This device can unlock a car’s full potential

THERE’S a hope for us normally aspirated folks, after all. Dismissed by those who went full-on turbo, normally aspirated engines tend to be a harder nut to crack when it comes to extracting performance. And in the case of Subarus, the case is worse still. Apart from the usual intake, headers, and exhaust, there’s not much you can do to liven its performance, until now.

“We’ve always strived for improvement,” says GM Bugayong, owner of Drift Xaust. “We started in 2013 making customized exhaust vehicles for almost every make and model. Now, we’re introducing something new designed to complement or introduce car owners to the world of performance tuning.”

That “something new” is the plug-and-play Drift Xaust Speed Booster. Made in Japan and pioneered in Australia, it’s the country’s smoothest aftermarket throttle control module that changes the level of throttle performance based on pedal pressure.

The Drift Xaust Speed Booster takes advantage of a vehicle’s ‘fly-bywire’ throttle technology. A feature introduced in most vehicles after 2000, fly-by-wire replaces the traditional “cable-type” connection that links the gas pedal to the throttle pedal with sensors that measure pedal pressure and position. These sensors then send signals to the vehicle’s engine computer that converts it to acceleration. Naturally, there’s noticeable delay resulting in slower engine response especially when going uphill or overtaking. With multiple built-in settings, Drift Xaust Speed Booster allows vehicle owners to tweak their car’s response to suit their driving style.

Installing the Drift Xaust Speed Booster takes just five minutes. Simply unplug the connector plugged into the accelerator pedal assembly, connect the Drift Xaust Speed Booster into the vehicle’s accelerator pedal assembly, and attach the small control module somewhere on the dash for easy access. That’s it. No splicing of wires, no disassembling (some vehicles may require the pedal to be removed from the firewall for easy access though), and no reprogramming. Take note though that the application is vehicle-specific though so it’s a great idea to reach out to Drift Xaust to see if they have one in stock for your particular make and model.

“We do not claim to add horsepower with the Drift Xaust Speed Booster, unlike other throttle controllers in the market,” corrects GM Bugayong. “It simply ensures that all the available horsepower is utilized effectively and efficiently. Because no matter how many horsepower you have, all of those are being controlled by one entrance only: the engine’s throttle body. Unfortunately, if the stock throttle body is slow to respond, it’s like having 100 actual horses but your gate only allows one horse to exit at a time.”

Installing the Drift Xaust Speed Booster Speed Booster on my personal 2011 Subaru Forester was quick and easy. By the time GM finished his tour of Drift Xaust’s office and shop in Valleyfair Town Center along Ortigas Extension, Taytay, Rizal, the fitment was finished.

Going for GM’s suggested “Power 4” mode (there are three modes with nine steps each with an additional Intelligent mode), we went up around the hilly areas around Antipolo and Taytay to test it out. Off the bat, there’s a marked improvement in response, removing the acceleration lag commonly associated with this particular-generation Forester’s archaic 4-speed automatic. On steeper uphill climbs though, the Forester was still hampered by its 150hp output, but the gas pedal did require less prodding compared to stock. Plus, it complements any stock vehicle’s built-in sport mode by pouncing on the gearbox’s more aggressive shift pattern.

Even more impressive perhaps is the Drift Xaust Speed Booster’s “Eco” Mode, which smoothens out all abrupt throttle response. Perfect for heavyfooted drivers (like the family chauffer), it should equate to a three to eight percent improvement in fuel economy. This is also good for off-roaders which require precise throttle engagement when traversing difficult terrain. It even has a “Lock” mode that keeps the car in idle no matter how hard the throttle is pressed. This is a great theft deterrent or safety device, especially if kids find themselves in the driver’s seat. Finally, the Drift Xaust Speed Booster also claims to alleviate any incidence of Sudden Intended Acceleration or SUA. It detects any suspicious behavior from the throttle body, like the engine receiving gas while the throttle is left untouched and can cut power for safety.

The Drift Xaust Speed Booster is designed to complement a wide array of vehicles, whether it’s stock or tuned. For sure, performanceoriented owners with their turbochargers and full exhaust systems will find this nifty gadget a worthwhile addition in order to extract every bit of performance. However, it also works well for vehicle owners who simply want to maximize the enjoyment of their cars whether it has 80, 150, or 300 horsepower under the hood. It’s not that expensive, too: at P12,500, it can be installed by Drift Xaust themselves or shipped to you for a quick DIY. It also carries a two-year warranty.