02/05/2026
HARRY’S VK!
This VK made the trip up from Melbourne’s south-east with something a little different in mind — a custom low-mount single turbo kit tucked behind the front bumper.
We’ve built a number of these in twin configuration over the years, but this was the first time doing it as a single like this.
We started with our universal VB–VS LS 4-into-1 turbo manifolds, V-banded into a one-off front crossover that Y-pieces both banks together into a V-band entry Pulsar G45-1600. Due to the length and weight of the pre-turbine pipework, a fixed hanger was fabricated to properly support the system.
Boost control is handled by a Turbosmart 50mm ProGate, with both the turbo and gate positions carefully planned to retain full steering lock — no need for a steering limiter — while still allowing proper clearance and serviceability. Turbine outlet routing was also a factor for full lock but came back far enough to make sure a generic pod filter can be fitted as an intake later if needed.
A girthy 4-inch dump pipe was then fabricated and supported with a decent fixed hanger to keep everything exactly where it belongs.
For the intercooler, we wanted the 600×300×100 core to sit as far back as possible so the VK front bar would fit properly without the cooler hanging out the front. This required tapering the radiator support and trimming the rail edges to gain the room needed. The cooler does sit slightly below the bar (around an inch), but once trimmed around the pipework and fitted it came up nice (forgot to get a pic)
A complete one-off intercooler pipe system was fabricated using:
* 4 × Plazmaman clamp kits
* Plazmaman GM throttle body adapter (modified for bonnet clearance)
* 2 × Turbosmart RacePort BOVs
The BTR manifold and pipework were finished in satin black powder coat for a clean, factory-style look.
To simplify the pipe routing and improve the engine bay layout, the radiator was flipped 180° so both outlets sit on the passenger side. This made a big difference to the final presentation.
While the turbo system was underway, we also set up the oil scavenge system — supplying the pump, fabricating a mounting bracket, and building a custom stainless drain into a flexible section as required.
The exhaust system is currently a temporary setup, utilising the existing tunnel in the car. Once the rear end is finalised (diff, tailshaft, ride height), we’ll revisit it and run a full system past the diff and out the rear with mufflers.
Looking forward to seeing this one back when it’s ready for the next stage.
All the best with it, Harry.
