The Importance of Upgrading Your Turbo: Testing Out a New HKS 4135 Turbo on the S15 Sylvia
Last year, I purchased a crusty S15 Sylvia from a storage yard with a low-mileage engine and an aftermarket turbo. The car cleaned up well and performed decently until the turbo finally gave out. I decided to replace it with a new HKS 4135 turbo and took it out to my home course, Nico Circuit, to test it out.
The S15 Sylvia is designed to be a car for smaller tracks, which are abundant in Japan. However, most tracks overseas are larger. In recent experiences driving at Sportsland Yamanashi and Gunsoi Togo, I realized the importance of having a car that can handle smaller tracks while still being reliable. Contrary to popular belief, having a smaller turbo and less power does not necessarily make a car more reliable. It simply means that the issues that arise tend to be less expensive to fix.
After installing the new turbo, the difference in performance was significant. The car now suited the track better and felt more responsive. I decided to participate in a mini drift competition during the track day, where each participant put in ten dollars for a chance to win the pot. While I didn’t win, it was a good opportunity to practice and improve my skills.
During the competition, I noticed that the car could benefit from some upgrades, such as extended lower front arms and mystery knuckles, which seemed to perform well. However, I found that the differential ratio could be better suited for the track layout, as shifting into third gear caused some instability.
Despite the improvements with the new turbo, the car began to overheat due to the lack of an oil cooler. This highlighted the need for additional cooling measures, especially during hot summer days. As the temperatures soared to 37 degrees Celsius, I realized the importance of proper cooling systems for high-performance cars.
To further test the S15’s capabilities, I decided to run the track in reverse, which is known to suit lower-powered cars like the A86. The reverse layout provided a different challenge and added to the overall enjoyment of the track day.
As the day progressed, I noticed that the suspension on the car was too stiff, and the front left coilover had developed a rattle. Additionally, I considered swapping out the differential for a higher ratio to improve performance on the track.
Despite the challenges faced throughout the day, I enjoyed pushing the S15 Sylvia to its limits and participating in the drift competition. My performance in the competition exceeded my expectations, earning me a spot in the top five and a prize.
Overall, the experience highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and upgrades to enhance the performance and reliability of the S15 Sylvia. By investing in quality components, proper cooling systems, and suitable gear ratios, the car can reach its full potential on the track. Subscribe to the channel for more updates on the development of the S15 Sylvia and its journey to becoming a top-performing track machine.
