After a very successful first season racing campaign, Corwyn decided Project Blackout needed to be taken to another level. We had already discussed most of the plans but things finally were set in motion after the season was done. With the sights on defending his Street AWD Championship in 2015, and the prediction that the competition will be more fierce the following year, we decided to spice up Project Blackout.
These are the main items we decided to do over the winter:
– ARP – Head Studs
– ARP – Case Bolts
– Cosworth – Head Gaskets
– Manley H-Tuff Connecting Rods
– Mahle Pistons
– King Race Bearings
– Garrett GTX3076r with TiAL V-Band Turbine Housing (SwainTech Coated Turbine Housing)
– PTP Turbo Small T3 Flanged Turbo Blanket – Lava
– ETS Equal Length Header (SwainTech Coated and PTP Lava Wrapped)
– ETS Roated Turbo Kit (full vBand, SwainTech Coated)
– Tial 44mm MVR EWG
– ETS Down-pipe (vBand, SwainTech Coated and PTP Lava Wrapped)
– Zerolift Autolab – Composite TGV Deletes
– Custom Heads – Port and Polish
– Blueprinted Oil Pump
Of course, the main focus was the engine build and new turbo set up. We build cars with balance, reliability and performance all taking the same priority. A fast car is useless if it broken. Balance is essential and corners should never be cut, especially if you’ve already decided you plan to build the motor. Using high quality complimentary parts such as case bolts, head studs, bearings, and to some extent, connecting rods are just as important as what many will see as “main” parts such as the Turbo, Intercooler, Wastegates etc. In many cases, people see these complimentary parts as less important. Some will still change them, but not go for the best. We always recommend to follow that saying “buy the best that you can afford“. We will touch on this again later.
Up close with the Manley connecting rods
We decided to go with the Zerolift Composite TGV deletes as we’re a distributor for them. Not only do these TGVs maximize airflow as all delete systems do, the composite construction act as a thermal barrier between the Intake Manifold and Cylinder head to assist in lowering intake air temperatures.
Here’s a peek at the Mahle Pistons
With the pistons in it was ready for some assembly. Here we can see the motor being put together. On the bottom you can see the SwainTech Coated and PTP Lava Wrapped ETS exhaust manifold
We want to show you as many close ups as possible regarding the parts used on this engine build. Below you will see the Cosworth fuel rails.
Here’s a peek at the Radium FPR. We are a big fan of Radium due to their very high quality products but also their fit and finish is excellent. Their products flow with the look of the EJ creating a very harmonious and clean bay.
We are going to end Part one with a photo of the extremely sexy GTX Billet Wheel. We will pick up on the turbo system in Part 2
