[Tim M]

Been sidetracked with a project for my young assistant...one of those Mitsubachis...idle for 6 years with no powerplant. May have bitten off more than we can chew...never worked on a Mitsu and trying to do it in a foreign land. Not sure how many laws we may be breaking...



Nonetheless, some new rubber showed up from Tire Rack. Car goes into inspection in March...only new tires will pass (1.6 mm tread required across the entire face!):



New tires always put a smile on my face...

[Boost Creep]

Would almost make sense to have a set of wheels just for inspection.

[Tim M]

Almost makes sense, but fresh tires for the season isn't a bad idea considering some of their use. ;-)

[Tim M]

My assistant thought this car could use some improvements...so off came the blower and shipped to a porter for internal refinement and a larger pulley (less boost!). Hoping to avoid the octane booster, but still maintain the power. Stripped it weighs 62 pounds...



Some wrenching:



Interesting design:



Big thumbs...



Stripped:



Boxed and gone:

[Tim M]

Been a bit while the temps are low and car is on ice, but did receive a lightning fast shipment from Phasteq for a 103MM throttle body by Nick Williams. A work of art and doesn't look too outlandish - perfect:



Don't believe this will mesh with my OEM airbox connection...hmm.

Additionally, will try a bit of an old school trick with a lower temperature thermostat - selected a Katech model of 176 degrees. Quite expensive, but now every car model is unique so not unexpected.

I've noted the consistent track coolant temps probably mean there is little to gain (thermostat is full open), but may help on the high speed autobahn runs where ~20 degree lower start temps may provide a bit more oomph at the top of the run (coolant temps were climbing).

[S2000_Europe]

Tim, has you also tried a fan switch? so the fan turns up earlier.

[Tim M]

S2000: The tuner actually lowered the fan 'on' temps at lower speeds when I added the blower...mainly for the supercharger heat exchanger. Nonetheless, the engine coolant runs on the OEM thermostat.

Thanks!

[Tim M]

Fresh tires are inwork...dropped off a load on Saturday to the local race shop (they don't scratch wheels!):



Well Katech cancelled my order for the thermostat as they attempted to ship via UPS vice US Postal Service (as requested).

Will have to re-engage...

On the supercharger front, finally got confirmation that the custom pulley arrived Kong Friday and hopefully will ship Monday. Probably 3 weeks enroute thru the USP system...

[Tim M]

No supercharger yet...hopefully it shipped as the weather is getting nice!

Did receive my Rotofab setup (non-Big Gulp). Unfortunately, I ordered a ZL1 model...but the hoods are different between the two. Additionally, the supplied rubber bellows to connect to the throttle body is too small since switching from the OEM to a 103 MM. Both parts are enroute.



Looks to be a quality product and the filter is substantial - good for my ~700 CHP plan.

Called Katech and they apologized as the order was stuck in between statuses the entire time. Reordered and sent to a stateside relative to reship to the overseas address.

[Tim M]

A fun Easter weekend - nice surprise:



Full internal port...





Compared to original:





Went with a larger pulley (2.7 inch Griptec)...to slow the blower (~10%) and reduce the boost. In hopes to increase durabilty/reliability. (and skip the octane booster)



Familiar pose:



Also added the 103 MM throttle body since it matches the porting...:



The original air intake hose was a real stretch to get it to fit...even used some bicycle tire irons to get it over the lip!

I like the OEM look...so do the Germans:



A bit lucky, started up and drove 20 miles...no check engine light. Now the long distant tuning begins.

[Boost Creep]

Possible with the ported blower to get similar power with lower boost?

[Tim M]

That is the hope - along with the larger throttle body, but...the improvements can also increase boost so we will see where it lands.

Unfortunately, after the second drive...the check engine light illuminated...

[Tim M]

And success...third drive is charm...no more light and hasn't returned.

Let the tuning begin - hopefully tomorrow night logging.

Need to get it to the inspectors pronto though!

[Boost Creep]

Good to hear.
What was setting off the light?

Has your car passed all the monitors in OBDII?