The Game Changer Lite turbo upgrades bridges the gap between a Stage 1 and the full Stage Game Changer setup. Vargas has engineered the GC-Lite to have faster spooling than the full kit so there is less lag and you can get into the boost sooner. The GC line is a fresh, ground-up design for the N54. Vargas has built this with a pair of Mitsubishi TD04L turbos with high flow 9-blade turbines mated to billet 16T compressor wheels. Vargas has targeted near stock levels of spooling without sacrificing top end power. They do this by increasing the area inside the manifolds, turbine, and compressor housings. Between the full GC and GC-Lite kits, the Lite has less peak power but better drivability. These turbos are rated up to 650whp.
Other GC-Lite features -
- Upgraded thrust bearing
- Billet aluminum compressor wheel
- Stainless steel housings
- Stainless steel wastegate arms
- Silicone inlet and and charged air manifold to FMIC
Inlet and Chargepipes - the Game Changer turbos require the use of Vargas silicone inlet pipes and the manifold from the turbos to the intercooler (FMIC). The stock inlet ducts are made of plastic and very small diameter for making big power. Likewise, the hotside chargepipe is also undersized and a poor design for flow. Vargas upgrades these with larger silicone pieces that not only flow more air but are also a lot stronger for the kinds of boost this kit can produce. The stock inlets and hotside chargepipe will not work with the GC turbos. For the inlets, select the type of boost relief you are using - the stock diverter valve or an aftermarket blow-off valve.
Fitment to FMIC - an upgraded Front Mount Intercooler is required with this N54 turbo setup (the stock FMIC is not up to the task). Since there is no standardized connection for intercoolers, you will need to make note of which type you have an order the appropriate adapter from our options below.
Option A (+$25) - 2.5" and 90* turn up from the intercooler (CPE, AA, ER Sport, CXRacing)
Option B - 2.5" and angled up from the intercooler (AD Engineering, ETS, Helix, Cobb, ER Compeition)
Option C (+$25) - 3.0" and angled up from the intercooler (VRSF)
Option D (+$25) - 2.75" and angled up from the intercooler (Wagner EVO)
Option E (+$50) - 3.0" and straight out from the intercooler (AA Race)
Option F (+$25) - 2.5" and straight out from the intercooler (Forge)
Option G (+$15) - 3.0" and straight up from the interooler (AMS)
Install Kit - an Install Kit is also offered that includes all of the additional parts and pieces that will need to be replaced during this install (gaskets, hardware, etc).
135/1M/535 Fitment Note - the rear turbo in the Vargas kit is designed for the 335. A different coolant line is required for fitment on 135/1M and 535. You can source the coolant line on your own (BMW #11537558902) or add one to your kit below.
Oil Recommendation - modern engine oil is formulated for emissions and to be environmentally friendly. The additives in current oil lowers the oil's ability to withstand high temperatures and stresses, lowering its shear strength and its lubricating properties. Vargas recommends oils with high ZDDP (zinc and phosphorus) content that will better protect and cool the turbo bearings. Examples of high-zinc oils are Red Line Race, Red Line Euro, Motul 300V Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Valvoline VR-1 oil, and most Diesel-spec oils that you can buy off-the-shelf. Some oils, especially the Race type, will need more frequent oil changes and may be harmful to catalytic converters.
Diverter Valves or BOV are not included in this kit. You can use stock DVs with this kit or switch to an aftermarket BOV setup.
WHP rating: 650. This rating is used to compare various stage of Vargas turbo kits. There is no advertised horsepower gain with this kit as it depends on your other mods and tuning. The rating is provided as a reference to use in your tuning planning. Custom N54 tuning is required to match these turbos with your existing mods and upgrades.
