[Thraxbert]

1. Remnant Performance turbo kit w/ 67mm ceramic BB upgrade.

2. CSF Performance Radiator (supposed to fit) + B&M 70264 transmission cooler.

3. Oil cooler: Comes with RP turbo kit.

4. In my searches, water/meth kits are often recommended for 3.8T--for reliability, not power. What's the current thinking on this, and what kits are recommended? Would really appreciate some insight from @shorttrack, @Vacmurse, @titan2782, or @bsbullie on this one.

5. Performance Unleashed oil temp/oil pressure/boost+AFR gauges. Comes with WBo2 also.

6. ATQ diff upgrade.

7. Alphaspeed tune.

Anything else I'm missing to do this right the first time? I'm a bit over my head, but this is how we learn.

//EDIT: In time I'd like to build the engine with new pistons, new rods, new rings, sleeves, and a bore out to ~3.9L. Run maybe 10-12 PSI? I'm trying to set myself up now to be ready for that project at a later date.

 

[mow4cash]

It'd be be great to hear how you make out with the build. I'm planning on doing the same thing but haven't been able to take the plunge. I'd like to hear first how everyone made out. I also just bought the car used so I want to make sure all the kinks are worked out before I turbo it. Best of luck. I was going to get the 67mm too.

 

[Thraxbert]

Thank you. I've never taken on a project of this magnitude before. Three years ago, when I joined this forum, I'd never even changed my own oil before. Installing my (now-replaced) short ram intake took me four hours. I was a total freaking noob and then some. Now I've had bits of my car sprayed in pieces all over my garage.

About a year later, I was reading the adventures of @Vacmurse on his 3.8T, and I knew I wanted to go much deeper on this platform. I have spent the last two years building my skills and my confidence to try this. I can't stop thinking about it. I've been thinking about it every day for two years. There aren't many 3.8T, and I'm intrigued by the uniqueness.

It's time. Yes, I'm over my head. No, I don't have access to a lift. I don't have anyone more experienced to help me. This is trial by fire. But I gotta try.

 

[Nopointn]

I literally just finished installing TK.com's kit on my car Saturday, on jack stands in my driveway - it was a b*tch, real backbreaking work lol. Good luck to you, don't know much about the Remnant performance kit but TK.com is amazing - the customer support alone is fantastic, and the kit is top notch in quality and fitment. Curious to see how RP's kit is.

 

[Thraxbert]

I literally just finished installing TK.com's kit on my car Saturday, on jack stands in my driveway - it was a b*tch, real backbreaking work lol. Good luck to you, don't know much about the Remnant performance kit but TK.com is amazing - the customer support alone is fantastic, and the kit is top notch in quality and fitment. Curious to see how RP's kit is.

I've been following your thread very closely. Definitely one of the factors that convinced me to pull the trigger on the kit.

I'm pretty excited about the RP kit. I've probably been a total nuisance on FB and IG, pestering them with scads of pre-purchase questions. They've been so good about getting back with me, answering every question and offering lots of detail. So far so good on customer support.

You get it tuned, yet?

 

[Nopointn]

Tomorrow! I finished the install along with wiring my gauges Saturday afternoon, and I drove it to work Sunday gingerly; it seemed like it really wanted to go into boost even on moderate throttle! I kept it out of boost and drove like a student driver lol. It's definitely a whole new car, I've missed a turbo car since my 2.0T Genesis Coupe got totaled and had to pull the trigger on this endeavor. My advice to you, I'd allocate several days for the install, especially if you don't have a lift or a friend to help. I did it solo; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were all long 12 hour days of wrenching on her, and then Friday and Saturday I spent another 6 hours each. I also had another vehicle, so I wasn't completely stranded at my house. I'm not sure if anything I know will be relevant to the Remnant kit, but I'm happy to give any advice from my experience you need!

 

[Thraxbert]

Yeah, I'll probably be taking a week off work to do this. It's also not my DD, so it's not a crisis if something takes too long. You're brave for driving it to work without a tune lol.

I saw you were looking at meth kits. I am, too. This is one of the least-decided parts of my build. Some swear by it, others say it's a terrible idea. I don't want to do it for power, but my reading suggests it can enhance reliability and I find that very enticing. As long as you use a filter, level sensor, and a kit that can dump boost if you go dry or lean... I can't see how it would be a problem. I don't want the car to depend on the meth. I want it to enhance reliability. What have you been thinking about this?

Truth be told, I think the RP and TK experience will be about the same. Only so many ways to skin a cat unless someone starts a rear-mounted kit lol.

 

[Nopointn]

As far as driving without a tune, the owner of TK.com told me that they drove their BK2 3.8 AT test mule for over 3 months until a tuner was flown in from Korea (when they were using BTRcc.) He advised me that if I had to drive it, as long as I drove it and kept it out of boost, I'd be fine, which makes sense. Needless to say, I babied it, and it drove as stock. I did have my R1, which I took to work on Friday. In the rain. I only drove it today (Sunday), and very carefully at that. As for meth, I don't think there is any way it can hurt. Without a tune for it, it will only serve to cool the intake charge and increase the octane rating of the fuel, helping to prevent knock and acting as a safety measure. If you tune specifically for it, you can extract more HP more safely from your setup. I am planning in the future to install a Devil's Own stage 2 meth kit, but it is not a priority for me as I am planning on running a relatively conservative 6-7 PSI for now. A level sensor is nice, but if you regularly check your tank it's more of a reminder than a necessity. And I would recommend a boost controller, as many of them have overboost protection which cuts boost if it reaches a certain point.

 

[Thraxbert]

Anyone know if the CSF Performance Radiator for BK1 fits in a BK2?

Paging @Ryengoth and @Luisn17.

--
@Nopointn Are you only running the GFB for cutting boost? It's my understanding that there's really no control over the stock spring because the PSI is so low (5-7 depending on RP or TK kit).

 

[AKGC]

water/meth injection will help with maintenance.

With direct injection engines, carbon tends to cake on the top of the valves, because oil burns and there is no fuel flowing over them, to clean them off.
The aux injection will help with keeping them clean and not having go at it with a toothbrush every 20k~40K miles.

 

[Ryengoth]

Anyone know if the CSF Performance Radiator for BK1 fits in a BK2?

Paging @Ryengoth and @Luisn17.

--
@Nopointn Are you only running the GFB for cutting boost? It's my understanding that there's really no control over the stock spring because the PSI is so low (5-7 depending on RP or TK kit).

3.8, yes. 2.0T no.

 

[Ryengoth]

water/meth injection will help with maintenance.

With direct injection engines, carbon tends to cake on the top of the valves, because oil burns and there is no fuel flowing over them, to clean them off.
The aux injection will help with keeping them clean and not having go at it with a toothbrush every 20k~40K miles.

Unless you spray directly from the lower intake manifold you'll just be making a denser air charge which won't help with carbon. I still have my injection manifold from the beast project. It has 6 DO2 nozzles in it and fits with the stock surge tank. Takes a little wiggling to clear the bits and pieces on the heads. If you're interested PM me. The AEM pump and 1G kit is being repurposed for a museum exhibit but I still have the controller, 5G tank and BK2 reinforced rear floor with quick-mount tank hardware on it.

 

[AKGC]

Unless you spray directly from the lower intake manifold you'll just be making a denser air charge which won't help with carbon. I still have my injection manifold from the beast project. It has 6 DO2 nozzles in it and fits with the stock surge tank. Takes a little wiggling to clear the bits and pieces on the heads. If you're interested PM me. The AEM pump and 1G kit is being repurposed for a museum exhibit but I still have the controller, 5G tank and BK2 reinforced rear floor with quick-mount tank hardware on it.

the water(steam)/meth flowing over the valves should still knock off some of the carbon deposits.
it's better than only having air flow over them.

This article is where I got this pic from.

https://www.oilem.com/blog/turbo-fuel-stratified-injection-tfsi-direct-port-injection-carbon-build-up-problem/

It doesn't state mileage. It's of an RS4

 

[Thraxbert]

Alright! Update time!

Last night I ordered:

1. CSF Performance Radiator
2. B&M 70264 Automatic Transmission Cooler
3. A silicone hose kit for the BK2 (vanity)
4. The ATQ diff mount upgrade

Once RP solves the issues with the PayPal checkout on their website, the turbo kit will be on its way! My purchase will include wideband O2 sensor, a catch can I'll use crank vent side, all the necessary plumbing, and gauges.

 

[shorttrack]

1. Remnant Performance turbo kit w/ 67mm ceramic BB upgrade.

2. CSF Performance Radiator (supposed to fit) + B&M 70264 transmission cooler.

3. Oil cooler: Comes with RP turbo kit.

4. In my searches, water/meth kits are often recommended for 3.8T--for reliability, not power. What's the current thinking on this, and what kits are recommended? Would really appreciate some insight from @shorttrack, @Vacmurse, @titan2782, or @bsbullie on this one.

5. Performance Unleashed oil temp/oil pressure/boost+AFR gauges. Comes with WBo2 also.

6. ATQ diff upgrade.

7. Alphaspeed tune.
.

Snow & AEM both are good water/meth kits .Look at Summit racing .com for good pricing .

 

[Bamboo]

Any new updates on the build?

 

[Thraxbert]

Any new updates on the build?

Yes, actually. All the parts finished fabbing and arrived at my home 1-2 weeks ago. I will be completing the install in late February when I can take a few days off of work to make a long weekend out of it.

Here is my final parts list:
1. Remnant Performance kit with 72mm ceramic BB turbo -- the parts are great quality and the customer service has been the best I've ever received for any product I have ever purchased
2. CSF radiator
3. B&M 70264 trans cooler
4. Canceled the ATQ diff reinforcement in favor of a 4.6L Genesis Sedan subframe -- it's just a way better option for ~1/2 the price.
5. PBM subframe risers to fix some suspension geometry weaknesses that could cause wheel hop with the turbo
6. Switching to a Solo exhaust because 2x2.5" flows better than the ISR single at 1x3"
7. Secured AFR, boost, oil temp, and oil pressure gauges from Performance Unleashed -- also truly incredible customer service

Decided not to pursue meth injection for now. Maybe some other time, but undecided.