Bolt-On Boost 2002: Part 4

XS Engineering Celica GT-S:
Since the unveiling of this kit on Turbo's December 2000 issue cover car, the prototype has graduated to production status. Fuel enrichment is handled by the ECU, a rising-rate fuel pressure regulator and upgraded fuel pump. To extract upgraded power, an APEXi Super AFC is brought to bear on the 2ZZ. The kit delivers torque down low and horsepower up high and all versions include a front-mount air-to-air chiller, a welcomed addition, considering the 2ZZ's 11.5:1 compression ratio.

Stillen Maxima:
Stillen has built up a reputation as one of the premier manufacturers for Nissan go-fast parts. This said, it is unsurprising that Stillen handled the build up when Nissan needed to power up a Maxima for duty as a CART pace car. This project acted as the groundwork for Stillen's blower kit. Pressurization is provided by a Vortech V1-S supercharger, operating in conjunction with a Stillen exhaust system. Stillen's mods and a 6 psi of boost increased output to 281 whp, which is quite a jump from the 187.7 whp baseline run. The Maxima, in five-speed SE-trim guise, is a real sleeper-- powerful and roomy, and one of those cars that will sell itself after one test drive.

Toyota Racing Development's Solara:
The TRD Solara supercharger kit features an Eaton-based compressor built into a unique one-piece manifold. A bypass valve regulates the Eaton blower to a very conservative 4 psi of positive manifold pressure. Unlike the 4Runner kit, which includes a boost dependent regulator, the Solara engine management system is capable of sensing the extra air being fed to the V6 engine. The factory ECU compensates for the extra air and adds the necessary fuel requirements to maintain a proper air/fuel ratio. All necessary hardware, including pulleys and belts, are included in the kit for easy bolt-on installation. The supercharger even comes assembled. Any qualified mechanic can install the kit within a day, but we recommend that you have it installed by the Toyota dealer if your vehicle is still under warranty.

Hahn Racecraft PT Cruiser:
The 2000-up Chrysler PT Cruiser is another of those retro-look vehicles to light a fire on the automotive landscape. Hahn Racecraft (HRC) has crafted a turbo kit for this window to days gone by. It was a slam dunk since the PT is built on the Neon platform. Like the Neon, Mitsubishi TDO5H or TDO6H turbos are the basis of HRC's PT kits and they include extras like a blow-off valve, Cerametallic-coated downpipe and a fuel pressure gauge.

Vortech Engineering Ford Contour:
Vortech can put you more than a few car lengths ahead of the SVT with its Contour supercharger kit. The kit delivers a 100-hp and an 80 lbs-ft or torque gain to the standard-issue Contour.

Hahn Racecraft Ford Focus:
Judging by the attention its getting in this guide, the Ford Focus is one of the golden child types of the scene. Hahn offers a Stage II kit that includes an intercooler (transaxle mounted) and Super 16G and 20G turbos, as well as a front-mount intercooler. A performance cat, Auto Meter boost gauge and pillar mount is also included and not offered in other packages. Hahn also has tuning strategies for those who really want an edge in performance. Can you dig 15 psi?