Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 04:41 pm, by: Gregg Holden(Xzotic)
As you may already know I managed to pick up a Supercharged V8 to add to the mildly worked TT I've had for the last 4 and a bit years. I had some issues starting it when it arrived from over east as explained in my other thread however this was resolved today - I won't explain here too long (but easy fix).
So I managed to pick her up and take her down to the licensing centre. Here's my first impressions... There is a caveat however as the V8 seems like it has some issues still so I'm not going to be able to give a true comparison until I know everything is sorted. But here's my first thoughts on the difference between the two...
The best thing about the comparison is both cars have a Dyno reading of around 300hp at the wheels however the torque curves are of course very different. It's amazing what difference changes in torque make to the driving experience at different points of the rev range....
First things first. My TT will be left for dust off the line with the SCV8. The off the line torque is sheer pleasure and there is nothing better than stompping the loud pedal from a standstill and having the 265's on the back light up without hesitation - that's BOTH sides as the V8 has a LSD installed. Oh Joy!
Things in the SCV8 are a blurr off the line and I'm cursing because I'm at 80km already and I forgot to blink. After then however is a different story. It all becomes a bit ho hum... Not sure if this is because I have 2 extra cylinders or the quietness of the exhaust but it just seems a bit bland at the mid to top end.
In contrast my TT is damn boring off the line but things get plain nasty in the mid to top range and that's just with steel wheels, a bit more boost, intercooler and air/fuel ratios sorted. The TT becomes a Terror with a sound compariable to a jet whereas the V8SC reverts to a a lazy purr (ok a faint roar) at the mid to top end.
Hmmm... Maybe its because the V8SC seems to have it's existing factory exhaust. The damn thing is far too quiet for my liking. That's somthing that will have to be sorted!!
I can see now why its so hard to determine which car to like the best. They are almost opposites in nearly all regards. The extras on both cars that I have exasperate these differences.
For example the SCV8 has 6 pot aftermarket brakes on the front and 4 pots on the back. If you think it takes off like a nasa rocket you better watch your head doesn't hit the windscreen when you go to brake.
Back in the TT was a different story with me almost running into the back of an Excel when I realised that I actually had to press the brake pedal down hard for it to work...
The refinements are all different. I have a GT-TL so the turbo has a lot of the extras that most TT's do not have. However the retractable steering is a nice touch on the V8 limited. I couldn't get used to the "touch" indicator beeps however. They sound too much like the sound the dentist makes when they are pumping filling into your teeth.
The sound of the SCV8 exhaust note (although quiet) is pure heaven. I'm sorry but this is something that a TT will never have. There is nothing better and once it is opened up more I'll be in ectasy listening to it at any rev range. The TT on the other hand barks and carries on with the most unrefined and not nearly as indimidating noises.
The whole experience between the two is chalk and cheese. Both are excellent in their own ways and that's why the debate about the two rages on and on.
I would say however that I wouldn't consider a stock V8 after having a worked TT. The SCV8 is giving me the minimum that I'd want at the moment. It is however not intercooled and needs to have a full tune and check as I don't think it is running properly. (A twin screw wouldn't go astray either!)
Anyway that's all my thoughts for now I'm sure I'll share some more once I get more intimate with the new beast and get it's issues sorted...!
Ben Socratous DieHard SA I am the fibreglass/kevlar/carbonfibre king!
Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 07:11 pm, by: Marc Vipond(04awe)
All I heard was Blah Blah Blah TURBO'S ARE THE BEST! Just kidding, I've driven both a charged 8 and a semi worked turbo and agree with everything you have stated. I personally liked the unpredictable nature of the turbo's power delivery compared to the more linear curve produced by the 8. Hence my purchase of the turbo I intend to purchase an 8 late next year after I finish the 6 but I'm opting to go for a twin turbo conversion as opposed to a supercharger. Another money pit, just what I need
Neil Griffiths Trader NSW 212Kw @ 8psi MANUAL Super Charged UZZ31
Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 07:46 pm, by: Neil Griffiths(Aussiesc)
Greg, You have 2 choices in the path you want to take.( Besides the exhaust ) What preferance you want to do first will be your call. ( Cheapest will be No 1 )
1 / Manual with Heavy Clutch
2 / Twin Screw with I/C
If you do No 1 first, then you can install A/M ECU have some fun before the big plunge, then end up with the ability to FULLY gain from the T/S I/C'd setup. ( This also allows me time to have the I/C setup available..hahah )
But Truly...The Manual V8 WILL Impress you even MORE
Friday, November 03, 2006 - 10:56 am, by: Toan Nguyen(Soarer_gt)
That's pretty much the exact same impression that I have... I've got a 93 GTL and a 91 V8 Limited. I think the stock brakes on the V8 are more sensitive than the TT (better feel).
My TT is around 200rwkw and the V8 is just a ho-hum 130rwkw. They're both good to drive, but the TT just feels... angry... Angry all the time...
I've also got a stock exhaust on the V8... never bothered looking for a 2nd hand exhaust for it in VIC... although now that you have me thinking...
Friday, November 03, 2006 - 04:11 pm, by: Shane McInnes(Soarin_tt)
Yeah Manual TT or Manual V8 is gonna feel a world of difference to the Auto Boxs. The Manual box is a heap more fun in my TT compared to when it was Auto.
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I intend to purchase an 8 late next year after I finish the 6 but I'm opting to go for a twin turbo conversion as opposed to a supercharger. Another money pit, just what I need 
