My 1,400 km Review of the SG Performance Turbocharged Suzuki Jimny JB74
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Suzuki Jimny’s compact design and off-road prowess, but let’s face it—the 1.5L engine can feel underpowered on steep hills or when overtaking at highway speeds. So, when I heard about SG Performance’s turbo conversion, I decided it was time to add a serious boost to my Jimny JB74.
Right after the installation in Johannesburg, I embarked on a 1,400 km journey back to Cape Town. Here’s my in-depth review of how the turbo kit transformed my Jimny’s performance, driveability, and overall fun factor.
What’s Under the Hood?
SG Performance has been perfecting their turbo conversion for the Jimny, aiming to deliver a balance of reliability and power. My setup includes:
- Garrett GT17 Turbo: A well-regarded, high-quality turbo unit that’s sized perfectly for the Jimny’s 1.5L engine.
- SG Performance Large Volume Intercooler: Ensures cooler intake temperatures, even on long uphill climbs.
- Stainless Steel 63mm Exhaust System: Improves exhaust flow and gives the Jimny a more aggressive note.
- SG Performance Unichip X: Custom engine management solution that optimizes fueling and timing.
- Mapping & Dyno Work: Each setup is fine-tuned on the dyno for smooth power delivery and reliability.
- Oil Filter & LIQUI MOLY 5W30 Engine Oil: Keeps the newly boosted engine lubricated and running clean.
- Air Filter & Spark Plugs: Ensures proper air intake and ignition, which is crucial for a turbo setup.
- Bonnet Liner, Turbo Blanket & ABS Heatshields: Manage under-hood temperatures by isolating engine heat.
- Bonnet Shocks: A handy addition for easier maintenance access and a premium feel.
Highway and Long-Distance Impressions
1,400 km is a solid distance to test out any major mechanical upgrade. Here’s what stood out:
- Effortless Overtaking: Merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles is now a breeze. Where I used to plan overtakes well in advance, a quick press on the accelerator is enough to zip by confidently.
- Hill Climbing Made Easy: The turbo-spooled torque peaks around 2,500 rpm, allowing me to maintain speed on steep inclines without constantly downshifting. Even with my 33-inch tires, the Jimny cruises along like it has a bigger engine under the hood.
- Steady Fuel Consumption: Larger tires and a turbo typically mean increased fuel usage, but the Jimny’s efficiency hasn’t taken a massive hit—especially considering the gains in power. Of course, your results may vary, and driving style plays a big role.
Daily Driveability
- Limited Turbo Lag: One of the biggest surprises is how little lag there is. The turbo spools quickly, so power comes on smoothly without the sudden surge you’d expect from older turbo setups.
- Soundtrack Upgrade: Let’s be honest: part of the fun in driving a turbocharged vehicle is the noise. The turbo flutter resonates through my snorkel, and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
- No More Struggling for Speed: Around town, I can effortlessly keep up with traffic—even uphill. The Jimny feels like a completely different machine, and the improved torque curve means less shifting and more cruising.
Off-Road and 33-Inch Tires
If you’re running 33-inch tires like I am, you know the strain they can put on a stock engine. After the turbo conversion:
- Better Low-End Response: The enhanced torque is evident as soon as I hit any incline or soft terrain. Where the stock engine would lug, the turbo’d motor powers through confidently.
- Maintaining Momentum: On trails, it’s much easier to maintain momentum over obstacles, and the engine doesn’t feel like it’s fighting the oversized tires.
For those with more stock-sized rubber, expect the improvements to be even more pronounced—faster spool-up, quicker acceleration, and potentially a bit better fuel efficiency.
Reliability Concerns?
A common worry with turbo conversions is reliability. So far, my experience has been smooth:
- Professional Installation: SG Performance’s expertise shines through; everything feels well-planned and secure.
- Engine Temps and Cooling: The large volume intercooler and heat management components (bonnet liner, turbo blanket, ABS heatshields) keep engine temps stable. I haven’t seen any alarming coolant temps, even on long uphill stretches.
- ECU Tune: The custom Unichip X mapping ensures no rough idles or sudden power dips. It behaves just like a factory-turbocharged vehicle, only more fun.
Final Thoughts
The SG Performance turbo upgrade has truly elevated my Jimny JB74 experience. From breezing through highway traffic to conquering off-road trails with oversized tires, the added torque and power transform the Jimny into a lively little powerhouse. Yes, you’ll likely see a slight uptick in fuel consumption, but the enhanced driveability more than makes up for it.
If you’ve ever wished your Jimny had just a bit more grunt—especially when fully loaded or running bigger tires—this conversion is worth every cent. Driving 1,400 km straight after the install gave me all the proof I needed: the turbocharged Jimny is a capable, fun, and well-rounded adventure machine that still keeps the charm and simplicity Suzuki fans love.
