We took a break from isolation to make the trip out to Austin, Texas for Optima Batteries’ Hi-Performance Expo at the Circuit of the Americas last November. We’ll be featuring several of our favorite cars from the event so make sure you’re subscribed and getting our notifications! In this one we have Robert Thorne and his awesome ROCKET POWERED S2000! There’s not an actual rocket sticking out the back of it; rather, it’s the anti-lag system he built for the turbo! Join Mike Kojima as he talks to Robert about that and the rest of this awesome Honda!
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12 comments
when you do the article, lots of details on the cooling system please
low 180’s on track is really impressive for a 700+whp 4 banger
Running E100 fuel helps a lot here. As does the massive ducted hood opening to the intercooler and v-mount setup. So the radiator has a dedicated airstream, separate from the intercooler.
how close do you think it’d be possible to get to that 180 (well under 200) on non-alcohol fuel? Obviously you’d still need some sort of race gas pushing that kinda power out of a 4 banger… but without the cooling benefits of ethanol
How does the combustor keep a flame with the exhaust manifold pressure fluctuating so much? Is the exhaust manifold pressure typically lower than the boost pressure in a turbo engine? That must be the case for the antilag combustor to operate properly. I magine there is a bit of control required for the anti lag fuel flow to keep it in the right range. Looking forward to more details.
No it is typically higher than the boost pressure.
https://motoiq.com/external-combustion-rocket-anti-lag-system-jdm-spec-c-impreza-sti-2/
There is a PWM valve that feeds it air, the ecu feeds it fuel.
I’m surprised he didn’t credit the refuse truck engine company that pioneered the idea behind rocket systems (and inspired Prodrive) 🙂
Pretty awesome to see a privateer do that on his own.
I believe Bill Washburn built one of these systems for the 240rs Maxi IIRC a couple years back.
Oh, this is old WRC tech just updated for the street. I would much rather see axial flow dual boost turbos.
https://www.turbosmart.com/news/what-is-the-anti-lag-valve/
Can’t wait for the write up of this car!