Team3S             Saturday, June 23 2001             Volume 01 : Number 528




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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 16:19:58 +0200
From: Roger Gerl <roger.gerl@bluewin.ch>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Project update (was: she's alive)

>Curious as to how many miles the engine has on it, as I have just replaced
>my valve stem seals and was considering replacing the lifters while I was
>already there...  I opted not do so, as I decided the ticking was being
>caused by the loss of oil thru the seals...

The engine I have the heads off had about 40k miles and mine has now about
70k. Lifter ticking has gone for now :) I felt there is a big difference in
ticking depending on oil used. The race oil from Castrol I always use never
got me any ticking.

Roger
93'3000GT TT
www.rtec.ch


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 07:56:06 -0700
From: Robert Koch <eK2mfg@foxinternet.com>
Subject: Team3S: FIPK - where's the beef?

Ok, it is truly installed, and I am pleased with it very much. Noticeable
sound tone change (what is that chamber with nothing to do on my intake
tube) a noticeable change in pick-up-and-go between 4000 and 6500 rpm. Just
the fact I don't have to by a fram filter anymore is enough. But please
answer me this....how does a $50-$60 filter turn into 159.00 (best price
found and paid for it) all that I can see is that a couple of brackets and
mounting plate with 2$ worth of bolts is it. Now I love it, but don't get
me wrong. Being of the manufacturing trade it was a disappointment. Every
picture I saw showed a new tube and airflow meter. Rest assured people it
was not in the box. Fair warning.........no tube for you!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob K.
93' R/T FIPK
8.5's on the way


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 07:58:24 -0700
From: "Jim Berry" <fastmax@home.com>
Subject: Re: Alignment   was: RE: Team3S: Strut bar - need alignment?

Without installing some more aggressive springs and shocks you're kind of
limited --- about all you can do is mess with the camber and toe. Toe is limited
to a tenth or so ou,t but that can causes some straight line wandering. That
leaves camber and for a stock system I think you're only going to get about
1º negative which will help cornering some but not a lot. I run -1½º front and
rear with -3º on the front for track use but I have camber plates, springs etc.
One of the best thing you can do to improve handling is to get a good set of
tires ---- I run the Yokohama A032 which is an R compound tire and therefore
very soft. If you run excessive camber and soft tires plan on a set a year if
you put less than 10K miles on your car.

18" rims with a lower profile tire helps a little also, but I don't like paying an
extra $50 per tire just because they are 18" ---- I have the yoko 255/40/17
on Enkie RP01 rims. For race use I plan on getting a set of Kumho V700
shaved and heat cycled ---- That combination along with suspension mods
would allow you to run well in excess of any sane speeds unless you're on
a track. There is a 15 mph corner near my house which I can take at 45
without even chirping the tires.---- the car could probably take it at 55 but
in an urban environment that would be insane and irresponsible, that's why
I go to the track to relieve my need for speed. If you look at my signature
you'll see I spent most of my effort on making the car handle and stop, then
I'll see if I can make it faster.

        Jim Berry

93 stealth TT ---- "arrest me red"

K&N FIPK -- Magnicore/.034" --- A'pexi AVC-R boost control 15psi
GAB struts --- GC/Eibach  900# F/600# R --- GC caster/camber plate
Roadrace engineering rear strut tower -- 25mm hub centric front spacers
Yokohama  A032  255-40-17 compition tires -- Enkei RP01 17X9 wheels
Porsche/Brembo [ big red ] brakes --- Porterfield 315mm rotors --- R4 pads
Mueller lightweight flywheel --- RPS 6 puck clutch --- Autopower roll Bar
Simpson 5 pt. belts ---

In the garage --- FMIC, 720 injectors, Supra fuel pumpARC 2, ARM1 A/F meter
                         custom gage pod, HKS peak hold EGT and Boost gages
                          and soon I hope, 18T turbos, water injection and custom
                         pre-cat back exhaust.
Gtech --- 0-60 = 4.75 -- 1/4 = 13.3 @ 110 mph
=========================================================

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Michael D. Crose <ncsu4me@hotmail.com>
To: <Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2001 8:21 PM
Subject: Alignment was: RE: Team3S: Strut bar - need alignment?


> Speaking of alignments, what would be some setting to start with that give
> aggressive handling?
>
> Michael



***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 10:32:50 -0500
From: "Curt Gendron" <curt_gendron@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: FIPK

The K&N Aircharger for the Eclipse has been discontinued from most vendors. 
K&N does make a FIPK now for the 2G turbo Eclipse.  Its model number is
57-5504.  This one should fit a 3/S fine also, but I haven't tryed it
myself.  This one can be had at CarParts for around $80 with my $30 off
coupoon.

later,
Curt
CarParts at: http://www.mn3s.org/car-parts.html



>From: "stealthdevil" <stealthdevil@netzero.net>
>To: "Robert Koch" <eK2mfg@foxinternet.com>, <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
>Subject: RE: Team3S: FIPK
>Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 18:13:24 -0700
>
>
>Robert,
>
>Instead of going with the FIPK, go with the K&N Aircharger.  Same thing
>with
>a slightly bigger filter element.  The FIPK is more because it comes with
>some sticker that says it "legal" and it comes with recharge solution.  I
>got my Aircharger from Mach-V Motorsports for $99.  It is made for a 95-99
>Eclipse but it bolts right up without a problem.  I've had mine for over a
>year now and it is still extremely clean(very dusty Albuquerque, NM) and
>I've passed emissions with it.
>
>Gabe
>
>'92 Black Stealth TT
>-K&N Air Charger
>-Stillen Downpipe
>
>'93 Pearl White 3000GT SL
>-K&N Air Charger
>-Removed Resonator
>-Pioneer Premier Deck
>-Polk dx9 Speakers
>-Pioneer 400w AMp
>-Pioneer 10" Sub
>

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 09:10:29 -0700
From: "Bob Forrest" <bf@bobforrest.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Resonator Bottle Removal Questions

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Moore Mr Dennis W Jr" <MooreDW@mcsc.usmc.mil>
> Hi All,
> A couple years ago there was a lot of hubbub about removing the resonator
bottle.  Some folks liked the new acoustics, others claimed it also improved
performance.  If you're one of those folks who did that mod:
> 1.  Has anyone confirmed that performance improves?
> 2.  Anyone have any "bad things" happen because of doing this?
> Thanks. > Dennis Moore
- ---------------------------------------------

This is probably the first mod that should be done on a non-turbo 3S car...
It's easy, it takes 5 minutes, and it's free.  On my NA Stealth I noticed
better *responsiveness*, and possibly a scoche more power.  When in place,
the resonator appears to do its job, which is to quiet the sound of the rush
of intake air during hard acceleration.  But at what cost?  Anything that
disturbs the intake path slows down intake air, which (simply by logic)
means that it gets into the engine *slower*.  As slight as this disturbance
may be, according to the NASCAR freaks at Frey Racing, it does *rob* you of
a scoche of HP.  QED, removing the resonator will give you back that tiny
bit of power.  And unless you dislike hearing that slight "slurp" of air at
WOT enough to give up that performance benefit, there are no negatives to
removing it.  It's described in detail on our FAQ pages, in the intake
section:
www.Team3S.com/FAQresonator.htm

Best,

Forrest

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 11:26:34 -0500
From: "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights

The official Texas weight of the 1G VR4 Chrome Wheel Rim (less valve stems
and hubcap) is 28#  and 12 oz!  Of course, it didn't have a tire mounted
either.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sean Winker [SMTP:sean.winker@chrobinson.com]
> Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2001 1:04 PM
> To: 'Willis, Charles E.'
> Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights
>
> I'd appreciate it if you could
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Willis, Charles E. [mailto:cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org]
> Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2001 12:22
> To: Sean Winker
> Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights
>
>
> I am supposed to pick up one from the dealer today and can weigh it before
> I
> mount the tire.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Sean Winker [SMTP:sean.winker@chrobinson.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2001 11:47 AM
> > To: 'team3s@stealth-3000gt.st'
> > Subject: Team3S: Wheel weights
> >
> > Does anyone know off hand the weight of a 1st gen OEM wheel from a TT or
> > VR4(17")?
> >
> > Sean
> > '91 R/T TT

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 10:02:13 -0700
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Resonator Bottle Removal Questions

> unless you dislike hearing that slight  "slurp" of air
> at WOT enough to give up that performance benefit, there
> are no negatives to removing it. 

I don't have the capability to test this specifically in the 3000GT
engine, but in a generic system with an accumulator/resonator in the intake
air path...

<geek=on>
... the accumulator also lessens the hammer shock effect of the intake
valves' closing and tends to dampen the oscillations in overall intake
velocity due to the non-linear vacuum created by the motion of the pistons.
This is in addition to providing noise cancellation at certain RPM ranges by
generating out-of-phase sound waves properly tuned to offset the existing
intake noise. 
</geek>

Thus, in lay-terms, having the resonator installed would be easier
on your valves (and probably throttle plate), make your engine quieter at
certain RPM, and cause your intake airflow to be smoother.  The "smoothing
out" function is very similar to a capacitor in an electrical circuit if you
are of the EE persuasion of have experience with big car stereos.  I'm not
sure whether a "smoother" airflow offers more total airflow (and thus more
HP) in this case. 
AFAIK, this would depend on whether the hammer shock effect from the
valves could cause the pressure inside an adjacent cylinder to rise above
ambient pressure.  If so, removing the resonator could generate more power
by raising the average intake pressure at a cost of larger fluctuations in
that pressure.  Otherwise, removing the resonator would cause the engine to
produce *less* power because the oscillations in intake pressure would have
larger amplitude and the same maximum value.  Thus you'd have a lower
average pressure.  I can go into more detail if people are interested and I
have some old discussions on this topic from the Starnet list, but I don't
want to clutter the list unnecessarily.
Since we're talking about miniscule amounts of change in HP here,
and there's a possibility that the Mitsu engineers put that resonator in for
reasons other than noise reduction, my resonator stayed intact.


My 2HP...

- --Erik

P.S.  in the above, I referred to "pressure."  This does not mean I am
referring to a forced-induction (turbo) engine.  Pressure/vacuum depends on
your perspective (and how much you like negative signs) and for this
discussion I thought it'd be clearer to refer to everything in terms of
pressure, even though sometimes that pressure is negative.

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 13:19:50 EDT
From: NassiriC@aol.com
Subject: Team3S: Raise You Hood - Cool Cooling Mod

Hood Raising Details

On my last post about "low speed knock" I mentioned raising the rear of my
hood for better cooling, I got a lot of requests for more details, so I
figured it was worth the bandwidth to send it to the entire group.

I read an article in Car Craft (July 2001, "Mustang Cold-Air Induction" p.
66).  In the article they put a "cowl" hood on a Mustang set up for drag
racing.  They got good reductions in under hood temps (almost to ambient),
which lead to reduced 1/4 mile times - dropped from 13.02/104 to 12.67/108. 
I figured our under hood temps where much higher then the Mustang, so a
similar modification would help us even more, plus I was tired of opening the
hood and getting my eyebrows singed off.

To duplicate a "cowl" hood, I moved the rear of my stock hood up about 2.25
inches and removed the rubber gasket between the body of the car (firewall)
and the hood.  This gave me a total gap of about 2.5 inches between the hood
and where it used to seal with the body of the car. 

This mod is VERY simple, totally reversible, basically free, and probably
worth a few extra HP for both the drag racer and the road racer.  Once you
get the basic setup, you can switch between the stock and modified position
in about 15 minutes total.  For those of you trying to fit a strut brace
under the hood, this mod will provide the extra clearance you need, however,
switching back to the stock position would require removal of the strut bar.

Simply unbolt the 4 bolts (two each side) that bolt the hood to the hinges,
place a shim between the hood and hinges and then replace the stock bolts
with slightly longer (about 1 inch longer) bolts.  Note:  If you only want to
raise the hood an inch or so, you can stick with the stock bolts. The hardest
part to the whole thing is finding bolts with the correct thread pattern to
match the stock bolts.  They are not a normal thread, they have wider
"valleys" (probably not the correct term, but I'm not a bolt expert) between
the threads.  I got lucky and found 4 bolts that were perfect in my "nuts and
bolts" can in the garage.  If you don't have them lying around, I'm sure you
can find them at the hardware store.

Before you unbolt anything, scribe or mark the original hinge location on the
hood, this will make it easier to get the hood back into position.  To make
it easy on yourself, don't unbolt all the bolts at once, remove one bolt at a
time, then replace it with the longer bolt and temporarily shim it.  This way
you can do the whole thing by yourself without ever removing the hood.  When
all the long bolts are in place and slightly loose, you can see the way the
hood moves in relation to the hinges, and it will be obvious how you should
shim it to get the desired increase in hood height.  In my case I machined (a
hack-saw and belt sander) 4 aluminum shims with a slight angle in them,
however, you can used just about piece of metal that will give you the
correct amount of shim.  Just don't used flimsy material that will compress
over time or become loose; even at low speeds there is a lot of force applied
to the hood, if it's not attached correctly it will fly off!

Even with the large amount of lift I achieved, everything still clears under
the hood, and the front hood latch still locks in place firmly, leaving no
gap between the front bumper cover and the leading edge of the hood.  I've
been driving around like this for about two weeks with no apparent problem. 
The only side-effects that I've noticed are increased noise from under the
hood, and it seems that the A/C is about 20 degrees colder, this might just
be in my mind, but even my fiancé commented that the A/C was freezing cold,
so cold that I have to turn the vents so they don't blow directly on your
skin.  Also it should be noted that this configuration will allow rain water
to run freely into the engine bay - 'technically' everything in the engine
bay should be water resistant, however, I don't recommend this in very wet
areas.  I'm going to change back to stock when it starts to rain again here
in Sunny California.

I did take the time to test this setup, I tried to duplicate the experiment I
read about in the magazine as closely as possible.  Here are my results:

I used a "instant-on" temperature sensor with a long lead and I measured the
air temps in several places under the hood, here are my admittedly
non-scientific results:

Conditions:  The car was pre-heated before each test by driving .8 miles in
stop-and-go conditions, then a run from 0 - 80 mph (WOT) was made, then
another full throttle run from 0 - 80 mph was made, it was during this second
run that I noted the air temps.  I took two readings, one at the start of the
run (0 mph) and one at ~75 mph.  As I mentioned above, this is not very
scientific, but I tried to duplicate the test in the magazine as closely as
possible and I think the results are interesting:


Hood in stock position - temp prob next to the air intake.
Test 1 - average of 2 runs
0 mph - 101 F
75 mph - 112 F

Hood in stock position - temp prob attached to firewall below the FPR
solenoid (directly above the 'left' or rear turbo)
Test 2 - one run
0 mph - 138 F
75 mph - 151 F

Hood moved up ~ 2.5" - temp prob next to air intake.
Test 3 - average of 3 runs
0 mph - 96 F
75 mph - 82 F

Hood moved up ~ 2.5" - temp prob attached to firewall below the FPR solenoid
(directly above the 'left' or rear turbo)
Test 4 - average of 2 runs
0 mph - 121 F
75 mph - 95 F

To more accurately duplicate the effects of a cowl hood, I conducted another
test where I duct-taped the sides of the hood shut so that only the rear of
the hood was open, just as it would be on a true cowl hood.  If you were
driving around the SF Bay Area a couple of weeks ago and you saw a white VR-4
with its hood duct-taped in place with liberal amounts of silver tape, you
now know why.  When my fiancé came home and saw the hood 'taped' to the car,
the only thing she said was; "It's things like this that make the neighbors
think you're insane".  Aesthetics aside, the results of testing the taped
hood were very similar to test #3 and #4, indicating that the modified hood
position was indeed pulling air in through the opening in the rear.  I guess
those V-8 drag racers with the huge cowl hoods knew what they were talking
about after all.

So what does this all mean?  Well I think I can say that a cowl hood will
reduce the under hood temps, leading to more HP (based on reduction of air
inlet temps, a theoretical 12.6 hp gain should be achieved for a slightly
modified VR-4 motor - I would estimate 20 - 25 hp is closer to the real life
figure) and a cooler/healthier/less detonation prone engine over all.  The
turbos and related pipes and hoses should all stay a bit cooler which should
extend their lives and add a little to the over-all power output. 

In general, this mod won't give you a huge gain in HP above and beyond what
you already have, however, it probably will give you a few extra ponies, and
help you keep the HP you already have after a lot of heavy driving when
things get hot.  The car doesn't look that bad either, it really is not that
noticeable (without the duct-tape), the car actually has a very aggressive
look, raising the hood line makes it look like it has a lot more muscle.  I
think a 'proper' cowl hood with the sides closed would look very good.  When
it comes time to upgrade to a CF hood, I'm going to look into having a cowl
hood design made, rather than some of the other designs I've seen.

Ok - fire away

Cyrus
SF Bay Area
'97 VR-4
Gutted Pre-cats
Ported/Polished Heads
Blitz DSBC
HKS SMF Filter

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 10:19:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights

My 17x8.5 '92 TT wheel weighs ~29 lb (bathroom scale). It has been
powder coated, which might be 0.5-1.0 lb extra weight? The 245/45-17
Nitto 555 weighs 28 lbs.

Current combo is SSR GT1 18x9 (38-mm offset) at 20 lb and 265/35-18
Pirelli P Zero Rosso at 26 lb. 57 vs 46 lbs.

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- --- "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org> wrote:
> The official Texas weight of the 1G VR4 Chrome Wheel Rim (less
> valve stems and hubcap) is 28#  and 12 oz!  Of course, it didn't
> have a tire mounted either.

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 13:28:03 -0400
From: "Kevin Schappell" <kevin@schappell.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Raise You Hood - Cool Cooling Mod

Wow you stole my idea!!  I wanted to have a cowl induction hood made from
the stock hood to provide cooling just like you did.  The stock hood has a
raised portion that runs down the center and I was going to have that raised
about 2" to give me some cooling.  I am glad to see it made a difference and
I will be looking for an extra hood now to cut up.

Take care,

Kevin Schappell
http://kevin.schappell.com
Save money on all of your speed parts.
http://www.SpeedShoppers.com



***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 14:08:54 -0000
From: "Sam Shelat" <sshelat@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Wheel weights

18" chrome oem about 50lbs total w/ sp9000 tires.  My aftermarket rpo1s with
Nitto 555 tires in 18" about 47lbs total.

Sam
- -----Original Message-----
From: Gross, Erik <erik.gross@intel.com>
To: Team3S List (E-mail) <team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2001 6:14 PM
Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights


>> Does anyone know off hand the weight of a 1st gen OEM wheel
>> from a TT or VR4(17")?
>
>1G Stealth R/T TT wheels are about 27-28 pounds each.  With a new
stock-size
>tire, they're about 55-56 pounds each.  BTW, the chrome 17" 5-spoke wheels
>from a '94 VR-4 are significantly lighter (tire + wheel was 47lbs, but they
>were different tires)!  Haven't weighed the 18" monsters on my VR-4 yet.
>
>--Erik

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 13:57:16 -0500
From: "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights

I used two different scales that are certified.  One scale is used for
weighing waste film and and the other is used to weigh silver from our
silver recovery system.  I'll weigh my TE37's and Yoko O32R's next.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff Lucius [SMTP:stealthman92@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 12:20 PM
> To: Team3S
> Subject: RE: Team3S: Wheel weights
>
> My 17x8.5 '92 TT wheel weighs ~29 lb (bathroom scale). It has been
> powder coated, which might be 0.5-1.0 lb extra weight? The 245/45-17
> Nitto 555 weighs 28 lbs.
>
> Current combo is SSR GT1 18x9 (38-mm offset) at 20 lb and 265/35-18
> Pirelli P Zero Rosso at 26 lb. 57 vs 46 lbs.
>
> Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com
>
> --- "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org> wrote:
> > The official Texas weight of the 1G VR4 Chrome Wheel Rim (less
> > valve stems and hubcap) is 28#  and 12 oz!  Of course, it didn't
> > have a tire mounted either.

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 16:24:35 -0400
From: "Scott Beydler" <dahogrydr@triad.rr.com>
Subject: Team3S: Idle

I have a 94 Stealth that will not idle.  It idles fine if I start it with
the engine cold but once it warms up it won't idle.  I have looked at the
archives and saw reference to something called  the Idle Stepper Motor.
Could this be my problem?  Someone told me it could be a fuse under the dash
but I checked it and it seems fine.  Thanks
Scott Beydler


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 13:44:34 -0700
From: "Bob Forrest" <bf@bobforrest.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Idle

From: "Scott Beydler" <dahogrydr@triad.rr.com>
> I have a 94 Stealth that will not idle.  It idles fine if I start it with
the engine cold but once it warms up it won't idle.  I have looked at the
archives and saw reference to something called  the Idle Stepper Motor.
Could this be my problem?  Someone told me it could be a fuse under the dash
but I checked it and it seems fine.  Thanks
> Scott Beydler
- -------------------------------

First...  Try disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery for about
20 minutes, then reconnect and drive the car for 10-20 miles.  This will put
the ECU into "learn" mode, to adjust itself to current engine conditions.
If the problem persists, other systems might be faulty, including the ISM or
various sensors...

Good luck!

Best,

Forrest

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 14:30:07 -0700
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?

Just pondering something - why do high-performance cars typically have
relatively large wheel/tire combinations? 

I'm not referring to plus-sizing or changing the profile of tires; I'm
meaning why not go to smaller total diameter combinations?  For example, we
have 245/45/17s or 245/40/18s on TTs/VR-4s - why not go with 245/30/17s or
245/30/16s?

With all this talk about wheel weights, it got me thinking, "those big
wheels sure get heavy, so why do we have them?"  If you lighten your wheels
(one way is making them smaller) and/or lighten your tires, you not only
reduce the dead weight of the car, but you can substantially reduce the
unsprung weight in the drivetrain.  That would make the car much more
responsive and faster, too.  Reducing the total diameter of the wheel/tire
has a rather large effect on the rotational inertia of the wheel and tire -
why not go to some trouble to reduce weight in this manner?

I realize a smaller total diameter results in a smaller linear (front to
back) contact patch, but does it make *that* much of a difference,
especially at speed?  It seems to me that the lateral dimension of the
contact patch would have much more effect.  Following this, it would seem
that one would want to get wheels that were just large enough to clear the
brake calipers and to get tires that had the minimum sidewall height that
would provide enough cushioning for your application.  Of course, if you
have a fixed gearbox and differentials, then messing with tire/wheel size
affects your final drive and effective gear ratios, so maybe that isn't
practical for our cars...   but for people who can change gears, if this
logic is correct, I'd expect to see people running much smaller wheels and
extremely low-profile tires at the track.  But that's not what I see.

Other than for gearing reasons, why should I run 245/45/17 tires on my car
rather than 245/40/17 or 245/30/17 tires?  Even if it does slightly reduce
the contact patch and thus traction, we have gobs of traction, so why not?

- --Erik

P.S.  if you're curious as to why I'm asking this, I just put my stock
wheels back on my base model and drove it a bit.  Stock tires are 225/55/16
on 16x8 wheels.  I had 245/45/17 tires on 17x8.5 wheels on there before -
SAME tires, both sets brand new.  With the 225s, the car feels significantly
more responsive and has only slightly less traction off the line.  Cornering
feels just about the same.

- ------                                             ----------
Erik Gross                                         DuPont, WA
'95 Lamp Black 3000GT VR-4 (6MT, AWD, 4WS, ECS)     32,000 mi
   FIPK, HKS TT Exhaust, PRofecA @0.7/0.9, HKS SSBOV,
   HKS TTimer, GReddy Boost Gauge, Syntec 5W50,
   BG SynchroShift(TX, TC), Mobil1 (R Diff),
   Toyo Proxes FZ4 245/45/ZR18 on stock (18x8.5") wheels
'94 Algae-Blue "fun to slide around corners" Corolla 76,000mi
http://pws.ihpc.net/erikgross/home.html

  ********************* For Sale ************************
'95 Glacier White Pearl 3000GT (NA, DOHC, 5MT)       78,XXX mi
   Magnacor KV85, Mobil1, K&N FIPK, Firehawk SZ50 225/55/ZR16
  http://pws.ihpc.net/erikgross/3000GTSale/3000GTSale.html

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 17:41:44 -0400
From: "Kevin Schappell" <kevin@schappell.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?

Having worked at a tire store, I can tell you why you would not want to run
a 30 series tire... POTHOLES !  It's way to easy to dent your rim with a 30
series tire and the ride is very stiff.

Take care,

Kevin Schappell
http://kevin.schappell.com
Save money on all of your speed parts.
http://www.SpeedShoppers.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
> [mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of Gross, Erik
> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 5:30 PM
> To: Team3S List (E-mail)
> Subject: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?
>
>
> Just pondering something - why do high-performance cars typically have
> relatively large wheel/tire combinations?
>
> I'm not referring to plus-sizing or changing the profile of tires; I'm
> meaning why not go to smaller total diameter combinations?  For
> example, we
> have 245/45/17s or 245/40/18s on TTs/VR-4s - why not go with 245/30/17s or
> 245/30/16s?
>
> With all this talk about wheel weights, it got me thinking, "those big
> wheels sure get heavy, so why do we have them?"  If you lighten
> your wheels
> (one way is making them smaller) and/or lighten your tires, you not only
> reduce the dead weight of the car, but you can substantially reduce the
> unsprung weight in the drivetrain.  That would make the car much more
> responsive and faster, too.  Reducing the total diameter of the wheel/tire
> has a rather large effect on the rotational inertia of the wheel
> and tire -
> why not go to some trouble to reduce weight in this manner?
>
> I realize a smaller total diameter results in a smaller linear (front to
> back) contact patch, but does it make *that* much of a difference,
> especially at speed?  It seems to me that the lateral dimension of the
> contact patch would have much more effect.  Following this, it would seem
> that one would want to get wheels that were just large enough to clear the
> brake calipers and to get tires that had the minimum sidewall height that
> would provide enough cushioning for your application.  Of course, if you
> have a fixed gearbox and differentials, then messing with tire/wheel size
> affects your final drive and effective gear ratios, so maybe that isn't
> practical for our cars...   but for people who can change gears, if this
> logic is correct, I'd expect to see people running much smaller wheels and
> extremely low-profile tires at the track.  But that's not what I see.
>
> Other than for gearing reasons, why should I run 245/45/17 tires on my car
> rather than 245/40/17 or 245/30/17 tires?  Even if it does slightly reduce
> the contact patch and thus traction, we have gobs of traction, so why not?
>
> --Erik
>
> P.S.  if you're curious as to why I'm asking this, I just put my stock
> wheels back on my base model and drove it a bit.  Stock tires are
> 225/55/16
> on 16x8 wheels.  I had 245/45/17 tires on 17x8.5 wheels on there before -
> SAME tires, both sets brand new.  With the 225s, the car feels
> significantly
> more responsive and has only slightly less traction off the line.
>  Cornering
> feels just about the same.
>
> ------                                             ----------
> Erik Gross                                         DuPont, WA
> '95 Lamp Black 3000GT VR-4 (6MT, AWD, 4WS, ECS)     32,000 mi
>    FIPK, HKS TT Exhaust, PRofecA @0.7/0.9, HKS SSBOV,
>    HKS TTimer, GReddy Boost Gauge, Syntec 5W50,
>    BG SynchroShift(TX, TC), Mobil1 (R Diff),
>    Toyo Proxes FZ4 245/45/ZR18 on stock (18x8.5") wheels
> '94 Algae-Blue "fun to slide around corners" Corolla 76,000mi
> http://pws.ihpc.net/erikgross/home.html
>
>   ********************* For Sale ************************
> '95 Glacier White Pearl 3000GT (NA, DOHC, 5MT)       78,XXX mi
>    Magnacor KV85, Mobil1, K&N FIPK, Firehawk SZ50 225/55/ZR16
>   http://pws.ihpc.net/erikgross/3000GTSale/3000GTSale.html

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 14:57:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Idle

>> First...  Try disconnecting the negative terminal on
>> the battery for about 20 minutes, then reconnect and
>> drive the car for 10-20 miles.  This will put the ECU
>> into "learn" mode, to adjust itself to current engine
>> conditions.

This bit of nonsense has been repeated so many times lots of people
believe it. For the straight poop, look at what Todd Day (the
mastermind behind TMO) has to say about this.

http://www.tmo.com/theory/myth/ecureset.htm

- - the ECM is ALWAYS in learn mode (I have witnessed this with the TMO
datalogger)
- - the ECM only needs to be unplugged 15 seconds or so for a "reset"
- - a "reset" restores the idle speed, timing retard, and fuel trims to
default values

For Scott's high idle problem, an ECM "reset" is free and can't hurt
(unless of course you don't know the radio security codes, if you
need them, when you unplug the battery neg terminal). The stepper
motor does sound like a good candidate as the problem. The service
manual describes how to test it. The TMO can count the steps for you.
This part is easily replaced with common tools. The service manual
also shows how to adjust idle properly. Very easy. Other
possibilities: throttle cable is adjusted too tight, dashpot problem,
idle screw problem (bad o-ring?), fast-idle air valve problem. The
manual lists more possible causes. Remember, the ECM is supposed to
control idle speed. It uses the stepper motor to do this but there
are mechanical influences such as the FIAV, dashpot, idle screw, and
the cable.

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 15:05:05 -0700
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?

> Having worked at a tire store, I can tell you why you would
> not want to run a 30 series tire... POTHOLES !  It's way
> to easy to dent your  rim with a 30 series tire and the ride
> is very stiff.

Good point - I should have clarified - I meant to say that this was for
track (road course) use where responsiveness and speed are important and
where there should be a decided lack of potholes :-)  I wouldn't enjoy 30
series tires on the roads around here - I like my teeth in non-chipped
condition...


- --Erik


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 18:58:26 -0400
From: "Bill Blue" <bill@webtech-ohio.com>
Subject: Team3S: another electrical problem

I have a '93 SOHC Stealth.  I replaced the clutch last week and all was well
for about 12 hours.  While driving the car just died.

It's blowing the fuse for the computer/power transistor/coil.  It started
out just blowing it every so often.  Now it pops the fuse as soon as you
turn the key.  I've checked the engine bay to make sure I didn't pinch any
wires putting the transaxle back in and everything seems to be connected
properly.  The only thing I had to unplug to get the tranny out was the MAS.

Any ideas?

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 20:23:33 EDT
From: DiABLoCarAudio@aol.com
Subject: Re: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?

If you go with a smaller diameter tire, your top speed would be lowered and
acceleration would be slowed down.  Redline would be at a lower speed as
well... I'm guessing you already thought of that, but it's still something I
would consider before going with a smaller tire.

- -Paul
Norwood, MA
1992 Pearl White RT/NA
    For Sale..  =(
    http://209.58.199.225/vbb/showthread.php?s=&postid=194310
    http://www.3si.org/member-home/diablocaraudio
1992 Green RT/TT
    K&N FIPK
    1000CA 800CCA Battery
    Porterfield Cryo-Treated Rotors & R-4S Pads
    Porterfield Custom Stainless Steel Brake Lines
    Denso Platinum Spark Plugs Re-gapped @ .034"
    Greddy Profec Boost Controller @ .9 Bar
    Custom 3" Exhaust to Apex Muffler
    15K miles on Rebuilt Engine
    Hard-Wired Cobra Radar Detector
    Viper Alarm System
    Pioneer DEH-P8000R
    PowerAcoustik 1600 Watt Amp
    Power Precision 200 Watt Amp   
    Dual Xtant 10" 500 Watt Subs
    1 Farad Stiffening Capacitor
3Si1127
Team3S & StarNet
Diablo Car Audio
www.DiabloCarAudio.com

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 18:16:22 -0700
From: "Ken Middaugh" <kmiddaugh@ixpres.com>
Subject: Team3S: Update, was NEED HELP!!!  Car won't start again

Well, after sitting two days in my driveway, my car runs again although I
did nothing!  I did verify that the HKS Turbo Timer is not the problem since
I was able to unplug it and it ran fine.  I will replace the Crank Angle
Sensor like Matt suggested as that is a likely candidate.

Thanks everyone,
Ken

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Middaugh" <kmiddaugh@ixpres.com>
To: "Team3S (E-mail)" <Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 7:58 PM
Subject: Team3S: NEED HELP!!! Car won't start again


> Hi Folks,
>
> My '91 VR4 in not starting again.  After sitting in the 95 degree F sun
for
> a few hours this afternoon, I started my car.  It ran for 15-20 seconds,
> then the engine died.  It wouldn't start again although the starter cranks
> fine and the battery seems strong.  Some may remember that I had the same
> problem last November.  I had cleaned the relays inside my aftermarket
alarm
> and I thought that had solved the problem.  The car ran fine for the last
6
> months.  Anyway, here is what I've done so far today:
>
> 1) Swapped the ECU for the unit in my friend's '92 VR4.
> 2) Replaced a relay which I believe is the "ignition kill" relay to my
> aftermarket alarm. However, I am now suspect that this is really the relay
> to flash the lights during an alarm since when I connected the lead to the
> normally closed lead, the dash and running lights came on.
> 3) Verified that the relay solenoids inside the aftermarket alarm are not
> "frozen".
> 4) Unplugged my HKS Turbo Timer.
> 5) Unplugged all wires from my aftermarket alarm, but then the starter
> wouldn't turn.
> 6) I can hear the fuel pump when I first turn on the ignition.  I can also
> smell fuel after the engine cranks for a 10 seconds or so.
>
> Car still won't start.  I have no info on the Turbo Timer (it was
installed
> when I bought the car).  If I unplug the unit from the harness, do I need
to
> jump some wires?  (Also, the gray wire is unconnected.  Can someone tell
me
> what it is for?)  Are there any ignition components that tend to fail,
crank
> or cam sensors?
>
> All help and suggestions are highly welcome.  Thanks in advance,
> Ken

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 00:40:23 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@starband.net>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?

Remember we are talking about changing gear ratios also, meaning that you
could keep the same gear ratios, top speed, and others...

- -Cody


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 07:58:57 -0500
From: "bdtrent" <bdtrent@netzero.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Why large wheels/tires?

In case this hasn't already been pointed out (killin time before leaving for
my first solo 2), Smaller dia. results in a shorter final drive.  As a
result acceleration is improved while top speed is reduced.  Unless I've
missed it somewere, the no brainer response is heat.  The surface of a
smaller dia. will be spinning at a higher rpm i.e. more heat, more wear.
Additionally rotor size is ultimately limited by wheel size.

Regards,
DaveT/92TT


> If you go with a smaller diameter tire, your top speed would be lowered
and
> acceleration would be slowed down.  Redline would be at a lower speed as
> well... I'm guessing you already thought of that, but it's still something
I
> would consider before going with a smaller tire.

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 14:34:41 -0400
From: "Mike Knapp" <burnmacs@home.com>
Subject: Team3S: 1996 3000GT VR-4 on Ebay

Well after all of the hassles, missed opportunities and everything I decided
to put my car on Ebay. It ends Sunday night and here is the link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=592515908
. If anyone is interested feel free to email me.

Thanks,
Mike


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

End of Team3S V1 #528
*********************