Tune.

[Lenny]

Has anyone had their Levorg tuned yet? If so how was it air/fuel or a bit more boost as well. If so what boost are you running and what numbers is it putting out? Also what is considered safe for the CVT if you're not into crazy launches from the lights?

 

[Scottyd]

Good question as I noticed on a web site for wheel specs [link here] they list the Japan Domestic Market model with a power output of 221kw for the 2018 model where the Australian model is only 197kw.

 

[Lenny]

Apparently MRT list their output figures for the XA and XB upgrades (both CVT safe) on their website but I haven't been able to find them.

 

[Scottyd]

I looked at MRT before I bought my Levorg as I was considering the XT Forester and getting it chipped to up the power. Might take my Levorg to them in a year or two anyway.

 

[Oz B-Spec]

My understanding is that around 200kw at the wheels is the limit of the CVT. I remember reading somewhere that with a transmission cooler, the CVT "could possibly" take more.

 

[Scottyd]

My understanding is that around 200kw at the wheels is the limit of the CVT. I remember reading somewhere that with a transmission cooler, the CVT "could possibly" take more.

Ah so there is room for a bit more power? Or do Subaru quote power figures from the wheels?

 

[Dee]

A few members and ex-members have had a tune and no issues so far with an exhaust upgrade, with about 20-25kw gain from memory.

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Ah so there is room for a bit more power? Or do Subaru quote power figures from the wheels?

Subie quote 197KW engine, so allowing for 30% loss from the engine to wheels, then the factory @ the wheels would be around 140KW (give or take). I believe full exhaust with highflow cat, cold air intake, and more boost should see near enough to 200RWKW.

 

[nicodache]

I thought it was 200cv, not 200kw. That only makes at 36% difference

 

[iad]

I have written about it elsewhere, but to sum up - I have had a tune done, then have since added an Invidia J pipe along with a second dyno tune.
The gain from stock is at least +27kw at the wheels. And it is now is a completely different car to drive since that was done.

What I am going to do next is get an additional CVT transmission fluid cooler installed. I understand that reduces the risk of transmission failure with modified motors.

 

[SkyBeam]

Interesting that here people talk about max kW the CVT can take. As of my understanding the CVT has a maximum torque (Nm) it can handle. Obviously the 1.6l model puts out a max. of 250Nm and I think I read the limit is at about 300Nm without chain slip.
The maximum Torque it can handle is mainly limited by the hydraulic pressure applied to the pulleys. I think I have seen a video from MRT where they tried to increase the pressure to allow the CVT to take more toque.

So if the CVT takes a peak of roughly 300Nm it might be safe to put on about 280Nm and this isn't much more than the factory. The 1.6l VM4 model is making 250Nm from 1800 to 4800rpm. Basically the torque curve looks pretty flat. So if you want to increase power you either need to expand the rpm area or to increase torque. As we know torque cannot be safely increased by much. Also providing 250Nm earlier than 1800rpm is not easy to achieve on a 1.6l engine. Nor does it often make sense to rev the engine > 5000rpm. So the engine is pretty much tuned to the maximum this CVT can handle in daily driver conditions.

The 2.0l model seems to have s different CVT which is designed to deal with 350Nm. Unfortunately this model is not available in my country. But this CVT might be able to deal with 400-450Nm of torque. Still I believe the CVT is potentially the limiting factor here for any kind of "safe" tune.

Adding extended cooling to the CVT transmission fluid might help preventing overheating the CVT if high power is applied during long period (race conditions) but is likely unnecessary for daily drivers just doing a launch-control start every now and then. Even my 1.6l deals with that perfectly (and yes, interestingly even the 1.6l baby-Levorg has a built-in CVT launch-control).


So bottom line is - as sad as it sounds - the limiting factor for our Levorgs is the CVT without much room to get around it. I was wondering whether one could fit the 2.0l VMG CVT into the 1.6l VM4 model and tune the 1.6l. But it sounds quite silly to me unless you want to show off pulling > 350Nm with your small 1.6l. Moreover it would likely require a bunch of drivetrain modifications too as the physical size of the CVT seems to be different. In general the 2.0l seems to be the better choice and even consuming less gas while providing more power.

 

[Oz B-Spec]

I'd love to see a manual conversion as well. I would assume that the WRX box would bolt up to the Levorg FA motor, however, I'm not sure on the CVT vs Manual box dimensional difference.

 

[Lenny]

I think 200kw at the wheels in a Levorg with the right set up would be a whole lot of fun. I've got friends with WRX's running those numbers and they get along nicely.

 

[Oz B-Spec]

I think 200kw at the wheels in a Levorg with the right set up would be a whole lot of fun. I've got friends with WRX's running those numbers and they get along nicely.

Definitely would be a fun car at 200RWKW.

 

[subidriver]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nvRVDhqXB1ygNHf36
1.6DIG-T, just remap with original Remus mufflers and HKS BOV.

 

[Skreaming Flea]

I have written about it elsewhere, but to sum up - I have had a tune done, then have since added an Invidia J pipe along with a second dyno tune.
The gain from stock is at least +27kw at the wheels. And it is now is a completely different car to drive since that was done.

What I am going to do next is get an additional CVT transmission fluid cooler installed. I understand that reduces the risk of transmission failure with modified motors.

Rehashing an old thread, but have you had any issues long term since the tune has been done?
Sent MRT an email not long ago and they said not to do the tune as they have found it can cause issues.
The example I was given sounded like the person was flogging the shit out of their car though.

 

[SnorkieBarbados]

I believe I met you the other day in the Lygon court carpark. I had the Blue levorg. Would I be correct?
I forgot who you said tuned your car, so was hoping to bump into you again!

 

[Skreaming Flea]

I believe I met you the other day in the Lygon court carpark. I had the Blue levorg. Would I be correct?
I forgot who you said tuned your car, so was hoping to bump into you again!

Was this for me? If so, it wasn't me. I live in Brisbane.

 

[SnorkieBarbados]

Was this for me? If so, it wasn't me. I live in Brisbane.

No, it was for iad. I'm still getting the hang of how the reply system works

 

[SnorkieBarbados]

I have written about it elsewhere, but to sum up - I have had a tune done, then have since added an Invidia J pipe along with a second dyno tune.
The gain from stock is at least +27kw at the wheels. And it is now is a completely different car to drive since that was done.

What I am going to do next is get an additional CVT transmission fluid cooler installed. I understand that reduces the risk of transmission failure with modified motors.

I believe I met you the other day in the Lygon court underground carpark. I had the Blue levorg. Would I be correct?
I forgot who you said tuned your car, so was hoping to bump into you again!