Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

Although they share the same engine family, the GTI-R's SR20DET differs in many ways from the PS13 version. Its pistons and rods are stronger. The pistons have cooling channels that allow higher boost. It uses shim-adjusted valves rather than the PS13's lash adjusters, and it has four individual throttle bodies, giving it a high-rpm character. If you want an inexpensive quarter-mile build, the GTI-R is a good choice. Its stock engine is already designed for higher power, but increasing output can break the clutch and transmission.

A twin-plate clutch can address the clutch, but there is no strengthened transmission available. The stock gearbox is said to be good for about 400 PS. Unless quarter-mile times are the sole goal, street drivers should keep output below 400 PS. A good example is this A'PEXi GTI-R with an AX 53B70 turbo making 350 PS. It has a front-mounted intercooler, but the engine internals are stock apart from valve-timing changes; a Power FC controls it. A'PEXi has been interested in the GTI-R for some time...

A'PEXi's GTI-R is controlled by a Power FC with separate programs: one emphasizing midrange for circuit use and another favoring high rpm for quarter-mile runs. With a separately purchased ignition-cut ROM, it can cut ignition like a misfire system, letting the driver keep the throttle fully open and dump the clutch at launch. This should eliminate launch losses.