Is it worth it? Like really?

[BWM2006ZX3]

I have a 2006 zx3 se automatic. I was wondering if it is really worth turboing the car. I have 50k miles on the car. No issues at all. A 3inch TruBendz SS Magnaflow exhaust. This is the set up i was thinking at this point. I would like to have some sort of a set up for the car but do not know if it is worth doing it to this car.


FSWerks Stage 1
Ecu: PVT1
Turbo: GT28R
Fuel: 93 Octane
Downpipe: 3 inch SS (to match exhaust)
Upgrade diverter: No
TurboSmart Guage: Yes
Autolite 103: Yes
Boost Controller upgrade: No
Injectors: I do not know at this point if i should
Wastegate upgrade: No

At this point my car is just a daily driver and will probably keep it that way even if i add a turbo.

I am not an expert in the area! WHAT SO EVER!
All i want to do is get some input from the more knowledgeable and see if its actually worth doing this to an automatic. I understand i sound like a "NOOB" but what all would you guys suggest for lower end work if any? I was hoping not to have to do anything major but realize that there will be work that is needed to be done.

Thanks guys! Any suggestions/help is great appreciated.

[Sponsor]

[iroc34]

Even though my car was a five speed. I turboed the stock engine with over 70k on it. Kept the boost at 10 psi or less. And the car was a blast. I believe your atx and stock engine will handle 8-10 psi. Dont get crazy with it and youll have a fun car to drive.....

[BWM2006ZX3]

My plan is not to get crazy at all. I would not like to have a track beast until i get another DD... I would like something thats fun but will still be somewhat practical. Boost would probably be set between 6-8...

[X!FOCUS]

I have FSWerks stage I&II, gt28r turbo, on my stock motor and ATX. I was running 8psi for about 2 years (10k miles) and never had any problems. Would bump it up occasionally to ~12 psi and my tranny wouldn't like it to say the least. TC would lockup and it would basically feel lk a MTX that wouldn't shift into the next gear. RPMs would go up but the car would not accelerate. Keep it mind this was only on hard acceleration from a complete stop. Replaced the stock valve body with a Lentech valve body, brought boost back down to 10 psi and have never had a problem since (been about a year now). Also have the ford racing (TCS) torque converter I planned on installing and raising boost but never got around to it.

[BWM2006ZX3]

Was your car still fun to drive at the 8psi? what all changed because i feel that with such little boost, i wouldnt see a significant gain for 4 grand...

[StephenElsbree1986]

You should see a boost I know BBK SC for the SVT run 8-10 and they hold about 225 WHP you got a big exhaust, you should deft notice a gain when its almost going to double your HP lol...

[mikebontoft]

psi depends on the size of your turbo too... cjohn64 did it to his auto. he has good input but I know he enjoys his.

[1turbofocus]

Turbo responds best to a ATX , you will love it even at 8psi

Tom

[mikebontoft]

oh yeah I forgot about that.... throttles always open so there's always boost

[X!FOCUS]

Originally Posted by BWM2006ZX3

Was your car still fun to drive at the 8psi? what all changed because i feel that with such little boost, i wouldnt see a significant gain for 4 grand...

Definately fun to drive! It's a lot of money to drop all at once but if you DO, don't think twice just enjoy it and don't get too carried away. Like anyone else will tell you, boost is VERY addictive!