Background:

I purchased a used AP2 CTSC with AC about six weeks ago from a member on this board. It came with the 5.5 psi (4.2", makes 7 psi on my AP1) and 7 psi (4", makes 8 psi on my AP1) pulleys. I've been doing lots of reading and searching in this forum during the last three months or so about my FI options and chose the CT setup as it is a true "bolt-on" system that I can return to stock if needed, or if I need more power, is easily altered (smaller pulley, injectors, AEM).

My current plan is to run the 4.2" pulley, which is the smallest I can run without upgrading the injectors or adding an AEM or similar module. The exhaust is also being changed to a Tanabe Medalion Touring, and this will likely add a little more power, and I've already purchased a new Walbro fuel pump. Otherwise, the car will remain stock. I already know who's going to install, and I'll use the tuner he recommends.

I plan to rarely track the car, if ever. Basically, I want the S2k features with some extra speed when needed or wanted.

I have a few questions. Please excuse me if they are n00bish, I'm still learning.

1. I understand that monitoring AFR is important during the tuning process, but how important is it to know what it is in everyday driving after the tuning is done? Corollary question is whether I should purchase an AEM UEGO wideband so I can keep track of AFR?

2. Guages. There's lots of threads on S2KI about these and lots of opinions. There's no clear consensus. I have gathered that some people run without them and others can't live without those oil pressure and AFR guages. Right now I'm not planning on any, though I am considering the guage-type UEGO for AFR. That goes back to the first question above....how important is it to keep track of AFR (or oil pressure, etc.) in routine street driving?

3. Is there any benefit to running larger injectors in an essentially stock CTSC w/AC setup, without the extra electronics (AEM etc.)? I haven't seen this question clearly entertained here.

Please excuse the long post and the noobish questions, and I appreciate advice from those more experienced. I hope to have a positive FI experience.

 

You mainly only need to monitor your AFRs when you're WOT, but it's also good for noticing if any hoses are loose in your engine bay (if you notice a huge difference compared to your normal numbers).

I only have the uego gauge, but I should probably get an oil pressure gauge. Boost gauge would be nice too, for detecting belt slippage.

 

expect to see around 5.5psi with that 4.2" pulley due to aftercooler boost drop. since you haven't started the install yet, i'd recommend upgrading to the larger aftercooler radiator from the get go. the way my aftercooler is freezing cold to the touch after a 2 hour drive even in the summertime is astounding. also i'd recommend upgrading to the newer mounting system if yours is utilizing the old system (the one with only 1 bolt holding the blower bracket to the VTEC solenoid mounting block) because it can and will crack sooner or later (speaking from experience)

 

due to the simplicity and the proven reliability of the CT charger system, you don't need to play with it much to get good results from it.

AFR's should read in the high 14's during normal around town driving. the harder you drive the lower the number should go. at WOT expect to see somewhere AT LEAST in the 12's and then slowly climb to low 11's or even mid 10's.

i recommend having an AFR gauge for sure on any FI car. it will let you know if something goes wrong in an instant. if you aren't interested in having all sorts of gauges in your car, a boost gauge is not necessary. you are never going to overboost a supercharged car. if your belt slips and you loose boost you're going to see it affecting the AFR anyway. oil pressure is also not entirely necessary on a CTSC setup either in my opinion. both the send and return line are easily visible in the engine bay and should be checked regularly in the first place - it is highly unlikely that either of these lines will fail.

you cannot up your injector sizing without some form of fuel management to compensate with. that could be something as simple as an apexi afc all the way up to a complete standalone management system. its entirely up to you and how far you want to take things!

 

Thank you for the replies. This brings up a couple of other questions:

@ nightcrawler: I thought that with the stock Comptech aftercooler (which I have) the boost loss was only 0.5 psi? Or at least that's what people around here are quoting. Was the loss 1.5 psi on yours? I know the loss is bigger from a FMIC setup (I was considering buying a CTSC setup with an FMIC previously.)

@Opposite_Lock, where you you have your UEGO guage mounted? Is it the standard A-pillar install?

@TelosHedge, thank you for the detailed answers. Once the system is installed, I'll go over what to look for from the installer. Ideally, I'd like to learn how to fix simple things (belt slip and hose inspection) on my own. After all, I don't want to be stranded if I drive down to WTD this year.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...&#entry14889872

I would try to do it like revhir's. I was too lazy and just jammed it in there. Hopefully, when I shave the buttons and paint the bezel gloss black, it'll look better.

 

Wow, that is impressive! That is great placement. Revhir's setup is even better, smooth, stock-looking, AND he keeps the audio controls (which I do use).

I don't want too much of an aftermarket look to the interior. One way I could do it is to buy the assembly, do the mods on that, and replace. That would allow me to keep the stock piece intact in case I want to part out.

 

[quote name='neuronbob' date='Jan 11 2009, 07:02 AM'] @ nightcrawler:

 

I see. That's good to know.

 

Hey I sent you PM I just finished yesterday installing a used CTSC and gauges on my AP2. I can answer almost any question you have.