1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The T5 controls knock with timing retard and fuel enrichment. That is all that is required under normal operation with or without a MBC|MBC+A. Only when things go wrong does the ECU reduce boost. So the reduction of boost is not a fundamental part of basic on-boost engine management, but is a fail safe mechanism.
So you do in priciple loose that fail safe. Many folks have used the MBC and MBC+A and I and others have always advised on plugs, oil, filters, fuel, filters and intake/exhaust mods. We have not had any reports of detonation damage with the T5s. No cracked pistons and no head gasket problems that are seen to be out of the norm for factory head bolts that were never right from the get-go.
So we have a large number of folks running these with no reports of problems other than facial grin muscle fatique. So there is no reason to be concerns that you would have problems.
So follow all of the mod and maintenance recommedations that you have seen posted here for years. You have a 1999 9-3. That was quite a bad year for head bolt torque. It is good to see that you have dealt with that.
What we do want to avoid is someone increasing boost on an engine that is suffering from improper maintenance and neglect. The engines with heavy sludging would simply approach destiny much faster.
I strongly recommend that xW40 full syntheic oils be used and feel that xW30 oils should not be considered at all. This goes for old and new models, stock boost or modified.
We all need to monitor the low oil pressure lamps at 'lamp check' to know that the pressure switch has not failed. These are quite easy, but awkward, to replace.
Other things to watch for, VAC line damage to the MAP sensor or FPR. These can adversely effect fuel ratios. However, we have had reports of these lines been damaged or blown off with MBCs and while the performance became poor and CELs results, we had no reports of detonation problems. Again, the engine needs to we well maintained and cared for. Something that the true enthusiast has no trouble with.
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