NO matter the appeal of a naturally aspirated motor, the truth is forced induction is the way to go for maximum power as Raymond Dunkley found out during his five-year ownership of his 2007 Suzuki Swift Sport.

“I wanted the best fun to drive car in stock trim available and the Swift fit that mould,” Dunkley told Auto.

However, that mould was quickly broken when he decided it wasn’t fast enough. Adding the basics, an intake and exhaust system, to free up some extra horsepower from the Swift’s 1.6-litre engine eventually lost its thrill.

“It still wasn’t fast enough,” he said.

Having a turbocharger lying around from a previous unfulfilled project started Dunkley down the forced induction path. He turned to Spinnaz Auto Works in Mandeville to help him realise his vision.

He began at reinforcing the naturally aspirated engine to handle the boost pressure of the ex-evolution VI td05-16g turbocharger. A set of forged connecting rods and low compression pistons replaced the factory items. With the engine apart, the head had its ports enlarged and polished to smooth out airflow. The engine bearings were also upgraded and a block guard put in place to keep the cylinders in shape.

A custom turbo manifold was built, as was a matching downpipe and exhaust system. Compressing air heats it up, so a large front-mounted intercooler reduces temperatures on the way to the intake. Giving the Swift its new turbocharged bark between shifts are the very vocal pairing, a Tial external wastegate and an Emusa blow-off valve.

The increase in airflow required a fuel upgrade, so a set of 460cc fuel injectors backed by an in-tank Walbro fuel pump feeds the motor the precious gas it needs. Controlling it all is a Greddy e-Manage Blue. The end result is 230 horsepower at the wheels at 10psi.

With all the extra power, other areas had to be address starting with the clutch. Brakes remain the same size, but now have upgraded pads. To ensure the lightweight chassis doesn’t lift off, it was lowered on Greddy springs.

“I’m comfortable with the way it drives,” he said.

Further modifications included a better boost controller, camshafts suited for a turbocharged application, and methanol injection to offset Jamaica’s low octane fuel.