Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth  Thursday, September 4 2003  Volume 02 : Number 247
 
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Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 15:55:58 -0000
From: "Jeff Lucius" <jlucius@stealth316.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
>> TPS does matter.  If the ECU does not see full throttle,
>> or WOT, it will not go into open loop mode, therefore
>> trying to sense the o2 sensor, and not fully utilizing
>> any maps you may have modified using a AFC / whatever.
 
This is contrary to the almost countless hours I have spent watching both my ARM1 A/F meters under a wide variety of engine operating conditions ('92 Stealth TT). The O2 meters show non-cycling and rich quite easily at part throttle. I have *lots* of datalogs that record this. In fact, I would have to say the ECU pretty much ignores the intermediate TPS values. A recent log shows near constant TP at ~"25%" with an increasing RPM. At ~1650 rpm the ECU went into open-loop mode (as shown by a non-cycling rear O2 sensor - TMO log). The ECU did not return to closed-loop mode until I let off the throttle a little and rpm leveled near 2800.
 
From my experience and the Tech Manuals, the ECU switches from closed-loop mode to open-loop mode during both acceleration and deceleration - as determined from engine speed, not throttle position (except maybe for deceleration). There is no "intermediate" stage. Our ECU is in either open or closed loop mode. Period. It does not "try to sense the o2 sensor" in open-loop mode. In open-llop mode, it ignores the O2 sensors and uses internal maps.
 
Another small point, the S-AFC, ARC2, MAF-T, AFR, and VPC do not modify the ECU maps as you suggest above. These devices modify the MAS signals that the ECU sees (air volume flow in Hz, air temp, baro pressure). The ECU's maps remain, sadly, unchanged.
 
Perhaps we should rename this thread if we want to continue on this subject? Not that there is anything new being discussed. This ECU functionality is well known among both DSM and 3S enthusiasts and documentation can be found in the Tech Manuals and at my web site, among other places.
 
For those interested in how fuel injection is controlled in our cars:
 
http://www.stealth316.com/2-fuelinjection.htm
 
Jeff Lucius, http://www.stealth316.com/
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 16:00:40 +0200
From: Roger Gerl <roger.gerl@bluewin.ch>
Subject: RE: Team3S: ECU blah-blah
 
At 22:46 02.09.2003 -0500, cody wrote:
>I have a little news for you Roger, ever played with a DSM, then a 3000,
>back to back?  The ECU's act IDENTICAL.  The motors are very similar
>too.
 
The knock sensing circuit and of course the programm in the CPU are
different. The rest is only hardware and behaves upon the commands of the
CPU. An inline 4 acts pretty different than a V6 ... point. Therefore the
programs inside a CPU is different as well, timing, knock reaction and, and
,and ...
 
Fact is, that the DSM world cannot be simply applied to the 3S, you already
noticed this. As an example check out the different ECU's for a 3s, cali
ECU vs. others, EU vs. japanese. Just a simple note that the european ECU
start to retard the timing at 13 knock sums, but depends on what rpm range
and on what fuel map it runs. So your magic number only belongs to the high
rpm/load area. Even there, sometimes you can see a retard at 10 knock sums
and sometimes no retard at all at 20 knock sums ... forget the magic number.
 
>I only run pump gas because when I drive the thing on the street, I want
>the same power I make at the track.  I will put some race gas in, up the
>boost to about 26 or 28 psi (2 psi at a time), and see what she does
>then...  You say little inline 4, but they are the same displacement per
>cylinder.  ECU retards timing due to lots of variables, but all others
>being equal, 8 (or is it 9) is the magic number where timing is
>retarded, and the ECU is trying to save the motor.  You think I don't
>know that air flow per rpm, air intake temp, barometric pressure don't
>all have an effect???  Please...
>
>In fact, all methods proven on a DSM I guarantee will hold true when it
>comes to tuning a 3/S car.  The ECU's are almost identical, the engine
>design similar.  Again, the important part, the ECU's react the same to
>certain inputs.
>
>TPS does matter.  If the ECU does not see full throttle, or WOT, it will
>not go into open loop mode, therefore trying to sense the o2 sensor, and
>not fully utilizing any maps you may have modified using a AFC /
>whatever.
 
At what voltage of the TPS will go the ECU to open loop ? Also how many
MAPs do our ECU's have ?
 
>There was something wrong with that car knocking at .8 bar.  Plain and
>simple.  Either that, or 3/S cars suffer from phantom knock as well.
 
It was a first gen Eclipse ... no problems, car runned pretty well, just
had always knock.
 
>   In
>fact, every once in a while I have this weird, unexplainable problem, in
>which I get knock BETWEEN shifts - sometimes it's there, sometimes its
>not, sometimes it holds through the gear, sometimes its just for that
>split second between shifts...
 
You my search the archive and you will find the solution.
 
>You could prolly learn a lot about the design of the ECU from the DSM
>boards, there is more tech info there than I've ever seen regarding any
>Mitsu ECU...
 
Good to know that we have a DSM Guy on the list if a member needs help on
other than 3S car.
 
BTW, all the blah-blah did not help to solve the original problem yet. So
let's try to focus o nthe problem and give correct advises. As an example,
it doesn't help if one only writes "adjust your TPS". One have to specify
the range and parameters or specs a part should be adjusted to. Otherwise
the problem owner still has no clue what to do.
 
Roger G.
93 & 96 3000GT TT
www.rtec.ch
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:49:40 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
(I did make the mistake of putting open loop, instead of closed loop
earlier)...
 
I meant MAPS being how the ECU was reading airflow.  There is no
intermediate stage, but Open loop / closed loop is determined by
throttle position.  Cruising at 6000 rpm at part throttle, the o2 sensor
will cycle as well, therefore it is NOT due to engine speed, that is a
guarantee.  At part throttle, it will sense the o2 sensor.
 
Also, the ONLY thing the S-AFC modifies is air flow in hz, none of the
other variables are touched.
 
WOT - wide open throttle - this is the ONLY time that the ECU is in open
loop mode.  When you are decelerating, the ECU also senses the absence
of throttle, and declining engine rpm, as well as low air flow values,
thus pulling almost all fuel for fuel economy. 
 
We can discuss this all we want...  But what it comes down to is overall
tuning. 
 
As far as the original posters problem, I already told him how to fix
that - check fuel pressure, then start adding more fuel via the AFC if
fuel turns out to be ok. 
 
And Roger, there are different "maps" stored in the ECU, one for low
airflow, one for medium airflow, one for high airflow, and one for wide
open throttle. 
 
I do not know the specifications of the exact voltages of the throttle
position sensor, but I can tell by looking at the TMO log that if the
ECU isn't reporting it's 100% open, then there is a POTENTIAL problem.
 
I love how you guys overanalyze EVERYTHING. 
 
Also, Roger, obviously the 1st gen Eclipse didn't run very well if it
knocked at .8 bar.  If I can run 21 psi or better on pump gas (1.4ish
bar), then that car had issues, and did NOT run well.
 
- -Cody       
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 09:03:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: davis2005@canada.com
Subject: Team3S: Braking at high speeds
 
Hey All. When I brake at over 60mph my car shakes and
my steering wheel shakes alot. Is that normal? How can
I fix this problem? Thanks.  Jeff Davis
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:07:57 -0600 (MDT)
From: Jim Floyd <jim_floyd7@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Braking at high speeds
 
Turn your rotors ?
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 18:44:38 -0000
From: "Jeff Lucius" <jlucius@stealth316.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
>> I meant MAPS being how the ECU was reading airflow.
 
The 3S ECU does not use the manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAPS) to read airflow on 1996+ models. It is used only for emissions (in particular, the EGR system).
 
>> There is no intermediate stage, but Open loop / closed
>> loop is determined by throttle position.
 
(Almost) complete nonsense. I have many DSM and 3S TMO datalogs that prove this is false. But believe what you want. The ECU may use open-loop mode exclusively at WOT (TPS voltage > 4.5). However, it also can use open-loop mode at any throttle position voltage greater than 1 (idle).
 
>> Cruising at 6000 rpm at part throttle, the o2 sensor
>> will cycle as well, therefore it is NOT due to engine
>> speed, that is a guarantee.
 
You misunderstand. It is the *change* in engine speed not a specific speed.
 
>> Also, the ONLY thing the S-AFC modifies is air flow in hz,
>> none of the other variables are touched.
 
Of course. The S-AFC and the AFR are the simplest of airflow signal conditioners. However, the MAF-T, ARC2, and VPC mentioned in the same sentence modify all three signals (flow, temp, press).
 
>> WOT - wide open throttle - this is the ONLY time
>> that the ECU is in open loop mode.
 
Again. Complete nonsense for both DSM and 3S cars as is easily seen in many TMO datalogs and by any owner observing A/F meters (O2 sensor monitors). And again, believe what you want though. :)
 
>> ... check fuel pressure, then start adding more fuel via
>> the AFC if fuel turns out to be ok.
 
Truly bizarre.
 
>> there are different "maps" stored in the ECU, one
>> for low airflow, one for medium airflow, one for
>> high airflow, and one for wide open throttle.
 
Please show any evidence of this. All reported information I have seen indicates that our ECU maintains two fuel injection maps - one for "premium" fuel (no knock present) and one for "regular" fuel (high or repeated knock sensed). As in *all* automotive ECUs, each map covers the entire range of airflow and RPM that could expected to be encountered.
 
>> I do not know the specifications of the exact voltages
>> of the throttle position sensor, but I can tell by
>> looking at the TMO log that if the ECU isn't reporting
>> it's 100% open, then there is a POTENTIAL problem.
 
The extent of your misconceptions is outstanding! The ECU does not know about TPS percentages. Nor does it report percentage to any datalogger. This information is simply not available and so cannot be used. The TMO *software* reads TPS voltages from the ECU and the *software* divides the value by 5 to present a percentage.
 
>> I love how you guys overanalyze EVERYTHING.
 
There is no overanalyzing going on. I and others see your posts presenting erroneous and sometimes dangerous (for the engine) information regarding our cars. I, for one, find this requires a response.
 
Jeff Lucius, http://www.stealth316.com/
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 11:55:51 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Well, I guess I"ll keep telling everyone wrong information, It's only
gotten two 4 cylinder cars into the 11's on pump gas, bolt ons, stock
internals, and a little larger than stock turbo.  I may not have every
little voltage detail perfect, but my methods DO work.  For over two
years, we haven't damaged a motor, nor do we intend on it.  On race gas,
one of our cars has went 11.5 at 120 with no motor mods except for cams,
stock bottom end / valves,l and bolt ons, no nitrous, no upgrade ecu or
ignition, just afc....
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:59:17 -0700
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Cody wrote:
> WOT - wide open throttle - this is the ONLY time
> that the ECU is in open loop mode. 
 
Ok, so what am I missing? 
 
AFAIK, the O2 sensor readings are only really useful when the A/F is 14.7 or very close to it.  Thus, anytime the A/F is something other than 14.7, the readings from the stock (narrow-band) O2 sensors are not useful from the ECU's perspective.  The only exception I can think of is if the O2 voltage was < 0.5V while the target A/F is < 14.7; this would indicate that the car is running scary lean under acceleration/load and perhaps the ECU would take corrective action.
 
If the output of the O2 sensors is, at some time, not valid/useful, I would think that the ECU would not be paying attention to them at that time.  That is the very definition of an open-loop control system - when the feedback (in this case O2 sensors) is disconnected or ignored.  Thus, it would seem to me that any time the ECU richens the mixture (e.g. acceleration enrichment at part throttle) it would necessarily be running in open-loop mode, because it has no valid feedback with which to close the control loop. 
 
- --Erik
'95 VR-4  www.team3s.com/~egross
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 11:37:21 -0500
From: "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Braking at high speeds
 
How old are your brake pads? Did you bed them according to the manufacturer's recommended procedure?  Hard braking or minimal braking?
 
Chuck Willis
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 12:00:22 -0500 (CDT)
From: Geoff Mohler <gemohler@www.speedtoys.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Braking at high speeds
 
Its normal for warped rotors yes.
 
A new set of rotors & pads should fix you right up.
 
You also have a multitude of choices as well.
 
The Goodguys page can help you a lot, as well as the FAQs.
 
On Wed, 3 Sep 2003 davis2005@canada.com wrote:
 
- ---
www.SpeedToys.com: Geoff Mohler orders@speedtoys.com
Team3S/3Si.org Vendor approved brake discounter; also,
parts for Toyota, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, SAAB, Volvo.
Where do you buy YOUR brakes?  I can help...asking is free!  :)
"If its in stock, we have it!"
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 12:24:56 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Basically, at partial throttle conditions, the ECU looks at the o2
sensor and says "ok, it's rich, lets try less fuel"  then it will see
lean, so it adds more fuel, then it sees rich, so it adds less...  It
cycles back and forth in closed loop mode.  In Open loop mode, the ECU
entirely ignores the o2 sensor in favor of a pre-programmed map stored
inside, in which it compares air flow with RPM to determine IDC. 
 
A point to be made is that the partial throttle base map stored in the
ECU, is not really three different maps, but instead one map with
different "trims" for differing airflow.  Less than a certain hz, and
you on low trim, between the next two, and you are on the middle trim,
above another frequency, and you are on the high trim. 
 
BTW, Also, I know our cars don't use a MAP sensor for anything, and I
was talking about the MAPS, as in map, plural.  Again, like I said
previously - a lot of you all overanalyze everything...  Show me a 11
second 3/S that you yourself tuned, and I'll start listening a little
more, and before anyone goes to the weight argument, all the DSM's I've
helped into the low 12's and 11's have all been full weight cars,
weighing in at 3300 lbs.
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 10:48:33 -0700
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Cody wrote:
> Basically, at partial throttle conditions, the ECU looks at the o2
> sensor and says "ok, it's rich, lets try less fuel"  then it will see
> lean, so it adds more fuel, then it sees rich, so it adds less...
> It cycles back and forth in closed loop mode. 
 
Not always.  If, under partial throttle conditions, the load exceeds a certain value, the ECU switches to open-loop mode with an A/F target much less than 14.7.  I know for a fact that this happens in stock 3/S ECUs as I've seen it in my car and several others on many occasions.
 
My point is that, unless you're running a wide-band O2 sensor, the ECU is only capable of running in closed-loop mode if the target A/F is 14.7:1.  If the target A/F is anything other than that, the stock ECU must be in open-loop mode.  From observation and common sense, the ECU does not always target a 14.7:1 A/F under partial throttle conditions; therefore, the ECU does not always run in closed-loop mode at partial throttle.
 
Cody wrote:
> Show me a 11 second 3/S that you yourself tuned,
> and I'll start listening a little more, and
> before anyone goes to the weight argument, all the
> DSM's I've helped into the low 12's and 11's
> have all been full weight cars, weighing in at 3300 lbs.
 
That's not productive.  ETs don't necessarily correlate to tuning knowledge.  There are several people on this list and elsewhere in the 3/S community who I'd listen to any day of the week and they don't have an 11-sec timeslip.  Also, one can have an 11-sec car that drives like complete crap on the street - that doesn't mean he has a lot of tuning knowledge.
 
- --Erik
'95 VR-4  www.team3s.com/~egross
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:48:55 -0400
From: "jrink-3si@wi.rr.com" <jrink-3si@wi.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Whew.  I was wondering when we'd get back around to the original post
regarding my engine knock problem with my 550s, Walbro, and AFCII.
 
Cody - I guess I agree and disagree with you.  Regarding checking my fuel
pressure, I agree.  In fact, I just bought an Autometer 3363
(recommendation from Jeff L. - thanks man, your site comes through once
again!) fuel pressure gauge and will be installing it tonight. I'll let
everyone know what readings I get after the install...  In reference to
idle pressure and pressure with boost.
 
However, I disagree about your statement that if my fuel pressure is fine
to just richin up the AFCII even more.  I'm already at -15 with 550s at
6psi.  If I have to go any richer, theres obviously SOMETHING wrong.  I
can't feasibly believe I should be around -2 or so on my AFCII just to hit
10psi - something MUST be wrong.  If the fuel pressure isnt the problem,
there's gotta be another problem I'm not seeing.  I dont think the right
answer is to just richer up the mixture even more.  Seems more like a
workaround than a real fix. 
 
Just my $.02.
Jesse Rink
Eagle, WI
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:11:57 -0500
From: "Jim Fay" <jfay@tssu.com>
Subject: Team3S: Lower ball joints
 
I recall seeing on the list someone who could get ball joints for the lower
A arms.  Does anyone have this information.  I have searched the archives
and can not find it.  any help would be appreciated.
 
Jim
91 RTTT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 12:58:22 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Ok, so all these daily driven DSM's I've helped work on, in the 11's and
low 12's show no tuning knowledge whatsoever?
 
If you all don't want to go fast, then so be it, but there are some
risks.  So far, in the past two years, no one has blown a motor.  One
person spun two rod bearings, but that motor had 178K on it, making low
12 second passes all day long. 
 
According to all the HP calculators, (none of us have ever seen a dyno
or a wideband), the strongest car is making somewhere in the
neighborhood of 450-500 hp, or approx 250 hp / liter.
 
BTW, my own car  - low 12's, 22 psi, pump gas, daily driven, and still
gets 26 mpg on the highway...  But, I know nothing about tuning
according to Jeff and Roger...  Please...  Never blown a motor, never
touched the inside of the motor on my car which happens to have 147K
miles on her, and have no other mods except bolt-ons.  Big turbo, of
which I'm not even entirely using (capable of 26-28 psi on race gas),
small front mount IC, exhaust, intake, plug wires, clutch, and big
injectors... fuel control - S-AFC...
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:00:17 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
And you are prolly right, but it COULD narrow down the issue...  Meaning
- - if fuel pressure is ok, and adding more doesn't help, then you could
have a lot of carbon buildup inside the cylinder, or spark plugs that
are causing detonation.  If additional fuel does help, maybe your
injectors are not the correct size, or do not flow as advertised.
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:02:04 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Oh, never rule out a faulty knock sensor, or even lifters.  Lifter tap
can be heard as knock in some instances...
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:08:48 -0400
From: pvg1@daimlerchrysler.com
Subject: Re: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Jesse -- Have you installed your upgraded fuel pump at the same time that
you installed your upgraded injectors? It is likely that you did not
install your fuel pump correctly. We just fixed one Walbro pump yesterday
on a local car. It had an internal leak. It was leaking the fuel back in
the tank from underneath the rubber O-ring on the pump outlet. The symptoms
are unusually high setting on the AFC, takes too long to start, backfires
in severe cases.
 
Yesterday's car had that O-ring installed so badly that disconnecting the
fuel pressure regulator vacuum lime, or even clamping the fuel return line
completely shut with flat pliers did not increase the idle fuel pressure a
single bit.
 
Check recent messages on http://groups.yahoo.com/mi3si or
http://groups.yahoo.com/a23si. There will be a link to a picture gallery.
On the second page of the gallery is me holding that pump assembly powered
on and submerged in a bucket of water with water shooting through the
O-ring and all over the floor. All I did was I just blocked the pump outlet
with my thumb.
 
Interesting, that Wlbro pump does not have a pressure relief valve like
many other pumps. When we fixed the O-ring and repeated the bucket test it
just stopped reving and was sitting there and humming. We shut in down not
to burn it.
 
Philip Glazatov
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 11:10:04 -0700
From: "fastmax" <fastmax@cox.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: speed bleeders
 
There was an issue of different sizes between the front and rears and
model years [ hmmm --- it rhymes ]. Do a search of the archives or measure
them.
 
        Jim Berry
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 11:12:52 -0700
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Erik wrote:
> > That's not productive.  ETs don't necessarily
> > correlate to tuning knowledge. 
 
Cody wrote:
> Ok, so all these daily driven DSM's I've helped work on, in
> the 11's and low 12's show no tuning knowledge whatsoever?
 
I didn't say that.  I said that it doesn't guarantee tuning knowledge.  Obviously you know something about tuning cars - I'm not talking about you in particular.  As for partial throttle tuning, having an 11-second car says almost nothing about that skill or understanding.  I don't know many people using partial throttle at the strip =)
 
Cody wrote:
> If you all don't want to go fast, then so be it, but
> there are some risks.  So far, in the past two years,
> no one has blown a motor.  <...>
 
I'm not saying that I or others don't want to go fast; just that some of us choose to go fast in events other than drag racing and therefore won't have 11-sec timeslips, no matter how well-tuned or powerful our car is.  I'm not going to say, "show me a top-5 finish in a regional SCCA Solo-II event and then I'll listen to you" to a drag racer - because I don't think that's productive.
 
I think the horse is thoroughly squished.  I'm done.
 
- --Erik
'95 VR-4  www.team3s.com/~egross
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 18:14:54 +0000
From: mjannusch@comcast.net
Subject: RE: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Is that a 3/S car, you are talking about - or something else?
 
Seriously, there are a number of differences tuning-wise between DSMs and 3S
cars.  In general a lot of concepts apply, but the V6 design and its ECUs have
various quirks and design parameters which the DSMs do not.
 
Its just not a good idea to directly apply what works on DSMs to 3S cars.  It
just doesn't work in all cases.  We can learn from what has worked there, but
it isn't realistic to say "I run 22 psi on pump gas" on a DSM and therefore
suggest that you should do the same on a 3/S motor.
 
- -Matt
'95 3000GT Spyder VR4
(DSMs - been there, done that)
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:33:34 -0500
From: "Geisel, Brian J" <brian.geisel@hp.com>
Subject: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
Hey folks,
        I hate race gas!  I emptied my tank the other day and put 3 gal of 117 NOS in (They call it NOS b/c it is "specially formulated" for turbo charged cars and cars running NOS - <shrug> whatever).  Mods which make a difference, I'll try to list below.
        So first run I leaned out 3% across the board.  Ran like crap, but ran .01 off my best ever 60' time.  Had problems after 4.5k in 3rd & 4th.  Leaned out 10% for my second run, and ran an even better 60' time (like 1.82) and still had problems in 3rd and 4th.  I was running 1.07 bar by this time (boost).  I finished this run @ 104, which is below my best ~105.8 on pump gas.
        Obviously I wasn't leaning out enough, right?  Added another 3% and ran worse, like 101 I think.  Still beat the ~2002 Mach1 beside me.  So I wasn't still to rich <shrug>.  My best run all night was 13.3 @ 104.  Pump gas best at ~1.02bar - 13.008! @ ~105.8
        I would have been running higher boost, but I was having a problem w/ my boost controller, I think I had something hooked up wrong there... BTW boost was around .92 after 4.5k in 3rd gear... I definitely had more power through first and most of second though.
 
Thoughts?
 
TIA,
geis
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 18:54:16 +0000
From: mjannusch@comcast.net
Subject: Re: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
> Obviously I wasn't leaning out enough, right?  Added another
> 3% and ran worse, like 101 I think.  Still beat the ~2002
> Mach1 beside me.  So I wasn't still to rich <shrug>.  My
> best run all night was 13.3 @ 104.  Pump gas best at
> ~1.02bar - 13.008! @ ~105.8
 
With very high octane race fuel, you need to add more timing advance to get
the big power out of it.  The higher the octane, the slower the mixture burns
(in general, depending on what exactly is in the race fuel), so you need more
advance to keep the cylinder pressures high right after TDC.
 
In your case, running only 1.05 bar, you would've been a lot better off
running a 50/50 mix of premium and 100 octane unleaded.
 
- -Matt
'95 3000GT Spyder VR4
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:48:12 -0500 (CDT)
From: Geoff Mohler <gemohler@www.speedtoys.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
Wow..
 
Remember that the higher the octane the SLOWER the burn.
 
I suppose theres such a thing as too much..
 
Try "normal" 100 octane race gas..not the 'fancy' stuff.
 
117 unleaded?
 
- ---
www.SpeedToys.com: Geoff Mohler orders@speedtoys.com
Team3S/3Si.org Vendor approved brake discounter; also,
parts for Toyota, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, SAAB, Volvo.
Where do you buy YOUR brakes?  I can help...asking is free!  :)
"If its in stock, we have it!"
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 13:58:27 -0500
From: "merritt@cedar-rapids.net" <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Lower ball joints
 
Funny you should ask. I just got mine in the mail.
Took about a week. Paid via Pay Pal.
 
Cost is $110US for a set (2) which includes shipping.
They come with boot and grease nipple and C-clip.
 
They come from New Zealand, from Sir Bob:
 
sirbobivis@hotmail.com
 
Haven't put them in yet, but they look just fine. Tell 'em Rich sent ya.
 
Rich/shiftless old ricer and slow old poop
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:13:22 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
What we've been going to lately is 109 octane, unleaded.  VP just came
out with it, MS-109, with no harmful effects to the o2 sensor or cat (if
you still have one)...
 
Also, when switching from pump gas to race gas on 22 psi, we were able
to lean out a car on average 30% on the AFC, that's how much extra fuel
we were having to add to quell knock.
 
117 made for turbo cars is called C16, or highly leaded gas.
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:30:30 -0500
From: "Geisel, Brian J" <brian.geisel@hp.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
Cody,
        This on a 3S or on a DSM?
 
I was originally pulled back -28 @ 8k and I went to -38 @8k for my best run (still not pulling in 3rd/4th).  -20% is mathematically correct for my 450cc injectors.  I was talking w/ a bunch of DSM guys at the track (NewEngland DSM is a great club and they've adopted the 3kgt guy :).  8% off stock running pump gas seemed like a lot to them, so that's when I tried 38% (10% additional)... 40% got me a 101mph.
 
And, yes, for all those who didn't know what I was talking about... C16 is Sunoco 117 octane race fuel, and it is leaded.
 

(Pertinent) Mods - since I left them off the last post:
450cc inj (cleaned & balanced)
Iridium plugs gapped at .040"  -- slight blow-out at 4.5k on pump gas @ 1.00 bar
DR500 Turbos
MBC @ 1.07bar
Supra Fuel Pump
SAFC
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:34:39 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
DSM, unfortunately, no one in San Antonio except Mike Tucker is into the VR4's...
 
Weird problem... You have cats, or what mods total?
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:44:14 -0500
From: "Geisel, Brian J" <brian.geisel@hp.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
BTW, my Ir plugs are .040", what's anyone else running near 15-17psi?
 
Additional Mods (engine/DT only):
Accel Wires
Gutted Pre-cats
(Stock Cat/Exhaust otherwise)
RPS Stage II, Fidanza Flywheel
Unortho Pulley
K&N FIPK
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:48:27 -0500
From: "cody" <overclck@satx.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
I would say your plugs are gapped
too high.  And iridium...  I've had the best luck with copper plugs.
They don't last as long, but to me it's worth it due to performance
issues.  I was actually seeing knock with iridium / platinum spark plugs
that was gone the instant I changed to copper.  Leaving gap the same
too...
 
- -Cody
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 15:07:26 -0500
From: "Geisel, Brian J" <brian.geisel@hp.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
Yeah, Matt Monett has a set of coppers on his site that are 1 range colder.  He claims you can usually run ~1psi higher w/ them, but change them every 10k miles.  For a 2 hour job, I can't be changing plugs every 10k mi.  I'm still wondering if my gap is too big though... especially for the Ir.  <shrug>
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 16:08:10 -0400
From: "Ken Stanton" <ken.c.stanton@usa.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
I have IK22's (1 range colder) and they are factory gapped to 0.032".  They
have seemed to bring the knock down a bit in my car, but she's relearning
right now too since i had a vacuum leak.  At 15psi I get NO knock, at 19 w/
alky I'm only seeing 5-10counts when coolant gets up to 195+.  And
absolutely never had spark blowout, even on my stock plugs at 0.035" gap.
 
Oh, and btw... destroyed a Mach 1 on the highway not too long ago - 60mph
rollon, he was in my draft even (for a few seconds).
 
Ken Stanton
91 Pearl White Stealth TT
Mustang destroyer
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 19:12:24 -0400
From: "Philip V. Glazatov" <philip@supercar-engineering.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Low fuel pressure causing knock with boost?
 
Sorry, the links that I typed were bad. Here is the water pump in a bucket
http://mi3si.org/members/m0030/upgrades/imagepages/image21.htm
and here is the complete story
http://www.3si.org/portal/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=168303
 
Philip
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2003 22:23:00 -0400
From: David Friedlander <forzion@maine.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Lower ball joints
 
Jim;
 
Thanks for looking into my power antenna question. Hope you can help with an
answer. Speaking of answers, Scott is in Gladwin, MI and sells them for $50
each. I received them pretty quickly and installed them the next day. I'm happy
to report all's now well. Here's a copy of Scott's e-mail to me:
- ----------
Hey there I am selling the lower ball joints for the stealth and 3000gts,
Anyone who has had to replace these should know that this is a dealer only part
and you have to buy the whole lower control arm with it. I checked my local
dealer and it was $480.00 The ball joints I am selling are a sealed ball joint
like the factory. They do not have a grease fitting these should last you as
long or longer then the factory ball joints. You just press the old ones out
and the new ones in. Ball Joints are shipped most of the time with in 2
business days after payment is received. Price on these is $50.00 each shipped.
If you order 4 or more I can cut you a little better deal. Email/Paypal me at
chvyragtop@aol.com
- ----------
 
He gets my thumbs up. HTH,
 
Dave Friedlander
'94 SL
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 22:48:00 -0400
From: "Theo Kafantaris" <kafantaris.3@osu.edu>
Subject: Team3S: Loud Rod Knock!!!
 
Hello everybody.  This is my first message to Team3s and, unfortunately, it
comes along with bad news.  I just purchased a 1991 Dodge Stealth RT/TT last
week, and I changed some things to get it to run (fuel filter, new plugs,
fuel pump hotwire, etc, etc).  I got it running good and I went for a ride.
While driving a bit, I noticed a really loud knocking sound from the engine.
I stopped, and sure enough, it's a rod knock.  Now I am faced with a
decision:  Try and fix, or try and sell.
 
I was just wondering if I could get some suggestions from other
3000gt/stealth owners.  I figure if I try and do it myself, I will probably
be getting into more than I can handle.  Therefore, I checked Autozone, and
for $3500, I can get a longblock (block, rods, pistons, heads,
cams...everything except the turbos), which I should be able to install.  I
also contacted a local mistubishi dealer (last resort), and they said it
would cost $3000-$4000 for the repair (new shortblock, labor, etc).  I'm
just looking for some guidance on this matter.  It's unfortunate...such a
beautiful car.....
 
I also heard a suggestion to remove the oil pan, check the crank, and
possibly replace the bad crank bearing if it's on the small end of the rod,
and the crank isn't bad...Any suggestions?
 
Theo
1991 Dodge Stealth RT/TT
 
P.S.  I live in Warren, OH (Youngstown, OH area), so if anybody knows any
shops that
I could contact for rebuild information, that would be great.
 
P.S.S Anybody have a guide on removing the oil pan and viewing the crank?
From what I've seen, quite a few owners have had rod knocks - maybe they
have tried this before.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed,  3 Sep 2003 23:11:16 -0400
From: Darren Schilberg <dschilberg@spamcop.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Loud Rod Knock!!!
 
Theo - Welcome to the Ohio Valley area I gueee (I'm in Pittsburgh and visit
the Warren/Poland/Youngstown area occasionally).  You will need to bookmark
Jeff Lucius' site, www.stealth316.com, as the Rosetta Stone for our cars.  On
there he has the removal procedures for the oil pan, www.stealth316.com/2-
oilpan.htm.
 
As for shops in the area I don't know of any in your neck of the woods but I
knew someone who worked at the Summit Racing shop who was supposed to be
moving to MA but I forget if he did or not - he had the bead on good shops in
the area.  If nothing else, stop down near the Pittsburgh Int'l Airport to
Andretti Mitsubishi, www.andrettimitsubishi.com, (yes - owned by *that*
Andretti family) as I know they are a good shop.  This should be around an
hour's drive from you if you find nothing else.
 
- --Flash!
Just north of Pittsburgh
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 21:35:09 -0700
From: "Chris Winkley & Teri Beaman" <cwinkley@hevanet.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
Brian...
 
1. You're running leaded gas which is going to foul your O2 sensors very
quickly. Even mixing leaded gas with unleaded fouls them (I'm speaking from
personal experience). You can get 104 unleaded most places (Sunoco) and it
runs great at over 20 pounds of boost.
 
2. Your plugs are gapped too wide if you're going to be running over 1.0 bar
(~15 psi), a little more boost and you'll be slamming your head on the
steering wheel.
 
My suggestion...upgrade your injectors and fuel pump, regap the plugs (I
stick with NGK platinum), mix 104 unleaded race fuel with 92 octane premium
, crank the boost to 1.5 bar and you'll be in the mid 12s with no problem.
Your gas tank should be nearly empty, remember that most fluids weigh about
seven pounds per gallon, it only takes a couple gallons to get to a gas
station after you've had all the fun you can stand with a five gallon fuel
can that you carry in the car. There's been lots of discussion about taking
weight off our cars, the simple fact is that a full tank of gas weighs as
much as carrying a passenger.
 
As a reference point my list of mods are below, I blew a turbo last summer
when the axle nut came off running a 12.5 second 1/4 mile. Soooo, I've been
running in the mid 12s for two years trying to figure out why I can't break
into the 11s and the fact is I had only one turbo spinning. The 11s are
realistic with pump gas if you have the right injectors and control over
your fuel map (sounds like you do) with boost in the 20s (psi). Just keep an
eye on the EGTs, it seems the magic piston melting number is somewhere
around 900 degrees C.
 
Looking forward...Chris
 
1995 Glacier Pearl White Mitsubishi VR4 (w/custom K&N intake, bored and
polished throttle body, TEC 15G turbos, RC 560cc injectors, HKS fuel pump,
ARC2/MAF fuel controller, Split Second A/F meter, GReddy PRofec A boost
controller, Apex EGT & boost gauges, GReddy turbo timer, HKS SBOV, custom
intercoolers, Odyssey dry cell battery, Magnecore 8.5mm wires, NGK double
platinum plugs gapped at .032", ACT 2800 lb pressure plate, Broward six puck
racing disc, Centerforce throwout bearing, ATR downpipe and test pipe,
GReddy catback exhaust, Stillen cross-drilled rotors, Porterfield R4 race
pads, SS brake lines, Eibach 1" dropped progressive springs, Michelin SX
MXX3 Pilots).
 

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 02:13:52 -0400
From: "Arthurs Family" <arthursfam@madbbs.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Loud Rod Knock!!!
 
Theo,
Just read your post & had to respond.  Wow! Does this sound familiar!  My
son bought '92 RT/TT last March, and 10 miles after draining the sludge from
pan & refilling with Mobil 1....wham!  There goes a rod bearing!  In his
(our) case there was but 1 option...fix it ourselves!  Our only experience
with engines was small block Chevys from 40 years ago, and a few Healeys, &
TR's  from more recent years.  The most electronics I'd seen on an engine
was changing an 8 track player for casette!
 
Anyway,  we purchased the manuals, hard copies & cd's., asked a lot of
questions at this site (got a lot of help & encouragement here), and Jon
waxed up his credit card.
 
To sum it up, the engine/trans came out just as easily as any I've yanked
before!  The rebuild was classroom perfect.  I gained much respect for the
precision of the "rice burner" engines.  The parts were easier & quicker to
get than for my '99 Ford truck (average 2 days from local Chrysler dealer @
cost + 10%).
 
The parts, which included all the 60, 000 mile stuff +oil pump/pulleys, new
clutch/press plate/to bearing, machine work/crank & bearings and a few
non-essential(toys!)  parts  added up to approx $3000.  The time involved
was 4 weeks of evenings & weekends.  Have to throw in the 5 a.m. snow
brushing of  wife's car  because all bays were filled.
 
Anyway......the part I feared most, the myriad of connections, was the
easiest!  everything just went snap, snap, snap  after looking at blown up
pics of where everything went!   Car started right up, Jon & I both suffered
the first few thou break in miles, then finally had the chance to try this
sucker out!   5000 miles later,( since late april!) all is well (knocking on
my wooden desk)!
 
If you'd like to discuss this more, e-mail us or give a call!
 
Bill (Jon's father) Arthurs
Jamestown, NY
arthursfam@madbbs.com
716-664-4109
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 08:56:57 -0500
From: "William J. Crabtree" <wjcrabtree@earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Loud Rod Knock!!!
 
Theo,
 
I think everyone is ignoring the obvious.  Where did you buy this car?  A
dealer?  A private owner?  Check your state laws, you may be entitled to
some sort of refund or assistance in paying for the repairs (whether you do
it yourself or not).
 
Hopefully, this is not your ONLY car.  If it is your only source of
transportation, the first "part" you may want to consider buying is a $500
SH!T-box to run around town in while you rebuild.  You are starting down a
road that MANY of us have traveled.  The good news is, if you have the time
and money, it can be a rewarding experience to rebuild this car yourself.
 
The FIRST question is one you have to ask of yourself:  Do I want a cool car
that'll just get me back and forth to work and play or do I want the fastest
3/S car on the planet?  Obviously your answer will fall somewhere in the
middle of those two extremes, but you will have to decide to what degree you
want each of those things along this road.
 
I'd say, stay FAR, FAR away from the AutoZone motor option, it may sound
like a bargain, but it's likely NOT.  As I'm finding out with mine (I'm on
my second rebuild now) cutting corners and trying to use the lowest priced
option can and will end up costing you more in the long run.  Take your time
with this and make your choices carefully, in the end it will all be worth
it!!
 
If you've spun a bearing, pulling the oil pan is really irrelevant, the
inevitable is:  You are looking at either replacing OR repairing your
crankshaft.  Minimum.  Hopefully, you have not done damage to your rods or
the block(which is less likely than just damaging the crank).  Find a
reputable machine shop/engine rebuild in your area.  If you can get your
motor out of your car and take it to them.  They will likely be able to save
you hundreds, even thousands of dollars by re-using the original parts of
your motor that CAN be re-used.   Money that you can spend on other things
to upgrade your car and/or get it back on the road.
 
Be sure you ask a LOT of questions and search the member's websites.
Therein lies all the knowledge and experience you need to restore your car
to BETTER than new.  You obviously care enough to ask our opinions, and that
says allot about you already.  Hopefully you choose to keep the car!
Welcome to the club, we're glad you're here.
 
- -Jeff Crabtree
        '91 R/T TT (3SI #0499)
                2k Jeep TJ Sport
                        St. Louis, MO
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 10:35:28 -0400
From: "The Furmans" <L.Furman1@cox.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Problems w/ 117 Octane and boost
 
Geis I definately think you gap is way too large unless you are
running some form of ignition upgrade (MSD Coils, DIS-4, HKS DLI)  I
would gap those puppies down to .036, doing this will slightly
decrease your fuel economy but you will get rid of the blow out.
 
Also what do you think of the DR-500's?  I have 650's sitting on a
shelf in my garage awaiting the bottom half of my motor to arrive so I
can begin the reassembly process.
 
Russ F
CT
93 VR-4  DR650's and supporting mods.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
End of Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth V2 #247
***************************************