no boost after intercooler install

[keepitlow98gt]

I have the vortech pulley replace from 3.66 to 3.125, since it was going to run more boost I added a CX Racing intercooler.
At the boost gauge I can only see 5 psi and that is at 4500rpm, I have been banging my head trying to figured this out.
if any one can share a light on this problem please let me know.

I/C 31"x12"x4", 3" inlet/outlet, 3" pipes, MAF is between intercooler and the TB, greddy type Rz bov between vortech and I/C. car turns on and runs ok under normal driving.


thanks

 

[Chief Gilly]

Did you move the location of the MAF and/or BOV? Were you draw through before and now blow through? Without an intercooler originally I imagine you probably moved things around, yes?

 

[keepitlow98gt]

Did you move the location of the MAF and/or BOV? Were you draw through before and now blow through? Without an intercooler originally I imagine you probably moved things around, yes?

I forgot to mention that I first install a intercooler that I got on ebay, but it was a small setup 2.5" pipes and the intercooler was 27"x7"x2.25". (everything was left in place just added the I/C) but I though that it was too small and the reason of not boost was the intercooler quality so went to CX Racing and got the new setup and yes I moved the MAF and BOV,

before intercooler

 

[keepitlow98gt]

here is a clean shot of the MAF

 

[Chief Gilly]

I forgot to mention that I first install a intercooler that I got on ebay, but it was a small setup 2.5" pipes and the intercooler was 27"x7"x2.25". (everything was left in place just added the I/C) but I though that it was too small and the reason of not boost was the intercooler quality so went to CX Racing and got the new setup and yes I moved the MAF and BOV,

before intercooler

If you moved the MAF and changed the pulley size it definitely will need a retune (could be running lean). The loss of boost on your gauge doesn't mean you lost anything necessarily. Boost gauges show the static pressure built up in the piping/intake from the forced air. I am surprised that you say it runs ok seeing how you moved the MAF. I myself added an air to water intercooler and went from the 3.6 to 3.33 pully. I don't know how much boost level was affected but I think I lost a pound or two. I left the MAF in the same place (fender draw through) BOV is between the aftercooler and TB. I made 40+ RWHP & TQ after re-dyno. If you are certain that you have no leaks then I would just get it dyno'd and check the results. You have a bypass valve correct, not a blow off valve, meaning you are recirculating air back to the SC inlet? You're not releasing to atmosphere. You could spray a little bit of starting fluid around the piping while it's idling. If the idle picks up when you do that you have a leak in the piping. This has to be done at idle while the engine is running on vacuum to suck the starting fluid in. I mean just to spray a light mist not a stream of starting fluid.

 

[keepitlow98gt]

BOV is releasing to atmosphere

 

[MaximumRisk]

Some intercoolers a very restrictive and it could be the problem. Where in the Bronx are you? I could probably drop by and help you diagnose the problem.

 

[keepitlow98gt]

Some intercoolers a very restrictive and it could be the problem. Where in the Bronx are you? I could probably drop by and help you diagnose the problem.

I really appreciated I'm on 174th Street and Hoe ave near Bronx river avenue, but ill drive to you if you like.

 

[MaximumRisk]

sending you a pm in a minute

 

[keepitlow98gt]

sending you a pm in a minute

I can't thank enough Waldo for everything he did for me yesterday. awesome guy and very knowledgeable thanks.

 

[MaximumRisk]

you're very welcome man. Hope you get things straighten out with the dude that built your cold side. Let me know how it goes

 

[On Edge]

So fellas, what was the end result ??
I have heard of people switching to the cx racing intercooler and loosing 2+ lbs of boost.
But, as stated, adding the intercooler and going from draw through to blow through , ... I think would def need a retune.
Treadstone is highly recommended but twice the price.

Chief gilly , what size pulley are you running, how many lbs of boost and what are your final up #s ? Thanks.

 

[MaximumRisk]

the guy that built his cold side did a very poor job (welding). His cold side has leaks at pretty much every seam and a big one where the blowoff valve is connected. He is going to take the car back to have the guy fix it or to try and get his money back and re do it ourselves. We will see how the car performs after the leaks are fixed (boost wise) and go from there.

 

[On Edge]

the guy that built his cold side did a very poor job (welding). His cold side has leaks at pretty much every seam and a big one where the blowoff valve is connected. He is going to take the car back to have the guy fix it or to try and get his money back and re do it ourselves. We will see how the car performs after the leaks are fixed (boost wise) and go from there.

Awesome work Waldo.

It prob would have been more effective and less costly to use silicone couplers .
I have heard welding tubes can be very costly, and also permanent.
So if you need to fix something, you can't

 

[MaximumRisk]

You are correct! It would be cheaper to do it the other way (with couplers) but someone recommended him some guy to do the job for him and did a shitty job. We will get him running right though, no worries :-D

​

 

[Chief Gilly]

Chief gilly , what size pulley are you running, how many lbs of boost and what are your final up #s ? Thanks.

I currently have 3.33" pulley, Gilly Special air to water intercooler . Last dyno was 390rwhp and 380rwtq.
My fuel injectors are at 100% duty cycle @ 6k rpm (39lb). Same for the fuel pump with the Division X 340lph pump. So I did the wiring mod with the relay and shortening the power wires to the pump. I also picked up some 60lb injectors. I'll throw in the injectors and re-tune it, see what happens. I don't expect any power increase just piece of mind to not run lean.

 

[On Edge]

I currently have 3.33" pulley, Gilly Special air to water intercooler . Last dyno was 390rwhp and 380rwtq.
My fuel injectors are at 100% duty cycle @ 6k rpm (39lb). Same for the fuel pump with the Division X 340lph pump. So I did the wiring mod with the relay and shortening the power wires to the pump. I also picked up some 60lb injectors. I'll throw in the injectors and re-tune it, see what happens. I don't expect any power increase just piece of mind to not run lean.

Awesome .... Thanks for the info.
Very nice #s.
Do you have the cobra blue top injectors or ford racing 39lbers ?
And how much boost did you make before and after the intercooler install ?
Thanks for your help ... Preparing for my install.......which is very very long overdue, I've had the parts forever

 

[Chief Gilly]

Awesome .... Thanks for the info.
Very nice #s.
Do you have the cobra blue top injectors or ford racing 39lbers ?
And how much boost did you make before and after the intercooler install ?
Thanks for your help ... Preparing for my install.......which is very very long overdue, I've had the parts forever

I had 11psi of boost before aftercooler installation. Not certain what it is now. The injectors were from the Vortech V3 kit. They may be 38lb.
My aftercooler, even during hot Summer days, lowers my intake temps to 110*F. They were usually between 70*- 80*F this fall, 40* - 50*F now.