After my recent post about whether DCT swaps will ever become a thing, a great video came across my desk. And by came across my desk, I mean Twitter user @carsthencoffee gave me this heads-up (thanks bud!). GridLife Time Attack racer Jackie Ding did a video about SuperK Adventures’ DCT-and-turbo-K-swap S2000 time attack car, and my gosh is it badass.
What I find particularly cool about this car is that it’s interesting but not incredibly wild; it uses a stock Acura TSX engine, basic turbo setup, standalone engine management, and a BMW dual-clutch transmission. Well, there’s quite a bit more to it than that, but it’s not like the engine is thoroughly built or has any unobtanium parts are thrown in. this is purpose-built to be a reliable time attack racer.
It sounds like adding the BMW DCT, while not perfectly tuned just yet, is already paying dividends.
According to SuperK, “…the acceleration rate on it at Gingerman Raceway (GridLife’s most renowned track) from Turn 10 to Turn 11, until the drag takes over, is identical at 400 wheel-horse as 500 wheel-horse with an h-pattern (meaning conventional manual transmission)” -that’s pretty darn impressive that just being able to shift way-quicker means acceleration is like having 100 more horsepower sent to the rear wheels.
There seems to be zero delay in acceleration, and equally important is that you don’t fall out of boost. All of this is done via installing a GCU, or Gearbox Control Unit, which joins in with the car’s standalone engine management to make everything work. The reason for making a DCT work over going with a fully sequential gearbox is to skirt the bit in GridLife’s rulebook that bans sequentials. Presumably, it’s much easier to deal with around in the paddock and getting off the line, too. Also, this would come in handy for any potential street testing for sure.
Hilariously, they maintained the factory shift boot for giggles, and everything else about the build is so cool and purpose-built. Custom hardtop for increased headroom, extensive suspension work, a huge wing and splitter, a curb weight around 2500 pounds, and more.
Check out the video! It’s cool to see the friendly competition between these two, and there’s a lot of cool insight shared. Oh, and naturally, it sounds so friggin’ good on track.
