Checking out an Albrex Supercharged 500E

[gsxr]

This car belonged to Hans, the owner of Texas German Autohaus in Houston, TX. Not sure if he still owns it, or recently sold it to the fellow in this video.

Anyone know what the filter (?) is sandwiched between the hot-air intake and hot coolant reservoir? Wonder if that is for the fuel supply to the 9th injector (that adds fuel under boost). Some neat stuff visible here, like the relay which triggers a different EZL trim plug setting to retard timing under boost, and an extra temp sensor added at the engine coolant outlet pipe. That skinny electric fan looks woefully inadequate; as are the stock (!!!) early brakes.

@gerryvz , do you know if Hans sold this? I don't have the VIN to check for a title transfer.

 

[Glen]

Very cool setup! Must be a blast to drive

It needs new upper strut mounts though.

 

[gsxr]

Very cool setup! Must be a blast to drive

I am very curious if it is still making the power Albrex claimed at the time (over 400hp, IIRC). Would love to see a current dyno pull to redline. I think this car had compression reduced to allow higher boost? Can't remember offhand, hopefully Gerry will chime in, as he's seen the car in person IIRC.

It needs new upper strut mounts though.

Add that to the list along with proper sized brakes and cold-air intake, lol...

 

[TerryA]

Very Nice Video! Looks like it would be a blast to drive.

Wish the video was longer and maybe a bit more technical.

Hans appears to have known what he was doing. The SC been on the car for 50K miles according to the video.

 

[gerryvz]

Hans knew what he was doing when he installed that Albrex unit, no question. I have some close-up photos of the engine that I posted here many years ago from when I lived in Houston, and visited TGA for a special event they had. I can find and re-post them if anyone is interested.

@nocfn can probably say one way or the other if Hans sold his car or not. But as far as I know, at least 4 years ago when I left Houston, he still had the car and drove it very regularly.