Building a 15g 3KGT VR4, need opinions

[niterydr]

Originally Posted by cman3000

So I had the car up on a lift this weekend, and there is a large dent in the pan. Now I know why a rod bearing went out. Also, I am noticing the car is hitting a wall at 5k in 3rd, it is worse the colder out it is, safe to say I have a boost leak somewhere and am maxing out the MAF sensor?

Dented oil pan is the number one killer of 6g72 engines. The "Wall" you may be hitting is a drop in boost on the 9b's, they don't hold boost to redline. I doubt you are maxing out the MAF, but if your intake sucks you could be choking off airflow. (or if your intake doesn't suck properly ).

[cman3000]

It feels like fuel cut actually, complete cut out.

[niterydr]

Probably spark blowout, how are your plugs?

[Pushit2.0]

A boost leak test never hurts. But a gear dependent load based issue in a land yacht like a 3/s I would agree it might be ignition related. Unless your car has some crazy boost gain only in 3rd gear +.... plugs and wires is always a good idea. Also does it mater on fuel tank level? Could it be a fuel pump pickup or fuel filter issue?

[cman3000]

Well, the I am afraid the engine is on it's way out. Accelerating in 4th today, I looked in my rearview and saw I was just about blinding everyone behind me with a cloud of white smoke. Thought it was possibly just a turbo, but upon getting home I had low oil pressure and the car took about 5 tries to turn over after sitting and smoked while idling. At least I bought an extra engine and some 15gs

[cman3000]

Also, since I will purchasing parts soon, what tuning device would you guys recommend? I was interested in using a 98+ ecu (probably a Montero ecu) due to it's retaining of many stock features, but it looks like info on that type of setup is still fairly limited.

[goodhart]

seems like AEM is the only thing worth a shit on these things if you wanna make power isn't it?

[cman3000]

After doing some more research I decided I am going to go with the Apex'i NEO for tuning, since they fixed the firmware problem with 3/s MAFs. Overall I think the setup will be something like this:

15gs
510cc Injectors (Possibly just DSM 450s, looking for 400-450 awhp)
NEO
Turbo back exhaust
New plugs, wires, timing belt, tensioner, etc..
1g BOV
Wideband
Datalogger
Stronger clutch

When I get a little more cash I will go with a full FMIC setup.

As far as preventative maintainence goes, should I replace the rod bearings on the replacement engine? Anything else I should replace on the engine ahead of time (gaskets, etc.)?

[niterydr]

I'd recommend going with a MAF-T in blow-thru setup with that NEO to pull out some intake restrictions.

[cman3000]

Alright, will I be able to wire up my 1g translator or is the circuitry different vs the 2g/3s model?

[niterydr]

http://www.maftpro.com/

[cman3000]

May just have to go with that MAF-T Pro. I didn't realize it had that many features.

[niterydr]

The documents on that website show that the 1g translator is different than the 2g & 3/s translator (same type).

This has to do with the difference in airflow sensor.

[cman3000]

What are your thoughts on speed density with the Translator Pro? I am considering just eliminating a MAF altogether.

[niterydr]

I haven't had much luck with the Pro, but the last time I used one was over 4 years ago, maybe there has been software updates since then.

[cman3000]

What issues did you have with it? From what I have been reading, a lot of people on 3si seem to love it, even over eManage ultimate.

[niterydr]

Originally Posted by cman3000

What issues did you have with it? From what I have been reading, a lot of people on 3si seem to love it, even over eManage ultimate.

Not sure if it was install error, but I had one come in that didn't seem to do shit, it was pretty much a brick when it came to trying adjust items , actually it may have been easier to tune that car WITH a brick.

The installed seemed okay, but who knows if they toasted the translator with an improper install, then fixed it.

[cman3000]

Haha alright, well that sounds like a fairly isolated issue.

[cman3000]

Update: Decided to go speed density with the MAFT-Pro. Got a boomslang harness made and the translator unit for $250 total. Engine is out right now, seems like rings went out on a piston, car smoked very badly even at idle. Just have to get a few more parts purchased (including repurchasing 550 injectors, got scammed on 3Si). Will probably make a project thread at some point.

[Shane@DBPerformance]

Get the ignition timing harness stuff in there too, so you can pull timing with the MAFT Pro.