9 psi powerdyne set-up + pics - 2003 sonoma

[rentedmule]

I realize alot of people here already know my setup but I figured I'd make a "search-friendly" thread to have all the info in one spot. Here's the parts list:

Powerdyne BD11a head unit and 2.75" pulley (9 psi).
928motorsports.com standard head unit rebuild - I'll post up pics of the bearings that came out of it later (one of them was in multiple pieces!).
Custom 3.5" powder-coated steel charge tubing.
Bolt-on bonnet.
Greddy BOV - eventually I'll route it back into the intake behind the MAF.
Front half of an AEM Brute force intake.
The pcv valve tubing is routed into the intake pipe at the bend right behind the bonnet.
The oil dip-stick had to be "adjusted" to clear the charge tubing.
An alternator from a 1999 S10 was needed to fit in the head unit bracket.
Cartech billet adjustable FMU mounted on the tranny cross-member.
Dyno-tune by Martin @ AFI Performance (afiperformance.com).
Autometer phantom boost gauge in an autometer chevy silverado column mounted pod.
Stock ignition parts except for 8.5mm MSD superconductor wires and AC Delco R42LTS plugs.

you can almost see my pretty billet oil filler cap in the left of this pic :p. you can also see the crappy 8-rib blower pulley (and incorrect belt routing if you know what you're looking for!)
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300236.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300233.jpg

We couldn't fit the t-bar style clamps on the bonnet coupler but the standard pipe-clamps haven't caused any problems yet.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300245.jpg

You can see I had to ditch the hood insulation and cut out some bracing in the center to clear the bonnet.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300239.jpg

Side pic of the silverado column-mount boost gauge (and my fancy seats). Tilt steering works perfectly without interference from the pod.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300253.jpg

head-on shot of the gauge (it's straight now!). I just mounted the pod with double-sided tape and used a "tap-a-circuit" fuse for lighting.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/frontg2.jpg

I'll post up final dyno #'s and exactly what it's making for boost when I get the proper 6-rib pulley for the headunit (a sweet anodized blue one from 928motorsports to match the paint :D ).

It's running very strong right now but I'm still chasing down a rattle... I thought it was the bonnet hitting the hood but I've got that figured out and the rattle is still there at idle. clearances seem good everywhere else...:confused:

In mixed highway/city driving (with quite a bit of playing around!) I'm still getting 19 mpg. I definately got much better than that cruising for 300 km @ 80mph on the highway but I can't find the gas reciept to prove it.

I'm looking for a methanol injection setup as we speak - probably a snow performance stage 1 kit using the stock washer fluid container.

-EDIT-
When I was looking into s/c kits not many people would say exactly what their setup cost, so in the interest of full disclosure here's a rough price list (this is going to hurt :( ):

Used powerdyne kit ~$1200 with shipping
rebuild parts - $125
machine shop labour for rebuild - $190
tubing couplers - $60
t-bar clamps - $50
FMU - $175 with shipping (ebay)
Intake - $70 (ebay)
Install + new alternator + lots of miscellaneous nuts/bolts/tubing/fluids - $800
Dyno tune - $700 (with free updates for life)

Methanol injection is going to be ~$250 for the kit

[Mikz86TA]

Looks good. Im jealous =( hehehehe

[Hammer Head]

x2

[rentedmule]

Thanks guys! I edited the first post to show what I paid for everything.

here's some pics of the FMU and cooked bearings

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300259.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300255.jpg

[87wildside]

I can't wait to see your dyno numbers.

[02silverado]

man that setup is awesome ive been wanting to do some work to my engine but im not sure what to do with it. im new here an im lookin for some help on what to do. i have an 02 4.3 silverado. would this setup work for it? what do you run in 1/4 mile?

[boxcarracer963]

i am also jealous, that is nice as hell

[overS10ded]

Looks great! Are you using an extra inline pump or is the original enough? What plugs are you using? What does your fuel pressure run into with boost and high rpms? I heard a rule of thumb somewhere like normal (45psi?) plus 5psi per # of boost. Don't take these figures for real, but I believe there is a quasi-accurate rule of thumb.

[boxcarracer963]

why does ur speedometer go to 180? oh yeah and nice leather seats by the way

[rentedmule]

I'm just using an adjustable FMU right now, I don't think I'll need an inline pump. For plugs I went with AC Delco R42LTS - recommended by sparky in some of the older threads I read. NGK TR6ix (part # 3689 iridium plugs for a ford taurus I think) are also popular but they cost alot more and were harder to find.

I'm not sure what the fuel pressure is under boost yet and it's hard to guess with the adjustable FMU. I'll find out what it is when I get the final tune done. People on the forums recommended a 10:1 or 12:1 FMU when I was thinking of getting a non-adjustable one. I haven't run the truck over ~4200 rpms since I had the blower put on since I'm still waiting for the correct 6-rib pulley to get the rest of the tune done. I can feel the power really hitting hard just before I have to let off :D :(

[rentedmule]

why does ur speedometer go to 180? oh yeah and nice leather seats by the way

it's in Km/H - yeah Canada!! thanks for the compliment on the seats too, they're much more comfy than the 60/40 bench I started with. I still need to wire up the heat, it's starting to get cold here - boo Canada!

[boxcarracer963]

ohhhhhh i didnt even think of that, just thought it was aftermarket or somthin, heated seats are good with leather cuz leather is freezing when its cold


you should make a video to show fast ur truck is, i just gotta know

[rentedmule]

you should make a video to show fast ur truck is, i just gotta know

LOL, I don't think it's going to be fast in the grand scheme of things but it's noticably quicker than a stock truck for sure. it's actually pretty deceiving when accelerating without making it gear down - the truck is basically just as quiet as before but it picks up alot quicker, no fury or mayhem, it just goes!

it'll break both 245/50's loose for 5-10 feet on clean dry pavement but it probably won't really feel "fast" until I can run it up to redline and let it slam into the next gear under boost.

[boxcarracer963]

so you cant hear it wind up when you step on it?

[rentedmule]

you can hear it if the windows are open but it doesn't whine like the wynjammer or other typical blowers do.

[rentedmule]

speaking of implosions, is there any type of screen that I can put in the charge tubing between the headunit and throttle body? I've seen them for roots-style blowers that sit directly on top of the intake but never for turbo/centrifugal systems. I care alot more about sucking many small bits of metal into my engine then I do about tearing up the head unit...

[4.3fullsize]

I am also curious if this will work on a 4.3 Silverado.. I found a Powerdyne kit for $1500 with water/meth but.. need more details and hopefully it won't cost as much in extra parts as it did this one. Nice set-up tho, its pretty sick.

[rentedmule]

the mounts will probably be the same but you may have to make up the charge tubing. It wouldn't think it'd be a big deal to adapt it to a full size but I haven't looked at the engine bay of one in a long time

[rentedmule]

the truck goes back in the dyno shop friday afternoon to finally swap to the 6 rib pulley and get the complete tune. I'll take some vids of the dyno runs - here's a crappy one from the first day we got it running (forgot I had it til now!).

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/th_S6300118.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/?action=view&current=S6300118.flv)

[rentedmule]

this is a better one

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c3bf3a73-e454-4954-81ee-99e500c29e65.htm

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

this has been quite the lengthy process for you. I'm glad to hear it's coming together. Keep us posted.

[rentedmule]

Does it read negative for going backwards?

you lost me ?

[rentedmule]

nope, maybe it was just the wheels that made it look like that.

Yeah treasonagainstceaser, it's taken a while to get this thing finished! I would have had it done sooner but I went away on vacation for 2 weeks the day after the new pulley arrived!

A question for you guys - Am I correct to assume it's okay to run the truck without the blower belt on (it's only connected to the headunit and a second crank pulley)? I took it and the old pulley off last night to fix the accessory belt, it's been squeeling for the last week. I drove it today without any problems but I'm still a rookie and want to make sure that I'm not hurting it in some way that I haven't thought of?

I also have a question about the headunit bearings and really, really cold weather. Last winter it was consistently -5 degrees F and got down to -40 degrees (and lower) for almost 2 weeks here (it was brutal :(!). Is it safe to run the blower when it's that cold?

[Mikz86TA]

sounds like a jet

[rentedmule]

Here's the latest update - we worked on the truck for 3-4 hours again tonight. on a dynojet dyno we got a best of only ~205rwhp and 240rwFt/lbs at about 4200 rpms in a second gear pull (apparently 15-20 rwhp lower than what's expected from a 3rd gear pull?). the good news is that it is making almost the full 9psi of boost according to my gauge - I was worried that it may not make much boost after what I've read about powerdynes :) .

We had major problems with the FMU though - either it wasn't raising fuel pressure with boost or the fuel pump couldn't keep up. it was still leaning out above 4200 rpms and the knock sensor was pulling some timing. we were already at 100% duty cycle on the injectors at 3800 rpms. we started to mess with the adjustments on the FMU but then the truck wouldn't start!

We eventually got it going after cranking it for a long time, did another dyno run and then it wouldn't start again after that?! then we purged the fuel line at the schrader valve on the manifold to see if there was fuel pressure and it started right up, first try?

I had to leave right after that so we never got it figured out - anyone have any ideas on what may have happened to cause the no-start? is it possible that we somehow got air in the fuel line and vapor-locked it? what are the symptoms of a poppet injector sticking?

thanks for the input, as always, and sorry for dragging out this install for so long!

[Y NI Rider]

Hey Im no exspert at superchargers but wouldnt you get more HP out of a blower even more so at 9psi? Your specs are kinda scarin me cause im amming for 320hp to 350hp much of wich would be comming from a blower. I do know I will have to work the block it self considerbly. That said what kind of numbers would I see from blowin a stock 4.3?

[Mikz86TA]

sounds like you are at the breaking point of your fueling supply. Does it have a PCM tune?

[rentedmule]

yeah, we've been tuning the PCM throughout the whole process. I'm picking up a fuel pressure gauge today so we can see what's going on with the FMU. the truck is running fine today so I'm stumped on the no-start issue?

YNIRIDER - 220 rwhp is average for most of the standard supercharger setups running 6-7 psi. I'd guess that if we get the fuelling figured out it'll make 230-235 rwhp @ 9 psi? HP ramps up really quickly right until ~4200 rpms but then goes completely flat after that. my exhaust is definately holding me back too - I need a bigger y-pipe badly!

[Maximus]

That is also power to the rear wheels.You have to account for drive train loss.He is actually making pretty good numbers at the flywheel which is what all cars are rated at when you look at the HP numbers.Like the Vortec in general is rated at 195hp.And that is at the crank.Minus 15% average from that and that's what you get at the wheels in most cases.Plus he is running out of fuel and for the most part its a stock engine.

[Mikz86TA]

Since my friend just dynoed his GTO he picked up a few weeks back, Ive been looking into the whold dyno-loss for driveline. Best I can see is that there is more loss for the auto than the manuals. Makes sense. And that 15-17% is Manual averages and 20-25% is Auto.
Here is one source I found for reference : http://www.superstang.com/horsepower.htm

[rentedmule]

my truck was rated at 180 crank HP and most of the dyno #'s I've seen on stock trucks put them at ~150 rwhp. I figure that ~230 rwhp will put it at 260+ crank HP for a gain of at least 80. That's in the range of advertised HP gains for the basic kits offered for the 4.3 so I'm satisfied with that.

I've already started shopping for a nitrous kit though :D . I thought about meth injection for a while but I think there's more potential with nitrous if I ever decide to build the engine up later on.

[Mikz86TA]

Do you know what your HP increase was with just the y-pipe? Or the y-pipe and exhaust?

[rentedmule]

I figured I'd get more out of the nitrous then water/meth but that's good to hear. meth injection is cheaper and easier to install than nitrous and I can do it with my stock fuel pump.

The guys at the dyno shop said right away that my exhaust was too restrictive - i guess because it kept blowing the wideband out of the tailpipe at WOT.

I think i've got the no-start issue figured out. it was acting up again yesterday and purging the fuel line at the manifold fixed it right away. we had adjusted the base fuel pressure set-screw on the FMU at one point and I think it was way too high.

That probably stopped the FMU from increasing fuel pressure with the boost signal on the later dyno runs. I turned it back and haven't had any problems since but I also haven't been able to find an appropriate fuel pressure gauge so I'm still guessing.

with the latest tune and the new (correct) drive belt the truck feels really strong and much more responsive than before. I think he said he added in 6-7 degrees of timing over the previous tune which probably explains alot of the power difference.

(sorry for the long post but you guys are the only people I have to talk about this stuff with!!)

[Mikz86TA]

IC. I was just curious. I did the y-pipe and pre-cat delete a while back. I did notice better mid and upper RPM pull it seemed. But that was just the butt-dyno. The pipe I have is 2/2.25" pipes to 1/2.5" pipe and into the main-cat. And youre right the OEM pipe was tiny. Suposedly there is a larger primary pipe on the Blazers, but IMO that search is a waste if you have a shop that will build you one like I did.
About reading the FPressure.....Doesnt the PCM have control and readings from it? So with a professional status reader, couldnt you see what its at?

[rentedmule]

I thought the PCM read fuel pressure too but I guess it doesn't. we had the truck hooked to a HPtuners data-logging system and fuel pressure wasn't one of the readings. maybe it just detects high/low pressure because it did throw a CEL before I readjusted it and fixed the no-start.

Is there a simple fuel pressure gauge set-up that doesn't require an expensive gauge and wiring up sending units etc.? It seems like it should be as easy as threading a tube attached to a simple mechanical gauge onto the schrader valve on the manifold... what am I missing here?

[biglouie_underpressure]

what was the afr's

[rentedmule]

I can't remember right now - I was either watching the boost gauge or the belts during the runs while he was watching the air/fuel. I'll probably be back in sometime in the next week or so and get all the details.

I forgot to mention that the lower fan shroud exploded during one of the runs. there's a vibration somewhere and after that i'm thinking it must either be in the fan or the second crankshaft pulley that runs the blower...

[rentedmule]

I just picked up a new snow performance stage 2 methanol injection kit off ebay for $225! It's a progressive kit which is probably overkill but it's normally $400 so it was a steal. I guess not many people are bidding this close to christmas?

http://www.snowperformance.net/product.php?pk=8

I guess I'm going that route rather than nitrous after I get the headunit back :D

[bespurcell]

Sweet! Let us know how it works out.

[rentedmule]

got the headunit back today. I'll probably wait til the weekend to put it on.

new vents in the housing
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300614.jpg

new impeller and resurfaced casing. just at a glance the blades look much closer to the housing than they did with the old impeller.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300617.jpg

[rentedmule]

I hear you on the belt - I've got all the past belt issues straightened out now so I shouldn't have to tighten it much to avoid slip. they also suggest a break in period for the new bearings so I'm not allowed to run past 4000 rpms for a bit. I'd probably lean out above there anyway if I didn't go off the road in the ice first!

I'll probably have some MAF wiring questions for you guys soon - I need to tap the sensor output for the meth controller

[12sws27]

good to hear u got it back, lookin forward to see how things work out. hope u get it to perform like u want it to. lookin forward to seeing how the meth injection works also. will the meth help with the leaning out issue?

[dart_06]

very nice.. where did you get your upper column cover guage pod from?? thanks

[rentedmule]

very nice.. where did you get your upper column cover guage pod from?? thanks

it's an autometer piece from a silverado, it fit perfectly with a bit of trimming at the back.

I'm also looking forward to seeing how the meth injection works out. I imagine it'll be a while before I get any seat of the pants opinions on it though, I haven't seen dry pavement in months :(.

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

the tb hat is made of ABS isn't it? You meant the stock one, right?

[rentedmule]

are you talking about the stock TB hat? I'd probably guess ABS as well but I don't know for sure. I could send a sample over to our mass spec lab but it would probably cost as much as the supercharger did to analyze it.

Are you swapping to plastic to keep heat out? is 2" enough for your flow needs? I know there's an equation in corky bells' book to figure it out but I've never bothered trying it - math isn't my thing!

[rentedmule]

I finally got the blower back on the truck today. It took ~2.5 hours but everything went togather fine. It's definately got more whine to it now but nothing that noticable.

I still have to hook up the meth-injection system and 928 suggests a short break-in period for the new bearings so it'll be another few weeks before it's back on the dyno. I may also try to get the electric fans on before then too

[bespurcell]

Hurry up and break it in already!

[rentedmule]

I can't remember what it said on the card from 928, it's out in the garage - I thought it was a few hundred kms though. I took it for a drive a few minutes ago and it definately makes boost alot earlier than it did before. it was at 5 psi at just over 3000 rpms whereas before it was around 3 psi. Damn it feels good to have that power back!

I need to pop the headunit off and reclock it down a bit though, the bonnet pipe is hitting the hood again and making some noise/vibrations . I'll try and get it buttoned up this week but the GF is getting a bit cranky - between the T/A and the truck I've been spending alot of time in the car-hole lately:ballchain::D .

[csl2006]

my ex told me to choose between the camaro or her which one do u think I chose haha:)

[bespurcell]

My wife's always complaining about me being on the computer.

[12sws27]

My wife's always complaining about me being on the computer.
my pain in the .. i mean my wife is at work :D. man, is it quiet here.:)

[Mikz86TA]

Wait!!! We were talking about Blowers and now we are speaking about Wives. OH IC!! Same difference =)

[bespurcell]

LOL. That's funny.

[Hollywood#3]

Wait!!! We were talking about Blowers and now we are speaking about Wives. OH IC!! Same difference =)
:lol: That funny!!!

[12sws27]

im dying to read about how the meth injection goes. i think im just about as excited about u get u set up all together as i am about geting mine. cuz if that meth kit does what they advertise there might be a kit in my future.

[D-Caf]

Damn, two people with S/C either just running or about to run.

Waiting for dyno numbers (yeah, after I get my exhaust I need a new dyno run as well...)

[rentedmule]

LOL on the blowers comment!

some small progress tonight - I got the meth controller and pump mounted on the intake heat shield. It's a very convenient mounting spot - easy to access the controller adjustments and the pump is just below the level of the windshield washer tank which is required.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300653.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300661.jpg

I also messed with the TB hat for an hour filing down the crappy welds and clearancing the hood some more. it still hits but I think it's the best I can do without getting a redesigned TB hat or a cowl hood. sorry for all the crappy pics, the camera doesn't like the lighting in the dark garage

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300658.jpg

[bespurcell]

Can't wait for some vids of a nice burnout.

[12sws27]

Can't wait for some vids of a nice burnout.
x2

[rentedmule]

That'll definately happen!

I'm pretty pleased with the work on the welds/hood clearancing. On the drive into work this morning there was much less vibration in the cab and it's alot quieter. It always feels like it's running better when it's not vibrating, even if I know why it's doing it!

[rentedmule]

I got the rest of the meth kit on today

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/S6300665.jpg

the install was relatively simple but it still took 2.5 hours or so. I'm having some sort electrical issue now so i disconnected it and I'm running without it. The pump will spray and the mechanics of it are working fine but I screwed something up with the wiring for the controller (wiring > me).

It's supposed to be hooked to a 12v switched source so I used a fuse-tap in the engine bay fuse box. The pump is only supposed to turn on when I adjust the controller below the MAF signal when the engine is running.

I tried a few different circuits - some did nothing and some would cause the pump to turn on full blast as soon as the key was on. the install manual said this would happen if there was a grounding problem. I grounded everything by grinding the paint off of the rad support and then screwing the wires onto it. should I ground to the fuse box post instead? if that doesn't work I'll just call tech support at snow on Monday.

I also realized that I have a small leak in the weld where the blow off valve flange attaches to the intake pipe. I sealed it with GOOP for now but I'll have to get it permanently fixed eventually

[Cameo_S10]

Lookin good. Waiting for that burnout vid!:D

[bespurcell]

X2.

[rentedmule]

boo! I figured out that I have the wrong injection controller. apparently the GM MAF works by a varying frequency output rather than a standard 0-5V output. I guess I bought the VC-MAF instead of the VC-MAF "universal". no big loss though, I'll order the proper controller and sell the other one on ebay - for what I paid for the kit I'm still way ahead. This project keeps dragging on and on!!!

[bespurcell]

That sux.

[12sws27]

sorry to here that. but now ur getting the right part, and everythings starting to come together.

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

the store you ordered from won't do an exchange for you?

[rentedmule]

I got it off ebay for a very good price so I'm not worried about it - it was from a private member, not a store. I ordered the proper controller yesterday so I should be good to go in ~2 weeks. The truck is running strong enough now that I can break the tires loose pretty much any time I want anyway so I'm not missing the meth that much! It'll just give me some safety factor at higher RPMs that I don't have now

[Bone Crusher]

Sick man.....I am glad everything is finally coming together for you and this project. Try to enjoy it for a while and really enjoy it after the meth injection

[rentedmule]

so I just got back from a 300 mile road trip and my headunit has gotten ALOT louder. it didn't sound much different when I first put it on but now it sounds more like a wynjammer than a powerdyne! If this is normal there's no more hiding the fact that the truck has a blower, my sleeper days are over.

I pulled the belt when I got home and it's spinning free and everything feels tight. It's not the same sound that it made when the last set of bearings went so I'm hoping this was just the louder whine I was warned about. there's definately no impeller vs. casing sound which is good.

I've probably got about 400 miles total on the rebuild now. I just emailed 928 motorsports to get their opinion on whether this is normal or not. They suggest a 100 mile break-in period for the new "deep groove" bearings.

any thoughts on whether I should be worried or not???


....I'm going to get drunk

[rentedmule]

Thanks dogs - the only reason I was concerned was that the sound changed so much after the break-in.

[12sws27]

whats the word on the meth injection controller? still waiting?

[rentedmule]

Sorry for the delay on the reply Scott, I didn't notice your post. Yeah, I'm still waiting on the controller but I'm hoping it'll arrive before the weekend.

The truck is running really strong now though, probably the best it has since I put the blower on. It's no problem to downshift and put it sideways at 30 mph on cold asphalt with the winter tires, even with 150lbs of sand in the back!

I'm still tinkering with my charge piping trying to get rid of a bunch of rattles. I discovered a few unexpected spots near the firewall where the intake pipe is hitting the hood bracing. I really need to redesign the charge piping or invest in a cowl hood! I also put some stick-on sound deadener on the underside of the hood and it cut down on the new-found blower whine a bit. Now that I'm used to the noise I'm starting to like it but it can still get annoying on long drives.

It's going into the shop for ball joints next week and I'll get them to check the motor mounts as well. The latter may have something to do with the vibrations I'm getting.

[dart_06]

it's an autometer piece from a silverado, it fit perfectly with a bit of trimming at the back.

I'm also looking forward to seeing how the meth injection works out. I imagine it'll be a while before I get any seat of the pants opinions on it though, I haven't seen dry pavement in months :(.
what year silverado did u get it from? sorry bout all the Q's

[rentedmule]

A cowl hood didn't really buy me any room. The underside bracing is in the way too. If you have the opportunity to check out the underside before purchase, do it.

As for Dart's question, mine was for the same year as my truck was. The steering columns are all pretty much the same.

huh, interesting... I just assumed a cowl hood would give me lots more room. I don't really have the cash for one anyway - back to the cutoff wheel :D

Dart - my gauge mount was also from an '03 silverado

[Mikz86TA]

The cowl is mostly show than clearance. Most of the steel ones have the same straight underbracing thats in the way. You could cut it out tho. Fiberglass ones Ive seen both ways.
Like DOJ said, check it 1st. =)

[rentedmule]

I picked up the new meth controller yesterday, it looks exactly the same as the other random black box I had! I should get it on tomorrow if I'm not too hung-over :alc: :throwup:

[12sws27]

woo hoo! its about time. no drinking for u tonite. u gotta have that think on tomorrow. I'VE waited to long 4 it. so not even a sip damn it.:D

[rentedmule]

LOL, I work well hung-over, probably because I'm too zoned out to lose focus on what I'm doing!

I should have a few days over the long weekend to mess with it but I'm not sure when yet, I've got to head out of town to visit family sometime. The good thing is the GF is gone for the weekend so any time I do have at home will be spent in the garage!

I don't think I'll really notice much power difference until I get the tune done. Most of the power from meth comes from adding in timing that was removed to prevent knock - the cooling effect has some impact but not much. It takes some load off the fuel system though which I probably need badly!

[rentedmule]

I'm going to run 50/50 meth/water. For the winter I'm just going to use -40 washer fluid since I'll actually need it for the windshield but for the summer I'll probably swap to straight water/meth. The shop that does my tuning has a pre-mixed 50 gallon drum of it.

It'll definately drop the charge temps but from what I've read the real power with meth comes from the tune, doesn't it? How much power would you expect just from the cooling effect? I guess if the charge temps drop by 50-60 degrees it could be significant eh?

Hopefully I'll have a seat-of-the-pants review by this afternoon sometime

[rentedmule]

I got the new controller installed and it seems to be working well. I've got a bunch of leaks at the injector fittings though. I didn't put any thread sealant on it when I installed it so I need to do that before I go any further.

With the engine/blower noise it's almost impossible to hear the pump kick in when I adjust the controller. The only way I can tell if it's on is by looking at the leaks! I'm going to wire up the pump-indicator light tomorrow so it's easier to adjust and then I should be able to tell if it makes a power difference.

Do you guys have any suggestions for getting a better seal on the intake air temp sensor? When I was spraying the meth I noticed some leaking out around the grommet - under boost it's probably substantial. Should I use Goop around it or is there something less permanent that'll seal it?


Edit: WOOOOOT 1000 posts!!!!!

[12sws27]

I have problems with that being a problem area too for leaking.
It's been some time ago, but it had been discussed about MSD having a threaded IAT (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D2310&N=700+115&autoview=sku).
this is looking more like a coolant sensor to me but idk. lol

[12sws27]

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D2320&N=700+400122+4294812331+115&autoview=sku (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D2320&N=700+400122+4294812331+115&autoview=sku)
found it!

[rentedmule]

interesting, that would definately do the trick.

[12sws27]

interesting, that would definately do the trick.
when i seen it i impulsively bought it. then 1min later a thought came to mind. "i don't even really need that thing" oh well, got 1 coming now just in-case. it was like $30 after the shipping cost.

[rentedmule]

I was inspired by your test-drive vids Scott so I went out this afternoon and took a few really short ones myself. The one thing I learned is that it's really difficult to look at the road and hold both the camera and the truck straight at the same time! I tried to get the meth going but it's still causing me headaches so it's not on in these vids

merging onto the freeway
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/th_rollingstart.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/?action=view&current=rollingstart.flv)

half-assed boost launch with 75 lbs of sand in the back and winter tires
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/th_takeoffvid1.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/?action=view&current=takeoffvid1.flv)

[12sws27]

thats bad ass mule. that things reving faster than and i was and i was just spinning in the wet pavement. wow

[bespurcell]

Nice.

[bespurcell]

I noticed when I installed my e-fan my truck revved up noticeably faster. I let my friend borrow it for a couple of days(he has a '99 tahoe with a 350) and he commented on how easily the engine seemed to rev.

[rentedmule]

yeah, I hope to get the e-fan in there soon. As it is now the throttle response is pretty crazy off idle - it's alot of fun!

I figured out the problem with the new meth controller. There's a switch inside for selecting the MAF sensor signal type. I had it on the 0-5 volt setting instead of the Hz setting so it was doing the same crazy crap that the other controller was doing!

It pumped a whole bunch of meth in at idle before I could get it shut off and it looked like I just Sea-foamed the truck!!! I was actually nervous that I was going to hydro-lock it...

man I'm a 'tard sometimes! reading instructions > me :o

[bespurcell]

DOH!

[12sws27]

yeah, I hope to get the e-fan in there soon. As it is now the throttle response is pretty crazy off idle - it's alot of fun!

I figured out the problem with the new meth controller. There's a switch inside for selecting the MAF sensor signal type. I had it on the 0-5 volt setting instead of the Hz setting so it was doing the same crazy crap that the other controller was doing!

It pumped a whole bunch of meth in at idle before I could get it shut off and it looked like I just Sea-foamed the truck!!! I was actually nervous that I was going to hydro-lock it...

man I'm a 'tard sometimes! reading instructions > me :o
OMG!! me to! lol :tardbang: reading instructions is way>me. if i dont read them 5X im screwing something up. well, even then:o

[bespurcell]

lol

[Mikz86TA]

I got a Taurus fan now and controller. Just need to find the time to install it all. I cant wait to free up some power and not hear the vaccum sound anymore

[bespurcell]

Installing the e-fan is like putting on a lighter flywheel.

[12sws27]

so now that u got the meth working right Mule. when are we gonna get some feed back? and Mike hurry with the e-fan already i wanna see how its done. wires, relays and the such make me nervous.

[bespurcell]

It's easy. If you can install a supercharger, an e-fan install will be a breeze. You will need a crimp tool.

[rentedmule]

I haven't really had a chance to test it yet. I'm heading out of town today but hopefully I can get it dialed in a bit before I go and get a feel for it on the highway.

[bespurcell]

lol

[rentedmule]

I worked on the truck again this afternoon. I got the meth controller in the correct setting, zip-tied the IAT sensor in and lock-tited all the fittings to stop leaks.

Everything is working right now and I had it for a test spin a few minutes ago. The washer fluid level is down so I know it was spraying. I let it run to redline a few times and I didn't hear any pinging either so it's doing the job.

It definately pulls harder in the higher RPMs but I'm sure the tune will bring out alot more. I have no idea if the controller is adjusted properly - Just so I didn't flood it out I had it kicking in at the higher end of the dial so there's probably more to be had on the low end.

In any case I launched it on clean pavement at about 3 psi and it made a mess of the tires so I'm happy for now :D . I'll try to get the dyno tune scheduled this week

[12sws27]

I worked on the truck again this afternoon. I got the meth controller in the correct setting, zip-tied the IAT sensor in and lock-tited all the fittings to stop leaks.

Everything is working right now and I had it for a test spin a few minutes ago. The washer fluid level is down so I know it was spraying. I let it run to redline a few times and I didn't hear any pinging either so it's doing the job.

It definately pulls harder in the higher RPMs but I'm sure the tune will bring out alot more. I have no idea if the controller is adjusted properly - Just so I didn't flood it out I had it kicking in at the higher end of the dial so there's probably more to be had on the low end.

In any case I launched it on clean pavement at about 3 psi and it made a mess of the tires so I'm happy for now :D . I'll try to get the dyno tune scheduled this week
awesome!

[bespurcell]

Vids!?

[rentedmule]

Some minor updates - I got the LED indicator for the meth pump wired up last night and did some WOT runs. I tinkered with the settings for a bit and I've got it coming on at ~5 psi now but I'd still like it to start lower - maybe ~2 psi. The next dyno day is April 21 so I should have it sorted out by then.

I have to admit my ignorance here :o - after endless hours of reading I still don't really understand the relationship between engine load and boost. I also don't really understand how the MAF sensor interprets engine load - anyone care to enlighten me or direct me to some info???

For example - on an incline or with an ass-load of traction I can hit 5+ psi of boost at 2500 rpms but without that load boost builds much more slowly. I can get the MAF to trigger the meth pump at 5 psi and 2500 rpms but it doesn't trigger it at 2500 rpms when I'm not in boost and there's no load on the engine. Max boost is also higher on the dyno with a load on the rear wheels than I typically see on the street. On my last dyno runs before the rebuild I easily hit 9 psi but I never saw over 7 on the street.

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

man, I wish I could help explain that, but I just don't know. Glad to hear the project is still coming along!

[12sws27]

i was just reading the instuctions on a meth injection kit just and i read this:

"- Introducing water/methanol before 4-5 psi boost could result in quenched combustion and engine misfire."


I dont know how to help you with your question and i wish i did. you been a great help to me a number of times. but i do have a question. why do you want it coming on that low? dont you only have problems with detonation when your in the higher boost range and rpms?

[rentedmule]

With a progressive injection system it'll only spray a small amount at the start and then increase the volume linearly as boost (MAF signal) increases. I can set the point where it starts to spray the maximum volume as well so I'll have that at 6-7 psi when I really need the cooling/knock supression.

I talked to a well known sy/ty tuner who builds his own progressive kits and he said that they start spraying at 2 psi. You don't necessarily need it for cooling as much at low boost pressures but it lets you get the most out of the octane rating of the meth so you can run more timing across the board without knock.

[rentedmule]

boo-urns - dyno day was cancelled today! we had a storm and got over a foot of snow and lots of wind in the last 3 days, welcome to spring in Canada. Even with 200+ lbs of weight in the bed and new winter tires I almost got stuck on the street outside of the dyno shop!

[bespurcell]

That sux. It was 85 degrees here today.

[Mikz86TA]

Sunshine and breezy here! hehehe

Yeah, snow and storms ruin a good day dont they.

[Zygoat]

my life is better than yours as well!


j/k

[rentedmule]

:smow:
all of you can take your sunshine and shove it up your....:booty smily:

:D



ps. it's still snowing - 3 days straight!

[bespurcell]

A little sensitive are we. HEHEHE.

[Zygoat]

haha awesome! great use of smilies (this site has a ton!)

i gave you some rep for the excellent smiley usage (seemed like the right thing to do.)

[rentedmule]

I ran into an interesting problem yesterday - I was idling along in traffic and started to hear what sounded like a loose nut/bolt rattling around somewhere in the engine. It wasn't really constant with RPMs or anything so I put it down to something finally giving in my severly screwed powersteering system and limped the truck home.

Then the throttle seemed to stick open for a few seconds which makes me think something came loose and was rattling around on top of my throttlebody blade! I didn't get a chance to look at it last night but I'm thinking my meth injection nozzle may have dropped into the intake or something despite a crapload of locktite. I can't remember if that's even possible with the way it's put togather though...

The s/c sounded fine, there was no play in any of the pulleys, and I didn't get any SES codes so that's the only thing I can think of. I'm hoping that since I can still hear it rattling around that nothing got past the TB!!! Is it bad that my rusty 28 year firechicken runs better than my truck :( ?

[Mikz86TA]

Hehehehe. Cant kill the F-bodies =) ....they just rust away =(

Hope its not something detremental

[12sws27]

yeah i hope its not anything bad either. goodluck.

[S10man93]

X2, yeah, good luck :)