Sorry for the long post. I just know when i was considering purchasing an alky kit, I was looking for a post like this to fill ME in on some specifics....Get those hands ready Red! ROFL! I feel some typin comin on! Heh heh ...
SMC was delivered today. I'm pretty much the newb, but decided to tackle this install w.o any help from my wrench savvy friend.
The kit was properly packed and not damaged at all when delivered. Instructions were VERY easy to understand even for a newbie like me. I could visualize EXACTLY how everything was supposed to work.
I was plannin on takin pix and postin about my experience, but alas ... i was too impatient to wait for my buddy with the camera to get off of work. I also realized that this is so straight forward, a pictorial type guide is totally un-needed.
The instructions reccomended installing the tank on the side of the fan shroud, but my radiator guys really screwed mine up. I opted to install a 1/8" flat stock piece of aluminum painted black and screwed into place above the radiator and under the radiator support. Doesn't look half bad! This allowed the short braided hose to reach from the tank (right between the intercooler and fan) to the downpipe no problem.
Installing the tank, installing the jet and routing the control wires through the engine bay went by so fast; i thought i had forgotten something!
Spliced into my boost gauge line, ran power / ground, connected the control unit and wha lah! Completed SMC install. The only problem I'm experiencing is how to properly affix the control box to the side of the dash (above radio pod). The velcro looked REALLY bad (too thick, VERY visible) and wouldn't stick. 3M 2 sided tape wouldn't stick. For now its double sided taped on its side to the top of the radio pod until i figure out exactly how I'm going to approach this problem.
*As far as tuning goes...*
Made my wastegate actuator "adjustable" today as well and starting playing with the pump turn on / pump speed features. After 3 WOT runs i had the boost at 19 psi at 810 mV with 0 (read ZERO) knock retard! Since my car's been runnin hot lately (195) i would get 3-5 KR in 3rd gear at 15 PSI before! Talk about heaven!
Needless to say, the car runs faster and better than ever; and now safely! Steve was great to deal with, and his product was a breeze to install. I'll post some follow up pictures of the actual finshed installation next day or two.
As far as SMC vs DIY. For a newb like me, once i saw the clean installation and wiring of the controller / pump / tank i realized this was DEFINITELY the way to go fer me!
