Hi Everyone,
With feedback from our introductory run of Superchargers, we're seeing the need on some cars to control / retard ignition timing. Since we now have over a dozen kits out there, we're beginning to see the range of tolerance in the cars. I've consulted with EFI systems, who provided our tuning support during development, who assured us this type of finding is not uncommon on a new product launch (good to hear since my heart sank when I heard we had some ping).
For now, we're purchasing the MSD boost referenced timing retard box #8665. The function of this box is to remove timing as the boost comes on. So far, only some cars need it, mainly the ones with low octane gas. The positive displacement Supercharger makes instant full boost, so that means you have a lot of power at even 2,000 - 3,000 RPM,. This is the range the timing retard is needed in some cars. The MSD box is $159 and we're covering the cost since we took deposits at a set introductory kit price of $6,495.
Since we're spending money on something like this, we have decided to see what else is out there to use, for slightly more money, which could perhaps allow us to make even more power. There are a few options available right now.
One option, which we received on Monday, is a laptop programmable system. It manipulates the MAP sensor signals and crankshaft position sensor signals to control fuel and timing. It has a 3D mapping feature which would also allow us to say, take out timing advance at 2,000 - 3,000 RPM, maybe add some back in between 3,100 and 4,800 RPM, etc... This one is programmed by linking up to a PC with a serial cable.
Our Supercharger manufacturer (Autorotor) has another option we're looking at which is capable of driving the injectors and coil packs itself, as opposed to manipulating engine sensor signals to the PCM. We're talking back and forth about it now. To set it up right, we either have to get one of their engineers here or get a car in Sweden. The control box uses a memory card to store different setups. So, you could have a low octane setup and a race setup card. It also stores data. It looks like the best setup so far as it has very specific control of the fuel and timing.
Both of these controls are in the $500 range and are plenty capable (overkill) for the timing control needed in our standard SC kit. The biggest reasons we're looking at now doing this is to give us the control we need in order to make more HP, while also taking care of the immediate needs in timing retard. At 600 RWHP, we've seemed to reach the end of what the factory PCM can handle well. As we've added boost recently, the torque has increased (627 RWTQ with another 3/4 pound of boost), but the HP has not gone up so much.
I'll keep you all posted with results, including dyno results as we go along. Just wanted to let you know what we are working on.
Sean
With feedback from our introductory run of Superchargers, we're seeing the need on some cars to control / retard ignition timing. Since we now have over a dozen kits out there, we're beginning to see the range of tolerance in the cars. I've consulted with EFI systems, who provided our tuning support during development, who assured us this type of finding is not uncommon on a new product launch (good to hear since my heart sank when I heard we had some ping).
For now, we're purchasing the MSD boost referenced timing retard box #8665. The function of this box is to remove timing as the boost comes on. So far, only some cars need it, mainly the ones with low octane gas. The positive displacement Supercharger makes instant full boost, so that means you have a lot of power at even 2,000 - 3,000 RPM,. This is the range the timing retard is needed in some cars. The MSD box is $159 and we're covering the cost since we took deposits at a set introductory kit price of $6,495.
Since we're spending money on something like this, we have decided to see what else is out there to use, for slightly more money, which could perhaps allow us to make even more power. There are a few options available right now.
One option, which we received on Monday, is a laptop programmable system. It manipulates the MAP sensor signals and crankshaft position sensor signals to control fuel and timing. It has a 3D mapping feature which would also allow us to say, take out timing advance at 2,000 - 3,000 RPM, maybe add some back in between 3,100 and 4,800 RPM, etc... This one is programmed by linking up to a PC with a serial cable.
Our Supercharger manufacturer (Autorotor) has another option we're looking at which is capable of driving the injectors and coil packs itself, as opposed to manipulating engine sensor signals to the PCM. We're talking back and forth about it now. To set it up right, we either have to get one of their engineers here or get a car in Sweden. The control box uses a memory card to store different setups. So, you could have a low octane setup and a race setup card. It also stores data. It looks like the best setup so far as it has very specific control of the fuel and timing.
Both of these controls are in the $500 range and are plenty capable (overkill) for the timing control needed in our standard SC kit. The biggest reasons we're looking at now doing this is to give us the control we need in order to make more HP, while also taking care of the immediate needs in timing retard. At 600 RWHP, we've seemed to reach the end of what the factory PCM can handle well. As we've added boost recently, the torque has increased (627 RWTQ with another 3/4 pound of boost), but the HP has not gone up so much.
I'll keep you all posted with results, including dyno results as we go along. Just wanted to let you know what we are working on.
Sean
