Running a lean engine, and general TLC

[Suprash]

Guys,

I have just purchased myself a 99 MKIV VVTI Supra. Now I was reading a thread about running a engine lean under extra boost and this has concerned me. Now Im totally new to this game and you guys could probably help me out here. My Supra has had a full decat, with a custom made Chris Wilson down pipe. I know it has had a fuel cut defencer fitted, which I believe has upped the boost to around 18psi, it has also had a full HKS induction kit. The thing is I have just bought this motor and want to make sure things are done properly, if not than I want it sorted asap irrelevant of cost. I havent noticed any coloured smoke from the exhaust or any funny sounds. From the mods I have mentioned does anyone reckon I could be running lean. Should I get this checked out as soon as possible or am I over reacting. Also not sure if this is a Uk message board, but I live in Basingstoke Hampshire and need a good tunning garage local to me within the South.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I feel I have a lot to learn.

[Nic]

Ashley welcome to the group,

 

Do you have a boost gauge fitted, as I noticed that you were not sure of the boost? If you haven't I'd get a gauge fitted first so you know what boost you are running at.

 

If you are running 18psi then the fueling should be okay, this is generally regarded as the safe max boost you can run without bigger IC or fueling mods.

 

cheers

[Suprash]

Nic,

Thanks for the reply as this is something Im quite concerned about. Guess I will be getting the car booked into a garage as soon as to get a boost gauge fitted, does anyone know any good garages in the South of England, Hampshire area that I can take my Supra to without fear of them cocking something up.

[Terminator]

Hi Ashley and welcome to the BBS, which is UK based.

 

Experience of garages varies among members. Toyota main dealers have varied experience of MKIV's even less with the VVTI.

 

There are a few independents, one in the South, who is moving to the MK area soon. His name is Leon Green, but his does know his Supra and is running on of the fastest in the country.

 

As Nic suggests if you do not have a boost gauge, get one soon as the boost dial in the VVTI is as good as useless.

 

I am sure one of the other member with the rarer VVTI will be along soon to put your mind at rest.

[GavinL]

Originally posted by ashleywillis

Nic,

Thanks for the reply as this is something Im quite concerned about. Guess I will be getting the car booked into a garage as soon as to get a boost gauge fitted, does anyone know any good garages in the South of England, Hampshire area that I can take my Supra to without fear of them cocking something up.

 

Have you thought about calling Chris Wilson, they are his pipes he may well of have fitted them or done some work on the car?

[Chris Wilson]

Originally posted by ashleywillis

Guys,

I have just purchased myself a 99 MKIV VVTI Supra. Now I was reading a thread about running a engine lean under extra boost and this has concerned me. Now Im totally new to this game and you guys could probably help me out here. My Supra has had a full decat, with a custom made Chris Wilson down pipe. I know it has had a fuel cut defencer fitted, which I believe has upped the boost to around 18psi, it has also had a full HKS induction kit. The thing is I have just bought this motor and want to make sure things are done properly, if not than I want it sorted asap irrelevant of cost. I havent noticed any coloured smoke from the exhaust or any funny sounds. From the mods I have mentioned does anyone reckon I could be running lean. Should I get this checked out as soon as possible or am I over reacting. Also not sure if this is a Uk message board, but I live in Basingstoke Hampshire and need a good tunning garage local to me within the South.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I feel I have a lot to learn.

 

Get a decent boost gauge fitted to monitor boost levels, you don't need anything fancy, a plain Jane mechanical one is fine, I have some good used ones knocking about. 18 psi should be considered the safe limit. I think that car was the first VVti I made pipes for, they work fine on the variable valve timing engine! The only way to check for running lean is with a proper (read very expensive) wide band O2 sensor and readout. I now offer the option of my pipes coming with a ready welded in boss for a second O2 sensor, to enable easier mounting of the special sensor. When not in use the boss is balnked with a purpose made plug. I don't think i have ever sold any VVti pipes with that option though. I can easily retro fit, and i can check your fuelling, but i am north of Birmingham and to to the left a bit :-)

 

I would give the HKS induction kit the old floatation test myself.