Ultimate upgrade: Mopar Stage1 + boost controller?

[Dalite]

quote:Originally posted by TripleJackInGA

As of YET, the dealer doean's have the equipment to flash-upgrade the computer, but when they eventaully do, some places make it a habit to flash a computer any time the vehicle is in, even for an oil change.They consider it preventative maintenance to upload the latest version of the software on the vehicle.The thing to do is to make sure that the service writer puts on the work order that the computer is not to be flashed under any circumstances.This way, if they do it anyway, you have a record that they knew they weren't supposed to, and can have them pay to replace anything, like a new S1 computer.

At different PT Cruise-Ins in the past, I have seen at least one PT with a very visable label on the top of the radiator support; next to the emissions label that warned service department not to reflash computer without notifying owner for permission.

This looks like a good item for some enterprising vendor to offer. The more visable, the better.

I would, at a minimum, get used to the idea of making sure that the instruction not to flash without notifying owner is written on every work order, every time it goes into the shop.

[Dalite]

Excellent questions; some of the same that I have had. I have no answers.

The Stage I owners will be in the same boat as the 2004 buyers until the dealers get the updated diag gear. Then, the Stage I (and possibly Stage II owners by them) will really have to keep on their toes when they take their cars in for service.

In the past, people that I know who had performance computers requested the dealer not apply any flash upgrades. Unfortunately, they had sent their computers off for programming, and if the computer needed to be updated, it was sent back to the programmer.

Now that both the stock one and the Stage I are both supplied by Chrysler, there are going to be some real concerns to be addressed, and for each owner to be aware of...

[OurPTGT]

Back to the original question. Has any stage 1 owner used their boost controller yet? With what results? Thanks

[jramosGT]

I've been out of the loop for quite some time, and am now just trying to catch up. I have my Stage 1 on its way to me, and hope to install next week. I also have a manual boost controller.

Has there been a response to the originally posed question?

[jramosGT]

After more searching, I found comments that S1 allows boost to 14-16 psi range without the boost controller (bc), so the bc should not be used. However, this still is a mystery to me since the original stock max boost is 14 psi, but we all know the PCM would not hold it. That's why the bc.

Does the S1 now hold the boost at the higher level? If so, I'd agree to lose the bc.

[hyracer]

This has been discussed before. If you do some searches from the past year here and especially on the SRT4 forums you will see that a BC makes a bigger differance on a Turbo Cruiser with no Stage kit.

With the Stage 1 kit installed a boost-control will let you dial in more boost....BUT the computer will pull timing as your boost increases so you will not see any net increase in HP. I have tried this at the drag-strip myself and found it to be true.

What will work with Stage 1 is the "spring-trick" (do a search). For $5 in parts it was worth about 2-tenths in the quarter mile for me. The down-side to this trick is the computer will "learn" the new boost-schedule and then will start adjusting your boost back down. To get around that only install your spring at the track then remove it when your done playing for the day.

Deen

[Ian-PT-GT]

Hyracer,

Those where exacly my results when I tested it.

With the Boost controller, I actually lost engine punch. I would feel the engine rev up, the turbo spool up but I was getting lower ETs and lower MPH at the track.

I use the spring mod permanently. I bought the "Spectre" chromed carburator spring set. got it at p#p B@ys for $5.00.

Its Stage 1 compatible, but remember to use the thin one. The thick will be stretched too much and can lock up the Wastegate. I posted some picks in another post: http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/...?TOPIC_ID=7533

It gets realy hot where the spring is. I just reset the computer before going to the track.

Ian