DG-Spec Endurance Scion tC to Debut Turbocharged Power

LONG BEACH, Calif. - This Saturday, at Buttonwillow Raceway, the number 18 DG-Spec endurance racecar will debut a Dezod Motorsports turbo kit. At the center of the system is a Garrett GTX series ball-bearing turbocharger exhausting into a complete Burns Stainless custom-built exhaust system. The switch is necessitated by a discontinuation of the supercharger kit, as well as the team’s push toward greater efficiency.

"Anyone who knows us knows we like a good challenge," said team owner and driver Dan Gardner. "Our supercharger setup was bulletproof, but it’s time to look to other avenues to propel our Scion tC down the racetrack. We won’t be making any additional power, but we’re looking to improve efficiency along the way. If you heard just the engine and exhaust, you’d think it was a completely new car. It’s really exciting."

Dezod Motorsports is the company behind the turbo kit, and is an established expert, having turbocharged almost 1,000 Scions in a just a few years. The team began their relationship with Dezod nearly five years ago when they co-developed the Dezod/AEM EMS standalone engine management package.

"Dezod has really enjoyed our relationship with Dan and this spectacular team. It’s hard to imagine working with a group that could possibly accomplish more for a sponsor," said Paul Oleandi, sales manager. "We are performance specialists, but we’ve become very well known for our expertise with turbo kits. When Dan told me he wanted to go in this direction, I was thrilled. Dezod and the team have taken steps to ensure that this setup is ready for the brutal endurance racing abuse it will see. We’re proud to expand our relationship with DG-Spec and can’t wait to see our kit in action."

Garrett is a leader in turbochargers, and it only made sense that Dezod and the team went that direction. There wasn’t another company considered for the project, as Garrett’s reputation speaks for itself. Further, their local offices provided the ability for close collaboration.

"Garrett works with top teams around the globe. When it comes to touring car racing in North America, DG-Spec is at the top of the game," said Kyle Snyder, marketing manager for Garrett by Honeywell. "Our turbochargers perform at peak efficiency, and we have a storied history in motorsports. Endurance racing is a great validation proving ground for our products, and we’re pleased to see this Scion team putting our turbocharger through its paces."

Burns Stainless supplied the exhaust and intake components to complement the new system, while AEM provided necessary electronics. Plumbing for all water, oil, and boost was accomplished with Goodridge lines and fittings. Church Automotive Testing did a complete retune of the car, capping off the coordinated sponsor effort to make the project a reality.

The car and its newfound turbo power will debut at the fourth round of the WERC endurance series at Buttonwillow on June 25. The race is planned to be a three-hour affair, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Qualifying will take place at 11:25 a.m.

Photos, videos, and updates can be found on DG-Spec’s Facebook page.