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Stock FGX Turbo Ute - First time mods/upgrades


FGXXR6TUTE

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Hi all, I have been reading the forums for a number of months and though I should join and share what will possibly be an expensive journey. "don't tell the wife" 😋

 

I have had two XR6 Turbo utes, the first being a 2011 FG and my current being a 2015 FGX. As I had leased both of these through my business I have not been in a position to do any mods or upgrades. However I have recently bought my FGX (46,000km) at the end of it's lease and am keen to start making some changes. I hate people that ask heaps of dumb questions, without trying to find the answers first, so hopefully I'm not one of those people 😉

 

I'm pretty happy with the look of the ute from the factory, but perhaps darker window tint would be nice (any recommendations near the Shoalhaven or Sydney?)

 

 

I still remember the smile on my face the first time I drove my XR6 Turbo, but like most things you get used to it and now I want more power. I have spent a bit of time reading through the "Modding your FG"  by MattyP. Very helpful for someone who loves cars, but knows his away around a computer more than an engine bay.

 

 

I also spent about 3hrs reading OZYWALKER "XR50T Ute journey" bloody cool to see the progress from stock to street demon. OZY clearly has the tools and the knowledge to do a significant amount of work himself. Unfortunately I would not be able to tackle this myself.

 

 

Finally had a good read through the "Recommended Tuner/Workshops in NSW.

 

 

Initially I would like to take my ute to 300-330rwkw and am leaning towards the following: 1000cc Bosch Fuel Injectors - New Intercooler (one that doesn't require cutting) - Full turbo back exhaust (4" dump, 3.5" High Flow Cat back) - cold air intake. Plus a service on the transmission. I don't think the turbo mods would be worthwhile, as it seems most people just end up wanting a bigger turbo a year or two later anyway. So I just want to make sure I'm buying smart for the beginning.

 

So far I have contacted CMS and Autotech and gotten pricing between $3490 and $10,650. but I have a few questions that I am hoping someone here may be able to answer.

 

From the below quotes, is Spiro talking FWKW as opposed to Joe who is talking RWKW?

 

CMS is suggesting a Dump pipe and Hi Flow cat merged to the existing exhaust, where Autotech is suggesting a full turbo back system. What are the pros and cons here? I don't want a droney sounding exhaust, but if I decide to go further later will this be a restriction?

 

Autotech does not seem to recommend a new intercooler in their stage 2 package, where CMS says "entry level intercooler" in their stage 2. Any thoughts on what I should do here? Keep in mind I want to have this ute for quite a while and want to protect the rest of the car (engine, transmisson etc) from premature failure.

 

Are breaks something that I should be investing in? and if so, could anyone point me in the right direction?

 

 

CMS - "Our (stage 2) is a popular seller where you will see between 280-320rwkw on 98
this is the stage 2 package from $6650.00

Herrod or KPM cold air Intake assembly
4” dump pipe, 3.5” Hi flow Cat & merge pipe to std exhaust
Entry level  Intercooler kit
1000cc Bosch fuel injectors
Pcmtec or SCT
E85 tune ready

Then we have the (stage 2 plus) & you will see between 370-390 rwkw on 98 this package will be from $10,650.00

Herrod or KPM cold air Intake assembly
4” dump pipe, 3.5” Hi flow Cat & merge pipe to std exhaust
Entry level  Intercooler kit
1000cc Bosch fuel injectors
Atomic valve springs
Walbro 460 intank fuel pump
11 blade front turbo wheel mod
Wastegate mods
12 lb Turbosmart actuator
Pcmtec or SCT
E85 tune ready

 

Autotech Engineering - "Firstly, thank you for your enquiry. We have several packages for the FG xr6 turbo. Our stage 1 kit is a tune only using the flash 4 unit. This will increase the power level to 310kw. The cost is $1550. The stage 1 plus kit is a tune using the flash 4 unit and a high flow cat and 4-inch dump pipe. This kit will increase the power up to 330kw. The cost to do the stage 1 plus is $2790. We can also offer you the stage 1 plus kit with 6 x 1000cc injectors for $3490.

The stage 2 kit is one of our most popular packages. The stage two kit consists of a cold air intake, 6 x high flow injectors, a full turbo back stainless-steel exhaust and custom tuned with the sct flash 4 box. This kit will increase the power to 350 - 360kw. The cost of the Phase 2 kit supplied and fitted is $4995.

 The stage 3 kit is a follow on from the stage 2 kit. We add an intercooler and piping kit, supply and fit a high flow in tank fuel pump. The last upgrade in our stage 3 kit is the removal of the turbo and port the waste gate with the installation of a new swing valve and the replacement of the actuator to a 12psi actuator. If you already have the stage 2 kit fitted to your vehicle, the cost to upgrade to the stage 3 is $4665.00. If the stage 3 kit is done all in one go, the cost of the kit is $8800. This price also includes all of the componentry in the stage 2 kit as well. The power level for the stage 3 kit will increase the power level to 420kw.  All the above kits include custom tuning on the dyno with before and after power figures."

 

Cheers,

 

Michael

Edited by FGXXR6TUTE
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Firstly, :Welcome2FordXR6t:, Michael.

 

You'd be fine with just a dump+cat in the exhaust.

 

Spiro might be talking about flywheel kilowatts... but who knows? only way to find out is to ask him which he means, as his quoted figures are a bit high for the mods listed.

 

Intercooler has hardly any bearing on how long a driveline lasts... but essentially it allows you to have repeated power pulls without heat-soak, so can be valuable in certain circumstances.

 

Brakes aren't necessary to upgrade, but some good discs and pads are a good idea for peace of mind.

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Thanks for the warm welcome.

 

14 minutes ago, k31th said:

Spiro might be talking about flywheel kilowatts... but who knows? only way to find out is to ask him which he means, as his quoted figures are a bit high for the mods listed.

I'll give him a call tomorrow.

 

14 minutes ago, k31th said:

Intercooler has hardly any bearing on how long a driveline lasts... but essentially it allows you to have repeated power pulls without heat-soak, so can be valuable in certain circumstances.

This seems like a worthwhile investment, pretty sure it was a PW cooler in the stage 3 kit.

 

16 minutes ago, k31th said:

Brakes aren't necessary to upgrade, but some good discs and pads are a good idea for peace of mind.

Any recommendation on discs and pads? Would my local Jax/Quickfit be qualified to help with this, or should I visit someone in Sydney?

 

Thanks

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Intercooler and piping kits get a bit expensive for their benefit, so weigh it up for the circumstances when you'll be applying full throttle for your own personal driving requirements.

 

RBS in Sydney are somebody with a good reputation for brake parts for these vehicles.

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After speaking with both Spiro and Joe, I have decided to go with the stage 2 kit from CMS. Should hear back from Joe soon about a time. Apparently there are some stock availability issues, no doubt due to COVID. Will post update when the upgrades are complete. 

 

Will get in touch with RBS and see if I can get new discs and pads on the day CMS are done, as it's a 5 hour round trip.

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just get the discs etc mailed to CMS and get htem to fit them too. saves the hassle... or get them mailed to you

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Before you go ahead with CMS, you might want to have a look at the stage packages precision racing offers:

https://precisionracing.com.au/ford-fg-xr6t-g6et/

Better decide whether you want to run e85, 98 or flex and which platform SCT or PCMTEC as Full Flex on PCMTEC will add about another $950 for the kit alone...

One thing to also consider is which shop actually answers the phone or replies to emails or calls in a timely manner, without you chasing them up. 

Then you need to worry up other stuff besides running a number like idle, cold start - especially on e85...

Johhny Tig, Process West, PWR and Plazmaman all make coolers - not sure which ones are no cut, someone can chime in here...

If you're chasing more power later, you might want to consider a turbo side intake now and piping to suit... rather than an expensive airbox. ANTZ Performance and MackieLec have options for piping and intakes. 

 

On 26/07/2020 at 8:49 PM, FGXXR6TUTE said:

CMS Autotech is suggesting a full turbo back system.


Remember hat Autotech is an X-Force dealer so maybe some some bias there...

 

I'd go all aftermarket piping, with a turbo side intake, plazmaclamp adaptor for the TB and plazmaclamp for TB to cold side pipe: https://plazmaman.com/product/throttle-body-adapter-fg-falcom-to-3-plazmaclamp/

Don't want the elbow popping off on boost, hitting your bonnet...

Anyway just my 2c

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19 hours ago, k31th said:

just get the discs etc mailed to CMS and get htem to fit them too. saves the hassle... or get them mailed to you

Contacted Matthew at RBS, he's got a good deal on front Brembo kits, but isn't sure if the will foul on my 19" luxury pack wheels. Anyone know the answer?

 

13 hours ago, joncitizen said:

Better decide whether you want to run e85, 98 or flex and which platform SCT or PCMTEC as Full Flex on PCMTEC will add about another $950 for the kit alone..

Looking to run 98. Joe suggested I might be able to pick up a 2nd hand SCT device to save some money.

 

13 hours ago, joncitizen said:

Johhny Tig, Process West, PWR and Plazmaman all make coolers - not sure which ones are no cut, someone can chime in here

Process West Stage 1 doesn't require cutting. Plazmaman does according to their website. I don't want to mess with my care, or have road worthy issues.

 

13 hours ago, joncitizen said:

If you're chasing more power later, you might want to consider a turbo side intake now and piping to suit... rather than an expensive airbox. ANTZ Performance and MackieLec have options for piping and intakes. 

I am aiming for 300rwkw and don't see myself going beyond 400rwkw in the future. Most stage 2/2+ kits seem to manage without it. But I do see your point and appreciate the feedback.

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you don't need brembo's... but if you're OK with the upsell, sure, go ahead... I'm pretty sure OEM (style) brembo kits don't fit with lux pack wheels, though. (this discussion starting here indicates they don't https://www.fordxr6turbo.com/forum/topic/91932-digital-dash-fg/?do=findComment&comment=1588958)

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I'll be honest there is a small part of me that just likes the look of them. I know that's a terrible reason. But the choice may be made for me, as I don't really want to drop the dollars on extra wheels and rubber. Or do I 🤔

 

These look nice. In the gun metal 😎

 

s-l1600.jpg

Edited by FGXXR6TUTE
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