Question: Boost Control Valve Alternatives for NG900

[US_SLAAB]

Is there a replacement for the solenoid boost control valve for NG900? IE. a valve w/o bleed? I want to eliminate/reduce boost lag.

I'm running Maptun Stage I ECU (see webpage for other mods). I want to reduce/eliminate boost lag while maintaining ECU control. I've seen the MBC ball/spring alternatives (incl. TurboXS's dual stage) but I live in Florida where temperatures vary from 30 to 110 degrees. I really don't want to be always adjusting a MBC. The ECU already has logic to constantly adjust boost/fuel/ignition etc. I don't want a separate EVC (HKS, APEXi, Blitz etc) because that will introduce integration issues that could become a PITA. Maptun seems to be doing a good job anyways so that bleeder valve seems to be a weak link.

What solenoid operated non-bleeding valves could be used as replacements for the stock NG900?

SLAAB's web page

[pyronerd]

No ideas for you about the boost controller (other than personal experience with mine from Abbott Racing, which works superbly and is easily adjustable), but I do have a question. I drive a '99 Saab 9-3 2.0t with several mods (see other threads in this forum for specifics), but have not yet upgraded the ECU. That is definitely a priority, however, and I'm wondering what kind of luck you've had with your Maptun job. Has engine smoothness or idle quality been affected? Has the transmission handled it well? Any other problems you've noticed? Thanks for any info you can relay!

[US_SLAAB]

Originally posted by pyronerd:
[qb]No ideas for you about the boost controller (other than personal experience with mine from Abbott Racing, which works superbly and is easily adjustable), but I do have a question. *I drive a '99 Saab 9-3 2.0t with several mods (see other threads in this forum for specifics), but have not yet upgraded the ECU. *That is definitely a priority, however, and I'm wondering what kind of luck you've had with your Maptun job. *Has engine smoothness or idle quality been affected? *Has the transmission handled it well? *Any other problems you've noticed? *Thanks for any info you can relay![/qb][/b]

I'm very pleased with the Maptun unit. My car pulls very fast and very smooth and I have encountered no idling problems at all. The key deciding factor in going with Maptun is that they allow you to trade up your ECUs and their Stage IV promises 304hp. So I can upgrade my car over time and not get killed too much with the price.

On the topic of my transmission. I have been street and drag racing my car (my time is on the left). I have 225/50-16 nitto 555r drag radials mounted on my original rims. I shallow stage at the track and drop the clutch at 3500 rpm. This lasted about 4 months. My original clutch has died. I now have a Swedish Dynamics Kevlar Clutch installed. I haven't been to the track since the new clutch install.



I've been pretty lazy about installing boost and a/f gauges (working on a custom dual a-pillar pods). I want to make sure I don't lean out the engine when I go for further mods.

Other ECU vendors (abbott) seem to peak at about 250hp. My local friends all pressure me to go with piggy back Japanese (Blitz, APEXi, HKS) control modules but none of them have been installed on Saab. I'm not about to be a beta tester with my car especially when these components are so expensive.

SLAAB's web page

[kprm77]

Welcome to the board US_SLAAB

[pyronerd]

SLAAB -- very interesting about the Maptun ECU, I like that they'll let you trade in each upgrade as well. Hopefully I'd be able to start out with at least a Stage II or III..... I'm going to email them and see what they have to say about upgrades for my specific car.

As for the clutch -- I've been street-racing and doing occassional autocross with mine since new and the clutch has held out so far, but it's making a bit of a strange noise now that apparently even my dealer can't diagnose. Perhaps an SD kevlar clutch will be up next for me, as well. Thanks!

[US_SLAAB]

Originally posted by Kevin Mc:
[qb]Welcome to the board US_SLAAB * [/qb][/b]

thanks kevin... nice board you have here

[kprm77]

Don't tell /John!

I'm just one of the contributors on the board - it is all the contributors that make it what it is!

Nice car by the way

[jb]

Now that is a seriously pukka way of sorting out your stereo! I've always thought of 3rd party amps / subs etc. but always been put off by all that crud loosing space and being knocked about. Would appreciate any plans for sizing etc. if you still have them... save re-inventing a very fine wheel!

Jez

[US_SLAAB]

Originally posted by jb:
[qb]Now that is a seriously pukka way of sorting out your stereo! *I've always thought of 3rd party amps / subs etc. but always been put off by all that crud loosing space and being knocked about. *Would appreciate any plans for sizing etc. if you still have them... save re-inventing a very fine wheel!

Jez[/qb][/b]

Sorry meng. I didn't use a plan. Just eyeballed and trimmed. A lot easier when you work with masonite and only use MDF for structural stuff (like xbracing, supports, corners, and sub boxes). Yes, masonite is not as strong as MDF but it is substantially lighter. I don't want to take my install out every time I flex the SLAAB.

Just keep in mind that you will have to custom up the headunit preamp wire. See the Audio FAQ on Saabnet. In retrospect, I would have now preferred to go with the Pioneer unit shown below and avoid the complexity (speed/volume compensation is ridiculous when you have 1900 watts of thump in the trunk).