Mike Klippenstein’s #212 R&D T1 Turbopowered Yamaha GP1800 – World Exclusive
Klipper’s Mark Hahn 300 winner
R&D Performance offers up an all new Gen 2 T1 Turbo Charger Kit that is a true proven class winner in Offshore competition. We test Mike Klippenstein’s 2018 GP1800 T1 Turbo charged Yamaha after he had won 2018 Mark Hahn 300.
Words:Vasilis Moraitis
Test rider:Vasilis Moraitis
Photos:www.jetskiworld.gr, Mike Klippenstein (action)
It has been over 10 years ago when R&D had first introduced its turbo charger kit for the Kawasaki Ultra 250X, and displayed the system at the World Finals in 2007 and attracted many people’s attention from around the world. Since then, R&D has a hand in turbo charging virtually every single watercraft engine produced for a watercraft! Now the American company decided to introduce another kit specifically designed for the 2018 Yamaha FX SVHO 1.8 engine placed in the new 2018 GP1800. This is the ultimate Turbo Charger Kit geared to do away with clutch and supercharger issues in endurance/offshore racing. In fact, Mike Klippenstein dominated in all the Offshore events he entered in 2016 by running up front consistently at 2016 Mark Hahn 300, he won all three events for the Hot Products Triple Crown 2016 series which also consisted of the Long Beach to Catalina race, and on top of that he also won the Endurance race at the IJSBA World Finals 2016! To say the least, that’s close to 1,000 miles of racing at WIDE OPEN throttle!
Main features
This particular GEN 2 T1 “Offshore” turbo kit has been completely re-tooled and all billet hardware including the intercooler base mounting setup to be able to install and work on ANY Yamaha watercraft model that comes originally either N.A., or with a supercharger! That means the GEN2 kit fits 2008 FZR/SHO through 2018 GP/FX making the kit completely universal, and could be swapped from model to model! The R&D Turbo Kit on Mikes MH300 boat operates with stock SVHO injectors, stock SVHO fuel system, R&D pro tune cam gears, stock compression (O.E.M.) pistons, and an O.E.M. R&D reprogrammed 2018 ECU! The kit tested here in Mike’s boat also had the R&D “Super Single” valve spring kit needed to keep the valve train perfectly stable in offshore ocean type racing! Also, Mike’s MH300 boat included the water jacketed turbin housing option also exclusive from R&D.
The particular kit for the 2018 GP1800 SVHO works also well with the OEM pump and reduction nozzle assembly with the addition an R&D Pro Pitch 13/19 Impeller, and the new 2018 GP1800 R&D Top Loader Aquavein Intake Grate.
The Turbo System R&D decided to use for this particular kit started life as a Borg Warner EFR Turbo Charger being disassembled, modified, turbine housing ceramic coated, and controlled by a precision calibrated waste gate actuator. Bill logs the exhaust pressure curve at idle through wide open throttle, and uses this data to test on the flow bench to perfectly match the combination of turbine wheel size, and turbine housing A/R. It’s a balance of shaft speed and back pressure ratio. The idea for reliability in an engine for watercraft that will run “WIDE OPEN” for 300 miles is that the backpressure ratio be kept as low as possible (in the 1.5 area). The Turbine housing is completely water jacketed for seriously reduced heat (COLD).
R&D also utilizes a Turbo Smart Boost Controller that enables the rider to switch (on the fly) between two predetermined (user defined) boost settings. The T1 kit boost actuator is adjustable between 10-14 pounds on this particular setup. For this test it was set at 10 pounds (low boost) and 14 pounds (high boost) of boost and it could be changed via a switch (On The Fly). There is also a manual boost control option that is available.
Another important aspect is the location of the Intercooler System. Taking a closer look at the pictures you will notice that the intercooler is not only HUGE, but mounted as close to the turbo charger as possible. This maximizes the efficiency of the charged air. The Intercooler is strategically modified with an internal vein in order to promote laminar air flow across the intercooler core to maximize intercooler efficiency by 25%. Close attention to detail has been taken with every aspect.
This turbo kit has been designed to work along with the “New Generation” R&D reprogrammed 2018 ECU. The T1 Turbo Tune is rpm/boost referenced and perfectly calibrated to provide an ideal 12-12.5 AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) at most any aggressive throttle position or boost level. The process of manipulating the algorisms in the oem ECU is a difficult and time consuming process when considering the stock mapping is for a supercharger system. Bill Chapin has mastered the process to a level of perfection you must ride and experience for sure. This ECU tune is amazing, and you never realize while riding the boat you are with a turbo.
This kit is designed to be super reliable with the stock pistons up to 8600 “Running” rpm, with the rev limiter setting for 2018 Mark Hahn of 9,000. For increased reliability, R&D recommends upgrading to the R&D Super Single Valve Spring kit, Carrillo Rods, and CP forged pistons, however, on this build and last minute situation, the cylinder head was never removed. That said, stock pistons and rods were used.
Riding Impressions/Testing
Having the opportunity to test the turbopowered GP of 212 Klipper’s Team was really something to appreciate. The first thing I noticed was the remarkable acceleration from low rpm. The R&D turbopowered GP1800 was accelerating from idle with lag free acceleration a fact that I have felt before on R&D’s turbopowered projects. As soon as I was on the gas Mike’s MH300 Yamaha was accelerating superbly with no hesitation, no hiccups, and with zero cavitation. After a few runs in the straight away on low boost setting I realized how smooth was the performance of this ski in the low boost setting however it was clocking consistently a top speed of 80mph (with only 10 pounds of boost and 8100-8200 RPM). Although. The ski felt really easy to ride on smooth water Mike assured me that you have to be trained and well fit when you ride it in rough water conditions.
Then by switching the bolt-on power switch the boost pressure was set at 14 pounds. I made a three runs and I felt the noticeable power gain in performance and in top speed too. The engine was pulling harder and stronger right from idle. In all three runs the top speed of the ski on high boost was 86mph. The boat felt so lightweight on the smooth glassy water condition (bear in mind that it was not in full tank) however it was very stable even at its top speed.
Handling was set up in such a way in order to enhance the overall stability and hook up without making the hull respond aggressively. The R&D GP1800 ride plate was specifically lengthened over stock, and machined in various sections in order to lift the nose and increase the top speed of the ski. R&D modified the sponsons and the overall stability of the ski was enhanced. You can actually feel that the ski is more loose and forgiving a fact that enables to rider to go fast without fighting the boat. The ergonomics were altered with the aftermarket bars that were raised a little bit. It was fine with my riding style since I was riding the boat by standing up like Mike did in the whole MH300 race.
Test data of GP1800 T1 Turbo Kit
LOW BOOST SETTING 10 lbs of boost, 8100-8200 rpm, AFR:12.2-12.5, Top speed=80-81mph with ¾ of fuel on tank
HIGH BOOST SETTING 14-15 lbs of boost, 8550-8600 rpm, AFR:12.5-12.8, Top speed=85-86mph with ¾ of fuel on tank
Installing the R&D Adjustable Rising Rate Fuel Pressure Regulator will accommodate 11.8 AFR at 8800-9000 RPM and a Higher boost setting of 16-17 pounds. This combination will allow the boat to 88-90mph (faster than one would ever need for a 300 mile race setup). NOTE: R&D suggests R&D/Carrillo Rods, and R&D/CP Forged Pistons on engine packages running over 15 pounds of boost or 8600 Running RPMS.
Bottom Line
R&D has proved once again that its turbocharged packages provide the performance needed to dominate in Offshore/Endurance racing. However, the consumer can use exactly the same product in order to enhance the overall performance of his boat and still have a reliable package to enjoy his/her ski with the family and friends. The kit is ready available for sale therefore, for price and availability contact R&D.
Special deal on orders with CODE: Jetskiworld.gr
R&D Racing Products USA Inc.
12983 Los Nietos Rd.
Santa Fe Springs. CA. 90670
Web:www.rd-products.com
Phone:562-906-1190
Fax:562-941-5563
