Bought in May 2001, the rare five-speed Soarer lasted six months before being bitten by the modifcation bug. Sporting the same set of 17" mags, a not-so-great suspension package and 260 rear-wheel horsepower - with the help of an APEX'i electronic boost controller and MiNe's VX-ROM- 10DED was begging for a make over. First things first, Mike Vine Turbochargers was approached for the power package.

Mike started by fitting two Garrett GT25 turbochargers on a custom manifold. A second-hand intercooler was sourced from Craig Dean of Sports and Luxury Cars in Melbourne who also shipped an oil-cooler kit and braided lines. The items were attached and dynoed at only 280HP, 20 more than before. Less than content, the car was returned and fitted with two T28 ball bearing items and dynoed running 1.4 bar (20 PSI), and produced an improved 320 rear-wheel horsepower.

Next the exhaust was supplied and fitted by Geoff at Sebring Performance Mufflers. The system starts with separate three-inch dump pipes, combining to a single 3½-inch pipe just before the high-flow catalytic-converter and splitting into two 2½-inch pipes to stainless mufflers with 4-inch tips.

Suspension was handled by Kim at Mermaid Suspension. Using King Springs and Koni adjustable shock-absorbers, the car now handles as well as it looks.

September 2002

A set of side skirts were supplied, painted and fitted from DMD.

December 2002

Installation of Microtech LTX-12 engine management system. Results in an increase of 30 horsepower at the rear-wheels and a smoother power and torque curve. [dyno sheet]

April 2003

Polishing and colour coded engine bay performed by Immigrant Performance. Pictures are below.

September 2003

Replaced existing T28 turbos with two S15-200sx spec items. Dyno and tune soon

November 2003

HPI Article has arrived .... w00t

December 2003

Installation of 440cc injectors and finally the tuning with the new turbos and 20PSI. Need to go back to the same dyno for a comparable figure. Is VERY fun to drive though ... so stay tuned :P

January 2004

Still haven't got it dyno'd ... but got a Walbro in-tank fuel pump and Sard fuel regulator going on now ... i shall hopefully get dyno figure soon!

March 2004

Due to complications with the twin-turbo setup (actually, the supply of the replacement turbos) - a single Garrett GT40 turbo was installed and tuned, dyno'd at 350rwhp with 440cc injectors at max duty cycle. Car is now down tuned to 330rwhp by Matt Spry @ P.I.T.S

May 2004

Custom manufactured short-shift kit is on order. Should arrive soon! Car just receiving coolant flush, new gearbox oil (MTL) and new tyres.

July 2004

Now THATS a short shift!!!! Now has lightened flywheel too.

front view with new intercooler