[Neversaygbye]

Originally Posted by Drdriver

The car is brilliant and we knew reviews were talking about the engine being underpowered in the car. It has to be driven at higher RPMs while going uphill to extract any sort of speed.

You mentioned that the car is brilliant. Why did you say that? Obviously some things about the car have worked for you. Think about those, and also remember that no car is perfect. There are turbo petrols in the market but they also have turbo lag and return very poor mileage when driven hard. Also, most NA petrol cars that have a low power to weight ratio struggle while going uphill and need to be driven in first gear at times. I took a friend's Grand i10 from Masinagudi to Ooty via the route with 36 hairpin bends and it struggled big time even in first gear.

Is driving at higher RPMs while going uphill a deal breaker for you? If so, change your car and get one with higher torque and a better power to weight ratio (though the latter may come at the expense of build quality). But whatever you do, don't try to bolt on a turbo in a car not designed for it. You will be creating the automobile version of Dr. Frankenstein's monster.

[silverado]

Well the best thing to do is simply drive it alone when in mood to enjoy! Hey dont get me wrong i am not teasing you here, but i dont beleive in tinkering with anything stock, and here you are taking about tinkering with its heart which needs a specialist doctor.

Its a nice compact car with sorted suspension and very safe.
You can make peace with its power and try and tinker with others things which wont tamper its warranty.

[Drdriver]

Originally Posted by Neversaygbye

You mentioned that the car is brilliant. Why did you say that? Obviously some things about the car have worked for you. Think about those, and also remember that no car is perfect. There are turbo petrols in the market but they also have turbo lag and return very poor mileage when driven hard. Also, most NA petrol cars that have a low power to weight ratio struggle while going uphill and need to be driven in first gear at times. I took a friend's Grand i10 from Masinagudi to Ooty via the route with 36 hairpin bends and it struggled big time even in first gear.

Is driving at higher RPMs while going uphill a deal breaker for you? If so, change your car and get one with higher torque and a better power to weight ratio (though the latter may come at the expense of build quality). But whatever you do, don't try to bolt on a turbo in a car not designed for it. You will be creating the automobile version of Dr. Frankenstein's monster.

I said the car is brilliant and i meant every word of it. Its a fun little car with good road presence and wide opening doors and comfort levels which wows everyone sitting in it.
When i said it feels underpowered on uphill sections, i dont mean i make a face and get pissed at the laboring engine. I think if the altroz iturbo and punch engines are practically same, it could do a turbo mod.
Of course, i do take into account that its a specialised, expensive and very niche project which would take a fair know how to get into.
Beefing up the crankshafts, getting better fuel injectors, check compression ratios, cylinder leakage, air filters, intercooler and then also mapping an ecu to monitor boost and control the pressure relief valves.

I might come off as a noob and fair to say, I might be one too. But im not jumping into things i know squat about. It could definitely hamper the reliability quotient of the engine. The whole thing about approaching the forum was to know if someone could provide some technical info about these things.

After all, we all love our cars as our own children. And no one would want to operate on his/her own child unless they have a qualified surgeon in their knowledge or know how to operate themselves. Im just trying to first learn if the heart has the strength to take it.

If it doesn’t fall through due to any reason whatsoever, meh… it was worth the time put in to learn something.

[Capricorn]

And can a new/used 1.2 iTurbo engine from Altroz not be swapped with existing Punch 1.2 NA?

Altroz comes with both these engines with mounts and most of the assembly places same. Punch could also have similar layout and space available. We don't have to open the car's heart and risk existing engine reliability.

With cost being little higher, TaMo themselves can help ship or exchange engines, if not trusted FNGs. Old one can be sold. Warranty will be lost but mechnically should still be reliable considering it is ready combo, not just launched by TaMo. Same applies to Tigor.

Disclaimer: I get this thought whever I read power deficit in Punch/Tigor/Tiago. Never was able to see their engine bays for both engines.

[Clayton Crasto]

Just like the other BHPians suggested, I'd say change the car if you can but don't attempt to add a turbo. You'll suffer terribly and have a regret attack.

Why don't you work on your gearing and revs? Small NA engines are best managed by dropping gears and revving a bit when needed. I own a Polo 1.2 NA that puts out 75 PS on paper and weighs just over a ton. Definitely more underpowered than the Punch and initially, I was quite unhappy. But as my driving improved, I got more familiar with the car's performance and eventually learnt how to manage the power without knocking the engine. The wife and I have travelled quite a bit with it. We did Goa-Ooty last year and Goa-Kodaikanal this summer, both of which involve massive ghats. Never felt the need for more power (although I DESIRE for more always), only because I manage the gears and rev it to 5 or 6k when it's needed.

On the other hand, my mom owns a Tiago 1.2 and assuming it's the same engine as the Punch, it feels crispier than the Polo, due to its higher power and lower weight comparatively. It is a slouch on slopes but I manage with the gears.

Just try the above and see if it works for you as eventually you'll get more used to the car.

[Shreyans_Jain]

There is only one potential way to make this mod happen. You’ll have to do what Senior BHPian Frankmehta did with his Brio/Crio. Find a complete engine + ECU + wiring harness assembly of Altroz iturbo or Nexon from a scrap dealer or an accidental car, and then shoehorn it into the engine bay. The only way this works is if it is direct cut-paste job. Refer Frank’s excellent thread for ideas and firsthand experience.

It’s going to be a lot of work, results are not guaranteed, and the car technically does not remain road legal (engine no. will be different). The easy way out is to sell the Punch and get something more powerful. I will suggest the upcoming new Nexon as the closest replacement.

[lapis_lazuli]

As a fellow bhpian, I think it is going to do no good trying to "call him out" for the "punch". For the OP, please enjoy the car as it is, stock and just plan for a new car down the line. Do some cosmetic enhancements and enjoy the car. You'll get used to it believe me. There's no way, you could bump up power, and have a reliable car there after, especially if you are not technically inclined yourself.Frank Mehta or any other whiz helping you out, notwithstanding.

Of course, this car will never be an all in one, but what can't be cured must be endured. I understand the feeling, totally but, I am living with and enjoying the sturdy as a tank but slow as a sloth Punto 1.2 for the last 11 years plus AND a Superb 1.8TSI....

[dr_TJ]

Only option is to sell the car and buy a new or used turbopetrol or turbodiesel car.

After having owned a Turbodiesel (Thar mHawk), NA petrol just felt so pathetically lethargic to me. Especially when it is the K15C and 6AT combo. Absolute garbage to drive.
Sold it in under 6 months because just couldn't adapt. Bought home a Thar Petrol RWD.

Trust me, if Budget permits, just sell the car and get a adequately powered car, money will be well spent. And every drive will remind you this point.

[Drdriver]

Originally Posted by Clayton Crasto

Why don't you work on your gearing and revs? Small NA engines are best managed by dropping gears and revving a bit when needed. I own a Polo 1.2 NA that puts out 75 PS on paper and weighs just over a ton. Definitely more underpowered than the Punch and initially, I was quite unhappy. But as my driving improved, I got more familiar with the car's performance and eventually learnt how to manage the power without knocking the engine.

This is exactly what I do on climbs. It has to be driven like an old Gypsy. I looked up online IF such a mod is possible as it has been done to many cars albeit different manufacturers while this project would mostly use OEM parts to add on. But as I observe, its a resounding ‘No’ to do so. If it was feasible, the company would have already done it, I guess.

[CRM Lotha]

Just wanted to point out how sad it really is to see many of the replies here are along the lines of "only option is to buy a different car". Goes to show just how sad the tuning culture is here in India.

OP, apologies for not adding much to the conversation.

[turbo]

Originally Posted by CRM Lotha

Goes to show just how sad the tuning culture is here in India.

Oh, it's not. Believe me, it's not.
Any tuner will happily take your money, put on a turbo, remap your ecu and send you on your way.

It will be you who will be left with an unreliable car.

All the turbo and twin turbo builds that you see in YouTube, most of them from US, how many of them are daily drivers?

Every single big car YouTuber that I've seen, who's done a garage tour always has that one stock camry/accord/Merc just lying around for when they need something reliable.

US is a rich country, with multiple car ownership not being uncommon.

In India, we usually have only one car, which is a fun car, it is a family car, a commute car, a grocery getter, all in one.

@OP
Don't make your only car unreliable.
This is better done on a project car.

[shabeermohamed]

It's not recommended to add a Turbo charger as an after-market add-on. Forgoing your warranty in addition to potential mechanical issues that could turn up will further degrade your dull and mediocre ownership experience. But I guess this is something you knew anyway when your signed up for this.

I suggest you let your parents drive it and check out something more exciting. Check out the recent Seltos 1.5 Turbo Petrol if you are into SUVs or the latest Verna if sedans are your thing.

[bhphog]

Originally Posted by vishy76

There is a thin line between being 'enthusiastic' and being 'rational'.

Hey,

What you say does make sense but allow me to make the following rebuttal:

1. I agree that India's tuning scene was troublesome and tiresome a few years back. The thread you refer to about the Civic was a long while back, and like everything else in the world, the tuning scene has progressed at a superb pace in India for all types of cars.

2. Maybe 10 years back you would need a master's degree to get your car modified, like you would need a degree in civil engg while building your house, or a master's in agriculture to farm your land....but hey, that wasn't the case, right?
The number of competent garages and tuners in India is increasing every day.
From a 1500+ hp GTR to a Stage 3+ multiple km run VAG cars, to rear engined rear wheel drive swift, Indian tuners have built it all.

3. I was under the impression that the block and engine are the same in both the cars that OP mentioned, which is why I mentioned that adding a turbo would be a play-and-play job like most VAGs.
In this case, OP, I would suggest going for a re-map way.
You would not even need to add a piggyback because I am sure the ECU could be cracked.

4. Does tuning your car need patience? Yes
Does modding your car need persistence? Yes
Is it worth it? Hell Yes.

I would like to say that there is a fine line between 'keeping your mind open' vs 'being reluctant'.

I am not seeking that all members of the forum go and mod their cars, what I am looking at instead is to not shun the brilliant work that some really awesome people are doing in the motorsport scene rather support them and appreciate them.

I would like to end by saying, there are a lot of people in India who look up to us, this community which we are really proud of you, the stamps of which our rides wear very proudly and we, in the best interest of the car enthusiasts, motorsports and enthusiasts, should appreciate the tunning scene and its progression over the years.

PS: I have a total of 5 modded cars in my garage, 2 of them heavily modded, 1 of them with an aftermarket forced induction.
PPS: I do not have an engineering degree.

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

There is only one potential way to make this mod happen.

Makes sense
Persistence can make this possible. Not sure about the gearbox too.

[Shreyans_Jain]

Originally Posted by bhphog

Makes sense
Persistence can make this possible. Not sure about the gearbox too.

TA65 gearbox is common between Tiago, Tigor, Punch, Altroz NA and Altroz iturbo. No difference. Gearbox will not be an issue.

[CannedShroud]

The iTurbo and the NA petrol is not the same engine - basically people tend to think the iTurbo is the NA block with a turbo slapped on. That certainly is not the case

The iTurbo block is the one developed by Jayem for the Tiago and Tigor JTP. While the NA is a completely different Tata developed block.

Not to mention, turboing a NA car is an extremely challenging task because ECU level framework support for knock detection and mitigation is just no implemented in NA ECUs.

Remap is just tweaking the values that's stored together - adding code to support new sensors will be extremely challenging.

And then you'll ruin any Fuel Economy, reliability etc etc.