Quick question:
I know Alpine is doing the southern Cali installs this week, but Mario, did you do your own install or have a shop do it?

If you did it yourself, how did you tune it? By yourself with a boost gauge, or at a shop?

I'd like to do the install myself and with minimal boost take it to a shop for the final tuning. I'm going to do it in stages too. Maybe 4 psi for a while until I get a better exhaust / fuel system and then increment as my aftermarket funds dictate.

Any advice on this (from anyone)? I'm really psyched about this and trying to learn all I can.

Thanks,
AC

 

I will have a complete list of the parts, and the rough install process so you can get an idea if this is something you want to tackle by yourself or not.

 

I had a pro mechanic to install it but tunning is been a different deal. In my case I am having a lean condition which I am having a problem to tune. The Alpine fueling system is supposed to be tuned for up to 10psi. I think in my case the quality of gas has been a pain. I am trying to increase injector sizes a bit to see if I can correct it before I get a mapable ECU and tune it with larger injectors. I also want to increase boost but if I am lean at 10 psi I should solve this first. Musts: 1) Pressure gauge (dont worry to much about boost, 10 psi is Ok and wastegate will not go over it) still get the gauge 2) Exhaust Temp. If you get a lean condition the temp goes up and you should pull back its ok around 1300 degrees 3)A/f meter so you can see where you are running rich or lean. I am a Hyundai dealer myself so I have the Tech computer so I can easily test the O2 senson, the timming, the stock injection and so on but still lean. I tried methanol in the gas but it is too corrosive. The real solution, larger injectors and a mapable ECU or 5th injector mapable box. Water injection is another safety measure to avoid detonation. Well I am waiting for the Random set up and see if he gets a lean situation as well and if so what is the solution.

 

Thanks guys. So Mario, if I run at ultra low boost for a while, say 5 psi. Do you think it will be okay (no worries about pre-detonation or running too rich/lean).

I'm trying this in stages. Install, basic-tuning with low boost. Then add gauges a couple of months later. Then turn up the boost a bit with more tuning. Then upgrade the fuel system . . . better internals . . . SAFC . . . you get the idea.

Still working out the details. Thanks for the updates.

AC

 

Sorry to bump this back up, but I can't seem to find an answer on this:

Is the kit a fixed 10 psi, or is the wastegate adjustable?

Thanks,
A

 

I'm running 9 PSI. The kit is adjustable.

Sorry we didn't get back to you.

 

No prob. I know you've got a lot on your plate now. Thanks for the info.

Still don't know what to do . . .

Thanks,
a

 

Curtas...gimme a week to figure things out with alpine. Then we will see how it goes.

 

Sorry for all the questions in such a short time-span. I get a little over-zealous sometimes smile.gif

They told me that price was good 'till August 1 to mid-August. So I wouldn't be committing to it until then anyway.

Keep us posted. I know I'm not the only one who appreciates the experimenting and testing you are doing.

Thanks,
A

[ July 12, 2001: Message edited by: Curtas ]

[ July 12, 2001: Message edited by: Curtas ]

 

Well, I've sent my list of problems off to Alpine. We still have a dialog going with them. Maybe a S-AFC (or similar device) is the answer because the stock ECU just cannot handle the increased workload. It worked for OnPol to 227 WHP.

It would raise the cost of the kit a bit, but if it equals a smooth running engine, and problem free operation, it is a small price to pay. It may even lower tuning time, since most "rice" shops are familar with the S-AFC device. I have suggested this to Alpine, and will wait to hear what they say.