Adelaide - R33 Owner - Need Help

[mikeyR33-T]

Good Morning

My name is Mike, I own an R33 turbo, It is running completely stock turbo at 5psi and rather average in response; mods apart from factory specs are FMIC/3inch turbo back xhaust with hi flo cat and K&N Air filter is all to my knowledge.

I have been told by a few ppl that it can be boosted up to 10/11 safely on my stock turbo engine and running gear. Unfortunately I have no boost controller or timer in the car and I have no idea what to do to change the boost and timing for the car!

If someone has a cheap but decent reliable way of upping the boost and timing for the car i.e with a aftermarket boost controller or R32 actuator I have been reading about? I am in no way mechanical, I am a computer guy, so I merely drive and usually get mechanics to work on my cars BUT id prefer if someone local and trustworthy could possibly come to my local area WEST SUBS of Adelaide and assist, I am willing to pay for boost controller if need be and even offer cigarettes or beer in return for your time - THAT is the aussie way after all.

On the other hand the car does require a full service i.e drop/drain oils and replace filter and leads etc if need be, AGAIN i have no idea what to do, but would love it if someone could help or do it for me in their spare time?

IT IS JUST A THOUGHT before anyone goes jumping at me, just an idea to help a fellow skyline owner who would like to possibly learn while you work, so I can do it one day myself, because most mechanics just do the job and dont really explain exactly what has been done, therefore I never learn anything.

ANYWAYS if you cant actually COME around and help, maybe explain to me in DETAIL the best reliable way to get the extra boost and performance from my car.

JUST AFTER some friendly advice for a NEWBIE

[Madaz]

welcome aboard Mikey there are a bunch of great guys here that will be able to help you Ruby comes to mind

nice post and well set out

[Nightcrawler]

Yep, welcome to SAU. And PM RubyRS4 - he will help you out easily - and explain what he is doing as he does it.

[jrm]

R32 actuator is what I did in my R34 - good solid reliable, consistent boost everytime. I highly recommend it. You can typically pick up the actuators for anything from $40-80.

Ruby fitted mine, so perhaps you can convince him with $, alcohol, etc to help out with yours

Edit: Make sure you disconnect the factory 5/7.5psi boost solenoid when you do this, otherwise when the boost changes at 4500rpm you could find yourself running 1bar instead of the 10psi you were expecting - eep. (Fun for a few minutes, until the ECU gets annoyed and cuts power, and you worry about turbo life)

[mikeyR33-T]

R32 actuator is what I did in my R34 - good solid reliable, consistent boost everytime. I highly recommend it. You can typically pick up the actuators for anything from $40-80.

Ruby fitted mine, so perhaps you can convince him with $, alcohol, etc to help out with yours

Edit: Make sure you disconnect the factory 5/7.5psi boost solenoid when you do this, otherwise when the boost changes at 4500rpm you could find yourself running 1bar instead of the 10psi you were expecting - eep. (Fun for a few minutes, until the ECU gets annoyed and cuts power, and you worry about turbo life)

HEY - if this actuator is highly recommended for long term use? like if i put it in ill keep it that way for at least 6months, until which i will change my turbo im sure. and IF i do it that way where would I buy one from? and yes if HE or someone can set it up for me in my car i can offer $$$ or some cans ur way for the job Is it constant at 10psi or does it change psi? I would like 10psi constant and to kick in sooner and better providing it is fine for LONG TERM USE

[Krishy]

Welcome to the forums Mikey.

Changing old oil and spark plugs is rather easy but if you are doing it for the first time then it can be a bit daunting. There are a few DIY's as to how you can get a few things done, just do a quick search of the whole SAU board. Before you up the boost, I would suggest that you change the oil and use 100% fully synthetic good oil and change the spark plugs to a .8mm gaping. As for the oil filter, I have found out that the ryco filters are just fine. I have in the past boosted my stock setup up to 12psi with the aid of a good electronic boost controller and have had no issues. If you want the hassle free (ie no boost controller) then the RB20 turbo actuator is the go my friend.

Enjoy your stay

[mikeyR33-T]

Welcome to the forums Mikey.

Changing old oil and spark plugs is rather easy but if you are doing it for the first time then it can be a bit daunting. There are a few DIY's as to how you can get a few things done, just do a quick search of the whole SAU board. Before you up the boost, I would suggest that you change the oil and use 100% fully synthetic good oil and change the spark plugs to a .8mm gaping. As for the oil filter, I have found out that the ryco filters are just fine. I have in the past boosted my stock setup up to 12psi with the aid of a good electronic boost controller and have had no issues. If you want the hassle free (ie no boost controller) then the RB20 turbo actuator is the go my friend.

Enjoy your stay

HI GUYS

I rang a few local jap places and only 2 stock an r32 actuator for the turbo factory actuator is $95 at the 2 places i found. NOW I NEED someone who can come round and simply fit it for me, if you can do this and are free anytime today/tonight i am in western subs of ADEL and would love someone to fit this to my car if you are sure it will make my car run 10PSI constant boost on stock turbo setup

THANKS

PM ME or email for my number

EMAIL: [email protected]

[Madaz]

personally I wouldn't bother with an rb20 actuator, just a turbotech manual bleed valve will give you what your looking for and for a little over $25

[mikeyR33-T]

personally I wouldn't bother with an rb20 actuator, just a turbotech manual bleed valve will give you what your looking for and for a little over $25

okay?? is there any difference in reliability and performance? or just price? either way I need someone who can install it properly

[Nightcrawler]

And be aware that despite what some people say, you CAN blow your stock turbo at 10psi. The HPI R34 blew their turbo at 10psi - admittedly it was on a track day though.

Plenty of people have run them at 12psi for plenty of time too, I am just pointing out the possibility.

And you ask for a guarantee - there are no guarantees in this world! Every single motor is different and has a different power level, and different behaviour.

[Madaz]

basically just price, I ran mine daily at 13psi for about 3 years what finally killed mine was lack of oil

[mikeyR33-T]

basically just price, I ran mine daily at 13psi for about 3 years what finally killed mine was lack of oil

thanks again for the advice, well I want the extra boost, just need someone local in ADEL who is able to do it for me install the actuator that would be great, SO PM OR EMAIL ME ASAP i want to get this done asap

[RubyRS4]

Hey bud, I'd be more than happy to help you out with your car. And can show you how to do it, so you learn a thing or two. How many kms on motor? I'll reply to your PM with my number and you can give me a call. Ruby

[Matty Sherlock]

I live in the western suburbs mikey; I'm also happy to lend a hand on weekends on the mechanical/servicing side of things. Im no guru, but this forum has a plethora of tutorials and diy info.

Pm me if you want to sort something out

[jrm]

HEY - if this actuator is highly recommended for long term use? like if i put it in ill keep it that way for at least 6months, until which i will change my turbo im sure. and IF i do it that way where would I buy one from? and yes if HE or someone can set it up for me in my car i can offer $$$ or some cans ur way for the job Is it constant at 10psi or does it change psi? I would like 10psi constant and to kick in sooner and better providing it is fine for LONG TERM USE

I actually found the boost came on better with the 10psi actuator vs the factory one, came on strong and holds to red-line beautifully. Much better than the factory actuator. I'm keeping mine that way until I get my turbo high-flowed at some point.

Personally I like the idea of an actuator change vs. a bleed valve because Regency can't tell the actuator has been changed. They (and police) will be able to see a boost controller or bleed valve, and will defect you for it.

Really, you may blow your turbo at 10psi, but with proper maintenance, I think it's reasonably safe. I also seem to recall that manuals suggested we should be replacing our turbos at 100,000km anyway - as they are a wearing part. Most of our cars are going to be at that (or more) km, so really it all comes down to how it's been treated and how lucky you are.

[mikeyR33-T]

I actually found the boost came on better with the 10psi actuator vs the factory one, came on strong and holds to red-line beautifully. Much better than the factory actuator. I'm keeping mine that way until I get my turbo high-flowed at some point.

Personally I like the idea of an actuator change vs. a bleed valve because Regency can't tell the actuator has been changed. They (and police) will be able to see a boost controller or bleed valve, and will defect you for it.

Really, you may blow your turbo at 10psi, but with proper maintenance, I think it's reasonably safe. I also seem to recall that manuals suggested we should be replacing our turbos at 100,000km anyway - as they are a wearing part. Most of our cars are going to be at that (or more) km, so really it all comes down to how it's been treated and how lucky you are.

Thanks guys/gal, I have got hold of an r32 actuator off an engine that had around 80,000km so thats a bonus, ruby has offered to install it whenever is convenient, hopefully the 10psi comes on and holds longer for my engine, It has done 186,000kms, and is well due for an oil flush and change, which i am hoping to do ASAP, I am willing to buy the oils/filters required and then someone to do the job! thanks for all your kind words ppl

[SLED]

Ahh, what a happy little community we are.

Welcome aboard Mike...,..Roo & Matty are good blokes....forums need more people like them :-)

[mikeyR33-T]

Ahh, what a happy little community we are.

Welcome aboard Mike...,..Roo & Matty are good blokes....forums need more people like them :-)

Yes it is a pleasure to meet decent people in todays hard times.

some people are up themselves but there still some good people left, thanks guys

[Krishy]

Thanks guys/gal, I have got hold of an r32 actuator off an engine that had around 80,000km so thats a bonus, ruby has offered to install it whenever is convenient, hopefully the 10psi comes on and holds longer for my engine, It has done 186,000kms, and is well due for an oil flush and change, which i am hoping to do ASAP, I am willing to buy the oils/filters required and then someone to do the job! thanks for all your kind words ppl

Doesn't matter how many KM's the actuator has done to be honest. Sounds like you should be doing the service (oil, sparks filter change) before you even bother driving with the new actuator. Once the power bug bites start saving some $$ because you will be spending a bit on upgrades to chase the power that you desire only to change it again 6 months on

[mikeyR33-T]

Doesn't matter how many KM's the actuator has done to be honest. Sounds like you should be doing the service (oil, sparks filter change) before you even bother driving with the new actuator. Once the power bug bites start saving some $ because you will be spending a bit on upgrades to chase the power that you desire only to change it again 6 months on

Hi guys,

I have to give a huge shout out to Ruby - not only was he spot on and efficient with the job of installing the actuator and doing the oil change, he was also a patient and decent person, glad to have met him.

The actuator was on within minutes, didnt notice much straight away on the drive home, but after leaving the car over night and starting it this morning, I noticed the change straight away, acceleration was smoother but quicker, less throttle then before with more power, turbo would work sooner, and the more throttle more power then before, so yes I have noticed a nice increase in power very happy $200 for actuator and service and car runs great, much smoother and quicker when I needed it. ( by the way the actuator is only a minor mod, maybe a 20-30rwkw increase id say but the power is there, decent difference from 5psi to 10psi happy indeed)

thanks guys and thanks again Ruby