James Hill

*Climbs into concrete bunker*
Ok, I've poured through the forums and information online and I know the 1st thing is going to be "swap to a 1.8" and I get it, I really do. But, I have a lovely running 1.6 right now, I'm fairly new to working on cars so I'm using this as learning process as well as trying to make my fun little car even more giggle inducing .
If I ever decide I need more and want to go 1.8 I would probably have one built, whilst the 1.6 is still in the car, but that's not on the cards right now and I'm happy tinkering with the 1.6.

All that said, I keep bouncing back and forth between the 2554 and the 2560. I love the idea of responsiveness from the 54r, but I don't like the idea of it running out of puff as the revs get closer to the redline. So, then I look at the 2560 which seems to solve that issue but at the expense of spool. I see a lot of talk with people saying that the spool time isn't very noticeable, however it seems that transitional response very much is, but nowhere do I find any sort of numbers or description as to how much it's affected (maybe it's just not something that can be put into words/numbers?).

The car itself is just a fun weekend toy, mostly road driven but I may well experiment with some autocross and maybe a trackday here or there, but certainly not expecting to compete, just have fun. However, I do want to get the most potential out of this engine, whilst keeping the throttle response as snappy as I can, I hate lag!

I have a supermiata clutch, 4.1 torsen etc from a 1.8. A Kraken dp and 3" exhaust system is order and in the mail (or soon will be!). Coolant reroute and supermiata xflow radiator is sitting next to the car ready to go in. And it looks like I'll be going for a MS3x to control the smiles a minute. The only thing I'm torn on is 54 or 60. I don't want a 54 and wish I had a bit more, don't want the 60 wishing it would pull me out of a corner when I hit the throttle.

I know this has been discussed over and over, I'm hoping the transitional response question throws up something new for you guys to discuss/advise. Also wondering that perhaps with the Kraken and a 3" exhaust the flow will be so great to largely limit the "shortcomings" of the 60 in that area.

Thanks in advance, now bracing for impact.

Skamba

First of all, get a megasquirt and wideband first. Lean how to tune while your car is stock(ish). Then add bigger injectors. After you've got that up and running, go for the turbo setup.

I'd personally go for a 2554r on a 1.6, as the 1.6 spools slower than the 1.8 already. It's mostly a question of preference, don't think there's a right or wrong answer here.

SpartanSV

What is your power goal at the wheels? Decide that then you can decide what turbo to use.

borka

iTrader: (1)

Both turbos can banana stock rods.

I ran a 2560 on a 1.8 nb and it was great spool and response, but if I had a 1.6 I would prefer to run a 2554 for faster spool.

2560 is good on a 1.8, but wont be as snappy on a 1.6.

Street car with occasional track, 2554 hands down. ALLOFTHEMIDRANGE

More of a track car? 2560 for more top end.

But really, cant go wrong with either choice, both are excellent turbos

James Hill

So, I'm just looking to squeeze as much as I can out of the 1.6 which I guess appears to be 210-220wtq and 250bhp (ish), other than that it comes down to responsiveness. I did see that there is a billet wheel upgrade which takes the 2554 to a 2854, and seems to move the powerband towards the top end a little, is that a compromise (worthwhile?) between the 2 turbos.

James Hill

Throughout this whole build (read putting together shopping list), I've been wanting the 2554. But, I spoke to FM a few days ago about something unrelated and this came up, they recommended the 2560 instead, saying that I wouldn't really notice a difference in responsiveness but that the 54 runs out of steam towards the top end annd the 60 will keep blowing and be more efficient. So, I started going back and forth.

I know this isn't cut and dry... go for THIS... I'm just trying to get opinions of people that have had both. I don't want buyers remorse . But which will I long for more, quicker response or the extra grunt at the top end. If I'm looking at mostly street driven, then yeah maybe I should be looking at the mid range and responsiveness of the 54 and just leave it at that.

WigglingWaffles

I have a 2554 and the same hotside layout. Both turbos are going to be fun and make your 1.6 come alive. I doubt the difference matters much on a street car unless you plan on maxing out the turbo right away.
Get whichever one pops up at the right price and learn with it, then when you build a 1.8, go with an EFR.

James Hill

Oh I'm sure both are great fun, but I'm just trying to narrow down how much difference there is between them. Some say not much, others say there is a huge difference in transitional response. If it's not a noticeable difference then the 2560 seems a better choice as it unlocks a bit more up top, But if it's a vast difference with a good flowing mani, dp and exhaust then i lean back to the 54. Or maybe I'm just over thinking the whole thing

As for grabbing whatever comes up at the right price, i probably would but it seems the used market for these right now is a little dry.