JL Engineering Bi-Turbo 3.0 Project+full chassis refurb

Hey Jon,

Im going to arange to pick the car up as soon as possible, need it in the workshop to fabricate all the pipework properly. Hopefully get it up and running soon. Hows your GTA, going any events this year?

Cheers, John

I took the GTA for a good blast yesterday and it is going very well. I really need to get more use out of it this year.

I know Dave is quite busy so as I generally work from home (and live 10 min away) let me know if I can be any help with getting your hands on the car.

Hi Martin,

The headers and some turbo components have been coated by Cam Coat, it worked out at £380.00 including vat thats inside and out. The finish is good but it was quite a long turnaround, about 4 weeks.

I'll send you some pics of the valve springs etc or pop over have a look if you got a spare evening.

Cheers, John.

Hi John,

Thanks for that, at that price it's seriously worth considering.. may not last forever but should live long enough to tell whether the headers are right. The inside is critical with mild steel though.

Yes, I'll try and pop down, time is my problem as you know.

Cheers,
Martin

Thanks guys

Yes its one of the Hartge engines, Stephen has had it sitting around since getting it off Andy. Good to see it put to use.

Unfortunately its not just a straight swap, lots to be fabricated and changes made to engine mount plate, sump etc.

The turbos will be positioned in the large voids behind the inner wings.


Cheers.

They look like Skyline GTR turbochargers. Have you changed the turbine wheels to steel?, the ceramics can only handle a bar of boost before they make a quick exit out of your tailpipes.

I believe they are ceramics and the plan is to run under 1 bar of boost. Same turbos on my Skyline make 380 bhp on 13 psi

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I believe they are ceramics and the plan is to run under 1 bar of boost. Same turbos on my Skyline make 380 bhp on 13 psi

Seems a shame to do all this work and then once again limit its potential due to the turbo choice. 1 bar on a 12v Renault engine isnt going to make anywhere near 380bhp is it.

Hi,

Yes they are R33 turbos, only real choice to keep within budget. Its a standard engine so not running big boost, it'll make over 300bhp regardless. If Dave wants to add N1 steel internals at a later date it wont be a problem. Its being built as road car not a dyno queen, thats for the next project- 24 valve, borg warner turbo, 700whp

Cheers, John.

Lots has been happening to ready the car for the new powertrain. Here's some pics of the big stuff going on..

Car in, old engine, gearbox have been removed. Engine bay existing wiring mess labelled.

Subframe and all suspension components were assessed, repaired and prepped, worn out bushes pressed out and then all sent to be media blasted, degreased and epoxy powder coated.






Coilovers sent to Gaz to be repaired and tested. One damper had failed completely.

Removed rear bumper to clean and degrease and paint. Removed air to air intercooler ready for twin chargecoolers.



Front chassis has been cut welded and dropped 20mm to accommodate europa cup spec rad, aircon rad and original rad fans.

Chargecooler rad and pump also relocated. Prepped and applied 2 pack protective paint to front chassis then finished in satin rust preventative stonechip.



A610 gearbox completely stripped for inspection including 4 planet wheel diff, case chemically dipped, all gears cleaned and ready for rebuild with new washers and seals.



I've had some bespoke TPS brackets laser cut in stainless, works well. Got some for sale anythings better than running around with something like this on your car...




Injectors sent away to be cleaned and flow and spray pattern tested.

More pics coming soon

Cheers,

John

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Looking very well

Hey !! don't diss that bracket ....it's worked well enough for the last few years Yours are just a neater shape
I'll have a couple please

[stephendell]

but the rear top shaft bearing is more prone to failure than the UN1-07 GTA turbo arrangement; I didn't believe it either until I was shown. It's the same bearing as on the UN5, pt no. 77 03 090 245

Urban myth I'm afraid. It's the same bearing in UN1-05, UN1-07, UN-017 & UN1-019 gearboxes. Check the parts book.

UN1-019 is uprated and stronger in a few areas.

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1 bar on a 12v Renault engine isnt going to make anywhere near 380bhp is it.

Nor therefore are the turbos going to be spinning as fast when they generate that 1 bar of boost at a lower flow rate.