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Got my car back from the shop today, after having a low mileage engine put in. Highlights included resealing everything, new water pump, new front engine mount, new Abbott urethane trans mount, new rod bearings, setting the timing to 20 degrees BTDC, and setting base boost to 6 psi. Oh, also had a lightened early 2.3l flywheel put on, with an Aero clutch.
I wasn't expecting such a dramatic increase in acceleration and power when going from 15-16 psi to 20 psi. I wasn't even sure that the low base boost was responsible for the low max boost, but it seemed logical. Well right away, I notice that the boost needle wasn't slowing as it hit 15 psi, it was still climbing fast, and settle right down around 20 psi. Too much traffic, so I had to wait a while before hitting I90 eastbound to really give it a workout. Sure enough, hit the darned fuel pump cutoff somewhere past 20 psi (wasn't watching the boost gauge at the time). Pulled over and fixed that little problem right quick!
I'm just amazed at how much lighter the car feels. Feels like it's flying! And I haven't even punched it in 1st or 2nd gear. Don't really intend to, but if it flies like this in 3rd, 4th, and 5th... Between 15 psi and 20 psi there's really some serious power addage. Holding at 15 almost seems slow now, whereas 17-18 screams!
Anyhoo, thought you all would enjoy. I'm still on a plain 'ol 3.0 bar FPR and stock injectors. No pinging or other problems, no cutback of boost whatsoever. A/F gauge readings are a bit more lean at the higher boost levels, but will richen up if I stay in it for a few seconds. I'm guessing this is the cooling effect of the water injection. I may go to a larger nozzle size, I'm at the smallest now.
I'm going on a 600 mile trip this weekend, in some 80-90F+ weather and some nice mountain driving, perfect test for the H2O injection. I'm betting I'll still be able to get 20 psi in 90F weather..
Cheers,
Aaron Gilbert
1987 9000T 256k
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