'Official BWR SC Install Thread'

[MightyMike]

Originally Posted by fzust

The points that CharlieX makes are all excellent, thanks CharlieX!

Additionally, we've done extensive testing and I want to point out something we've discovered. It is CRITICAL that anyone installing ANY supercharger kit inspect & test and/or replace their mass-air sensor element. We've seen that the mass air sensor element can get very dirty(remember in the lotus much dirtier air hits the intake than a car with a front intake.) and this dirt will cause the mass-air sensor to read low(Its a fairly linear change). Aftermarket intakes, higher mileage cars, and cars operated in dustier or dirtier conditions are even more prone to this.
This will cause the ECU to think more air is entering the engine than reality you will have a potentially dangerous lean condition!

You can test the mass-air sensor with a scan tool by having someone monitoring the mass-air sensor while you drive WOT in second gear. You should see 225-230grams/sec at above 8200rpms. If you see much less than this you should replace your mass-air sensor element. These new mass-air elements may not survive harsh chemical cleaning and should just be replaced.

Fred,

What are your thoughts on using CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner? I've used their products in the past (brake cleaner, carb cleaner etc...) with no issues.

CRC Industries Global Home

Thanks,
Mike

[gtlotus]

I haven't started my install because I'm adding a few gagues first. Just trying to get a base line. Does anyone know if PES can remove the second o2 sensor from the ecu program? I would like to use that bung for my afr gauge.
Thanks,
Gene

[fzust]

Originally Posted by MightyMike

Fred,

What are your thoughts on using CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner? I've used their products in the past (brake cleaner, carb cleaner etc...) with no issues.

CRC Industries Global Home

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,

I don't know as I haven't used them. You can try it but you should get a scan tool and check the calibration afterwards. Additionally, you should check it a while down the road and see if any long-term damage has been done. If it is off, I would spend the money and replace it. Too much $$$ in the car to risk it in my mind.

[fzust]

Originally Posted by gtlotus

I haven't started my install because I'm adding a few gagues first. Just trying to get a base line. Does anyone know if PES can remove the second o2 sensor from the ecu program? I would like to use that bung for my afr gauge.
Thanks,
Gene

Gene,

They cannot. This may be something that CharlieX offers, however. You can find him at Temporary goth.am webstore - excuse our dust!

[Murix]

Originally Posted by MightyMike

Fred,

What are your thoughts on using CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner? I've used their products in the past (brake cleaner, carb cleaner etc...) with no issues.

CRC Industries Global Home

Thanks,
Mike

My friends and I clean our MAF sensor on a regular basis with this stuff. It works. I just cleaned mine three days ago.

[skibum]

I was wondering the same thing about the MAF cleaner. I have a can sitting in my garage but am somewhat scared to use it.

Murix - Have you used it on the Lotus MAF?

[MightyMike]

Originally Posted by fzust

Mike,

I don't know as I haven't used them. You can try it but you should get a scan tool and check the calibration afterwards. Additionally, you should check it a while down the road and see if any long-term damage has been done. If it is off, I would spend the money and replace it. Too much $$$ in the car to risk it in my mind.

Thanks Fred - I'm going to try the stuff, but will monitor as you suggested. Understand your point - lots of cash to replace an engine.

Mike

[fzust]

Originally Posted by MightyMike

Thanks Fred - I'm going to try the stuff, but will monitor as you suggested. Understand your point - lots of cash to replace an engine.

Mike

Mike,

Exactly. Let me be clear: Lots of YOUR cash to replace an engine!

[MightyMike]

Originally Posted by fzust

Mike,

Exactly. Let me be clear: Lots of YOUR cash to replace an engine!

Hope it never comes to that. BTW, S/C runs like a champ!

[Murix]

Originally Posted by skibum

I was wondering the same thing about the MAF cleaner. I have a can sitting in my garage but am somewhat scared to use it.

Murix - Have you used it on the Lotus MAF?

Yes. Our MAf is nothing special. It is a Toyota motor. Subaru uses the same sensor.

YMMV, but I have no problem with cleaning it and consider it routine maintenance out in Cali's dusty climate.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Apparently mine was so filthy that I was being fed only about 150 g/second as opposed to the normal 220-250 g/second. Needless to say, PES replaced mine...LOL

[Murix]

They get black on the Elise in pretty short order.

[Orangeelise]

Everything is coming along well without taking off the clam. I have one problem with the kit so far, it's cutting the harness to put the injector connectors. Why not just unpin the stock one's, so your not cutting the harness. The one for the alternator is a little bite harder but it should be soldiered not just clamped and heat shrinked. Is everyone cutting them?

[Murix]

Quite frankly, the clamping of the wires is the easy way to make this kit a bolt on. I would say electrical connections should always be soldered. It makes for a cleaner connection. It is not a difficult thing to do or learn.

[brokenboy]

Just as an FYI, connections on vehicles are rarely soldered. Soldering a wire to something creates a very sharp stress concentration right at the point where the wire enters the solder pocket. If you do solder, make sure the solder is not providing the mechanical support for the wire.

What I was planning on doing was attaching male spade connectors to the wires and just plugging them into the stock plugs. I haven't done my install yet so there may be a reason this is not possible or desired.

[fzust]

Originally Posted by brokenboy

Just as an FYI, connections on vehicles are rarely soldered. Soldering a wire to something creates a very sharp stress concentration right at the point where the wire enters the solder pocket. If you do solder, make sure the solder is not providing the mechanical support for the wire.

What I was planning on doing was attaching male spade connectors to the wires and just plugging them into the stock plugs. I haven't done my install yet so there may be a reason this is not possible or desired.

I believe I saw on Summit racing adapter plugs from Denso to Bosch. That might be a preferred method. The heat shrinks we ship have glue in them to better de-stress and strengthen the crimp joint.

[architect]

everying is installed. but won't crank over. BWR kit . Acts like the security system is opperating. Interesting note, the fuel gauge reads emty, but the tank is full.

HELP!

[fzust]

Originally Posted by architect

everying is installed. but won't crank over. BWR kit . Acts like the security system is opperating. Interesting note, the fuel gauge reads emty, but the tank is full.

HELP!

Check all your electrical connections, including connections to starter & alternator.
Try disconnecting the battery. While battery disconnected, disconnect & reconnect the ECU. Reconnect battery. Disarm, arm, and disarm the alarm.

[chotto]

Fred-
Is it possible to remove the air conditioner unit for good during this install?

[rstutts]

How much hp increase should we expect from this aftermarket BWR s/c? The stock Elise SC says 218, up 29 hp from the stock Elise. Should we be getting more than that?