Newbie questions...

[jmacken37]

Thinking about a FI system on my '99. I read through the instructions and they seemed like something a neuron deficient dork like me could follow.

I have a couple questions for the more seasoned:

1) cold side/hot side what's that about?

2) I am looking for a bullet proof and reliable a setup. I'd rather lose some HP and gain reliability. What setup would best meet this requirement?

3) finally, I've got an '01+ exhaust manifold waiting to be put on my '99. Is this part able to be incorporated into a FI system?

Thanks!

Jake

[99mx5]

1) cold side/hot side what's that about?

The coldside has best throttle response but is limited to approx 190-200 WHP but the install is a bit more involved than the hotside. The hotside has less throttle response and may have some idle issues, but has more headroom for maximum power because it can be used with a A/A or W/A intercooler.

2) I am looking for a bullet proof and reliable a setup. I'd rather lose some HP and gain reliability. What setup would best meet this requirement?

The coldside has the best off-boost OEM-like feel and drivability.

3) finally, I've got an '01+ exhaust manifold waiting to be put on my '99. Is this part able to be incorporated into a FI system?

The 01+ tubular manifold will work with both systems and will help the engine flow better compared to the cast iron header.

Hope this helps!

[bambam]

I also highly recommend the coldside application. I am the self proclaimed "Forest Gump of Forced Induction" and I took my time and did a very clean install per my peers. My 10AE started right up and the Ecu learned to implement a 900rpm idle without any adjustments from me. I purchased the OEM shop manual and never looked back.

I have not adjusted a thing actually, right out of the box it kicks butt.

I am very pleased with the coldside. I have the 110 mm size pulley and running 10psi at WOT (wide open throttle). The sound of the supercharger is mimerizing. (did I spell that right?)

NO PING AT ALL and I KNOW im pushing 205 whp I just have not had a chance to dyno... I dont live in the city donch yaa know. :2guns:

At this level I doubt I can push anymore hp without addressing the timing or running some octane booster. Please note I have the luxury of 93 octane.

So.. I will eventually (sooner than later) go with the 130 mm size pulley. FIRST, I have some hawk brake pads and some slugs I need to pick up at NAPA and will install and flush out lines. That will stop me better.

I then am going with a RB mid-pipe since I already have cat-back and RB Header. This will tie in front and back of the exhaust. PLUS ! while midpipe has not been installed yet will weld on an extra bun as I am going to purchase a wideband A/F gauge.

Then with better braking (my oem feel glazed over) and a true wideband to advise me of my A/F at all times I will jump from a 110 mm to the 130mm.

I will then call it a day... I am enjoying now.. and will later too. ;)

Bambam lives in boosted utopia at the turn of the key:driving:

Good Luck.. let me tell you I read your post and if you want the closes thing to a plug n play in the market... coldside is the way to go.

Buck Reynolds
<<< manure happens >>>
Maypearl TX

[jmacken37]

Thanks for the responses. Am I going to have to replace a bunch of other stuff with the coldside setup (clutch, brakes, etc.)?

Not to be a whiner...I like my car like it is, but want more POWER!

Jake

[bmjohnson]

If you buy a "base" coldside and excercise some mechanical forgiveness, you should be fine with stock components for a while. This is based on the assumption that your clutch, brakes, etc. are all in good condition presently. If you drop the clutch, perform track sessions and generally drive your car hard, you will likely need a clutch sooner than later and upgraded brakes are a good idea. I have always upigraded the clutch prior to FI upgrades though. Once again, if you don't drive the car too hard, a simple change in brake pads to a performance pad would be more than enough. If you live in a hot climate, upgrades to the cooling system is always a good idea.

BJ

[99mx5]

I agree... I had to replace my clutch several months after going FI. I had already upgraded to high performance brake pads (EBC Greenstuff) and later added SS braided brake lines. I then upgraded cooling with a PWR radiator as a preventive measure. The exhaust upgrades were done just to allow the car to breathe better but arent required.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

There is a good possibility that your stock clutch would have lasted a lot longer, if only you hadn't tried to show off. ;) I believe it went something like:

Chris "That was a great ride but how is it on a hard launch?"

Ari "Well, let's see!"

Announcer off stage "Vroom Vroom. Then the sound of the clutch engaging hard."

Chris "What's that funny smell? Why aren't we moving?"

Ari "Oops"

:)

I agree... I had to replace my clutch several months after going FI. I had already upgraded to high performance brake pads (EBC Greenstuff) and later added SS braided brake lines. I then upgraded cooling with a PWR radiator as a preventive measure. The exhaust upgrades were done just to allow the car to breathe better but arent required.

[99mx5]

LOL

*VROOOM!!!!!!*
"Wow, we're not moving, those tires must be spinnin!!!"

"Hmmmm, they aren't moving?!! "

:(

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

So, you thought that smell was the tires spinning so fast that you couldn't get any forward traction? :)

Jake, I am partial to the Coldside for bulletproof and driveability.

[99mx5]

LOL, I forgot to add... "WHEW!!! Whats that smell!!!!?"

"....my clutch!! ...damn" :(