| | |  | | ROADTESTS | | SAC Toyota Hilux 2,7i 4x2 Double cab |  | Motoring | | - Extra power likely to go to driver's heads - | | Tuning specialists and performance gurus Steve's Auto Clinic have found the solution for those Toyota drivers desperately searching for V6 levels of performance from the 2700i four-cylinder Hilux. | | Developed in conjunction with their Nelspruit franchise, SAC Dart Mechanics, the conversion centres around a big valve cylinder head, with the inlet valve increased in size to allow better breathing. | | Going the Big Valve route has taken the bakkie into a different dimension, providing a genuine 33% more power at the wheels that the standard model. | | | | Independent testing specialists, Roadworks CC, found that top speed went from a modest 172 km/h to 184 km/h with a full 1,5 seconds lopped of the 0-100km/h sprint. This equates to improvements of 6% and 11% respectively. Whereas the standard vehicles takes 14,1 seconds to surge from 80 - 120 km/h in fourth gear (a true measure of overtaking ability) the SAC version takes 13,1 seconds. More importantly, is the fact that a full 30m less is required "in the line of fire" on the wrong side of the road. Subjectively, it feels even better than the numbers suggest, and the improvements take the Hilux from being a dependable but plodding performer, to one with a really energetic feel.keeping up with traffic is less of a chore, and you'll spend far less time flipping the gearlever back and forth and exercising your left leg.
In addition to the multi-valve head's bigger valves, a number of other areas of the intake/exhaust cycles have been modified. | | As part of what would normally be defined as a Stage one upgrade, a Wildcat tubular exhaust manifold and stainless steel free-flow exhaust system has been fitted, the airfilter has gone a change to improve air flow, and a Unichip piggyback engine management computer with appropriately calibrated engine parameters installed. It works in tandem with the ECU. Stage two adds the big valve head with appropriate camshafts, and a flowed throttle body, resulting in at least 100 kW at the wheels. In the case of the SAC development mule, power increased from 78 to 105 kW, with torque climbing from 177 to 201 Nm. Camshafts are profiled to SAC Engineering's specifications in terms of lift and duration, while the valves used are of premium quality. As part of the conversion SAC include their six month / 20 000 km Why Worry Warranty. | | In both conversions, the focus is on reliability and driveability, as well as retaining the high levels of refinement inherent in the standard vehicles. Recommended retail price of the Stage one is R 4 995.00 and Stage two upgrade R 7 995.00, available from the eight SAC outlets in South Africa, with a ninth (Durban) to open shortly, as is a branch in Windhoek, Namibia. | | | | Click Here to get an SAC consultant to advise you! | | Click here for more about our conversions | | Performance / power conversions, modifications, engine upgrades available for Alfa, Audi, BMW, Chev, Chrysler, Colt, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Opel, Toyota, VW and more... | | |
