Making 220hp is easy now, I simply fit a set of ITBs and it's job done.
However...
1. I lose my idle valve and in doing so I also lose my OEM cold starts and warm up phase
2. I also lose my MaP sensor
3. I'm now forced to tune in Alpha-N, which is a massive compromise compared with Speed Density
4. There will be definite loss of torque and drivability, and right where I like it on Stage 3 Monty
5. I now also have the headache of regularly ballancing ITBs
6. Then there's the need to cut a hole in Monty's bonnet, so the bonnet can shut and the ITBs can poke out
7. ITBs do make a great sound, but the constant sucking noise can become wearing
I honestly don't think a pub bragging rights number of 220hp is worth all these negatives, TBH if I really do decide I definitely need more horsepower and torque now which is doubtful, the best solution would be to build a Stage 3 clone, but in 2.4 litre form.
This is achieved by de-stroking a 2.5 Duratec, essentially you take the 2.5 block and add the readily available and super strong forged crank from a 2.3 Ecoboost, you then add the right forged rods and pistons before finally removing the big heavy counter ballance shaft and gears so the engine also revs.
This 2.4 Duratec would give Monty 220hp and 210 lbs/ft while retaining Stage 3 Monty's lovely torque curve, the extra 400cc of capacity just moves the horsepower and torque curves up the graph, this de-stroked 2.5 is a known recipe that is also proven to still rev out to 8,000rpm
