Thought I'd briefly share my recent home repair, in case something similar happens to other folks.
While out and about with my car the other day, I recently noticed that I couldn't get enough power to the rear wheels to break the tires free. While it is hot as heck here in FL, and I'm running Bridgestones, I thought it was odd that I could have that much traction. After a few slightly sluggish pulls, I finally realized my boost gauge wasn't going past about 6 lbs. Since my car is running a 2nd generation Whipple, and has a substitute boost gauge that goes to more than 25 lbs, I thought something amiss. Also, my car had dyno'd at about 735 rWHP only a month or two ago so not likely an engine or supercharger problem, particularly with my conservative driving style.
After speaking to Shadowman, he figured that the most likely culprit was the solenoid that controls the bypass valve. He had said he's replaced at least 5-6 as they sometimes go out. If so, this would lead to the above scenario. He thought if not the solenoid (most likely) then perhaps a small vacuum leak or bad valve itself (less likely).
After a brief discussion, the next day there was a new solenoid at my door. They are not expensive - maybe $70-75 or so. Even as mechanically disinclined as I am, I was able to find where it went and replace it in about 10 minutes without any help. There are only 3 things that connect to it - I disconnected them and removed it, then slid the new one in and reconnected everything.
That was it. Car is running as supposed to now. Seeing about 16 lbs boost at WOT in first gear. Typically I'll roll into first gear then at about 2500 rpm nail the go pedal. With 95 degree weather and Bridgestones have great traction even while stomping on it. Car takes off like a rocket with minimal/no wheel spin.
Hope this helps the next fellow.
While out and about with my car the other day, I recently noticed that I couldn't get enough power to the rear wheels to break the tires free. While it is hot as heck here in FL, and I'm running Bridgestones, I thought it was odd that I could have that much traction. After a few slightly sluggish pulls, I finally realized my boost gauge wasn't going past about 6 lbs. Since my car is running a 2nd generation Whipple, and has a substitute boost gauge that goes to more than 25 lbs, I thought something amiss. Also, my car had dyno'd at about 735 rWHP only a month or two ago so not likely an engine or supercharger problem, particularly with my conservative driving style.
After speaking to Shadowman, he figured that the most likely culprit was the solenoid that controls the bypass valve. He had said he's replaced at least 5-6 as they sometimes go out. If so, this would lead to the above scenario. He thought if not the solenoid (most likely) then perhaps a small vacuum leak or bad valve itself (less likely).
After a brief discussion, the next day there was a new solenoid at my door. They are not expensive - maybe $70-75 or so. Even as mechanically disinclined as I am, I was able to find where it went and replace it in about 10 minutes without any help. There are only 3 things that connect to it - I disconnected them and removed it, then slid the new one in and reconnected everything.
That was it. Car is running as supposed to now. Seeing about 16 lbs boost at WOT in first gear. Typically I'll roll into first gear then at about 2500 rpm nail the go pedal. With 95 degree weather and Bridgestones have great traction even while stomping on it. Car takes off like a rocket with minimal/no wheel spin.
Hope this helps the next fellow.
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