Where should this n00b start?
 

Hey all, I'm new to the forums and am going to be installing an MS into my supercharged 95 1.8 in preparation for selling the blower and installing a homebrewed turbo setup.

I've spent alot of time reading Jerry's site (where I will be buying everything) and on this forum...

Some advice I'm seeking is this..... I've read on Jerry's site that he recommends starting to use the MS for fuel only and then later integrating in the ignition side of things. Why would I NEED to do this? Is that the path for total n00bs?

I've helped with installs of both superchargers and turbochargers. (most recently, I've helped with m2cupcar's 2.3 liter FE3 turbo conversion for those that are familiar with him). I've been a spectator on multiple LINK tunings and even had one in my street car but sold before I could tune it because I needed money for the race car.

Have I already "cut my teeth" enough that I could just dive right in to Squirt AND Spark at once?

I'm speaking just from what I've read but people say start with fuel because it's best to do one thing at a time untill you are sure you have something correct and the way you want it. That way when you add something like spark and your car is running like crap you know it's not the fueling or boost or something else like that. Plus, I'd want to make sure fuel above all things was running the way it should to keep from running to lean, specially when running FI.

You do fuel first usually because its eaier to tune fuel then spark. We already
have a pretty descent map for spark so I'd go right for fuel and spark.

I run fuel and spark, went straight for it. Ive had a few problems along the way that were pretty frustrating, but ive worked them out for the most part now and it runs pretty well.

Thanks for the replies dudes.

Another quick question.. does the MS use MAP input or MAF?

MS uses MAP input...

I see that you have about the same plan as I have. Mine is a supercharged 95 1.8 where the SC is gonna get exchanged for a turbo setup in the future.
I´m finished with the build and wiring (accept for some groundproblems that i hope some trial and error will fix). I´m allmost done with the prior-start settings. I had hoped to get it started this weekend but due to some laptop problems that doesn´t seem to be happening. :ugh2:
I will post my settings here for review by the "gurus" and if I get it to work you can just copy the whole lot. :) But who knows, you may get it to work before I do. I´m a Swede so it´s cold in the garage this time of year. ;)

/Fredrik

Hey thanks.. that would be most helpful...

Unfortunately for me, I have to wait until March to start the build of the whole turbo setup... I need to have the car running so it can pass an emissions test that month for the tag to be renewed.

But in the mean time, I'm going to be doing the Megasquirt part and have it tuned for the supercharger by then. The rest of the winter will be spent sourcing parts so that I can hit the ground running as soon as I get that emissions certificate.

I know that those Swedish winters can be brutal, so if I get to that part before you do. Then I'll be more than happy to send my settings your way.

So what is your project looking like? I'm most likely going with a Garrett T3 (since it has so much community support). Other than that, the rest is kind of in the air. Since my research is at such a infant stage, I don't know what else I would need. From braineack's FAQ, I know what size intercooler I'll be needing, but what donor cars do most people use? Volvo? Saab?

Oh goodie. I'm one of those who always thought the blow off valves sounded really cool :)

This way, I can have vent-to-atmosphere and not screw with what the ECU thought it was getting.

I know this is off topic, but why are you guys going from supercharged to turbocharged? Are you unhappy with the power from the supercharger?

I have my MegaSquirt up for sale too if you're interested (I don't have a car to use it on at the moment).

Cheers

I´m thinking of buying a manifold and downpipe from BEGI and do the rest myself. I´ll probably use a t28. I´m using a Saab intercooler fo the SC but for the turbo a slightly bigger IC is in my mind with better flow. E-bay has become a rather popular place for those who´s looking fore IC.


Yes, you guessed correct. :) I feel that I´m limited with a SC. I will change pulleys on my system during the winter and crank my Eaton45 up to about 16-17000rpm and I think thats about as far as I can take it. But that will do for next summer though my main focus until then is to get MS to work and the rest of the car in shape for the increased power.
I have considered a bigger SC system but if I want to take it further in the future it´s easier to upgrade a turbosystem.
/Fredrik

Yeah, I'm kind of at that stage, too. I just want more power. Plus in my case, I'm a guy who always needs something to do. And this seemed like the best DIY project I could do right now.

I used to always tell myself, that 6.5 lbs of boost is all that I wanted since it was so low maintenance and all, but since I got my 2000 S4 with all that turbo goodness, I just have to move forward with this. :)

Plus, with all the help I've been giving to m2cupcar's FE3 conversion, he's also inspired me to do this with the car.