One Happy RS Focus Owner Reveals all!

There’s no suprise that at Tunehouse we love hearing feedabck from clients and even more so we’re always excited to see when a client is that happy with what we’ve acheived they’ll put it all down in words – Check John’s comments below since collecting his Ford Focus RS after a Tunehouse ECU Flash Upgrade and Custom Dyno Tune!

Hi TH,

I thought I would write you all an email to say thank you for the work that you have done on my car and let you know how things have been going since Jim and the team worked on it.

The car since being tuned delivers 255kw and 527Nm of torque at the hubs, which has made the car far more enjoyable in every respect to drive. The car has over 500nm of torque from 3300-4800 rpm. This gives it a wide and very useful torque band. The car runs really nice on the street, the drivability in all driving situations is simply outstanding.

I have since clocked over 5000 kms now since the tune (I drive a lot for work) and the car is just bullet proof. The cold start even on 650cc inj which was rumored to be a bit rough on the foreign generic tunes is silky smooth, just like standard on my TH tune.

I am a very fussy person when it comes to how a car feels and performs and I believe that this tune has delivered everything that I asked TH to do…my mandate to Jim and the TH team was this…

1) OEM Quality tune

2) Smooth transitions

3) Easy to drive

4) Safe and reliable

5) More power everywhere

6) Enhance the standard car without changing its character The result I got was to my complete satisfaction.

I can recommend TH to anyone who is interested in tuning their Focus RS. As my car was the first one to be tuned by TH, anyone with a Focus RS can benefit from TH’s experience in tuning on my car. The RS ECU is a very tricky beast to tune, as a result you need a tuner who has had the runs on the board, not just with the RS but with OEM tuning in general.

Experience is key to getting a good outcome with the RS, and certainly from my experiences with Jim Ghelis at TH on my car his attention to detail, conservative approach and always striving for perfection was a great recipe for me and my car.

As an engineer who has been modifying and tuning cars for over 25 years and being pedantic when it comes to tuning consistency, I can honestly say that I was very satisfied all round with the work that TH did…despite the fact that my RS was the first one that TH had tuned.

A big thanks again to Jim and the team at TH, keep up the great work!!

Cheers

John

So as you might have guess Tunehouse are now custom tuning Focus RS’s among a massive range of other Euro and JDM cars that have been a little eusive for some times now – So if you’re driving  a car that that you think needs a little more, give Tunehouse a call now on (02)  9557 4000 or email us at info@tunehouse.com.au for the very latest info and pricing.

Tunehouse 86 and BRZ Development – The Story Begins

The Subaru BRZ or ‘Toyota FT86’ as the platform is also know is reaching almost cult following – Developing a massive fan base in a very short amount of time.

The idea behind the car first came from camp Toyota – where engineers realised early that the a Subaru engineered power plant was going to be needed to get the centre of gravity as low as they wanted to provide the real driving balance they wanted to achieve. The rumours from the outset was the cars were going to be light, moderately powered and handle extremely well out of the box and give or take the styling queue from both Subaru and Toyota, it seems that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Engine

      2.0L Flat Four Cylinder Engine

      Bore (86mm) + Stroke (86mm)

      Displacement: 1998cc

      Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

      Power: 147KW @ 7000 RPM

      Torque: 205Nm @ 6400 RPM

 Chassis

      Wheelbase: 2570mm

      Length: 4210mm

      Width: 1775mm

      Height: 1285mm

      Curb Weight: From 1190k

Great effort has been made to get the setup of the car right – this is no throw together. Even though it a joint engineering effort from both Subaru and Toyota it is certainly no parts bin special. The Engine is located as far back as is feasible in order to achieve a front to rear balance of a claimed 53% front and 47% rear. The use of the boxer engine was purposeful in order to achieve such a low centre of gravity – the basis for which the handling was tuned. Macpherson Strut Suspension dominates the front end while a double wishbone setup is utilised in the rear.

There have been rumours of factory turbo versions and All Wheel Drive versions however in Australian the money has been on the innovative aftermarket industry to take these on as their latest challenge. Enter your performance shop, Tunehouse.

Tunehouse is known around Australia for their development of a number of cars and have the support of some of the biggest tuners in the world. The release date has been set as has the price and Tunehouse’s own Jim Ghelis was one of the first to look at the two options available in Australia to see which would suit out market the best for development. For this we’ll stay a little tight lipped except to say the engineering and development has already begun!

With the car still 2 months from delivery of the very first vehicle’s to Australia Tunehouse can already help!

• Complete Supercharger Kits  

• ECU Upgrade and Custom Tuning

• Stainless Steel Tuned Length / Design Extractors

• Exhaust System

• Coilovers and more!

Tunehouse is also in discussion with many of Australia’ biggest producers and manufacturers of Performance and upgrade products and will be looking to share the workload when it comes to fine tuning some of this gear on the track, street and on the strip. Stay tuned for updates as Tunehouse does what it does best and makes good cars great! 

Call Tunehouse now for the latest pricing and info on your upgrades! At Tunehouse we take the guess work out of modifying your car and can help you get to your goals sooner and reliably.

Call now on (02) 9557 4000 or drop us an email at info@tunehouse.com.au.

Subaru BRZ development move Part 1

Subaru BRZ development move Part 2

With this quick video we try to capture the ideas and principles that make up the elusive Tunhehouse Difference. 

With Summer already a distant memory, there are some checks you can make to your car to ensure you’re not let down this coming Winter!

Brake Fluid is hydroscopic

That is it absorbs water. The more water is absorbs the less efficient at pulling you up it is when you need it to! It can also cause damage to parts of the system that are designed with brake fluid in mind opposed to water, so definitely get this checked before it costs you money as well as impact your safety. At Tunehouse we test brake fluid for water content and tell our clients when they’re at the tipping point before any of this becomes a problem.

Shocks Wear out

They can even fail. What happens when this happens? Well you might say they get noisy which is half right. The truth is unfortunately that a faulty or worn shock can cause all sorts of safety problems well before it is noisy though. Worn shocks ultimately mean your tyre spends less time in contact with the road – that is when turning, when stopping as well as when accelerating. An electronic test at Tunehouse can show signs of wear and failure well before any noise will.

Batteries Don’t Like the Cold

There isn’t enough to go into the science behind it but it is unfortunately true. A car battery that is starting to feel the effects of aging may start the car OK in warmer months but can be all but useful over one good cold night. Test ahead of time to save being caught out in the cold! At Tunehouse we can perform a Battery Load test which will show us the early signs of a battery that is starting to fall over or can easily give you the green light this winter if all is well!

At Tunehouse we invest in the very latest diagnostic equipment so that our customers have the very best information to decide how they want to maintain their cars. Does your workshop explain why you need to replace something or simply tell you it’s due? At Tunehouse you will get the most accurate, un biased advice all year round!

Call us now to arrange an appointment on (02) 9557 4000 or book via email info@tunehouse.com.au

2nd in Class at Round 1 of the
6 Hour Australian Production Car Championship 

The Tunehouse tuned Renault Clio of Richard Gartner takes 2^nd in class and 9^th outright at last month’s Phillip Island Australian Production Car Endurance Championship – Round 1. The Safe-T-Stop sponsored Renault finished 9^th outright ahead of many V8 Commodores, and a host of Turbo vehicle’s including EVO’s, STI’s and MPS 3’s at the April 28^th-29^th start to the season.

The Team had a difficult start to the weekend with engine changed right before leaving Sydney for the weekend with the car on the Tunehouse dyno until late many of the nights in the lead up. It was all worth it though arriving in Victoria, unpacking the car at Phillip Island and the 2 drivers, Richard Gartner and Peter Leemhuis qualifying the car 2^nd in class.

A faultless first stint driven by Richard and after 1.5 hours the team was leading the production sport class when a safety car straight after the first driver change cost the team a lap. Peter took the wheel for another clean stint and some great pit work, fast refuelling and tyre changes saw them fighting for a class win and started to reel in a top 10 position overall.

An unfortunate tyre blowout toward the end of the 3^rd driving stint cost an equally unfortunate lap and with only 1.5 hours to go in the gruelling 6 hours endurance event. With Peter behind the wheel again a superb drive recovered to finish the event 2^nd in class and 9^th outright ahead of a number of V8 Commodores, Turbo STI’s, EVO’s and MPS 3’s in the team’s tested and proven 2000cc 4 cylinder Renault Clio.

The Team is looking for more HP before the next round of the Championship on May 27^th and a few more late nights on the Tunehouse dyno with Jim Ghelis, Tunehouse team boss behind the keyboard should do the trick!

Keep an eye on the Tunehouse website for updates through this season as Team Tunehouse will be looking for more pace with the already consistent resulsts through out 2012!

Another Tunehouse driveway regular, this GC8 2-door MY99 STI comes packed and ready to rumble with an Angle Mount Turbo, Tomei Individual Throttle Body Inlet Manifold, 2.5 Litres of Subaru goodness and a Motorsport Spec 6 speed Dog box.

AP Racing Brakes hint at the true purpose of the car. There’s an M800 MOTEC to make it all work and the factory cluster is all but gone – replaced instead with a MOTEC SDL Dash and a host of aftermarket gauges to keep an eye on absolutely everything.

Not surprised really with the car being equipped with Engine oil, Gearbox and Rear Diff Oil Coolers, Race spec Brakes (the previously mentioned AP’s) and that gearbox – this car has some serious track time in its near future. The engine bay features vacuum pumps (necessary with the ITB manifold in place) Oil catch tanks, Front Mount Intercooler pipe work and enough gear to have you average V8 supercar technician at least a little envious – this thing is driven every day!

Whiteline gear feature throughout as does all the chassis bracing you can find over a lifetime making this 2 door feel tight as in the twisty stuff. With more dyno time at Tunehouse in the pipeline this will be one dyno graph to be on the look-out for! 

Want to know more about Tunehouse Subaru Upgrade Kits? See our Subaru Upgrade Page or call us
on 02 9557 4000 to arrange an apointment.

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Take your A3 to the ABT Level at Tunehouse

The A3 is a winner! – it defines the compact car class with its self-confident premium claim again and again. The car is compact, but “the emphasis is on class”, explained Hans-Jürgen Abt. For the CEO of the renowned tuner the car is an absolute all-rounder, but in the “intensified” ABT version it offers additional maximum individuality and dynamics. “The happiness in driving, always and everywhere – this is what our new AS3 stands for.”

At the moment engineers are occupied with testing the increase of performance of the AS3, but one thing is certain; the new version is a real sports car, a car which can compete with larger vehicles if necessary, but also a car which navigates smoothly and reliably through daily traffic.

The two-litre turbo-diesel engine is particularly economical and therefore ideal for frequent drivers. Updated by ABT we expect it to offer around 200hp/147kW (standard: 170hp/125kW).

For those who like more sporty cars there’s the 2.0 TFSI. Thanks to ABT POWER the engine’s performance grows to 250hp/184kW (standard: 200hp/147kW).

ABT Sportsline also offers suspension springs for the AS3 for sportier driving qualities. A full coil-over suspension is in planning, which will further enhance the sporting spirit of the car. The ABT brake kit assures suitable safety reserve. The 345mm diameter discs grip well and provide powerful braking force when needed.

There’s no denying the visual appeal of the ABT AS3, enhanced spoiler, front grille and side skirts give it a distinctive, aggressive look with the rear spoiler, skirt insert and two double end mufflers emphesize its strong, athletic side.

The DR light alloy wheels, available in 18 and 19 inches, are an ideal addition enhancing style and offering improved handling.

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 2.0 TFSI, 1984 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 250hp/184kW (standard: 200hp/147kW)
Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1968 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 200hp/147kW (standard: 170hp/125kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front spoiler
ABT front grill
ABT side skirts
ABT rear skirt insert
ABT rear spoiler

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY
ABT rear muffler

ABT BRAKING SYSTEM
ABT brake kit for the front axle, discs with 345 mm diameter, black callipers with ABT logo

ABT Suspension
ABT suspension springs
ABT height-adjustable sport suspension

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT designer light alloy wheels in 18 and 19 inch
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

As the ABT Distributors and technical partners here in Australia, Tunehouse is able to help your with your Audi (or VW / Skoda) to acheiv your individual taste with either an etire ABT upgrade or specific parts to bring your car up to stanard!

Call Tunehouse now on (02) 9557 4000 or email info@tunehouse.com.au now for the very latest pricing and info for your next project!

We seem to be developing a bit of a reputation here at Tunehouse. A reputation for building and tuning some very fast track Subarus!

This MY09 STi came in for some “Tunehouse Magic” recently, in preparation for this year’s World Time Attack Challenge. A sneak peek under the bonnet reveals  a Cosworth 2.6L Stroker Engine with a billet crank, THR Spec turbocharger and intake system including front mount intercooler.  Look a bit further and you’ll notice a  THR external surge tank and motorsport fuel pumps.

EcuTek custom-tuned ECU helps the engine achieve well in excess of 350kW at all fours. Whiteline swaybars, alignment and bracing, Bilstein coilovers with custom spring rates and strut tops ensure that the car handles the corners with easy.

So what’s next for this hot hatch? The decision to go to compete at the World Time Attack Challenge is fairly recent so a revised plan is being developed to make it grip, go and stop even better than this competent all rounder already does.  After that  it’s a simple matter of getting as much track time as possible before the event. Stay tuned!

12►

Great news for VE owners from Tein and Tunehouse

Tunehouse is excited to announce 2 great new products from technical partners TEIN for the Holden VE Platform. After almost 2 years of development on the THR R8, ‘TEIN Mono Flex’ are now available alongside the ‘TEIN Sport’ entry level system that represents amazing value for money. In any case and regardless your plans, there is a suspension solution to suit available at Holden and HSV Specialist, Tunehouse

VE – Tein Sports Kit
RRP: $1500.00 + fitting (current at March 2012)

The TEIN Sport Damper is the evolution of the popular BASIC Coil over. Developed to provide a sports ride and aggressive stance. The shortened shell case design provides optimum damper stroke at lower than standard vehicle ride height. Vehicle ride height is adjustable via the ZT coated threaded sleeve. Updated internal components and external coatings increase durability and product life. Sport dampers are great for daily driving and spirited driving for all types of drivers. Made in Japan under strict quality control standards and developed by Fulcrum suspension engineers.

Suits VE Commodore Sedan, Wagon & Ute

Front Spring Rate 7.0kg/mm
Rear Spring Rate 9.0kg/mm

Ride Height Drop Range
Front: -31mm to -55mm
Rear -35mm to -55mm

VE – Tein Mono Flex Kit
RRP: $3960.00 + fitting (current at March 2012)

This Mono Flex kit is designed specifically for the VE Commodore Sedan, Wagon & Ute. Engineered in Japan, in conjunction with Fulcrum Suspensions own R & D team, to deliver the very best possible Sports Suspension solution in one complete package for this iconic Australian car.

These damper kits are best suited for that run at the circuit or to aggressively challenge that winding road. Mono Flex Coilovers have both direct feel, and flexibility required for superior car setup and control.

Suits VE Commodore Sedan, Wagon & Ute

Front Spring Rate 7.0kg/mm
Rear Spring Rate 8.5kg/mm

Ride Drop Range
Front -25mm to -55mm
Rear -25mm to -55mm 

Mono Tube Construction – For fine control of the suspension with aggressive, yet detailed, feel for the road surface. The use of mono-tube generates linear damping force, which reacts to even the tiniest input from road surface, to produce a stable, constant damping force, which can be maintained, even for an extensive circuit run.

Full Length Ride Height Adjustment System – Full length adjustment system with the use of movable lower bracket allows for separate adjustment of ride height and pre-load on the front only. Bump-to-re-bump stroke ratio from 1G would not be affected if ride height is adjusted only by the use of lower bracket.

Damping Force Adjustment Feature (Compression & Rebound together) – Equipped with a 16-level, separate adjustment feature for finer setting capabilities, this enables Mono Flex to meet wide varieties of conditions. Now with the adjuster on the bottom of the front strut and the side of the rear damper, this allows for the provision for fitment of the EDFC motors and in car controller.

Micro Speed Valve – With the newly developed M.S.V. system, the required damping force in very low speed ranges can be well maintained for better stability, improving steering response, road traction and traction performance.

Rust Proofing on Threads – All threaded parts on the shell cases are coated with specially formulated Fluorine, for outstanding rust protection as well as for smoother ride height adjustment. Electro less nickel coating combined with powder coating is applied to lower brackets. Complete Kit. Shock absorbers, springs and upper mounts come in ‘Complete Kit’ to assure correct balance and a complete package.

Call Tunehouse for any of your TEIN or suspension enquiries on (02) 9557 4000 or email us now at info@tunehouse.com.au.

With all the experience we’ve had on the street, strip and at the track with the VE Commodore platform you can be sure we’ll have the best advice and solutions. Tunehouse has been a long time supporter of the TEIN range of products – Even the Tunehouse R8 Development vehicle driven daily by our very own Jim Ghelis was instrumental in the development of the Mono Flex range with Tein!

You won’t have to wait that long for a fully fledged, hard-core BRZ. As soon as the boat docks with the first load of Subaru’s new cult coupe, the aftermarket tuning industry will be on them like a pack of wolves. And our mates at Sydney’s Tunehouse Racing will be among them. Tunehouse has been a regular contender at our annual Hot Tuner Challenge, showing up in 2010 with a Cosworth-spec STi hatch, and is already looking at what it could do with a similar street-tuned BRZ this year.

For starters, our Tunehouse BRZ would keeo the stock Sube’s body work for an understated look but feature bright orange paintwork with the optional STi carbon-fibre roof. ut don’t let the stealth look fool you…

Because underneath it’s had some major surgery. The DI 2.0 litre boxer has been junked for a stroked 2.6 litre Cosworth crate engine using a billet crank, HKS GT-spec turbo and a front-mount intercooler. WIth a lightweight billet flywheel, EcuTek ECU and a custom Tunehouse dyno tune, it’d crack an easy 250kW at the treads, but requires an under-car external surgetank and 380kW fuel pump for a bulletproof level of reliability.

To put all that power through the rear treads, it’s got KW Variant 3 coil-overs that are adjustable for height, bump and rebound, Whiteline sway-bars bushes and alignment kit and a 1.5-way Tunehouse LSD. Rolling stock is taken care of by 18-inch Advan alloys with Federal RSR tyre, staggered with 245/35s on the front and 285/30s on the back for maximum grip.

Ans to ensure it returns from warp speed, there are Cosworth six-piston front/four-piston rear calipers, with Clubsport pads, braided lines and a master cylinder support bracket for added brake feel.

Tunehouse Cosworth BRZ article