HARROP ENGINEERING quietly launched a supercharger package for the pint-sized Suzuki Jimny in December of final yr, the TVS900 package creating one thing of a stir amongst fans eager to extract extra efficiency from their 1.5-litre ‘Zook’.
In normal trim, the Suzuki Jimny gives 75kW of energy at 6000rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm (or 63kW and 107Nm when paired with an automated transmission). Energy is channelled to the wheels through the selection of a five-speed guide or four-speed automated transmission, each with a dual-speed switch case for off-road work.
For a lot of Jimny homeowners, the loveable light-weight is completely acceptable simply the best way it’s. However for others – who use the automobile in severe off-road situations and infrequently with a complement of tenting tools on board – the manufacturing unit output figures fall effectively wanting expectation.
Enter Harrop Engineering…
Utilising an Eaton-sourced supercharger engineered particularly to go well with Suzuki’s K15B four-cylinder software, Harrop Engineering developed a side-mounted package that’s water-to-air intercooled to supply instantaneous increase response and “appreciable positive factors proper all through the rev vary”.
In reality, appreciable may be understating it.
The TVS900 package gives a powerful 59 per cent acquire in peak energy and 42 per cent improve in peak torque. It’s bypassed at low engine speeds to keep up (near) the Jimny’s manufacturing unit gasoline economic system determine at cruising speeds and makes use of a classy carbon-fibre consumption chamber to supply the engine with the extra air it requires when “on increase” (quoted at 9.4psi or 65kPa).
“It’s a game-changer for driveability. These vehicles desperately want extra energy and torque and that’s what we ship,” mentioned Harrop Engineering model supervisor Jake Di Pietro.
All different features of the Jimny stay unchanged, barring after all a delicate whine from beneath the bonnet. Harrop Engineering says the package in any other case maintains all OEM performance, the ECU recalibrated to make sure factory-like useability.
“Our objective is to have an OE degree of integration with the {hardware}, and that extends to the recalibration or the tuning that’s required to make the entire bundle work,” added Mr Di Pietro.
“For this package, we reprogram the ECU with our personal file. We don’t use a piggyback or standalone ECU, and that ensures that each one the automobile programs operate as meant by Suzuki.
“The automobile has additionally handed emission testing and is mod-plated in Victoria.”
This week, GoAuto caught up with supercharged Suzuki Jimny proprietor Tarzan Patterson to place the automobile by means of its paces.
“With 106kW and 168Nm at its disposal the end result isn’t just concerning the figures, however driveability as effectively,” mentioned Mr Patterson.
“Energy and torque supply is much extra linear, and the fuelling is simply spot on. It’s at all times ‘prepared’ with simply the prod of the throttle, even from very low engine speeds.”
Upgraded injectors and the next capability MAP sensor ensures Harrop’s “instantaneous” energy supply claims are at all times maintained. In contrast to turbocharging, there isn’t a spooling to attend for and no throttle lag.
The 1380kg (as examined) Jimny is raring, virtually excitable underneath throttle. On 98RON premium unleaded it delivers a 0-100km/h time that’s sure to boost a couple of eyebrows, clocking 10.1 seconds in opposition to the usual mannequin’s 12.9 seconds.
It has a delicate supercharger whine that fits the Suzuki’s subdued notice – and diminutive dimension.
It’s a notice that’s apparent sufficient from behind the ‘wheel, however not particularly so from the roadside. In reality, the one actual ‘inform’ as to the added efficiency on supply is how rapidly to Jimny will get up and hustles, and a tiny badge on the tailgate.
The added energy and torque assist to iron flat massive grades whereas providing the Jimny extra in reserve for overtaking. Way more, in reality.
The place the usually aspirated Zook is mainly topped out at freeway speeds – resulting in prolonged overtaking manoeuvres and downshifting on steeper grades – the supercharged instance is unflinching in its means to collect tempo.
Offroad, the advantages from supercharging the Jimny are equally apparent. The improved torque permits difficult climbs to be conquered with out the necessity for a run-up, permitting the automobile to tackle probably the most gnarly of obstacles with much less worry of injury.
In low vary, there’s a way the supercharged Jimny may nearly climb a vertical wall. Add in that compact footprint and ultra-sharp turning circle and also you get the sense this factor would go virtually wherever you level it.
On the draw back, we did discover the supercharged Jimny working hotter than a comparative normal mannequin alongside for comparability.
We’ll must faucet into the OBD for an correct tackle the state of affairs, however Mr Patterson says he feels engine bay temperatures are effectively above the place they have been earlier than, suggesting extra cooling could also be so as.
As anticipated, supercharging the Jimny has additionally resulted in heavier gasoline consumption…
The inventory three-door guide makes use of a claimed 6.4 litres per 100km on the ADR Mixed cycle, Mr Patterson’s modified Jimny (with bash plates, all-terrain tyres, bullbar, roof racks, and so on.) utilizing 8.8L/100km in blended situations earlier than its go to to Harrop Engineering.
After a fortnight on the street, Mr Patterson mentioned that determine has jumped to a gentle 10.3L/100km – or a 17.0 per cent improve.
The opposite vital improve to the Harrop Engineering supercharger bundle is value.
At $10,990 (put in) the TVS900 package is much from low cost, particularly when you think about a Suzuki Jimny three-door guide begins from $30,490 plus on-road prices.
Whereas there’s no questioning the very good engineering and factory-like integration of the Harrop Engineering product, the worth equation of the package is extremely exhausting to justify, not least of all for the questions if leaves unanswered by way of guarantee protection from Suzuki’s aspect of the fence.
Harrop Engineering backs its product with a three-year/60,000km guarantee with a 12-month/20,000km guarantee on workmanship, saying the rest of the driveline is roofed as per the unique producer. However in talking with Suzuki Australia this week, GoAuto discovered that may be the one guarantee protection homeowners are left with.
“As outlined within the Suzuki Automobile Proprietor’s Guide and Guarantee & Service Handbook, any non-approved modifications, together with however not restricted to engine enhancements, specification adjustments, aftermarket tyre installations, exterior remedies, and window/glass movies, may end up in the exclusion of guarantee protection,” mentioned Suzuki Australia public relations, product, coaching and occasions supervisor Joanna Montalto.
“Particularly, modifications that alter the automobile’s unique efficiency traits, such because the set up of an engine supercharger package, place extra stress on the powertrain and related parts. These adjustments exceed the automobile’s engineered design parameters and aren’t coated underneath guarantee.
“Moreover, automobiles which have undergone such modifications are now not eligible to take part within the Suzuki SGS or CPS applications, as per the rules set forth within the Guarantee & Service Handbook.”
With a press release as clear as that, we predict the thought of an aftermarket supercharger package is one thing you’d actually need to be welded onto – even when it’s one of the crucial spectacular Suzuki Jimny modifications we’ve but to come back throughout.
