Motor Tune

[8T6 SVO]

I've been doing a lot of work on the SVO to get it ready for the Knott's show this weekend. I changed out the cam to a ESSY 2277, and installed a 65mm Throttle body. The car runs like crap. Right before I started fixing a few things, the engine ran poor - I thought it was a vacuum leak or a O2 sensor.

Anyway, The car has a eec tuner, PCMX software, the cam & TB metioned above, 80mm MAF, 52lb injectors, Jacobs multi spark ignition, and few other goodies. I had a tuner come look at the car today and he found the following codes:

OD - 15 - Rom Test Failure
54 - ACT/VAT -40F
66 - MAF/VAF Low
67 - NDS open - A/C on

KA - 18 - Lost/Erradic IDM
22 - BAP/MAP - Range
54 ACT/VAT -40F
66 - MAF/VAF Low

The tuner says the eec tuner is bad. When he plugged the PE back in by itself, the 15 code went away.

Anyone have any help for me to get this thing running so I can make it to Knott's this weekend?

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Some times the circuit connection where the EEC Tuner plugs in will get corroded. They suggest cleaning the contact surfaces with an eraser before reinstalling it with a dab of dielectric grease.

That ACT/VAF -40F may be a bad connection at the Bosch terminal connector to the VAM or MAF. Same connector would explain the low MAF/VAF code.

[8T6 SVO]

Some times the circuit connection where the EEC Tuner plugs in will get corroded. They suggest cleaning the contact surfaces with an eraser before reinstalling it with a dab of dielectric grease.

That ACT/VAF -40F may be a bad connection at the Bosch terminal connector to the VAM or MAF. Same connector would explain the low MAF/VAF code.

1. Good connection.

2. The MAF (1993 80mm Ford type) I'm using has no ACT sensor in it so
it reads like it is at it's lowest setting. I don't know if this is what is
done when changing from a VAM to a MAF. The stock VAM has a
ACT sensor in it.

[SVOeric]

The only way to get rid of the ACT code is to add an ACT sensor in the intake tract.

that 15 code is a bad one.
You're sure the connection is good? -- I know that has been a problem point before.

[8T6 SVO]

The only way to get rid of the ACT code is to add an ACT sensor in the intake tract.

that 15 code is a bad one.
You're sure the connection is good? -- I know that has been a problem point before.

I'm definately in unchartered territory here (I mean for me). One guy has now told me that I don't need to worry about the code 15 - it comes up when the eec tuner is installed. I do need to get the ACT sensor working TODAY - I got a new MAF with one in it, just got to wire it up!

Thanks

[8T6 SVO]

I think I'll be ok as soon as I fix the Head gasket problem!!!!

I look forward to seeing you guys Friday - with or without the SVO. It should only take me about 6 hours tomorrow to R&R the Head. I just happen to have a friend who was working a mile or so away from the SCE gasket plant in Lancaster. He picked me up the last SCE ICS Titan gasket directly from them - will have the gasket tonight. With luck like that, the motor should be running fine by 2:00 tomorrow.

Mike - Thank you for the info. I'll send you my bin files right away sir! I am running the PE.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

I guess you should be good at this after the practice.

I just deleted a couple semi intelligible voice mails but saved the third one for playback at Knott's after I realized what was being said:

Static and several voices, followed by "zzzzz brrrrrr...head gasket. Grrrrr!!!!!! MUST GET TO KNOTTS"

All I can say is, so much for the tuner's diagnostic abilities. If he can see it on his computer he can fix it but if it's a mechanical issue that has to be dealt with, he is clueless and will blame the parts that he's not familiar with. You just saved a lot of money.

Have a sefe trip.

[8T6 SVO]

All I can say is, so much for the tuner's diagnostic abilities. If he can see it on his computer he can fix it but if it's a mechanical issue that has to be dealt with, he is clueless and will blame the parts that he's not familiar with. You just saved a lot of money.

Actually, the tuner never really started "tuning" the motor. He did a lot of diagnosis just to try to decipher the problems that were occuring. I could learn a lot from him (if I only had some of the tools & books (and time) that he carries around with him). He started at ground zero and worked his way up from there. I paid for this knowledge which has now given me a better understanding of a lot of different things. While it did take a while, his time only cost me $200. This is about $1000 less that what a Ford dealer would have charged me, without the one on one teaching.

I asked the tuner if he wanted to pull the Head - he said no.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Yeah.

Tuners get more $$$ without getting their hands dirty. Mechanical issues aren't worth their effort.

Hang in there.

[Meotchh]

Greg,
Git-r-dun already!
Oh I had to correct your statement from above, "I look forward to seeing you guys Friday - with the SVO."

[8T6 SVO]

So yesterday I get this call from Pat and Mitch. They say "Greg, trailer that car down, we'll figure it out!" This was before the Head gasket came to light. Then Mike Fleming calls to help with computer issues or anything else I may need help with.

SVOer's rule - that's all I can say. Where else do you get people from 500 to 1000 miles away offering to help. Right here at SVO Club of America.

Just wanted to thank you guys for all the offers - But I've rented a 2007 Mustang for the weekend. Chris (1BLKSVO) didn't have any better luck than me, we'll be together in the 07 Stang.

My motor burned right thru the Head gasket inbetween 2 & 3 and was starting to burn between 3 & 4. I need to hone the head and block surface and make sure they are both good and flat. Some minor scrapes on top of #3 piston from the Felpro 1035 o-ring that blew thru and I don't want to rush things just to do it all over again.

At the very least, with the head off, I can make sure I got all the correct parts and geometry.

Next year? I can start looking forward to it right now.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Bring your entry. You never know when another SVO may show up for you to take to Knott's.

[8T6 SVO]

Bring your entry. You never know when another SVO may show up for you to take to Knott's.

Or 2?

Hopefully with +300 HP and a killer sound system.

Or if someone needs an entry - give me a call.

[Jose O]

I wish I could attend the show but my svo is not running yet, once again I'll be attending as an spetator. I dont post a lot on this forum But I do think this is a grat opportinity to meet all of you that are attending with you're svos.

[8T6 SVO]

Jose O,

Hope to see you there! I won't have my SVO, but look for the Alloy colored 2007 Shelby GT 500 convertible next to all the SVO's.

Stop by and say hi, every one of the SVO owners I've met are very friendly and love to talk about greatness of the turbocharged 2.3.