As I read with envy on Vega$ NSX's review, I took delivery of my FX500 on his review date. To say that I'm very pleased with the outcome is truly an understatement. If it weren't for the semi-custom nature of this FX system, I would have nothing more to add. However, as Vega$ NSX so eloquently wrote, "Each FX turbo system are unique in their own way and mine is no different", I beg to open another thread to share my take on another FX500 variant.
The whole story started this spring when I was driving to work down 15 South where I pass a gray pickup truck. I received a honk and a frendly wave, the driver yelled out "You need a Turbo". Little did I know that voice was Mike Angel, the mastermind behind Factor X. Few days later and a few minutes of discussions with Angel, the decision was made to spare no expense to build my system properly from the ground up. Furthermore, after hard bargaining and a persuasive stripper ........ ah ........ secretary or two, a deal was struck for me to purchase one of Factor X's spare but fresh race motor.
Other than the race motor, Vega$'s and mine also differ slightly in overall plumbing, intake/exhaust, turbo unit, and tuning. Vega$ went for total stealth. I went for total show. Unlike Vega$, my entire system is totally exposed through the Taitec CF rear diffuser and Scooped Lexan rear hatch. According to Angel, my configuration allows him a little more flexability and less compromises. The only limiting factor is the NUT behind the wheel.......Your's truly.........
For those who don't already know, my project started last summer where upgrades were done to the Brake System, Suspension, Chassis reinforcements, Passive Restrain, Transmission/Gearing, and a lot of Cosmetic. Fully aware of my car's foundation, Angel design the system with the understanding that massive amount of performance can be extracted from my car in the future. The sizing of my turbo and general plumbing is roughly comparable to their own Racer, however the turbo unit itself is somewhat of a mystery. According to Angel, mine is the second such unit in existence, henceforth a prototype. But if I reveal its identity, it will be the last secret I'll ever expose sez Angel.
As delivered, my car doesn't have anywhere near the low-end torque as Vega$'s. The kick doesn't come on hard until 4.25k RPM and peak is a little shy of 350 ft/lb. However, peak HP match Vega$'s but with the slight advantage of a very flat plateau stretching from 6k through 8k. Unfortunately, tunning and testing was done at a torturous 109F temperature and Angel had to call it quits before he keel over from heat exhaustion. Mind you Vega$'s and my cars were tuned on two very different locations and date, his was at Silver State and mine at Pro Street, both Dynojets.
Okay, what does this all mean? On paper, Vega$ will eat me up live from a low-end pull. Once on boost, we should be dead even. I think! While Vega$'s feel like a big block V8, mine feel like a high winding small block until "Oh-My-God" kicks in. Thankfully, JDM close ratio and Giken LSD help keep the engine on broil. Unlike Vega$, I have to do some fancy footwork just to keep up. Hey........ Angel........ Spare the old man........
Once on song, the power delivery is very linear and quite easy to modulate. And a quick snap shot goes like this. I pick a line, steer-in, let the suspension settles in and power slide my way out at the angle of my choice while balancing it through with counter and throttle steer. Coming out of the turn, I stomp on the loud pedal and feel the hind claws squeal for traction as the boost continues to build. Once the turbo hit its sweet spot, everything surrounding me seems to slow down as I warp speed towards the redline with heart pounding and palm sweeting. As the G's continue to build in what seem like a second or two, I have to take a deep breath, reach for the lever, and bang it onto the next gear before rev. limiter spoils the moment. The battle cry of the Tial BOV screams in harmony and once again the car leap foward as if catapulted down an aircraft carrier while threatening to step over a lane or two. Before I knew it, I have to stomp hard on the middle pedal to avoid hitting slower traffic as I merge onto the Interstate at my usual 65........... Vegas group knows I don't drive fast......... but I do drive quick ..........
Angel was smart in limiting our power availability. He also took the extra pre-cautions of pro-aligning/corner balancing my car. Furthermore, he went over my brakes, suspension system, etc., just to make sure the car is FX500 worthy. At this level, it is more important to break-in the NUT than the vehicle. What kept me from harm's way was the highly tuned and balance car, years of driving high HP vehicles, and mostly dumb luck.
Okay Angel, please crank up my Blue Devil before I take the next leap...............
Best Regards
Paul
The whole story started this spring when I was driving to work down 15 South where I pass a gray pickup truck. I received a honk and a frendly wave, the driver yelled out "You need a Turbo". Little did I know that voice was Mike Angel, the mastermind behind Factor X. Few days later and a few minutes of discussions with Angel, the decision was made to spare no expense to build my system properly from the ground up. Furthermore, after hard bargaining and a persuasive stripper ........ ah ........ secretary or two, a deal was struck for me to purchase one of Factor X's spare but fresh race motor.
Other than the race motor, Vega$'s and mine also differ slightly in overall plumbing, intake/exhaust, turbo unit, and tuning. Vega$ went for total stealth. I went for total show. Unlike Vega$, my entire system is totally exposed through the Taitec CF rear diffuser and Scooped Lexan rear hatch. According to Angel, my configuration allows him a little more flexability and less compromises. The only limiting factor is the NUT behind the wheel.......Your's truly.........
For those who don't already know, my project started last summer where upgrades were done to the Brake System, Suspension, Chassis reinforcements, Passive Restrain, Transmission/Gearing, and a lot of Cosmetic. Fully aware of my car's foundation, Angel design the system with the understanding that massive amount of performance can be extracted from my car in the future. The sizing of my turbo and general plumbing is roughly comparable to their own Racer, however the turbo unit itself is somewhat of a mystery. According to Angel, mine is the second such unit in existence, henceforth a prototype. But if I reveal its identity, it will be the last secret I'll ever expose sez Angel.
As delivered, my car doesn't have anywhere near the low-end torque as Vega$'s. The kick doesn't come on hard until 4.25k RPM and peak is a little shy of 350 ft/lb. However, peak HP match Vega$'s but with the slight advantage of a very flat plateau stretching from 6k through 8k. Unfortunately, tunning and testing was done at a torturous 109F temperature and Angel had to call it quits before he keel over from heat exhaustion. Mind you Vega$'s and my cars were tuned on two very different locations and date, his was at Silver State and mine at Pro Street, both Dynojets.
Okay, what does this all mean? On paper, Vega$ will eat me up live from a low-end pull. Once on boost, we should be dead even. I think! While Vega$'s feel like a big block V8, mine feel like a high winding small block until "Oh-My-God" kicks in. Thankfully, JDM close ratio and Giken LSD help keep the engine on broil. Unlike Vega$, I have to do some fancy footwork just to keep up. Hey........ Angel........ Spare the old man........
Once on song, the power delivery is very linear and quite easy to modulate. And a quick snap shot goes like this. I pick a line, steer-in, let the suspension settles in and power slide my way out at the angle of my choice while balancing it through with counter and throttle steer. Coming out of the turn, I stomp on the loud pedal and feel the hind claws squeal for traction as the boost continues to build. Once the turbo hit its sweet spot, everything surrounding me seems to slow down as I warp speed towards the redline with heart pounding and palm sweeting. As the G's continue to build in what seem like a second or two, I have to take a deep breath, reach for the lever, and bang it onto the next gear before rev. limiter spoils the moment. The battle cry of the Tial BOV screams in harmony and once again the car leap foward as if catapulted down an aircraft carrier while threatening to step over a lane or two. Before I knew it, I have to stomp hard on the middle pedal to avoid hitting slower traffic as I merge onto the Interstate at my usual 65........... Vegas group knows I don't drive fast......... but I do drive quick ..........
Angel was smart in limiting our power availability. He also took the extra pre-cautions of pro-aligning/corner balancing my car. Furthermore, he went over my brakes, suspension system, etc., just to make sure the car is FX500 worthy. At this level, it is more important to break-in the NUT than the vehicle. What kept me from harm's way was the highly tuned and balance car, years of driving high HP vehicles, and mostly dumb luck.
Okay Angel, please crank up my Blue Devil before I take the next leap...............
Best Regards
Paul
Are you ready Mikey??? .......... I am .........
