lead_foot

If anyone has read my last post, I was the one with a ton of problems. Me and my friend fixed the hose to the AST and all we have to do now is replace the coolant and it should be in good shape.(for awhile). But I just spent 2K on parts and I was wondering if I should look out for anything such as running lean, boost creep, boost spike, etc.

Here are the parts:
Autometer 52mm Water Temp Gauge
Autometer Boost Gauge
High Flow Cat
Pettit AST
Pettit Cold Air Intake
Racing Beat Dual Tip Exhaust
Bönez 3" Stainless Steel Downpipe
Turbo to Downpipe Gasket
RP Aftermarket O2 Sensor
TurboXS Manual Type Boost Controllers

So is there anything that I should anticipate with all these parts on?

ZumSpeedRX-7

iTrader: (12)

what you should look for is an upgraded computer. after all those mods and no tuning, you are not gonna be running as good as you should be. I have a APEXi Power FC and depending on where you order it from, they can send you a base map made for your mods.

lead_foot

so i am going to be running short on fuel. i thought i was going to cut it close, but not that close. i figured afer I got the new radiator and intercooler then I would need the FC. how much did u get yours for?

yuichiror

iTrader: (1)

As long as you limit your boost to 10psi, you'll have enough fuel. Just be careful, with the CB, DP, and high flow cat, you might see boost spikes. As ZumspdRX-7 said, getting a programmable ECU will allow a tuner to get more power out of your car safely.

ZumSpeedRX-7

iTrader: (12)

i bought my PFC (twice) from RX-7.com. you can get a Power FC alone for 980, or the commander and power fc for $1049. just watch your boost patterns, and you should be fine for a little while. if you have some extra money, id go with a computer though. good luck

Upgrayedd

iTrader: (1)

Whoa! You can get a PFC for under $900 WITH a commander thru Alamo Autosports. Check them out in the Group Buy forum. I got mine for $870 shipped. Others have gotten them from a japanparts website for under $700!!

lead_foot

I did get the manual boost controller and I am going to limit it to 10psi. Will that be enough or should I just go ahead and order the FC now? also where is the manual boost contoller suppose to go? I read that it had to go through the vaccum lines to the turbos. Just want to make sure.

lead_foot

Also what should I put towards my car after the FC. My motor is the stock motor with 76K miles on it. Should I put it towards a rebuild or reman? If so which one? I am still trying to do the compression test but some people say its not accurate enough.

2xrx7

save money to rebuild, or get it DYNO tuned

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

The manual boos tcontrollers should prevent spiking. Set them for 10psi.

I agree that the next step should be a programmable ECU and/or intercooler, but the setup you have now is fine. When you get a tunable ECU you'll be able to turn up the boost some, but then you'll need some fuel system upgrades and an intercooler to keep the temps from roasting.

Since you say the engine is original and at 76k, I would suspect that it's not far from a rebuild, and that installing mods will only bring that day sooner. I would do that next.

Dave

lead_foot

I definetly agree with putting my money towards the rebuild, but I should get an ECU regardless? I absolutely need the ECU because of the mods? just to clarify

ZumSpeedRX-7

iTrader: (12)

you dont absolutely need the ECU if you are going with the manual boost controller to prevent spiking. The PFC actually has a boost controller built into it that works better then my EVC 5 boost controller, so you could kill 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak. id look into where mazdatim got his though, that's a great deal. you'll need one eventually anyways, so when you get one, is up to you.

check your compressions on the motor before you jump to rebuilding it obviosuly. i have a friend with 120k+ miles on his factory motor, so you never know. it is definatly something you need to think about because it could happen, but if your motor is running strong, you should be fine (for a little while.) the more mods you do, the more mods you will need to counter. the RX-7 is like a scale; you add one thing to one end, you have to balance it out on the other side. hence the tuning.

reliability mods are always a great place to start, but you seem to be heading in the right direction as far as that goes. actually, your whole project seems to be going in the right direction. hope some of that helped.

the best advice that i can give you is to think of what you want to build your car for. one thing to take into great consideration is an intercooler set up. i went with a FMIC, and i am still slowly figuring out my overheating problems. everyone has different set ups, and someone elses FMIC can run cooler then mine, and my FMIC set up can run cooler the someone elses SMIC set up. so just do your research and find whats good for you, your needs, and your wallet. good luck, and never stop asking questions.


EDIT* the PFC boost controller is good up until 13-15psi, anything after that, look into a manual or electronic boost controller. for 14psi, my car runs and holds and doesnt spike with the PFC.

lead_foot

Thanks zumspdrx-7 that helped alot. So do you like your FMIC or do you wish you went with a SMIC? I heard the front mounts catch a lot of rocks but also cool alot faster from the on coming air. Also, once I get the PFC and intercooler, what is my next step? I know I will have to get bigger injectors and fuel rail, but what else? Should I stop on the performance side and focus on my image(i have a lot of small things I need to take care of-passenger window doesnt work, front glove box is broken, paint has nicks, and I also want to get alot of the 99 spec parts).

NeedFD

I vote for PFC investment. That will definitely help you with diagnosing sensors (under the etc mode), monitor peak and hold boost, air temp, water temp, etc etc
not to mention richen or lean out fuel, and adjust timing

"Buy it now"