HPA Motorsport FT Series Review

[Jared@HPA-Motorsports]

HPA FT Turbo Series Review

HPA Motorsport has been very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic group of customers who enjoy driving their turbo vehicles to work during the week and to the track on the weekends. As we look to move forward and embrace the new MKV chassis R32 it is with a great pleasure that I would like to take a moment to enjoy some of the reviews that were generated by enthusiasts like you along the way.

Below is a snapshot of some of the success stories HPA customers have enjoyed with Full Throttle Line of Turbo Systems over the years and I hope to soon be adding many new MKV success stories. The new generation is an exciting platform and with a twin turbo under our belt and our complete single turbo line up primed and ready for the North American release of the R32, you can be sure HPA Motorsport will have what you need for your MKV. Enjoy!

MKV FT575 in action
FT565 drag race
One Lap Beetle RSi
HPA’s first Twin

Nebuchadnezzar – West Coast

The kit has performed beyond my expectations. Keeping in mind that this is HPA's entry level single turbo kit, I approached it guessing I'd get a decent bump in power but nothing too mind blowing. What I ended up with is a kit that not only provides more power than expected but more importantly, the power is available absolutely everywhere! From low RPMs to near redline, the power of the turbo can be felt and is surprisingly very linear and non-peaky.

FT360 and FT400 arrival
FT360 install, dyno
FT360 vs VF dyno comparison
FT360 vs. EIP I, VF II dyno
FT360 hot weather test
FT400 upgrade
SoCal Track Day (FT360)
SoCal Track Day (general)
Haldex comp controller
Haldex comp install
Nebulizar going to SEMA

Power Mind – East Coast

So to summarize for the A.D.D./A.D.H.D.: I've put 35,000(83,000 total)miles on my HPA FI'd race.:R32. Obviously they haven't been even close to easy miles, neither were the first 52,000 miles I'm sure even a few of the guys at our CAC-NorEast HPDE that i gave rides too can vouch for how much i beat on this car. A few things have gone wrong, but it's to be expected as time goes on, parts get old and normal wear and tear come on a bit sooner, because of repeated abuse. All in All, i couldn't be happier with my decision and continued Sponsorship by HPA Motorsports and Induktion Motorsports. I'm a man of principle and unless i believe whole-heartedly in a company i don't care what they promise, throw at me, or give me, their name won't ever go on the car, NOR will their product. BIG to HPA Motorsports, who continue to support our community with high quality parts and products, and their continued support of our events.
Year in review
FT400 review
VIR Track Day
Picture Post

GTIDre – Down Under (http://www.inmotive.com.au/)

12.7 in Australia
FT400 Arrives

Jon W. – Across the Pond (www.vagtech.co.uk)

FT400 Audi TT DSG RHD in the Press
Hope you are keeping well. I am very impressed with your turbo kit the quality of the components is excellent...Just got back from the first test drive in the car, absolutely awesome.... Can't wait to show the car...The FT-400 kit is working very well very happy with the end result. I am using the car as a daily driver and it is running perfectly.

Marc B. after FT-360 installation, March 30, 2005

As I drove away in my freshly and specially tuned VW R-32 by Marcel Horn and company, known as HPA Motorsports in Surrey, B.C. Canada recently, it felt like my first time I clicked into my parabolic shaped snow skis, which turn so effortlessly and are so stable at high speed. My “face-meter” was pegged with a grin from ear to ear. “Blue Boy” as he is known had just been cut loose to be put through his paces.
Just had the first single turbo system and variant three coil-over suspension and brake upgrade to manage the extra 120 horses straining to be let out of the corral so to speak. The before and after sensation of driving this ÛBER-32 is like turning a very worthy gentleman’s speedy little run-about into a track-ready high performance racing machine that has now officially given notice of its thoroughbred qualities. The car’s explosive but steady pull through the gears is impressive along with its super quick braking performance thanks to added slotted rotors and racing brake pads. (It stops is quick as an Enzo from 60-0.) Coming down I-5 on my trip through Washington and Oregon to California the ride although a little stiffer than stock was very tolerable and its sureness and stability at higher speeds through the pass down to Lake Shasta was most enjoyable. In addition, gas mileage averaged about 24-mpg give or take a couple, depending on my mood. Needless to say my “face-meter” grin was pegged quite often to all of Blue Boy’s new found assets.
It just took a wizard of Germanic origin and his merry band of tuner-techs and manager at HPA to perform its magic. Believe me, you will be impressed by this package whose cost although a little over 1/3 of the original price of the car, turns it into a worthy match for any Corvette, Viper, Porsche, or pocket rocket from the East. En Garde!
My sincere thanks to Marcel Horn, HPA mastermind along with Darryl, Colin, Tom, Alexi, and Melanie among others who arranged for such an enjoyable sojourn in Vancouver. It was especially rewarding to see HPA headquarters, which besides having ample workspace for its new candidates also has a conference room so big that it can be used for classes! Maybe a sign that there is a rising star in the North for unparalleled and blue-blooded performance in the Deutsche line of VW’s.

Marc G. after the installation of FT-400 in his DSG Audi TT, April 14, 2005

Hi guys,
Hope everything’s going well on the continuation of your tour.
Thanks again for the amazing weekend in L.A. – I really had a blast!!
Here are a few threads I’ve posted around the world about the awesome work you guys have done on my TT:
http://forums.audiworld.com/tt...phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/tt...phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/tt...phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/tt...phtml
On the UK forum
And on the French forum, for those of you who can read French
As you can see there’s been a great response, amazement & enthusiasm out there for the capabilities of the kit especially with the DSG.
I think quite a few people have changed their minds on what this car is really capable of, and it’s all thanks to you guys
Article and Video
R28 – Who says the Canadians can’t have fun – EH?

In summary, I would like to say that as a VR6 and R32 enthusiast this turbo system is well beyond my expectations. Power delivery is very smooth and surprisingly easy to modulate at any engine speed, and it can be absolutely ferocious when desired, with around town off-boost driving as silky as the stock VR6 engine (with an aftermarket chip, i.e. no DBW delay). It is truly like driving a stock car with a “magical” throttle controlled power release. Also, in my application, turbo lag is nearly negligible, and gas mileage was over 27 mpg (US gallon) over the mountains on the way home. I feel that the quality engineering and time that was spent on these new R30 turbo systems (and the proven HPA twin turbo systems) is likely the reason VW itself has befriended HPA. Need I say more?
Turbo Review
Series in European Car Magazine:
http://www.europeancarweb.com/...s_r32/
http://www.europeancarweb.com/....html
http://www.europeancarweb.com/...sting/
http://www.europeancarweb.com/...t_car/
http://www.europeancarweb.com/...part5/

[r32slow]

Jared,

We are waiting for the availability down under of the FT range through your local guy at Inmotive. Ready to roll when you are??

[3dr A3 3.2]

Evere since ordering my 3.2L A3 MkV (an R32 in Audi clothing ) I started looking for the best parts to increase its performance. HPA quickly came up on the radar and seemend to promise everything: power, integration and reliability.

With a fair dose of scepticism, I travelled from France all the way to LA for the SoCal .:R32 track day (April '06). Each of the "big four" tuners' offerings were present, and HPA cars ranged from single turbo to twin turbos, from FT360 to Twin Turbo 5xx... All of which ran perfectly!

It was very clear that HPA delivered everything promised: Eugene's (Nebuchadnezzar) non-intercooled MkIV ran all day without a hiccup, despite being hot-shoed by the likes of QBN; Marc's DSG TT FT car was beaten on all day and came away asking for more; even the R28 turbo and 4-Motion conversion felt like factory, only better. From the passenger seat, each of these felt incredibly fast, the DSG car being amazing with its relentless acceleration and constant turbo spool... wow!

Here's Marcel Horn with Marc's TT:

Eugene's car flying down the straight at Streets of Willow:

Since that day I have known HPA was the only company which could take a car such as the R32 / A3 3.2, which offers a special blend
of quality, versatility and competent roadability and take it to a much higher level without any compromises .

I believe I have finally found a competent installer here in France (my bigest hang-up), and I can say I am hugely excited at the prospect of working with HPA and having an FT400 MkV here in France

Listen closely and you will hear my car whisper "gimme FT, gimme FT" :

3.2L A3 and MkV R32: one and same :

Paul, (Minimad), we need your review

[KKR32]

Could the ops sticky this thread to the top of the page

[Tampavw]

Here

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3002435

[QUOTE=KKR32]I am posting on behalf of Minimad (Paul). He order the HPA FT450 Turbo System a while ago and the parts have finally arrived last week. The parts include HPA FT450 Kit, upgraded clutch for DSG Gearbox, Catalytic Converters, MTM RS4 8p front and 4 rear, MTM 19inch wheels, KW V3 and Haldex upgrade.

Gennex Motorsport in Taipei will installed the parts in the next 2 weeks. The Exhaust system will be custom order and make with the parts send by HPA.

A few photos to share and there will be more coming

The FT450 kit nicely lay out by Gennex Motorsport in Taipei.

A photo of the DSG Gearbox.

A photo of the upgraded clutch for the DSG Gearbox.

Looking good....

Red!!

Waiting for the KW V3, Gen II HPP, VF Mounts, H&R Swaybars, MTM RS4 Brake package, Neez 19 x 8.5

[theshadow]

HPA R32 = Utimate 'Q-ship' Factor.

I know where my money's going my warranty's gone - and it's not to the Porsche dealer!

[HPA motorsports 1]

I am very excited to see the MK5 forum in action. The R community has an amazing global reach. Our whole team is proud to support your growing needs.

Kind regards,

[3dr A3 3.2]

Yup, this forum is going to move fast when the new .:R hits NA's shores

Quick question: is HPA considering revising the MkV's front balljoints? At normal ride height, initial compression yields almost 1.5 degrees of camber gain. At lowered ride height, this camber gain is already "used up" and there is none left to be had to compensate for body lean.

A raised ball joint could cure this... Would HPA consider producing such an item?

[KKR32]

Quote, originally posted by 3dr A3 3.2 »

Yup, this forum is going to move fast when the new .:R hits NA's shores Quick question: is HPA considering revising the MkV's front balljoints? At normal ride height, initial compression yields almost 1.5 degrees of camber gain. At lowered ride height, this camber gain is already "used up" and there is none left to be had to compensate for body lean. A raised ball joint could cure this... Would HPA consider producing such an item?

Ben, the KW Clubsport, which is the next step up from V3, have the extra function for camber adjustment. Maybe this is a setup you would like to look into, especially you are going to be adding FI in the next few months

[3dr A3 3.2]

Kevin, iirc, the Clubsport is a V3 setup, with the solid strut top mounts that allow static camber adjustment.

What would be great is to retain some factory-designed camber gain. This "only" requires raised balljoints. I use "" because while simple in concept, this is an involved manufacturing process.

Raised balljoins + KW strut top mounts *could* give best of both worlds: Static camber @ -0.5 and in-turn camber of -2.0 degrees.

[KKR32]

Quote, originally posted by 3dr A3 3.2 »

Kevin, iirc, the Clubsport is a V3 setup, with the solid strut top mounts that allow static camber adjustment. What would be great is to retain some factory-designed camber gain. This "only" requires raised balljoints. I use "" because while simple in concept, this is an involved manufacturing process. Raised balljoins + KW strut top mounts *could* give best of both worlds: Static camber @ -0.5 and in-turn camber of -2.0 degrees.

Ben love your expertise on this subject

I was told that the Clubsport used a better quality shock and spring and use the racing mount that is camber adjustable. So you are saying it is the same spring and shock as the V3? My impression was the Clubsport have different shock and spring to the V3.

[3dr A3 3.2]

Kevin, to be honest I probably sound like I know more than I actually do ;-) I am unsure how different the clubsports are from the V3s.

But I will try to look further into our front suspension's camber gain curve, and ways to retain it while lowering.

See if you can get a hold of Michael Grassl at KW. He's head of European Motorsport division and knows our cars very well.

[minimad]

Quote, originally posted by KKR32 »

I was told that the Clubsport used a better quality shock and spring and use the racing mount that is camber adjustable. So you are saying it is the same spring and shock as the V3? My impression was the Clubsport have different shock and spring to the V3.

Kevin, my impression is not the same as yours, here is the reply from HPA :

Thank you for your email. The KW coil-overs you are looking at are 3 way competition versions. They are a much more aggressive suspension than the Variant 3s. The competition feature custom spring rates and custom valving that can be adjusted by low speed rebound as well as low and high speed compression to maximize your handling performance.

It comes from the race series and thus held to slightly different pricing, the 3ways with the external reservoirs will cost nearly $7xxx USD and are not really appropriate for the street. KW V3s with top mounts (club sports) are the best setup for street and strip.

So the clubsports probably consist by V3 plus adjustable top mounts.

Better clearify it w/ KW distributor again.

[KKR32]

Quote, originally posted by 3dr A3 3.2 »

Kevin, to be honest I probably sound like I know more than I actually do ;-) I am unsure how different the clubsports are from the V3s. But I will try to look further into our front suspension's camber gain curve, and ways to retain it while lowering. See if you can get a hold of Michael Grassl at KW. He's head of European Motorsport division and knows our cars very well.

Ben, I will tried to get a hold of Michael if I cant setup the suspension to the way I like. I am sure that I will not have as much problem as the last set of V3...

[KKR32]

Thanks for the info Paul, I will discuss the spring and shock issue with the KW importer in Taiwan but from the KW Website:

Nürburgring Nordschleife is the most popular race track for using our KW Clubsport suspension kits. High performance sports cars,
modified saloons as well as classical sport compact cars are tuned in weight, engine and wheels for their use on several race tracks.
These improvements are made for a better handling on track sport events, race taxi drives, visitor drives and equability tests particularly on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Due to these modifications of the car some parameters are changing. Therefore, the road setups are
no longer ideal for the performance of the car. For this use we offer special clubsport kits which have been adapted to the changed requirements by changing spring and shock setup as well as the installation of racing top mounts.

http://www.kwsuspensions.de/uk...x.php

I get the impression from the KW webiste that the Spring and shock will be different to the V3. I will make sure with the KW importer in Taiwan

[3dr A3 3.2]

Sure sounds like it.

I'm swaying away from the use of top mounts: the roads I have to drive on are too gnarly,and spherical topmounts transmit too much noise. But that's just me & the roads I have to deal with.

[KKR32]

Quote, originally posted by 3dr A3 3.2 »

Sure sounds like it. I'm swaying away from the use of top mounts: the roads I have to drive on are too gnarly,and spherical topmounts transmit too much noise. But that's just me & the roads I have to deal with.

The road condition over here is not the best too. I will give it a try and see if it does generate too much noise with the topmounts.

[AuForm]

3dr A3, are you not aware that HPA's technical partner is HGP in Germany? I think they do most of the actual engineering. The kit is the same, and in rule with EU law. Full warrenty...

Would be must less of a headache to have them perform the conversion, instead of some shop that doesn't have the experience, isn't an EU version, and probably won't carry the warrenty.

http://www.hgp-turbo.de/

[3dr A3 3.2]

Obviously, you haven't called them about 1,000 times, sent them as many emails, and actually had a hand-written letter translated into german BEGGING them to do it... I have, and still never obtained a single response.

Stefan Amann, one of Martin Graff's (HGP) head guys, opened his own shop in Germany where he does HGP installs. But Stefan doesn't speak English or French, and I don't speak German.

On the other hand I've met Marcel Horn, who incidentally speaks perfect English ;-) and is more than happy to build/sell/ship/help install/a kit and look after me once it's installed.

It's all about service, and it's a no-brainer, even for a European.

And you know what, there's something strangely satisfying for this Franco-American to have North American parts in his Euro wagon ;-)

[Bogdan_R32]

I agree completly with you, Ben.
I also did send a lot of emails to HGP and no answer.
I didn't try the phone, since I also don't speak german. On the other hand, I found that HPA is very happy to help me, as Jared aswered immediately every single question I've asked, and believe me, there has been a LOT of questions. And I also am pretty sure that Marcel Horn and his HPA will help me with every problem I might encounter.
On the install part, I am sure from what I've seen and read on this forum that it's only a matter of having the right tools, skills and patience. Only the head spacer install might be a problem, but it is like when changing the distribution chain in a VR6 car, and I think every good mechanic in a VW dealership did this at least once in his working life. There are a few guys here that did their installation themselfs, so I think this says it all.

[3dr A3 3.2]

Bogdan, I am super-happy that there will be two European HPA MkVs (one .:R and one Audi).

Hopefully we'll be able to meet at some point, once our installs are done.

Big thumbs-up to Jared and the entire HPA crew for their outstanding service!!

[HPA motorsports 1]

This thread dates back to when the Mk5 forum first appeared. It offers a great snapshot at the miles our team has collectively been able to assemble on the Mk4 and 5 platforms. We are excited about the season ahead and I look forward to extending the rage of this review thread.

[Skela]

Quote, originally posted by HPA motorsports 1 »

This thread dates back to when the Mk5 forum first appeared. It offers a great snapshot at the miles our team has collectively been able to assemble on the Mk4 and 5 platforms. We are excited about the season ahead and I look forward to extending the range of this review thread.

fixed that for you... haha

[VDUBGLI05]

The engine is GORGEOUS!!!!!!

[kgw]

Will that pass California smog check!

[HPA motorsports 1]

Quote, originally posted by VDUBGLI05 »

The engine is GORGEOUS!!!!!!

More builds to come!

[willlangford]

Quote, originally posted by HPA motorsports 1 »

More builds to come!

Looking forward to seeing what comes out of HPA next!

[dubnick32]

im saving up money now and one day i will have an hpa kit on my car . hpa is the only way to go. cant wait to see its completion.

[Skela]

I read this in the MkIV R forum and figured you guys would be interested. It was in the Blackjack thread...

Quote, originally posted by climbingcue »

Are you having them put a DSG trans in your car, because that is what is on the motor in the 2nd set of pictures? Or did they just use the pictures from the back and red sema car?

and Marcel's response...

Quote, originally posted by HPA motorsports 1 »

We were wondering who might catch that!. While the engine was out, we bolted up a DSG to make fitment adjustments to our air to water cooler in preparation for MK5 applications

Happy Days are ahead for you guys too it seems...

Modified by Skela at 7:57 PM 3-12-2009

[willlangford]

Good find!

Come on Marcel spill the beans...

[HPA motorsports 1]

OK, thanks Skela for sharing...Lots is coming dwn the pipeline for the MK5 crowd!!!

[willlangford]

Will's MKV FT425 Reivew
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4423373

Quote, originally posted by willlangford »

After driving over 3500+ miles in a week and a half, I would have to say that this kit is extremely impressive, if not bullet proof. Now these weren’t easy miles. HPA brought the car down from Surrey, BC to pick me up in Chehalis, WA on the Friday before Fastivus. We then drove around the clock to LA and ended up in Malibu that night for a photo shoot. I had a track day that Sunday, then was off to hang with friends in LA all week. Fast-forward to Thursday when I headed down to San Diego for the day to pick up an old SEMA project we are parting out. I then got up early Friday and headed to Las Vegas for the weekend. Whitney and I went out to Hoover Dam, and drove to the state line to do 3 states in one day. Then with plenty of driving around Vegas I picked a friend up Sunday night at 10pm and drove back to LA, loaded the car up with tires and misc parts I was bringing home for friends, then left LA at 4am and finally arrived back home in Chehalis on Monday night. The fun didn't stop there as I burned through yet another tank Monday night taking friends out only to finally get to bed at 1am. But this is a review of the turbo kit, not about my crazy week and a half long trip. That will be another post, maybe if my brain can handle all the typing. I really need to start off by thanking everyone at HPA for their hard work and dealing with my special requests. They have been a dream to work with. Marcel, Nik, Melanie, Darryl, Todd, Darren, Tony, and Shane; Thank you. My car might be a bit rough around the edges. It gets driven and the 38k miles show it. But that doesn’t mean I will lower my standard in the quality of work I expect. They met my expectations and went above and beyond. I want to start off with how the engine bay looks. OEM is the word I keep hearing. From showing my father who is a mechanical engineer and a certified precious metal welder, “It looks OEM, and the welds are perfect”. He never uses the word perfect so that says a lot right there, and he is always critical of my cars. Showing friends in LA, Vegas and home; they all said the same thing; that it is done right. When looking at the engine bay one notices everything is tucked in there very nicely with almost more room than when the car was stock. I love the air to water setup. The car is super consistent in different climates. For me that is only a small advantage. In my opinion the real advantage is how everything is mounted to the motor so there is virtually no hose flex on the silicone couplers. With the car being a daily driver I can’t be plagued with small issues like that; the car HAS to run, all day, everyday. And it does. That brings us to the next thing, the HPA transmission mount. At Fastivus, a large handful of people asked what else I was doing with the car and then right after I told them they asked when I was putting the VF mount kit in. I simply asked why? There is no need. One can only speculate that the initial design was ultra rigid to avoid headlight impacts, later to be promoted as a performance option to mask what I personally have experienced as a heavy compromise in driver interface with the chassis. With the HPA mount, engine movement is lessened and the car is much more stable in the corners, and I have very little if any vibration through the pedals; but still feel very connected with the car. Now the fun stuff, driving the car! This car is fast. And smooth. I feel the power once I get on it…but then it almost goes away. Then I look at the speed on the cluster; oh ****, I’m really moving. Freeway speeds, 60-80, punch it and I am at 120 in no time. The car pulls hard and smooth all the way to 160, it’s absolutely amazing. Turbo lag is minimal if I even notice it. The minute I punch it I am in the boost and gone. It almost reminds me of a Porsche 997 Turbo I drove; it was crazy how fast the power came on. The FT425 is no different. A lot of people are asking how the DSG is handling the power. I have the HPA Stage2 DSG flash and that’s all that is needed for this kit. The shifts are lightening fast as they always were. Zero issues, no slipping or anything. Beyond that there isn’t much to say except it works like it always has. And that is what I need out of this car. I need to get a hold of a friend’s video camera, and really get some footage of how fast and fun this car really is. On the way down we averaged 24ish MPG, and on the way home I got anywhere from 20.5 to 22 mpg. Not bad for 2 people and a fully loaded R that was even more dumped than it was before with all the crap inside. This kit, as with anything else, is one of those things that you get what you pay for. This is worth every penny in my book and if I were to do it over I wouldn’t change a thing.