When you think ‘van’ you think ‘workhorse’, ‘family wagon’ and ‘practicality’. But what about if it could still be all of those things, as well as an absolute weapon once you plant your right boot. Like the sound of that?
Well, if you own a TSi petrol VW T6 and 320PS from a Revo performance software upgrade alone just isn’t going to cut the mustard… then there is another option!
Pub Talk
If you’re serious about putting more power in a van than your pub mates are likely to ever believe then the OE turbo is the first limitation.
A hybrid turbo is just the ticket and will make the numbers you crave. However, until now there hasn’t been a proper solution available to make this a reality.
18″ rims and track-focused Nankang rubber. If you see this in your rear view, you’d better move over. Paul has invested months of exhaustive testing.
Humble Beginnings
This van began life as a 204PS, 7-speed DSG, TSi combi, but it has come a long way since. VW’s crammed engine bay makes logistics absolutely key, especially when you consider that you can’t simply bolt a replacement turbo on and go play.
There’s a host of other hardware components needed to make it all work.
Paul Teague of VAS Works, based in Poole, has pioneered and developed this entire kit. His red Revo-wrapped SWB T6 (formerly ‘stealth’ black) has been the development mule for this project. It has seen multiple revisions before ending up in its complete, finished form.
Hardware
“Injectors, exhaust, intercooler and other hardware are needed to get the best from the kit, as well as Revo software,” says Paul.
“The whole idea behind developing and offering it was due to demand. There aren’t any other options available to improve on power over the stock turbo and being a fanatic of both vans and power – a solution was needed,” he says.
500bhp… Reliably
All of this takes place with a completely stock engine and DSG gearbox. Paul is confident (due to a lot of research) that the engine will handle up to 500bhp reliably. So this 400bhp kit is well within tolerance.
“In theory there is no reason why the upgrade can’t be carried out on a manual TSi model too,” added Paul. “But an uprated clutch will be required.
Family Wagon & Track Weapon
“As well as family duties and all manner of other things I use this van for track days so the modifications don’t simply stop at power.
“A set of 18” rims with track-focused Nankang NS-2R tyres fill the arches with KW V3 suspension offering full adjustability.
“A 380mm Revo by Alcon brake kit hides under the front rims to give what is a heavy vehicle enough stopping power to match the horsepower,” said Paul.
Not only is it fast then, but practical too. MPG isn’t likely to be the biggest concern for anyone opting to modify a van like this, but a return of around ~30mpg is fair in the circumstances.
Love the sound of this, but it all seems a bit too extreme for you?
Don’t forget Revo have straightforward performance software upgrades for the 150PS and 204PS TSi engine too. Simply installed via OBD-II they offer huge gains up to 320PS/450NM.
For the full story on Paul’s insane van and to watch it in action check out our short video above. The turbo kit is available directly from VAS Works (*it cannot be purchased or ordered via Revo).
