go with the R-Spec core, as it is more efficient in heat exchanging.  GReddy offers both a 24-row and 32-row sizes with the R-Spec core.  The GReddy kits use 70mm (2.75" pipes) for all their FC3S kits.

If you have the welding resources, you can make your own intercooler system and just purchase the intercooler core and pipes.  Intercooler cores are available from Spearco, Garrett, Trust/GReddy, A'PEXi or ask your local import performance shop.  Aluminum pipes are available from Burn Stainless.

XS Engineering intercooler cores
Pics: Description: Max power: Part number: Price:
Skyline GT-R intercooler core
Tube & fin design
2 row
24" × 11" × 3"		 Up to 600 hp XS10-0001 $549.00
  Silvia intercooler core
Tube & fin design
2 row
20" × 11" × 3"		 Up to 500 hp XS10-0002 $475.00
http://xs-engineering.com/


Use multi-layer, reinforced silicone couplers at joints to make transitions easier.  Try to minimize use of couplings, but it is recommended to use two "bump" hoses (one on each side) for flexing between the engine and intercooler (hard-mounted in the front bumper).  Normal stainless steel, screw-type hose clamps are fine, but engines running high boost (over 15psi) should be using stainless steel T-bolt clamps.
http://www.turboneticsinc.com/ - Spearco intercoolers and silicone couplers
http://www.burnsstainless.com/


Blow-off Valves
With the larger turbo, there is a serious increase in air flow.  A large BOV is recommended to prevent compressor surge.  We use the GReddy Type-R BOV for big turbo projects.  It's possible to even use two smaller BOV's in this application.  The HKS Race BOV is a very good unit, but the internal valve leaks slightly; this can cause idle headaches on cars still using airflow meters.


Fuel system
With the turbo stuff out of the way, we now turn our attention to the fuel system.  Upgrade fuel pump is a must.  Larger fuel injectors are almost necessary, and the entire fuel system will most likely need to be upgraded.  We highly recommend converting the stock, series fuel rail system to a parallel fuel rail system.  Stock metal fuel lines (5/16") have been known to support over 500hp, but we recommend to upgrade to at least -6AN SS (stock return) when pushing for over 400hp.  Anything over 500hp, go with -8AN SS (-6AN return).
Fuel pressure regulator
Fuel pump
Fuel injectors
Parallel rail system


Everything else...
With such a rise in power potential, it's only fitting to be able to use the power efficienctly without blown eveything up.  Serious tuning through the use of stand-alone EMS units is the best option to control both fuel delivery and ignition timing.  Units made from Autronic, Electromotive, Haltech, Microtech, MoTeC, and Wolf are available to control your 13B, big turbo monster.

With such a dramatic increase in power, your drivetrain will be stressed.  Upgrades to the clutch and LSD are easily available.  Extreme power 13B's can require upgrade transmission, driveshafts, and rear axles!

Don't forget about the tires!  The tires are what connect the vehicle to the road.  With more power, more (tire) rubber is a good idea.





Questions?  Comments?  Send mail to:  reted@fc3spro.com

03/10/2004