118 replies to this topic

[Eliselee281275]

Having been I long term lotus owner if I decided to change to a vx what is better turbo or sc ? My ideal car is something fast very fast, and kind of a one off vxr maybe I plan to sc my Elise but having seen a few vx,s at jonnyboys I could be tempted with the right car I know a turbo and sc have the pros and cons but what do the owners think ?

Edited by Eliselee281275, 06 July 2015 - 08:23 PM.

[Acidpopstar]

The eternal debate! Search on here for endless discussions / arguments. End of the day it's personal preference. Get some pax and test drives in jonnyboys cars and see what you prefer

[CHILL Gone DUTCH]

I think this video shows the differences in similar powered vx 220 Turbo in front Sc camera car Both running approx 300 - 310 hp Turbo is fully stripped out and does have wider rubber even though they had seen better days

[smiley]

Stage 4 turbo is a kick in the back from satan.

Stage 3/4 SC is like the hand of god pushing you forward.

 

Like Mr Acid says: please get a pax in both tastes, before this topic goes completely the wrong way.

 

 

[Mani]

My vote for the sc. Just the sound of it..

[scw02102]

Basically Turbo will have more torque and more aggressive power delivery Sc will be smoother and easier to put the power down (arguably better on track for this reason) Some prefer the turbo noise over sc and others the opposite Also worth noting that turbo can make lot of power, changing to bigger turbos with the correct internals can easily see 500, 600bhp and more. You don't tend to see sc running over 400bhp in the vx U will be happy with either turbo or sc

[stu8v]

Torque delivery is only a product of mapping. Less to go wrong with a turbo imho, plus its factory. This means alot to some.

[ArticMonkey]

How many 600bhp turbos are kicking around and not jacked up every other week? It takes a fair bit more than internals and a turbo to make even 340 in a tubby. Same goes for the sc, however the new Saab engine will be safe at 340 without major engine work. Out the box to get a stage 4 turbo you'll need to spend £6-8k to make 320-330bhp. £7-9k would see you with a forged SC car being able to reach 350-380. Horses for courses and there's pros and cons for both. The good news is either of them will scratch that itch, but you need it test both to find out which.

Edited by ArticMonkey, 06 July 2015 - 09:09 PM.

[chris_uk]

on a track the Sc all day, but on the road, it doesnt really matter imo..

[Acidpopstar]

Stage 4 turbo is a kick in the back from satan. Stage 3/4 SC is like the hand of god pushing you forward.  

Love this analogy

[Rosssco]

Torque delivery is only a product of mapping. Less to go wrong with a turbo imho, plus its factory. This means alot to some.

True, but the SC parts we fit are GM factory parts too, just for a slightly different variant of the same engine Hence why they seem to be reliable when used within the engines limitations. Turbo wise , the Saab engines are just as strong, perhaps even slightly more capable than the LET / LER engines found in the turbo, so each type is just as capable when it comes to high power levels. I agree it's a lot to do with that calibration and physical modifications - the SC can feel a bit turbo like in its poor part-throttle, almost laggy low rpm response in some mapping configurations..!

[Captain Vimes]

Whichever you chose it'll be quicker than a slowtus Here's my stage 2 SC on my first visit to Anglesey...

 

Edited by Captain Vimes, 06 July 2015 - 11:01 PM.

[pete-r]

It's amazing how different they are. Drive a 300bhp SC and turbo back to back and they are worlds apart in terms of feel and delivery. What is interesting to note though is that some people love turbos and others SC with the same passion, so you need to try both to see what's best for you.

[mbes2]

OP, get your name down for the National track day on 26th Sept, this will give you lots to think about along with many pax rides, as there will be many different setups/power/tubby/SC/NA to play with

 

 

[MAXR]

I think this video shows the differences in similar powered vx 220 Turbo in front Sc camera car Both running approx 300 - 310 hp Turbo is fully stripped out and does have wider rubber even though they had seen better days

 

 

I don't think you can really tell which is more suitable by looking at cars following each other in a procession around a National track day. Jump in a car for a Pax ride or better still get a stupid owner to lend you his car on track & more importantly on the road, if that's where most of it's time will be spent.

 

At the end of the day, whether SC or turbo, the driver's ability will make the biggest difference on track. I can't comment on drivability on a public road, but I've been a passenger in a stage 4 Turbo & it made my sphincter contract rapidly. It remained in this state for the duration of the journey & for some time afterwards. Mind you, I'm not a good passenger anyway.

 

Bottom line... get driven around & test pilot each if you can.

[siztenboots]

regardless of power , with a track setup we have the same limit of grip , which is where the drivers skill part comes in

[Rosssco]

A point which is often overlooked in SC vs. turbo performance debate, is that as standard, the NA / SC has a gearbox with a ~9% shorter final drive.

[Duncan VXR]

Management of a turbo engine plays a very big part along with correctly spec'd hardware I am a MASSIVE fan of not opening an oem lump and forging achieves what is needed to support the power but you will never get the same reliability or miles from it without more work and maintenance One of the reasons I choose the s3 spec tfsi configuration. 400bhp on stock engine all day long with supporting mods and software. Very smooth power delivery and wide powerband Oil change and abuse Its well covered its what you want / like be that Tb or sc just enjoy the car Happy boost whatever generates it DG

[Nev]

Oh no, not another Turbo vx SC vs NA thread - arggh ! *goes and hides in the corner*

Edited by Nev, 07 July 2015 - 10:21 AM.

[mbes2]

I had as much fun on track in a std NA with a good setup 

 

As you had to drive it and make the most of the power