Kaboom!!!!!!

[Motowipeout]

To make a long story short, my motor is gone. I had just bought a new Turbosmart E-boost2 boost controller and had it installed today. The controller was set @ 6psi and 8psi and I thought I would see what 8psi was like (because it supposedly had a map for 8lbs). The car ran like a scalded ape for about 5 seconds then I heard a pop followed by what sounded like someone putting a craftsman tool set in a laundry drying machine, then no power and a large cloud of black smoke as well as leaving a trail of oil on I-20.

Nothing has ever come easy as far as this car has gone and the sad thing is, I intend to to dump more money into it and build a motor. I doubt that my motor is in any way usable so I will have to pay a core charge in addition to the build and I hope to god that my turbos didn't take any shrapnel.

The moral of the story is to take your car to a competent tuner the first time around and stay with that shop.

[westpak]

sorry to hear that, that is one feeling that I was always scared to feel every time I hit boost

but on the hand you wil love 500+ RWHP it will make your current setup feel mild, good luck

[Motowipeout]

Thanks, I have plenty of time to do things right this time around, no more half measures for me.

[Rogue370z]

Damn that is what happened....that sucks.

[SupermanZ]

Man that does suck. Good luck with this next build.

[Dr Bonz]

The sound that we all dread to hear.

I'm really sorry moto. :(

Good luck with the rebuild and let us know when you hit that 500 WHP! :)

[AuburnZ]

oh no, moto! That sux!

At least you seem to have a positve outlook on a bad situation.

What shops are you thinking about for you rebuild?

[nissan sean]

damn dude that sucks....drop a v8 in there now :)

[Motowipeout]

oh no, moto! That sux!

At least you seem to have a positve outlook on a bad situation.

What shops are you thinking about for you rebuild?

The only local guy that I trust is Kenny @ Jo-tech, if I would have taken his advice and gotten the controller that he recommend plus a revised tune (as he also recommended) perhaps none of this would have happened. I wanted to be different so I got the E-boost2 and had a no name shop install it. I won't go back to SGP! GTM is a great shop but I am an east coast kind of guy and I have to take it to a shop that is certified to tune with a V-pro, so my short list of shops to use are Jo-tech, Forged Performance. If anyone else has suggestions let me know.

[westpak]

I have heard good things about JoTech

unfortunately a boost control not properly installed, if that is what happened, will create a big problem, installing the wrong hose to the wrong port can spell disaster

[Motowipeout]

Hind sight is 20/20 i guess. I was given advice and didn't follow it so ultimately it all falls on me. At least this is something that is fixable.

[NJZGuy]

Sorry to hear about your engine. The guy who owns the Exxon station I frequent near Milburn has a son who is into 350Zs--he had a 2006 with just about all the Nismo stuff he could find, and also put in a turbo. Something went wrong and he not only grenaded the motor, but the turbo as well. Last i talked to his dad, he's got a Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with the CVT tranny and he really loves it. He didn't say what he did with what was left of the Z.

Almost makes me feel glad my Z is naturally aspirated. Putting the kind of money into the car with a turbo and losing it would probably kill me.

I wish you the best of luck with your rebuild!

[nissan sean]

Moto you should get your Z fixed @ Forged!!!!! i live only 15 mins away from forged too. i'll bring the goats...

[Motowipeout]

Moto you should get your Z fixed @ Forged!!!!! i live only 15 mins away from forged too. i'll bring the goats...

Sure, I wonder if Sharif can do a horsepower to goatpower conversion on his dyno?

[CraseZ]

Very sorry to hear about your motor.

The problem with mods is the more you do the more chance of something going wrong if you're out whack on tuning.

I wish you the best on the new engine build.

I hope when you tear it down the current motor is more usable than you think.

[carbonz]

I've wiffed a 4 cylinder at approx 24lb boost. 16 maximum rated. Oh what a sound. #4 cylinder wall had a hole in it. The block was saved by Golden Eagle, rated to 35lb boost.
Keep your fingers crossed, maybe it can be saved.

[Motowipeout]

We will see but for now I will have to figure in extra for a core charge.

[westpak]

well if you left oil on the ground there is a hole somewhere, then it is a matter of whether it is in the block or the upper oil pan, if you have pics we can tell.

[Jay'Z]

Who tuned that ****?

[Motowipeout]

Who tuned that ****?

SGP tuned it. HPP installed the boost controller. I don't know if it was a bad tune or if there was a problem with the boost controller itself or if was installed incorrectly. I do know that I will avoid both shops in the future. ****, I don't even know if SGP is still open, I have been trying to call them for the last 3 weeks now and no one answers the phone. :013:

[AuburnZ]

Seems like a lot of shops have been shutting down lately. Must be economy issues...

[old school]

SGP tuned it. HPP installed the boost controller. I don't know if it was a bad tune or if there was a problem with the boost controller itself or if was installed incorrectly. I do know that I will avoid both shops in the future. ****, I don't even know if SGP is still open, I have been trying to call them for the last 3 weeks now and no one answers the phone. :013:

Sorry to hear about your motor as i mentioned in the other thread.

Some things to keep in mind when building a Z..

This is not a honda civic. These cars are extremely expensive to mod for a jap import, so do NOT cut any corners when modding. You'll pay for it later as you have seen. Gauges are a must...something with a record feature will help pin down your problem and tell you what went wrong. Without these, you can't place the blame on any one person or shop. Only hire a company that specializes in the VQ. Like I said before, this is not a B18 or a K20. Each motor has its own quarks and a VQ specialist knows what not to do and how to avoid common problems they see everyday. Listen to recommendations made by your VQ specialist.

Plenty of my friends have had their stockblock Z's tuned by Mark at 10psi. Most of which made 500whp. TruBluz can tell you. He sprayed 100 shot on his stock block for a year....put twins on the same stock motor and boosted 10psi for another year...then built his block b/c he thought it was time. Make sure you choose a good tuner and listen to their advise. Kenny is a nice guy and knows the VQ. Wouldn't call him a VQ specialists...but he has tune enough to know the motor. I remember them from the early 90s....honda boys back then.

Whenever I build a car now...i find a shop that does only that car. I talk with the owner, feel him/her out. Talk with other customers...watch a few dyno sessions. And send them my car if I believe in their work. I will send a car to Cali, Georgia, NY, where ever....may cost more to get it there, but it'll run better and longer. You gotta sell your soul dayam near to do it right....just image paying it twice...I would just cry.

[MS-RED-DEVIL]

Seems like a lot of shops have been shutting down lately. Must be economy issues...


x2.. on a side note im tried of getting calls at my job asking are we still open. Sometimes i find it insulting but at the same time pretty sad.


back on topic.

Good luck with everything moto.

[Motowipeout]

SGP tuned it. HPP installed the boost controller. I don't know if it was a bad tune or if there was a problem with the boost controller itself or if was installed incorrectly. I do know that I will avoid both shops in the future. ****, I don't even know if SGP is still open, I have been trying to call them for the last 3 weeks now and no one answers the phone. :013:




Sorry to hear about your motor as i mentioned in the other thread.

Some things to keep in mind when building a Z..

This is not a honda civic. These cars are extremely expensive to mod for a jap import, so do NOT cut any corners when modding. You'll pay for it later as you have seen. Gauges are a must...something with a record feature will help pin down your problem and tell you what went wrong. Without these, you can't place the blame on any one person or shop. Only hire a company that specializes in the VQ. Like I said before, this is not a B18 or a K20. Each motor has its own quarks and a VQ specialist knows what not to do and how to avoid common problems they see everyday. Listen to recommendations made by your VQ specialist.

Plenty of my friends have had their stockblock Z's tuned by Mark at 10psi. Most of which made 500whp. TruBluz can tell you. He sprayed 100 shot on his stock block for a year....put twins on the same stock motor and boosted 10psi for another year...then built his block b/c he thought it was time. Make sure you choose a good tuner and listen to their advise. Kenny is a nice guy and knows the VQ. Wouldn't call him a VQ specialists...but he has tune enough to know the motor. I remember them from the early 90s....honda boys back then.

Whenever I build a car now...i find a shop that does only that car. I talk with the owner, feel him/her out. Talk with other customers...watch a few dyno sessions. And send them my car if I believe in their work. I will send a car to Cali, Georgia, NY, where ever....may cost more to get it there, but it'll run better and longer. You gotta sell your soul dayam near to do it right....just image paying it twice...I would just cry.

I actually drove down to Houston and talked to Mark@SGP a few weeks after this happened. He asked me very specific questions about my car and what it was doing prior to the engine failure and he said it sounded like it overboosted(way overboosted), Kenny and Sharif said the same thing. Mark offered to help get me back on the road for a very reasonable price but I still can't get in touch with him and that just worries me. Don't get me wrong I have alot of faith in Marks abilities, anyone that talks to the guy for 30 minutes knows that he is a VQ genius.



x2.. on a side note im tried of getting calls at my job asking are we still open. Sometimes i find it insulting but at the same time pretty sad.


back on topic.

Good luck with everything moto.

Thanks, I will keep eveyone updated.

[old school]

I actually drove down to Houston and talked to Mark@SGP a few weeks after this happened. He asked me very specific questions about my car and what it was doing prior to the engine failure and he said it sounded like it overboosted(way overboosted), Kenny and Sharif said the same thing. Mark offered to help get me back on the road for a very reasonable price but I still can't get in touch with him and that just worries me. Don't get me wrong I have alot of faith in Marks abilities, anyone that talks to the guy for 30 minutes knows that he is a VQ genius.




Thanks, I will keep eveyone updated.


s'all gravy...just trying to help. Whichever shop is doing the work, keep patronizing them if they live up to their word. Shop jumping will create more problems. So if Kenny is doing your VQ....keep your business there.

Boost controllers that aren't setup or installed correctly will behave like you described. Good luck with it all....and welcome to the world of Built and Boosted VQs. :)

oh, posted this on BI. Talk to mark a minute ago about some parts for another member on BI. Also reminded him about your wastegate relocation kit. He planned on shutting down shop for the holidays, but he said he'd head up there monday and knock it out for you. Once I put my hands on it, I'll let you know (I see or talk to mark couple times a week).

[Motowipeout]

s'all gravy...just trying to help. Whichever shop is doing the work, keep patronizing them if they live up to their word. Shop jumping will create more problems. So if Kenny is doing your VQ....keep your business there.

Boost controllers that aren't setup or installed correctly will behave like you described. Good luck with it all....and welcome to the world of Built and Boosted VQs. :)

oh, posted this on BI. Talk to mark a minute ago about some parts for another member on BI. Also reminded him about your wastegate relocation kit. He planned on shutting down shop for the holidays, but he said he'd head up there monday and knock it out for you. Once I put my hands on it, I'll let you know (I see or talk to mark couple times a week).

Thanks for the help, it is greatly appreciated!

[__jb]

FCon doesn't have an internal boost controller?

[Motowipeout]

FCon doesn't have an internal boost controller?

Not that I am aware of.

[Greatwars]

cant wait for it to get done!

[Rogue370z]

So how is the new motor build coming along? Any word from the shop?

[old school]

FCon doesn't have an internal boost controller?

I'm sure its like the UTEC in that you have to buy a solenoid...most ppl just buy the boost controller so you don't need a laptop to change boost.

[Motowipeout]

Haven't started the build yet, I'm wanting to pay off a credit card before I get started but I am planning on starting the build in early Feb.

[__jb]

I'm sure its like the UTEC in that you have to buy a solenoid...most ppl just buy the boost controller so you don't need a laptop to change boost.I'm sure you're coreect. I don't know much about the FCon.

I do know that the Haltech has an internal boost controller that's good up to 22psi. I figured the FCon would have most everything the Haltech has. I'm not really to up on all the boost stuff though...

Good luck, Moto... I think going with Sharif is a good decision.

[Motowipeout]

Thanks jb. So as far as boosting with the Haltech, do you use a lap top to change boost setting and how does the ems actuate the boost solenoid or valve? Sorry in advance for the crazy question but my technical knowledge is very basic, thats why I have to take my car to a tuner, wish I knew how to DIY on these sort of things, then I could save some money.

[__jb]

Thanks jb. So as far as boosting with the Haltech, do you use a lap top to change boost setting and how does the ems actuate the boost solenoid or valve? Sorry in advance for the crazy question but my technical knowledge is very basic, thats why I have to take my car to a tuner, wish I knew how to DIY on these sort of things, then I could save some money.I have no boost, my G is normally aspirated...

You could change the boost settings on a Haltech by altering the map setting and then reloading the new map. I suspect they have boost controllers, but don't know for sure. I change maps through a notebook computer... it's very quick and easy to do.

One of the things I really like about a Haltech is the ability to change settings. A Haltech can be left completely unlocked, while an FCon is always locked by design. I've seen people with FCons get stranded and have to ship their car back to the Tuner (good for the Tuner) just to get a few settings changed. If you ever have questions about Haltech's and tuning them, give Hal at Injected Performance a call. He's a very nice guy. He helped me a lot when I first got mine.

[old school]

I'm sure you're coreect. I don't know much about the FCon.

I do know that the Haltech has an internal boost controller that's good up to 22psi. I figured the FCon would have most everything the Haltech has. I'm not really to up on all the boost stuff though...

Good luck, Moto... I think going with Sharif is a good decision.

i know more about the UTEC than I do the VPRO...haven't had the VPRO very long (6-8 months). I believe the Haltech has a few more features than the VPRO...both good units. Its really hard to go wrong with management on the Z. Just preference and how much you wanna spend.

Not sure how you change boost on the Haltech, Moto...Hal@IP could tell you.

[Motowipeout]

Oh, I'll stick with my Vpro, I have too much invested in it with the Knock Amp and Camp2.

[__jb]

Haltech and HKS FCon are both good units...

The only EMS of the big three I wouldn't recommend is the Pro-EFI... Those guys are just too irritating for me...

[AuburnZ]

The best advice is to go with a product that your tuner likes as they will know more about it.

[__jb]

Danya made a good point...

Sharif is one of the best FCon Tuners in the country (IMO)... You are in good shape...

[Motowipeout]

I'm looking forward to having a well built car with a strong but safe tune and hopefully no more issues. :happy65:

[Greatwars]

I'm looking forward to having a well built car with a strong but safe tune and hopefully no more issues. :happy65:

im pretty sure u can run 8 psi with no issue :flamefart

[AuburnZ]

Low boost (like 8) should be fine on a stock motor. Just most people get addicted to the boost and keep wanting more.

[Greatwars]

Low boost (like 8) should be fine on a stock motor. Just most people get addicted to the boost and keep wanting more.

i was jokin with him....he has his motor built so his motor should handle 16psi w no prob let alone 8psi.....but whos running 8 psi on built motor anyway ^

[AuburnZ]

With gas prices this past year, low boost wouldn't have been a bad idea...

[Greatwars]

With gas prices this past year, low boost wouldn't have been a bad idea...

But today's gas price is quite cheap....... enjoy while it lasts i guess? lol

[MS-RED-DEVIL]

i believe its at 1.74 for permium

just a guess that was when i last looked

[Motowipeout]

I just got off the phone with Sharif, Sounds like the damage to my block was pretty impressive, he said he also found metal shavings in one of the wastegates (not good, not good at all).

[Greatwars]

you mean on the old block and not the new block right?

[Motowipeout]

Old block.

[AuburnZ]

So the kaboom put metal shavings in the wastegates or did the metal shavings cause the kaboom?

[Motowipeout]

So the kaboom put metal shavings in the wastegates or did the metal shavings cause the kaboom?


Which means it went through the tubo and could have possibly damaged it.

[AuburnZ]

Oh...sorry, I didn't get that when I read it. But Sharif was going to look at the turbos anyways, right?

[Greatwars]

Which means it went through the tubo and could have possibly damaged it.

that's definitely a very bad news!

It's like getting kick after being hit by a car........

sorry to hear moto!

[z350boy]

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h254/z350boy/explosion-1.jpg

[Motowipeout]

^^^

That about sums it up, I hope the turbo doesnt have to be replaced, they cost $1500 each and I'm not sure about the reliablilty of a rebuilt turbo.

[z350boy]

^^^

That about sums it up, I hope the turbo doesnt have to be replaced, they cost $1500 each and I'm not sure about the reliablilty of a rebuilt turbo.


A rebuilt turbo isn't necessarily a bad thing..however as with most things it depends on how skilled the people doing the work are.