KOSTAS BALAQURAS' VI TURBO

I recently got a Email from Kostas Balaquras with some pictures of his heavily modified Vi with a Garrett GT28RS turbo modification. I think this, unlike some of the modifications with the Rover T16 Turbo engine, is the closest thing you can get to a real Vi turbo - simply because the VVC engine is still being used. Although, from what I understand, most of the VVC system is no longer part of the engine. However, unlike some of the responses I've had from people who've replaced the VVC engine with a T16 turbo, I think this one deserves the status of 'Vi Turbo' more. It's just a shame as Vi stands for 'VVC' 'Injection.'

'Ti' was the Rover name for 'turbo injection' petrol cars of the time as in the Rover 600ti. But I still think this conversion desires a place here, Kostas has obviously invested a lot of time and money into it & I have a feeling it will be seriously quick. All I ask now, is for someone to do a supercharged version of the engine, keeping most of the VVC system as it stands.

(click on a thumbnail to see a larger version of the picture in a new window)

It didn't take me long to respond and ask Kostas to give me more information on the modifications he carried out. Here is the reply he sent me, along with some more pictures on the modification.....

Details:
              Rover 200vi VVC engine turbo 1.2 bar press 337hp

Modifying cylinder head,
 Up rated Liners the original liners up to 0.6 bar press they break.
Acrralite pistons,
Up rated Conrods Arrow,
Elise up rated head bolts,
HD head gasket,
Bearing shells  Total seal,
Turbo GARRETT GT28RS: Turbo Wheel D - 54mm, Turbine Hsg A/R - 0.86, Comp Wheel D - 71mm, Turbine Hsg A/R - 0.60, 350 PS.
Upgrade ECU,
 4 mpek 850cc/min NOS,
Extra pump of petrol BOSCH 250lt/hr,
Pressure of petrol 6 bar,
 upgrade map sensor,
 Intercooler Forge,
 Blow off valve Greddy Type RS,
 Exhaust hand made 80mm,
leads Magnecor reds,
Clutch HELIX,
 Clutch cover ACT GT double scallops,
oil cooler Hercules,
 Transmission (sasman):from Rover 214si.
 Air filter SIMOTA,
 Shocks KONI,
 Springs APEX,
 Pipings of air 60mm,
 Brace kit TAROX,
 METERS: HKS turbo press - AUTOMETER air fuel - APEXI turbo timer - GREDDY ex.t. temp - GREDDY oil press & temp.

Its better to removing the all the VVC system  and the ECU, you will need a version of the ECU that handles boost and an external 3 bar map sensor. I send you some pictures (details) to remove VVC cams and the hydraulic control system...