Eurotuner Magazine recently undertook a project in which it upgraded a Volkswagen Mk4 GTI 1.6T with a Kinetic Motorsport’s Turbo Exhaust Manifold to improve power.
The vehicle, dubbed Project Silverstone, had already gone through previous performance upgrades which included GIAC software, Evolution Racewerks front-mount intercooler, and others.
The magazine team had discovered the old manifold was preventing the performance boots from all the upgrades. The new exhaust manifold was installed in a seven step process that took about four hours. The vehicle was then tested on a Dynojet dynamometer in the shop. Later the car would be driven with the new part.
Eurotuner's conclusion? “After driving the car with the new part, it feels more powerful than the dyno numbers alleged. Although it only showed a gain of 3whp and 5 lb/ft., the improved torque could be felt instantaneously once the turbo reached boost. Even after the initial gain in torque, we noticed an increase in power to redline. The car accelerates harder and feels less restrictive. We might now be at the maximum output for the factory turbo. .... we feel this manifold has more to offer with a bigger turbo.”
Our take? We can't wait to see what this next turbo will be.