Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth  Thursday, October 24 2002  Volume 01 : Number 980
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 09:15:27 -0700
From: "James Mutton" <james@playstream.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: MAF Sensor Alternatives?
 
Yes it's possible but it will require someone with some solid EE experience working on it, to get  a circuit designed.  The ARC-2 is at it's heart just a hot wire sensor converting to a square-wave  signal and the only problem I have with it is pricing.  Not that I haven't spent that much on my  car but I don't like paying more for something then it's worth.  It annoys me that the ARC-2 is  priced like it is because they've got a monopoly on the particular market.  It's a pretty simple  device. Sure the replacement MAF is a factor, but my GM example from below incorporates these same  electronics on the sensor itself and it's only $132.00 from the local dealer.  Most hotwire  sensors output a linear voltage increase as mass air flow increases.  It shouldn't be that hard to  wash that through a voltage to frequency converter and output a 5V Square wave signal.  Hell, you  could create a simple circuit on a 555 timer. :)
 
There isn't (to my knowledge, and I've been looking around) another sensor that fit's our  application without heavy tweaking.  The one's I've found that are close are The Lexus V8 sensors  (common upgrade for older supras) and the GM AC-Delco sensor (GM# 213-364, from the Z06 & Vortec  Trucks).  The GM sensor is a hot wire sensor outputting a 5V square wave but it's a much higher  frequency the ours.  This could be slowed down using a counter or other means.  The Lexus is a  true Karman, using an LED and photo transistor, unlike our pressure setup, and outputs frequency  in our range from what I know so far.  I haven't been able to get a hold of a Lexus sensor to test  with yet and I've recently found information that indicated it was a 1V square wave, which would  be a problem, but I have yet to confirm that.
 
James Mutton (vrrrr4)
95 Green VR-4
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: dakken [mailto:dougusmagnus@attbi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2002 10:30 PM
Subject: Team3S: MAF Sensor Alternatives?
 
Are there any alternatives to the stock air sensor besides the ARC2?
 
I tried to contact Team Rip Engineering but they are no longer making their MASC.
 
Does anyone know of any other makers of a larger freer flowing air sensor?
 
Is there any way to buy off the shelf/internet parts and build one?  I noticed that TRE used a hot  wire sensor and then converted it to a Karmon Vortex signal.
 
Doug
92 Stealth RT TT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 09:51:45 -0700
From: "Riyan Mynuddin" <riyan@hotpop.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Honeycombs Question
 
Damien-
 
These cannot be replaced (mitsu or dodge does not sell them separately.) Gently go over them with  a flat screwdriver. I forgot who it was that also suggested using a 12 penny nail. Whatever you  do, do it slowly. If you don't have any luck, then you can try local junkyards. Worst case  scenario, find someone that's selling one with relatively low miles on it. Hopefully you won't end  up going to the dealer.
 
Good luck,
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 15:46:14 -0500
From: "Jim Buckner" <JimBuckner@multipro.com>
Subject: Team3S: NEED AN ENGINE
 
Well, I had no luck going back on the dealer that mis-installed the timing belt on my 92 vr4  during the 60K at 120K.  They say it could not lead to lower engine problems.  I am having the oil  tested, but don't have a lot of hope.  Anyone know of where I can pick up a used or rebuilt, I  will not go to Jasper, never had any luck with them.  What are my options for a short block or  long block? 
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 15:51:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Geoff Mohler <gemohler@www.speedtoys.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: NEED AN ENGINE
 
Got time on your hands?
 
Small claims court.
 
Cant hurt to try for the few bucks it'd cost.
 
On Wed, 23 Oct 2002, Jim Buckner wrote:
 
> Well, I had no luck going back on the dealer that mis-installed the
> timing belt on my 92 vr4 during the 60K at 120K.  They say it could
> not lead to lower engine problems.  I am having the oil tested, but
> don't have a lot of hope.  Anyone know of where I can pick up a used
> or rebuilt, I will not go to Jasper, never had any luck with them. 
> What are my options for a short block or long block?
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 21:25:10 +0000
From: mjannusch@attbi.com
Subject: RE: Team3S: Honeycombs Question
 
> These cannot be replaced (mitsu or dodge does not
> sell them separately.)  Gently go over them with a
> flat screwdriver. I forgot who it was that also
> suggested using a 12 penny nail.
 
You can also try using a hex wrench of the appropriate
size.  Stick the long end in from the back (output)
side of the sensor and it'll form the ends of the
honeycomb back into shape.
 
- -Matt
'95 3000GT Spyder VR4
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 21:34:36 +0000
From: mjannusch@attbi.com
Subject: RE: Team3S: removal of ALL MAS honeycombs WITHOUT causing damage
 
> Definitely don't disagree with any of your points.
> I'd like to mention though that for that matter,
> *any* injector upgrade (with or without honeycombs)
> will involve some "tweaking by feel".
 
Sure, but what I'm talking about is the difference
between recalibrating a signal from a calibrated device
versus recalibrating a signal from a non-calibrated
device that is known to drop airflow counts essentially
at random as airflow increases.  The DSM guys know all
about this, and most people give up on the removed
honeycombs idea (especially after nuking a motor in
extreme cases).
 
> I did read somewhere that some guy (LOL)... no but
> seriously. I think it's someone on 3si that took
> their MAS to a wind tunnel and found that 12% of the
> air is restricted through the honeycombs. So we can
> take that number at face value.
 
Yeah, I've heard a lot of "things" on 3si.org.
 
I suppose you could put a MAF on a flow bench and pull
air through it and measure the CFM with and without
honeycombs installed.  Not sure how you'd be able to
get anywhere near a real number with a "wind tunnel"
though.
 
Just be careful with experimenting with that setup. 
Your motor's health is at stake anytime you fiddle with
the air/fuel mixture.  Its a lot easier to break
pistons than you might think.  (Been there).
 
In my opinion, a minor top-end flow increase of the MAF
isn't worth the hassles that are induced.  If you are
serious about eliminating MAF restriction, it is better
to do it right and get a VPC or an EMS set up for speed- density airflow measurement.
 
- -Matt
'95 3000GT Spyder VR4
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 19:46:22 -0500
From: Shane Thoms <sthoms@thomsclan.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: MAF Sensor Alternatives?
 
I would still love to see a matched MAF & Fuel Injector combo sold. Say +20% or +40%.... damn F@rd  people have them, jeesh.
 
Shane
 
>Are there any alternatives to the stock air sensor besides the ARC2?
>
>I tried to contact Team Rip Engineering but they are no longer making
>their MASC.
>
>Does anyone know of any other makers of a larger freer flowing air
>sensor?
>
>Is there any way to buy off the shelf/internet parts and build one?  I
>noticed that TRE used a hot wire sensor and then converted it to a
>Karmon Vortex signal.
>
>
>Doug
>92 Stealth RT TT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 18:07:59 -0700
From: "dakken" <dougusmagnus@attbi.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: MAF Sensor Alternatives?
 
> Or you buy a GM MAP sensor ($50) and a GM IAT Sensor ($50), attach
> them appropriately to your plenum, and put yourself the biggest,
> fattest air filter on there with no MAS whatsoever.  You could even
> just have a 3" pipe from each turbo with dual filters if you like.
>
> Granted you need the AEM EMS or some other engine management system to
> do this, but it is an alternative and would virtually eliminate the
> restrictions associated with measuring airflow.
 
I like this idea.  No need to pull all of your air through a single sensor so you could route your  intake any way you want.  You could even just strap an air filter directly to each turbo.
 
I have a GM car that I can check the output from the sensors on.  The big question then would be,  how to convert the signal from the GM sensors to a karman vortex signal.  Does a GM car figure out  the amount of air coming in by computing manifold pressure at current RPM, air temp and barometric  pressure and then check a table for a number value?
 
Doug
92 Stealth RT TT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 18:17:58 -0700
From: "dakken" <dougusmagnus@attbi.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: NEED AN ENGINE
 
> Got time on your hands?
>
> Small claims court.
>
> Cant hurt to try for the few bucks it'd cost.
 
I would do this too.  The court costs would be about $100 or less.  If you win, then the dealer  buys you a new $3100 engine and pay for the install.
 
Sometimes they will settle with you after they get the summons and know that you mean business.
 
Takes lots of pictures of the misaligned timing marks and the damage to your engine.  Bring your  receipts, manuals and if you can, a professional mechanic to testify on your behalf.  You might be  able to get the same mechanic that you want to install the engine to testify for you.
 
Depending on the case load, you may be looking at from a couple of week to wait for a hearing to  six months.  You can have your new engine installed while you are waiting for your court date.
 
You may even to entitled to free legal advice through your work or your bank.  Ask around.
 
Doug
92 Stealth RT TT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 09:41:31 -0600
From: "Donald Ashby III" <dashbyiii@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: MAF Sensor Alternatives?
 
I think this is a good idea also, it would be great to get a low cost HIGH performance mod for our  cars. If anyone needs help I know a lot of micro-processor guys, anyone want to take the blunt of  this initiative? Basically all we need to do is find out what kind of signal the GM unit puts out  and convert that into something the 3S can use correct?
 
Donald Ashby
'93 3000GT VR-4
Member #4909
 
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End of Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth V1 #980
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