Heffner Twin Turbo vs VF Supercharger

[AnOutsider]

Alright, so I definitely want a power upgrade, but I'm on the fence as to which one. I figured I'd start a thread where we can all debate each option and put our 2¢ in.

Based on my discussions, here's what I've got:

VF Supercharger

• ~$26,000 installed
• 550HP/440tq @ the crank (about 100HP increase over stock, around 468 HP if you figure 15% loss )
• Software switcher from GIAC
• Pretty much bolt-on
• Been tested pretty hard on the track

Heffner Twin Turbo

• ~$30,000 installed
• ~530hp to the wheels @ 6PSI, so around 180HP over stock (if you figure that we only do about 350 to the wheels stock)
• No software changer (so trips to the dealer should include a stern warning not to do any software updates)
• Requires considerable work
• Unknown durability (no user accounts as of yet)

I didn't include looks since both kits look pro and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. The pricing is not that much different, so it seems that it comes down toe the TT offering way more in terms of performance boost, but also more in the way of "risk" due to the unknowns?

Anything to add? Also, I know there are reps from each company here (and users that love their respective choice), but let's try to keep this objective and factual

[ianerrid]

Just for comparison, here is some ABT data on their conversion. I was planning to go visit last week but couldn't make it in the end sadly.



Got some good datasheets which you can use for comparison, as they are publishing it.

http://www.abt-sportsline.de/en/tuni...gerung-1538-1/

[Bodhii]

Since there is no real Heffner Twin Turbo car available to test,.. what are we to compare,.. photos? Hopefully the Heffner people will include several days of serious, very hard 9/10 full speed public testing track days. Until that happens we will only be looking at a setup that a potential TT owner hopes and prays will endure.

AnOutsider, I am assuming that you will agree 100% with this minimal track testing of the TT, as being essential?

[AnOutsider]

bodhii, I know you ride hard for the VF guys, but I really wanted to keep this pretty neutral for anyone who may be considering any option. I did list the fact that the TT is an unknown as not many users who actually have it have posted much info (and let's be honest, if it weren't for you hard tracking yours, we'd really have no VF info either).

But yes, the TT is an unknown quanitity in many ways, quite simply because not many people have jumped on it and it's a newer setup vs VFs

[AnOutsider]

Just for comparison, here is some ABT data on their conversion. I was planning to go visit last week but couldn't make it in the end sadly.



Got some good datasheets which you can use for comparison, as they are publishing it.

http://www.abt-sportsline.de/en/tuni...gerung-1538-1/

Their numbers seem pretty in line with VF's (about 100 HP to the wheels). Significantly more torque though in a similar powerband. PDF here: http://www.abt-sportsline.de/uploads...R-Tronic_E.pdf

[smoothy]

Primary for me is reliability followed by the torque curve- the lower in the RPMs the torque is loaded on, the better.

The difference in hp between the VF and the Heffner doesn't mean much without knowing all the parameters altered, how far is each company willing to stress components over normal working levels to obtain their goal number?

[harrison]

I am all for some extra torque,especially coming out of corners. Some extra top speed will be nice too. I am just dreaming of dominating a circuit with out being on the ragged edge all the time.

[desperado]

I am just dreaming of dominating a circuit with out being on the ragged edge all the time.

It should go without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that there is no engine upgrade that will improve the suspension, make the tires stickier, or otherwise modify the laws of physics. Going faster on the straightaways will however definitely stress your brakes more!

[harrison]

Wider slicks,a spring kit, etc. IF I get more serious about this. I feel your exitement Desparado. The extra torque comig out of corners should be smoother than being in a higher revving gear, no? Two or more R8s on the track at the same time should be beutiful.

[Bodhii]

f it weren't for you hard tracking yours, we'd really have no VF info either

The VF Supercharger's strenuous, multi-day track testing time was ALWAYS part of the original contract between VF and myself from the very 1st day. And on the 5th hard day of testing, I was actually hoping that we had not agreed to too much, because I realized what difficulty such prolonged track testing presents to these systems. (This car has now done another 5 hard track days with the VF system working perfectly.)

An Outsider,.. I do not try to emphasize this multi-day, prolonged track testing as a small, incidental marketing and publicity stunt to be playfully put forth in an effort to unfairly tilt the scales.. It is nothing of the sort. It is THE testing system that puts EVERYTHING at RISK under the most stressful and prolonged circumstances. There is no list of cold data and facts that will show a person the real quality and ultimate reliability of a finished product.

It is also a testing system that is completely available to Heffner. My guess is that unless potential customers REQUIRE such testing of Heffner, Heffner will offhandedly call such testing as "EXCESSIVE", and choose to pass this part of proper product testing in hope their target market is too ignorant to require it. This is a super powerful, forced induction system for one of the best hi performance engines and cars in the world. It deserves proper testing. I am very confident that MTM did their own extensive track testing with their engine mods. That's part of who they are. And VF did theirs. Isn't that in-depth track testing a big part of what you are buying, so you can sleep with confidence?... Hopefully?

I also believe it is VERY possible for Heffner to do theirs with great success, IF it's required by their future customers. This is significantly more important than lists of numbers and videos featuring big exhaust sounds and drag races. Adding a completely new forced induction system for the R8 is a very difficult business to do properly. A twin turbo system specifically, is a very complex and difficult system indeed. The opportunity is available for Heffner to prove what they make. And I sincerely wish them good fortune. The more hi quality choices that are available for the R8, the better for everyone.

AnOutsider, I am simply responding to the topic of the thread.