TRIFECTA
Supporting Vendor
TRIFECTA: Test results of Racer X LUJ/LUV intake manifold
April, 2018
Introduction
In 2017, Racer X Fabrication (Racer X Fabrication) brought to market an aftermarket intake manifold for the 1.4L Turbo MPFI engine (RPO: LUJ and LUV). They advertise it as being only compatible with the 2012+ Chevrolet Sonic, but in fact we determined it also fits the 2011 – 2016 Chevrolet Cruze / Chevrolet Cruze Limited without issue. We purchased one in early 2018 and tested it on our 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited with the RPO:LUV engine. This article discusses the manifold, and the test results versus the stock intake manifold.
Figure 1 – Racer X Manifold for the 1.4L Turbo (RPO:LUJ/LUV)
Summary
We found, with appropriate recalibration, the Racer X Fabrication intake manifold increases power as measured on the dyno, by up to 12 horsepower as measured at the wheel. Torque output peak was unchanged, but did shift up the RPM band by about 200 RPM (e.g. it took 200 RPM more to reach peak torque).
Figure 2 – Dyno sheet showing Stock vs Racer X performance
Beyond the power gains, it is our opinion this product will be popular in this market because it also permanently and effectively addresses the PCV issues this engine is known for, provides a custom upgrade part (and look) for these vehicles, and also allows for future expansion, as there are several unused ports in the end of the manifold which could be utilized for additional instrumentation, or water,
water/methanol, and/or nitrous injection directly into the manifold.
Comparison to Ported Intake Manifold (OE)
Prior to the arrival of the Racer X manifold, the only other intake manifold modifications that had been widely used were the porting of the intake runners of the stock intake manifold, the so-called ported intake manifold, and the PCV system modification.
Figure 3 – Stock Intake Manifold with “air tumblers”
The OE intake manifold has a restriction in the runner near the intake port. It is believed these are actually air tumblers and are meant to induce intake charge swirl for more efficient combustion. However, it is also theorized that these air tumblers reduce and restrict airflow when higher levels of airflow are introduced (e.g. turning up the boost, upgraded turbocharger, etc.). We had performed a preliminary test on a ported manifold versus a stock manifold several years back and saw negligible change in power on the dyno, but a possible loss of efficiency (more timing advance was required to maintain similar power levels to unported manifold). Ironically, while the effect is the ECM reports the power output level has increased due to the additional timing advance (despite a wash on the dyno), the loss of efficiency could be attributed to less efficient mixing of the air and fuel charge due to the lack of tumblers, but a more conclusive test is needed.
Figure 4 – OE Ported Intake Manifold
The PCV system modification addresses PCV system failures that are prevalent on this engine by utilizing an external, and more robust check valve for introducing PCV vapors back into the intake manifold. This is achieved by installing a brass fitting in the bottom of the PCV chamber in the intake manifold, routing the PCV vapors either to a throttle body spacer, or the brake booster fitting.
Figure 5 – OE Manifold PCV Modification
While both of these modifications are popular in the community, they are also considered do it yourself (DIY) modifications which require special tools and skill.
At the time this test was conducted, we did not have a ported intake manifold available, but we plan to do a comparison to it in the future.
TRIFECTA Calibration Support
We are pleased to announce immediate and full support for the Racer X manifold for the GM 1.4L turbo engine in our full custom calibration tier (Elite). Additionally, we will offer a free update for any TRIFECTA customer of record on or before 05/31/2018, regardless of which product tier they purchased!
Test Vehicle
The test vehicle is a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited LT, equipped with the 1.4L Turbo engine (RPO: LUV), and the six speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has approximately 18,500 miles on the odometer, and aside from the manifold is also equipped with a catless down pipe, cat less mid pipe, and K&N cold air intake system. There were no other pertinent modifications to the vehicle. “92 octane” fuel, considered premium unleaded in the Seattle, WA area was used for all tests.
April, 2018
Introduction
In 2017, Racer X Fabrication (Racer X Fabrication) brought to market an aftermarket intake manifold for the 1.4L Turbo MPFI engine (RPO: LUJ and LUV). They advertise it as being only compatible with the 2012+ Chevrolet Sonic, but in fact we determined it also fits the 2011 – 2016 Chevrolet Cruze / Chevrolet Cruze Limited without issue. We purchased one in early 2018 and tested it on our 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited with the RPO:LUV engine. This article discusses the manifold, and the test results versus the stock intake manifold.
Figure 1 – Racer X Manifold for the 1.4L Turbo (RPO:LUJ/LUV)
Summary
We found, with appropriate recalibration, the Racer X Fabrication intake manifold increases power as measured on the dyno, by up to 12 horsepower as measured at the wheel. Torque output peak was unchanged, but did shift up the RPM band by about 200 RPM (e.g. it took 200 RPM more to reach peak torque).
Figure 2 – Dyno sheet showing Stock vs Racer X performance
Beyond the power gains, it is our opinion this product will be popular in this market because it also permanently and effectively addresses the PCV issues this engine is known for, provides a custom upgrade part (and look) for these vehicles, and also allows for future expansion, as there are several unused ports in the end of the manifold which could be utilized for additional instrumentation, or water,
water/methanol, and/or nitrous injection directly into the manifold.
Comparison to Ported Intake Manifold (OE)
Prior to the arrival of the Racer X manifold, the only other intake manifold modifications that had been widely used were the porting of the intake runners of the stock intake manifold, the so-called ported intake manifold, and the PCV system modification.
Figure 3 – Stock Intake Manifold with “air tumblers”
The OE intake manifold has a restriction in the runner near the intake port. It is believed these are actually air tumblers and are meant to induce intake charge swirl for more efficient combustion. However, it is also theorized that these air tumblers reduce and restrict airflow when higher levels of airflow are introduced (e.g. turning up the boost, upgraded turbocharger, etc.). We had performed a preliminary test on a ported manifold versus a stock manifold several years back and saw negligible change in power on the dyno, but a possible loss of efficiency (more timing advance was required to maintain similar power levels to unported manifold). Ironically, while the effect is the ECM reports the power output level has increased due to the additional timing advance (despite a wash on the dyno), the loss of efficiency could be attributed to less efficient mixing of the air and fuel charge due to the lack of tumblers, but a more conclusive test is needed.
Figure 4 – OE Ported Intake Manifold
The PCV system modification addresses PCV system failures that are prevalent on this engine by utilizing an external, and more robust check valve for introducing PCV vapors back into the intake manifold. This is achieved by installing a brass fitting in the bottom of the PCV chamber in the intake manifold, routing the PCV vapors either to a throttle body spacer, or the brake booster fitting.
Figure 5 – OE Manifold PCV Modification
While both of these modifications are popular in the community, they are also considered do it yourself (DIY) modifications which require special tools and skill.
At the time this test was conducted, we did not have a ported intake manifold available, but we plan to do a comparison to it in the future.
TRIFECTA Calibration Support
We are pleased to announce immediate and full support for the Racer X manifold for the GM 1.4L turbo engine in our full custom calibration tier (Elite). Additionally, we will offer a free update for any TRIFECTA customer of record on or before 05/31/2018, regardless of which product tier they purchased!
Test Vehicle
The test vehicle is a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited LT, equipped with the 1.4L Turbo engine (RPO: LUV), and the six speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has approximately 18,500 miles on the odometer, and aside from the manifold is also equipped with a catless down pipe, cat less mid pipe, and K&N cold air intake system. There were no other pertinent modifications to the vehicle. “92 octane” fuel, considered premium unleaded in the Seattle, WA area was used for all tests.
