Test Drive: Toyota Celica Blitz Supercharger, Unexpected Try

After months focusing on my assignments, studies and exams, I finally got some time to do what I did not have time during that period. This includes meeting up with my mechanic friend for a nice chat and taking my parts that I left there last year. When I was there, I was surprised that I saw this red beast at his place. The last time I saw this car was at a financing website because it was repossessed and my friend must have bought it. I knew the previous owner so the spec was already known but there is one thing that I am very interested in. It is how this beast drives.

Custom front bumper based on rare C-One Ver.II

Carbon Carnard 

4 pot ST205 Celica Brake with cross drilled rotors and Tein Suspension behind 18" Rim

Let's talk more about what is not observable just from looking at these photos or from the outside. The thing that is controlling the awesome, rare Blitz supercharged Celica is a standalone management, the Apexi Power FC. It is said to have great tuning capabilities and could push the 2ZZ-GE engine further to extract more power than other management systems. I had always wanted one of this for my own Celica and the fact that it is well equipped makes it more tempting for me to test it. I asked my friend for the key and took a drive. I did not have too much road to test it so I could only test the power in a straight line. 

Vortex Generator

ER34 spoiler with loud exhaust

The first thing I noticed when I got in the car is the facelift cluster that is a surprise because it is not a facelift model and the many meters that monitored many things about the engine. The clutch was light and easy to handle. As I drove the car, I realized that the brake although same with mine, does not bite well and it feels soft without much response. I was told it is because of the racing brake pads. These pads can withstand high temperature for races but requires some warming up. It does not work efficiently when cold and will feel like there is no brakes. In addition, the gear is difficult to engage especially the 2nd gear and I had difficulty doing so.

Facelift Cluster & Blitz horn button

Greddy Oil & Water Temp. meters

Greddy Boost & unknown meters

Temp. meter

For those who are not familiar, a supercharger increases the power in lower rpm region making the power curve more linear. I used the 3rd gear (high gear) at a low speed to test the power at low rpm. Usually there would be a power lag but the car pulls easily proving that the Blitz is working and does increase power but there was sadly, no sign of the famous roaring sound from the Blitz, as if broken. I was thrown into another surprise when I hit above 5k rpm. The supercharger pulls the car with high torque but at 5k rpm car suddenly pulls out of no where making me lose control over the steering. As a Celica driver, I quickly realized the sudden pull is the "lift" mechanism. It really scared me. The "lift" usually comes at 6.3k rpm on stock but the Power FC does have the ability to lower the "lift" timing.

Blitz Sonic Power Air Filter

Rare and much sort after Blitz Supercharger with Intercooler

In conclusion, it was not a very good drive. Do not get me wrong. The Blitz Supercharger works wonderfully at low rpm and the engine still has the "lift". What is not right in my mind is how the supercharger and "lift" get along at a lowered 5k rpm. The whole power band is not smooth at all making it a difficult car to drive especially as a daily drive. If I were the owner, I would get it to fine tune to make it smooth and get more power. I can handle driving a Turbo Celica and this should be an easy job but it is not.