pmhellings

OK, I know that the answer is supposed to be Megasquirt, but I've been really happy with my Voodoo II setup. My car is set up with larger clutch, FM Crossflow radiator and FM fan kit. I've got an AEM wideband to monitor my AFM's and a Scanguage to keep an eye on temps.

I'm running a shade over 8psi right now according to my boost gauge at about 11-11.2 AFM at max boost. Engine never detonates or overheats (207 is a high as it ever gets). The Voodoo box is not maxed out, although I realize that the injectors may be. I'm considering turning the boost up to 10psi and seeing if I can get my AFM's in the safe range and monitor my temps and check for detonation with a set of det cans that I used when I went up to 8-ish.

Aside from the cooling and clutch the only mods are suspension (FMvmaxx) muffler delete (plenty quiet with turbo, cat and resonator) good summer tires and alignment. It's not my Daily Driver and I'll turn the boost back down to 8 if there are any problems.

I know that I'm pushing the limits of the piggyback box, but I just don't want to go the standalone ECU route at this time. Any thoughts? Flames? don't be shy, I can handle the critique.

Thanks,
Paul
2003 Voodoo II

18psi

iTrader: (76)

You appear to be looking for validation, not opinions or input, since you are already aware of all the risks, limits, and appear to be ready to attempt it anyway.

So I'll just say go ahead and try it. You'll be at or past the limit of your fuel system.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

At 8psi on a late NB, you're probably somewhere in the vicinity of 180hp, which is already right around the limit of the stock fuel system. Add to that the fact that you have no form of timing control (other than, I assume, that adjustable crank plate that FM supplies) and I'd personally be worried about trying to push it any further.

That said, it's your car, and I'm sure that if you ask around you'll be able to find someone who will tell you that you'll be just fine cranking it up to eleven, and it's entirely possible that the engine might survive. Personally, I tend to be conservative in such matters.

pmhellings

Yes, I guess that I realize that it isn't practical. Boost *IS* addictive. At some point I'll have to bite the bullet and go to better engine management and larger injectors. 18 PSI was right, I was hoping for someone to validate my plan . Thanks for the reality check guys.
Paul

18psi

iTrader: (76)

just outa curiosity: is your V2 using the 2560r or 2554r?

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Why not call FM and see what they think?

You say you're really happy with the Voodoo system but you want more power, so really you're NOT happy with the voodoo system. right?

Also, AFM is something on early Miatas. low 11's AFR is what you're after.

pmhellings

18 psi, My kit has the 2560R turbo. Excuse me on the AFM vs AFR. Guess you were able to figure out that I meant "Air/Fuel Mix" when I should have abbreviated "Air Fuel Ratio".

Turbofan, Yes, I guess technically you're right that since I'm trying to get another couple of psi dialed into my system that I'm "really NOT happy with the voodoo system". Who'd be happy with a system that can manage around 180 hp, idles perfectly, has no A/C issues, still has an OBDII output and doesn't require a laptop to set up?

Thanks for the replies.
Paul

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

People who don't like torque.

rwyatt365

At 8psi with stock injectors you're probably nearing the best that those injectors can deliver. Going to 10psi would put you into dangerous territory. I started with the 2560 VooDoo II kit as well but I put in the purple injectors from a '01, and when I put in the MS (without any other changes) I found I was at a 90%+ duty-cycle on those injectors at WOT. I quickly changed to 650cc FIC's and am seriously considering going to 1000cc ID's next year.

Moral of the story; Stay at 8psi and enjoy it (if you can). Go to 10psi at your own risk.

PS - the AEM gauge is good for an overall "feel" for your AFR, but you can't watch it close enough to see spikes (unless it has a peak-hold function). And nothing beats a log that you can read after the fact.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

you confused my post with eds (turbofan) I never mentioned the AFM.

btw - I will acknowledge that turning 3 ***** and being "done tuning" sounds really cool and tempting, but often times people don't realize the cons that come with those pros.

pmhellings

At this point My only options are:
1. Leave everything as is.
2. Take the plunge, buy a laptop, learn to use Windows and Tuner Studio and go stand alone and upgrade the hardware to suit.
3. Put in some larger injectors that the stock ECU can idle. Some Toyota 23250-70080's for example. 305-315 cc (depending on who's quoting the specs ) and see if that little extra headroom gives me the ability to push a few more psi.

I'm reluctant to go with option 2 as I'm not a big fan of learning a new computer interface ( I'm 66 and stuck in my Mac- Brain) although I might consider it. I've recently sold my business so I have some free time and a few $. I could hire someone to set it up, but that would mean it wouldn't be *my* project. Maybe I'll find someone to teach me what I need to know.

Thanks for all the input. I really respect the efforts everyone makes to help out.

Paul

pmhellings

Yeah, I edited my post to address him specifically. Thanks PSI! Oh yeah, it's actually only 2 potentiometers these days. And yes, everything's a compromise.

Paul

18psi

iTrader: (76)

It's a steep learning curve, there's no doubt about it.

Actualy, I just started tuning my new MS3 yesterday. There is a TONNNN of stuff still left to do/tune/finalize, but the really cool part is that the base map that came with it, with just a few tweaks, was able to start and idle and drive the car just fine with no issues. If it wasn't for the wideband and my laptop showing me things that are off/need fine tuning, you probably couldn't even tell it apart from the stock tune. This isn't my 1st rodeo, but even if someone completely unfamiliar was doing this I could totally see them being able to set it up by reading and following directions.

So its not all that bad

krissetsfire

iTrader: (1)

I recommend finding someone near you that has some experience. I found a guy on the megasquirt forum who was around me. He squirts a ford falcon witch has very little in common with my miata. He is an electronic engineer though and works with microsquirting model planes.

He knows enough to help me bounce ideas around and between the forum, myself, and him I've been getting by ok. If you're lucky you'll be close to someone more miata specific. Anyway I recommend finding someone local to help you when you stumble.

Also If i were buying a something to only really use tunerstudio on cause i hated pc's i'd probably find a netbook with windows xp on it.

Also recommend minimum of rx8 injectors (the yellow ones). Otherwise FIC & ID are where it's at. Rev says all the fic are good except the 775cc.

my .02

rwyatt365

Paul, don't be dismayed by the steep MS learning curve, it can be done with at lot of patience and a willingness to take one (baby) step at a time. BTW, I turn 60 next March and I installed my MS earlier this year. It was daunting at first - I tried to build my own and failed because I suck at electronics so I went with a PNP setup, it's less flexible but it removed one variable from the "equation" - but with perseverance it can be done. And the result is pretty damned rewarding.