PX1-PX2-UR P5AT Power Upgrades, where do i start?

You own the good old 3.2! 

and you also want a little more power!

 but where do you start?....

theres generally 3 stages we do but first maintenance is key!  our process even on a stock standard ute is to make sure everything is working as it should be, from the engine cooling system, turbo control and the turbo itself, fuel system and servicing must all be working properly before attempting to improve performance, there is no point trying to make power when the cold side hose is leaking boost, or the thermostat is stuck open and the engine never reaches operating temp (both these issues cause performance loss and are super common)  

so assuming your vehicle is in tip top shape without any malfunctions or wear causing performance loss.

stage 1 would be a standard dyno tune, usually netting a minimum of 100nm/35-40hp gain at the wheels, paired with on the auto models a trans tune to utilize the new torque curve and sort the horrible rpm flare in 1st to 3rd that they have, for 90% of people this is enough, but it still leaves some factory weaknesses along with power on the table. 

so then we move onto alloy intercoolers and piping that kill two birds with one stone by replacing factory parts that commonly fail with performance oriented upgrades that not only mitigate the issue but also offer an improvement in either efficiency, power, or heat management, this is often paired with a dyno tune. 

stage 2 would be a turbo and exhaust upgrade, enabling you to make around 200hp-650nm at the wheels while still being able to tow, these engines have enough fuel system to comfortably make this sort of power with the extra air available from a turbocharger upgrade, and more boost means cooler egts while being able to make more power.

stage 3 involves a slightly bigger turbocharger than a stage 1 setup along with bigger injectors, heavy duty clutch/torque convertor, intercooler and exhaust, this usually nets 250hp and 750nm at the wheels comfortably, with the engine itself being the limiting factor any further. 

stage 4 involves similar parts to the stage 3, but with a full engine build, head studs, main studs, forged con-rods and custom clearances to ensure the engine can handle 800+nm of torque at the wheels.

there is plenty of other bits and pieces that we change, modify or program to fix weaknesses, annoyances or improve performance, this post is merely a skim over the general idea of power upgrades to suit the P5AT Platform. 

Feel free to give us a call or message our facebook page to plan your build!  

another example