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View Full Version : Newbie Mystery - Boost AND Crisp shifting restored after maintenance


KenB WE$
02-14-2004, 11:33 PM
The short-
Before, trans shifted like mush, boost did not build past ~5 psi

The Long -
87 WE4 that had sat a lot for almost 3 years.
Trans was super mushy at the shift (sapping all power?). Somewhat resigned to replacement. Car is basically stock (best I knew). Boost gauge only showed about 5 psi max under WOT. (This is odd)

So after reading various forums embark on maintenance and some others items
A/C retrofit to R-134a
All new coolant/heater hoses, thermostat, cap, and coolant
New vacuum hoses
New vacuum block gasket
New EGR and gasket (stock)
New PCV, hose, and gasket (stock)
new fuel Filter (stock)
New plugs (stock)
New wires (stock)
New 02 sensor (stock)

Discover big intake manifold leak (maybe important)
New intake manifold gaskets

Discover #5 injector leaking
Make big change, go to 57#s with Extender chip (already of LT1 MAF and Translator)

Install AFPR, set static fuel pressure to 45psi (per chip instructions)

Go to install Fuel Pump Hot-wire, already had one (who knew?)

Notice the waste gaste "shaft" is threaded, I think this aftermarket adjustable style

Hook up Turbolink 4.0 (not that I understand it all)
Idle TPS 0.45 V
Idle IAC counts (closed loop, at temp) 30
Decide not to make any changes

Drive car for first time with all these changes. What a difference. Transmission shifts cleanly, boost builds to >15 psi, and low and behold AUDIBLE knock at WOT. Oops. But I view that as good, just need to keep finding and fixing the weak link.

The mystery to me, what affected the transmission that could have been improved shifting so much? That and boost?

Vacuum leaks are bad for boost, that I understand, but the transmission shifting.... Don't see the connection.

A bit more rambling-
Also, now, I have to chase the pegged BLM issue, reading threads on that other forum, have to hunt down more leaks I guess. Check valves, anyone have part number, cost, and where on the engine?

That and I must study what ALL Turbolink can tell me from a stoplight WOT blast. Oooh audible knock is scary. Need to put in the Caspers sensor so I don't listen for knock. Boosting the octane is once concern, here in LA 91 is highest most commonly found, chip is for 93. Need to find unleaded race fuel, or go the rocket fuel route, this was in the plan.

Appreciate any input.

KenB

John Larkin
02-15-2004, 06:33 AM
You might have accidentally set the TV cable properly during this thrash when you floored the gas pedal and didn't realize it. A misadjusted TV cable can make the car shift hard or like mush depending on the setting. Matter of fact, when it is way mushy, it can burn your trans up. I would suspect that more than anything.

Pegged BLMs: sounds like you've been reading in the library here. That's a good article but you should also contact the person you bought the translator from and get some advice. They can help you sort it out most likely.

I'm not surprised with the knock @ <15 psi. I can only go 16-17 on 93 octane. Maybe 17 on 94, but 21 with 94 + alky injection (using isopropyl). 91 octane is marginal fuel any way you slice it.

Mike Licht
02-16-2004, 08:16 AM
Ken, you have a trans plus, correct? If so remove some timing. to get rid of the knock. Let me know if you need help there

Mike

KenB WE$
02-16-2004, 02:40 PM
John and Mike
Thanks for the input and offer of help.

Have std Translator, so no adj of timing.
HOWEVER, I can adjust the octane of the fuel. Since 91 is piss poor no matter what, for tuning purposes I think I'll get a 5 gal jug of VP103, and blend to achieve at least 93. Cost is steep, but I want to focus on car gremlins. So eliminate octane from basic concerns. Dealer is not even 1.5 miles from my house.

Later, the idea of alky will become a reality, as well as blending my own rocket fuel additive. Or find a Unocal 76 that has 100 proof on tap.

Let me know if anyone has more insights to share. That and productively boost your post count for this contest.

mike85gn
02-16-2004, 02:50 PM
I don't really think anyone has tried running Astrolite in their cars, but I normally use a little bit of race fuel mixed in for initial tuning after adding to my combo, try lengthening that wastegate rod a full turn as well and see what happens, it should lower the boost a bit (I know that's not ideal, but if it comes to that...).