SAI fault...opportunity for upgrades?
12-05-2006, 06:05 PM
#1
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SAI fault...opportunity for upgrades?
Got a call from the mecanic that the CEL indicates clogged ports. 
The repair quote is about $3300 (essentially top end rebuild).
He says that we can also do the 3.8l upgrade and custom tuning for about $8000. Maybe get 50hp. (true?)He is a little sceptical of the flushing technique others have done. I don't have time or setup to do this myself or I probably would. I researched the threads on sai. Update please how long has this lasted? Also, what about the electrical device some have done to trick the sensors?
The car has 79000 miles and consumes only a qt/2500mi. I use it for spirited driving and track events. I have already invested in major brake and suspension upgrades. I have Steve W chip, also. I love the 9M head upgrades, but its probably $15,000+ and I don't think I want to be first. I like the idea of more power. What should I do? Simple flush and 100 cell cats/ LWF etc. 3.8l ? 9m heads, or??? Opinions welcome.
Don't say sell it and buy a gt3. That is tempting me already.
Jim
The repair quote is about $3300 (essentially top end rebuild).
He says that we can also do the 3.8l upgrade and custom tuning for about $8000. Maybe get 50hp. (true?)He is a little sceptical of the flushing technique others have done. I don't have time or setup to do this myself or I probably would. I researched the threads on sai. Update please how long has this lasted? Also, what about the electrical device some have done to trick the sensors?
The car has 79000 miles and consumes only a qt/2500mi. I use it for spirited driving and track events. I have already invested in major brake and suspension upgrades. I have Steve W chip, also. I love the 9M head upgrades, but its probably $15,000+ and I don't think I want to be first. I like the idea of more power. What should I do? Simple flush and 100 cell cats/ LWF etc. 3.8l ? 9m heads, or??? Opinions welcome.
Don't say sell it and buy a gt3. That is tempting me already.
Jim
12-05-2006, 06:10 PM
#2
Race Car
Me too, but maybe thru PM I'd like to hear about the 9m head upgrade. Been thinking about it recently. I wouldn't do the 3.8 upgrade (personally). Its not worth the money.
12-05-2006, 06:28 PM
#3
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Oil consumption appears low to maybe moderate at worst (1qt/2500 mi): what rational would prompt a call for a top end R&R?
This car may be a good candidate for simply dropping the headers to ream the SAI ports ...at a few hundred bucks - just a thought.
This car may be a good candidate for simply dropping the headers to ream the SAI ports ...at a few hundred bucks - just a thought.
12-05-2006, 06:47 PM
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If you decide against the upgrades, the electronic fix works very well. Has been working for about 9 months now and the electronics survived the hot Texas summer and didn't have a melt down. Cost for parts around $50 as well as I remember. Schematic was previously posted on the forum and shows all the parts and hook-up.
12-05-2006, 06:53 PM
#5
Wouldn't drop 3K just because you get a CEL for SAI with no oil consumption problems. Top end should be fine, flush is effective and cheep.....
Guessing your state reads OBDII for inspection?
Guessing your state reads OBDII for inspection?
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12-05-2006, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by lane_a
If you decide against the upgrades, the electronic fix works very well. Has been working for about 9 months now and the electronics survived the hot Texas summer and didn't have a melt down. Cost for parts around $50 as well as I remember. Schematic was previously posted on the forum and shows all the parts and hook-up.
Many thanks!
12-05-2006, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Jim W
...He says that we can also do the 3.8l upgrade and custom tuning for about $8000. ...
1. I don't think it can be done for just $8k. I always thought people dropped $15k on this. Pistons, cylinders, cams, etc.
2. Who around here can custom tune our ECUs?!?!? Please please please find out, because I'd love to get my car dyno tuned, and I know nobody in the Chicago area who is qualified.
12-05-2006, 07:47 PM
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Does your state require emissions testing? If not... forgetaboutitt.
I would think if you want to get rid of the CEL, a flush should work just fine. Others have had great long term success with it.
BTW, what were the error codes?
I would think if you want to get rid of the CEL, a flush should work just fine. Others have had great long term success with it.
BTW, what were the error codes?
12-05-2006, 08:13 PM
#12
Check p-car.com and read about the port flush and bring to mechanic that is able to do that.
Seems like the mechanic is trying to over sell you an upgrade. Plus I thought a top end rebuild was more than 3K. It just doesn't sound right, imo.
Seems like the mechanic is trying to over sell you an upgrade. Plus I thought a top end rebuild was more than 3K. It just doesn't sound right, imo.
12-06-2006, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Garth S
This car may be a good candidate for simply dropping the headers to ream the SAI ports ...at a few hundred bucks - just a thought.
12-06-2006, 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by lane_a
If you decide against the upgrades, the electronic fix works very well. Has been working for about 9 months now and the electronics survived the hot Texas summer and didn't have a melt down. Cost for parts around $50 as well as I remember. Schematic was previously posted on the forum and shows all the parts and hook-up.
Did you build it and install yourself..........