Ian's
Turbo F.A.Q. - Page 3
by:Qksl2
The last option is a full stand alone fuel system. I personally
like the Haltec system. However, this is a whole different ball
game, and I do not recommend this for anyone who does not want to
really spend some time getting everything dialed in right. You'll
definitely want to have a shop help you with this! The cost is going
to be well over $1000.
Update: The Turbosaturns.net guys are working on what's
called the Megasquirt, which is a DIY fuel management system. It
is not a full stand alone in that it does not control timing. However,
it has complete control over the fuel system. It will allow us to
run very large injectors and tune completely for boost. Chris and
Mike are also in on this, and a big thanks to Canadian Ben for pioneering
the subject.
So far, several turbo Saturns are running this with great success.
It allows for total control of your fuel system, the use of nearly
any size or impedance injectors, and is very cost effective. The
entire system can run you less than $250 including sensors. It uses
a VE (volumetric efficiency) table to calculate the injector pulse
width (time that the injectors are open when firing for each revolution
of the motor). Because so many of us are switching over to this
system, it is becoming easier, faster, and better to use by the
day. Thanks to the work of many of the board members, we are rapidly
accumulating several VE tables all ready to go...your car will fire
up on the first crank. The idea is that, if as many of us use this
as possible, we can all help iron out fuel maps that will work for
many different situations. Just as the Turbosaturns.net turbo manifolds
are the answer to your manifold
woes, the MS (as we call it) unit is your answer to fuel management!
Please visit the board (www.turbosaturns.net)
and check out the Megasquirt section. Its full of useful information,
as well as some FAQs, and info on how it applies to a Saturn application.
This is an involved project for sure but very well worth it. It
may seem intimidating at first, but I assure you it will become
more understandable the more you research this. It is YOUR responsibility
to look into this, to research, and to understand it.
Question: I was just thinking about this the other day.
Would it be reasonable to get the Megasquirt now, install it on
my car,
and tune it. That way when I get my turbo set up later on in life
I will already have the fuel management that I need. Not only
that but then I wouldn't have to worry about whatever computer problem
I probably have now, and I'd be able to tune her so
my n/a setup would be pretty kick ass in the mean time.
So what do you think? Seriously, would it be a good idea? Or should
I just wait until the later part of life?
It's easy to build a high compression, cammed, pumped up n/a Saturn
and run 16's. This happens, and it happens often! Why? Simple, we'll
spend $3000 on building up a sweet array of parts, but the tuning
will be so far off you won't make any power. Just as the MS is the
greatest thing to have happened to turbocharging Saturns as of late,
it's the ultimate tuning solution for slow n/a Saturns. That along
with a WBO2 sensor will be the setup to be desired. I see an easy
10-15 horsepower in tuning a n/a Saturn with the Megasquirt. For
the cost, as well, you can't beat it!
Information
Board: http://turbosaturns.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=16
Recommended Fuel Pump
Walbro 255lph (also the same as the BBK and Holley fuel pump).
Model Number BP-WLB-32026
This fuel pump WILL fit the Saturn. However, it WILL also require
custom modification. The Walbro is a reputable brand with very reasonably
priced fuel pumps, which flow more volume than the stock pump. It
is not a pressure based pump, though. If you plan on running a RRFPR
or high fuel pressure, add an MSD inline pump for extra pressure
potential. Simply adding an MSD inline to the stock system will
not give you more volume. It is highly recommended that you wire
the pump with thicker gauge wire and double ground it, if necessary.
When I complete this modification, I'll have detailed info and pics.
Until then, we atleast know there is an option that works, even
if it isn't bolt on. Plus, every time I see the word, Walbro, I
think of a walrus. I
don't know why, but its funnay.
Update: Titan has installed a 255lph walbro on his 97SC2
without any modifications. It's a direct bolt-in! There is no perceivable
nosie eminating from the fuel pump while the car is running, you
can only hear it on startup just like the normal pump. Originally
we were worried that the stock regulator wouldn't be able to hold
back the extra fuel but the fuel pressure has remained the same.
If your looking to make 300whp or more this modification is highly
recomended. If you have a 1997 or later car than you will need the
GSS317 fuel pump. Were still working on a walbro pump for pre-97
Saturns.
Recommended Spark Plugs
NGK BKR7E(s-11) (DOHC and SOHC)
Stock No. 6097
or
NGK BCPR7ES (DOHC and SOHC)
Stock No. 3330
You can go with a "6" heat range plug, which is "hotter"
and more prone to detonation. The stock heat range is a "5".
"7" has been optimal for boost ranging from 4 to 20 pounds
among our communities experience. Start your gap at .025 or so and
work your way up until the boost blows out the spark. The car may
idle differently on cold mornings (with a slight misfire). The MSD
DIS-2 will take care of most of this. Otherwise, it's fine once
you are on the road. These plugs are available from Saab and Volvo
dealers, as most Kragen/Autozone's will NOT keep these in stock.
Advanced auto parts has them in stock and Pep boys carries them
as well but they always seem to have to order them. Look for the
factory turbocharged cars...
Ignition
The MSD DIS-2 is optional and works fine on OBD-I cars (up to 95).
Contact MSD for OBD-II cars. MSD wires and the
aforementioned plugs and you're set.
Intercooler
I very highly recommend an intercooler with your turbo setup. It
will cool off the intake charge greatly, and a cooler intake charge
means more power and more detonation resistance. This is pivotal
with an engine not designed for boost. It allows for a buffer zone
against detonation and more consistency while running repeatedly.
A great intercooler is the Starion intercooler.These can be found
on Ebay commonly for not a lot of money. They utilize the same core
as the Lancer Evolution, so it flows very well and is efficient.
Other options are the ginormous Twistec intercooler, or a custom
Spearco.
Mounting a front mount is not too difficult on most Saturns. It
will require trimming of some of the plastic baffling, though.
Intercooler Piping
The best piping to use is 2 inch "hot" and 2.25 inch
"cold". The reason for this is the velocity and air density
change as it goes
through the intercooler. Piping can be sourced from JC Whitney (www.jcwhitney.com).
Silicon connectors and clamps can be sourced from www.roadraceengineering.com
or www.turbopiping.com. For clamps,
the screw type work fine; though the T-bolt clamps are very nice!
A blow off valve is necessary.
It relieves pressure in the intake piping created by the spinning
turbo between shifts when the throttle plate closes. It is to prevent
damage to the turbo from spinning backwards, known as compressor
surge. I like the Turbo XS units, though HKS and Blitz also make
very nice ones. These can be commonly found on Ebay or other parts
places. The vacuum line reference should go to the intake manifold
for an accurate reading. Look for a small article soon on making
your own "vacuum distributor".
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forum has become one of the best resources for Saturn performance
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Archived Articles
August 2005 TSN will be holding its first ever meet
in Chardon, Ohio. Some of the fastest Saturns in the country will
be attending. Activities will include drag racing, dyno, tech session,
and BBQ. Look for the latest information in the forums.
Different
Racing
Jeff and his team Different Racing have big plans
on breaking into some really low quarter mile times this year. Last
year he posted a 12.40 on a pretty healthy nitrous shot. This year
he has a new turbo setup and some serious determination. Visit his
website for the latest news and information. I expect we'll be seeing
some low 12's from him by the end of the year.
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