My DR500 Experiences - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

VR-4Maniac · 09-21-2004, 10:02 AM

I have always wanted to give my full review of these turbos, and in the last couple days I've finally run them in the high boost application to fulfill the testing I feel is necessary to give them a sufficient review.

I installed the turbos last year and ran them at fairly low boost for most of the year and never made it to the track. Over the winter I completed a 99 conversion and FMIC install and vowed to myself that I would give these turbos a workout this year, and I have. I have found the following:

1. Boost comes on fast, I see 15psi before 3000 rpms in 3rd gear.
2. I have peaked boost (yesterday, actually) at 22.1psi and HELD 20.1 psi to redline. This is with stock intakes pipes, stock (gutted) precats, and a FMIC. I'm not sure where they got the 17psi to redline thing from Dynamic, but I suppose that would be possible with stock exhaust and MAS.
3. I have not had one problem with turbo failure that some have, and I feel that is relevant considering some of the stories and problems ALL turbo manufacturers and sellers have had in some cases.
4. The install is easy and straight forward. The turbos bolt in without a problem, use stock feed and return lines and require no modifications.
5. I ran 12.0@114 at 17psi. I KNOW there wasn't more than 17.1 psi on that run because I had a limiter on my boost controller set at that.

I intend to hit the track on October 8th and run significantly more boost to see what I can get out of the setup. I won't benchrace, I'll just give a summary when I'm back.

Thanks for reading, I hope this helps anyone who is debating on turbo selection, and feel free to ask any questions. Thanks.

Matt

TypicalStateGuy · 09-21-2004, 10:05 AM

Good Luck whenever you get to the track!!

AdamVR4 · 09-21-2004, 10:10 AM

Good write-up, Matt. It will be interesting to see how much more power you do or do not make at 20 PSI.

I don't seem to make any extra power beyond 22-23 PSI.

Good luck.

Adam

Eric Clapton · 09-21-2004, 10:15 AM

great to see its a pain free upgrade. Good luck in October with more boost. Eagarly awaiting new numbers!

Mad Dog Bodine · 09-21-2004, 10:20 AM

Man....its threads like this...that always make my decision tougher and tougher. All year I have been debating...going with the DR500's or the DR650's. In the summer of 2005 is when I am planning to throw about $8000 into my car. I just haven't been completely sold on which turbo's. Now with all the new info on 13/18/19T's that has made my decisions even more complex.
But....there is just something about DR's turbo's that have been tried tested and proven countless times over and over.

I am looking at building like you....a street monster. The nearest 1/4 track is over 4 hours away. So its not something I will be doing very often. Less then twice a year if that I am sure. There are no Supra's where I am from....one or two vipers, couple SVT Cobra's loads of C5's and Z06's, Camaro's and T/A though. I want to make sure...when I am looking at putting the money I am into my car, and selecting turbo's....I don't want to lose to Stock z06's etc. I know there will always be someone quicker. But.....in my small town of about 50,000 people, I want to be known as one of the top dogs on the street. See what I am saying? And its posts like this...that make the DR500's that much more sweet. You didn't mention, but was this with or without racefuel? I can't easily get race fuel so I don't want to have to use it. And thats what is pushing me away from the DR650's. To really have them shine you need race fuel. And its just something I don't have easy access to. Hmmm decisions decisions.

**Alan92RTTT** · 09-21-2004, 10:52 AM

Post moved to product reviews forum.

spfan · 09-21-2004, 11:00 AM

good info. when the time comes for my turbo upgrade ( a long way away unfortunatly) i'll be looking at dr-500's most likely. 650's are just a tad overkill for my needs.

bodine, i'm pretty sure that the 20 psi run was on race gas. otherwise there would be huge knock counts. unless you run some kind of propane injection or similar system, then you can get up around 18psi or so on pump gas i believe.

good info nonetheless.

VR-4Maniac · 09-21-2004, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamVR4

Good write-up, Matt. It will be interesting to see how much more power you do or do not make at 20 PSI.

I don't seem to make any extra power beyond 22-23 PSI.

Good luck.

Adam

The car FEELS faster as the boost goes up. I'm not sure if it's really that it's getting faster or if it's just getting louder, lol. I guess I'll find out, but I'm sure the FMIC is helping the high boost efficiency.

Matt

VR-4Maniac · 09-21-2004, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Dog Bodine

Man....its threads like this...that always make my decision tougher and tougher. All year I have been debating...going with the DR500's or the DR650's. In the summer of 2005 is when I am planning to throw about $8000 into my car. I just haven't been completely sold on which turbo's. Now with all the new info on 13/18/19T's that has made my decisions even more complex.
But....there is just something about DR's turbo's that have been tried tested and proven countless times over and over.

I am looking at building like you....a street monster. The nearest 1/4 track is over 4 hours away. So its not something I will be doing very often. Less then twice a year if that I am sure. There are no Supra's where I am from....one or two vipers, couple SVT Cobra's loads of C5's and Z06's, Camaro's and T/A though. I want to make sure...when I am looking at putting the money I am into my car, and selecting turbo's....I don't want to lose to Stock z06's etc. I know there will always be someone quicker. But.....in my small town of about 50,000 people, I want to be known as one of the top dogs on the street. See what I am saying? And its posts like this...that make the DR500's that much more sweet. You didn't mention, but was this with or without racefuel? I can't easily get race fuel so I don't want to have to use it. And thats what is pushing me away from the DR650's. To really have them shine you need race fuel. And its just something I don't have easy access to. Hmmm decisions decisions.

These runs were made on pure 110 octane race fuel. I wouldn't dare do it on anything less than 100 octane. If you want to run pump gas and still go fast on quick spooling turbos, I'd upgrade to a set of ported cylinder heads and see how that works. I'm sure a Stage III headed car with the same other mods as my car would be just as fast at 15-17psi as mine is at 22psi.

I intend to mix some 110 and pump 93 for the rest of the year because this car is just too damn fun at high boost levels to run around at pump gas boost levels for long. I'd go with some alchy, but I've got some DR heads sitting at my house for next year. Of course, not much of the setup will be the same next year.

Matt

Mad Dog Bodine · 09-21-2004, 11:32 AM

I figured those runs were on race fuel. And I can get it where I am...just not something I was really looking forward to do. Stage 3 heads are definately in the plan...but not for next year. I got too many other things to do first.
Propain injection might be one of them though. I don't need/and won't be ripping around always at 20psi....but I want to know the possibility is there.
Also...my buddy has a 96 TA with about 300RWHP, nothing major...but I just like the instant power feeling when you tap the throttle. I have heard a DR500 car is like driving a high HP NA car. I want the feeling that when I put my foot down...it car is going to go.
I don't mind lag....but the less the better in my book.
Hmmmm DR500's....are starting to get the upper hand.

09-21-2004, 10:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
VR-4Maniac No longer a 3/S owner. Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Central Wisconsin Drives: 1988 Oldsmobile Trader Rating: (4)	My DR500 Experiences I have always wanted to give my full review of these turbos, and in the last couple days I've finally run them in the high boost application to fulfill the testing I feel is necessary to give them a sufficient review. I installed the turbos last year and ran them at fairly low boost for most of the year and never made it to the track. Over the winter I completed a 99 conversion and FMIC install and vowed to myself that I would give these turbos a workout this year, and I have. I have found the following: 1. Boost comes on fast, I see 15psi before 3000 rpms in 3rd gear. 2. I have peaked boost (yesterday, actually) at 22.1psi and HELD 20.1 psi to redline. This is with stock intakes pipes, stock (gutted) precats, and a FMIC. I'm not sure where they got the 17psi to redline thing from Dynamic, but I suppose that would be possible with stock exhaust and MAS. 3. I have not had one problem with turbo failure that some have, and I feel that is relevant considering some of the stories and problems ALL turbo manufacturers and sellers have had in some cases. 4. The install is easy and straight forward. The turbos bolt in without a problem, use stock feed and return lines and require no modifications. 5. I ran 12.0@114 at 17psi. I KNOW there wasn't more than 17.1 psi on that run because I had a limiter on my boost controller set at that. I intend to hit the track on October 8th and run significantly more boost to see what I can get out of the setup. I won't benchrace, I'll just give a summary when I'm back. Thanks for reading, I hope this helps anyone who is debating on turbo selection, and feel free to ask any questions. Thanks. Matt __________________ 1991 VR-4 - Stock - Crashed by a friend and totalled. 1993 VR-4 - 11.76@119, 11.77@122 - Sold to a new, appreciative owner.

09-21-2004, 10:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
TypicalStateGuy Carolina DSM Board Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Drives: 03' IS300 Trader Rating: (23)	Re: My DR500 Experiences Good Luck whenever you get to the track!! __________________ -David 1995 Stealth RT/TT 12.067@115mph....SOLD!! 2003 IS300 Sport Design - Stick

09-21-2004, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
AdamVR4 TEXAS!! FIGHT!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: University of Texas Drives: NoCar XCase Test Car Trader Rating: (22)	Re: My DR500 Experiences Good write-up, Matt. It will be interesting to see how much more power you do or do not make at 20 PSI. I don't seem to make any extra power beyond 22-23 PSI. Good luck. Adam __________________ PEARL WHITE '93 VR-4 // Under Construction. Looking forward to lighting up the drag radials E16G's: 10.573 @ 135.01 (Trevor owns me ) E16G's: 11.28 @ 124.7 (Pure pump gas ET record ) 14B's: 11.10 @ 127.3 (AWD 14B ET record. Take THAT, Trev! ) 9B's: 12.78 @ 107.1 Congrats to the current top 10 members!! DynamicRacing: US 3S Top 10 Fastest List

09-21-2004, 10:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Eric Clapton Forum user Join Date: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: My DR500 Experiences great to see its a pain free upgrade. Good luck in October with more boost. Eagarly awaiting new numbers!

09-21-2004, 10:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mad Dog Bodine Little Mauve secret Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fort McMurray, AB, C Trader Rating: (0)	Re: My DR500 Experiences Man....its threads like this...that always make my decision tougher and tougher. All year I have been debating...going with the DR500's or the DR650's. In the summer of 2005 is when I am planning to throw about $8000 into my car. I just haven't been completely sold on which turbo's. Now with all the new info on 13/18/19T's that has made my decisions even more complex. But....there is just something about DR's turbo's that have been tried tested and proven countless times over and over. I am looking at building like you....a street monster. The nearest 1/4 track is over 4 hours away. So its not something I will be doing very often. Less then twice a year if that I am sure. There are no Supra's where I am from....one or two vipers, couple SVT Cobra's loads of C5's and Z06's, Camaro's and T/A though. I want to make sure...when I am looking at putting the money I am into my car, and selecting turbo's....I don't want to lose to Stock z06's etc. I know there will always be someone quicker. But.....in my small town of about 50,000 people, I want to be known as one of the top dogs on the street. See what I am saying? And its posts like this...that make the DR500's that much more sweet. You didn't mention, but was this with or without racefuel? I can't easily get race fuel so I don't want to have to use it. And thats what is pushing me away from the DR650's. To really have them shine you need race fuel. And its just something I don't have easy access to. Hmmm decisions decisions. __________________ 1994 Dodge Steath RT/TT "Mya" K&N Filter, MBC @ 15psi ATR DP, ATR Exhaust Autometer Boost, Autometer Air/Fuel Cusco Rear Strut, RPS Max Street Blitz Turbo Timer NGK Copper Plugs Magnecor 8.5, Kumho Ecsta 255/40/17 Eneki RP02 17x9 GTPRO Y-Pipe Hawk HPS Pads

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09-21-2004, 11:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
spfan rock on, yeah rock on Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tampa Drives: 4 x 22,000 lbs jets Trader Rating: (6)	Re: My DR500 Experiences good info. when the time comes for my turbo upgrade ( a long way away unfortunatly) i'll be looking at dr-500's most likely. 650's are just a tad overkill for my needs. bodine, i'm pretty sure that the 20 psi run was on race gas. otherwise there would be huge knock counts. unless you run some kind of propane injection or similar system, then you can get up around 18psi or so on pump gas i believe. good info nonetheless. __________________ Dyno Collection Thread 1993 Dodge Stealth ES, White, April 2002 - April 2005, SOLD 1 of 53 1993 Dodge Stealth TT, Black, Since April 2004, 1 of 5 ever made more rarity info 2003 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Blue, Sept. 2005, Daily Driver with 165 HP of Fury! At least it's AWD. 305 awhp, 325 awtq(BPU minus full catback exhaust)Mods at that time 13.02@104.67 (9bs, dp, fipk, 15.5 psi, bov, no cats, streetmax clutch, 1.77 60', decent conditions, full weight (even spare tire/jack) 13.09@105.08 (1.80 60', same conditions as above) Beyond BPU: (meaning upgraded turbos/fuel/etc) before engine rebuild Mods at that time 12.38@113.00(20 psi, 110 octane, massive knock above 6k rpms) 12.41@115.10(ditto) After Rebuild: Current Mods Dyno Tune by IPS 12.8@108 (12.5 psi dropping to ~11 @redline, 2.0 60', pump gas, my tune)

09-21-2004, 11:32 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mad Dog Bodine Little Mauve secret Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fort McMurray, AB, C Trader Rating: (0)	Re: My DR500 Experiences I figured those runs were on race fuel. And I can get it where I am...just not something I was really looking forward to do. Stage 3 heads are definately in the plan...but not for next year. I got too many other things to do first. Propain injection might be one of them though. I don't need/and won't be ripping around always at 20psi....but I want to know the possibility is there. Also...my buddy has a 96 TA with about 300RWHP, nothing major...but I just like the instant power feeling when you tap the throttle. I have heard a DR500 car is like driving a high HP NA car. I want the feeling that when I put my foot down...it car is going to go. I don't mind lag....but the less the better in my book. Hmmmm DR500's....are starting to get the upper hand.