With the exhaust as a potential bottleneck, 034 took no chances and fabricated a 4" downpipe. They then merged it into the3.5" exhaust piping that remains sans muffler. We're glad there are no decibel limitations on this contest.
With air and fuel taken care of, 034 chose its own 034EFI stage IIc engine management system to control the sparks. The programmable unit offers degree-based timing calculations that give 0.25" accuracy. The unit also has built-in, 20 amp ignition drivers that directly fire the 034EFI ignition coils, allowing over 8 milliseconds of dwell at40psi boost levels for optimum spark ionization in the highly pressurized cylinders.
034 is also proud of the fact its EMS system features sequential valve-timed injection, sequential ignition, and boost control with compensation for all environmental variables.
Given the 100-octane fuel rule, all the tuners involved in the Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge are limited to an extent. After all, at these power levels, being able to run a higher octane fuel would make a world of difference. But after lots of dyno tinkering, 034 has so far managed to extract760hp at the wheels and 560 lb-ft of torque from the 2.3-liter engine running the GT42RS turbo.
That's an impressive number, to say the least. But we can't wait to see what they have got up their sleeves for the final challenge!
In the meantime we'll be doing our part, standing guard outside 034's shop, armed with an arsenal of water balloon launchers and Roman candles to counteract any form of espionage.
These other rags are playing dirty.
So if you want to get in on the action, pay a visit towww.SyntecTopShop.com where you can vote for your favorite builder (us!) and enter the sweepstakes to win the best engine.
Confused? In a matter of months, the seven engines built for the Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge will gather for a dyno shoot-out. The winning engine will then be up for grabs to anybody who entered the sweepstakes and chose that motor as their favorite.
You can also follow the build online, where you'll find video from each of the teams, as well as our articles and blogs.
Together with Castrol Syntec and 034Motorsport, we aim to challenge the import and domestic magazine titles and show them what raw, European turbo horsepower is all about! Don't miss our update in next month's issue.