R BOOM opinons? pics inside...

[Darius]

LOL after I read your first response, I was just going to e-mail you and recommend that you get a gasket kit if you are going to rebuild it anyways.

As for the knock sensors, I run higher lift cams with oversized valves and it has not given me much noticeable knock. It hovers around 4-8 on the PFC scale under all operating conditions/revs which I am attributing to some form of false knock. You can tune using that as a baseline, but running without knock sensors is madd! It surprises me that they told you that.

[Shocker]

none of the Microtech units even support knock sensors... I'll do w/o.

Gasket set, working cas are on there way. Heads getting deck will be done tomorrow and I cleaned the block all up. Hopefully it all comes before the weekend is over so I can get her back together. My head was also checked for valve seating. They all hold pressure fine!

[blurrbosi]

No way to detect knock?

Y would you gamble all of your investment on a system that cannot even read if your motor is about to **** itself? Seriously!

Ditch the microtech!!! We dont want to see this happen to you again!!!!

[Shocker]

Its not as easy as you think. For instance the PFC is made for the RB series. Every engines knock sounds different, so its extremely difficult for a general sensor with a standalone to know what knock sounds like for a specific engine.

Best ways to avoid knock is to set timing conservative, and get a conservative A/F. Both of which I had. Due to my cas freaking on me it didnt matter.

I've even read into other standalones that come with knock sensors most don't even garentee them working past 5000rpms from the other random vibrations and noises that might accidentally trigger the sensor. Some even suggest setting the ECU to turn off the sensors after 5000rpms to prevent cut out.

Its just what happens when modifying a motor way past stock, it comes with the territory. If I had went with a PFC sure it would have been easier, but I'd rather not buy something that has been discontinued...

[Darius]

There has to be an aftermarket knock sensor gauge with peak-hold value or short term memory so you can at least see if you are getting knock spikes (ESPECIALLY UP TOP!). Going without knock sensors is what got you to the point you're at now, so I highly recommend finding some way to monitor knock whether it is a microtech add-on or separate unit. You cannot tune your car to its full potential without some kind of knock detection. Please Please find a knock detection unit!

[gawdzilla]

det cans or knock amp?

the stock sensors should still work without the ECU. I've never tried, but they are just grounded to the block, and they generate their own voltage from the frequency. See if you can read the voltage off them
Modified by gawdzilla at 1:04 PM 7/16/2007

[Carl H]

hks knock amp looks to be a good investment here.

[Shocker]

http://www.jandssafeguard.com/

that is what Im thinking maybe, I've been hearing good reviews of the unit. Also it seems rather simple to use and install.

[Darius]

I have heard good things about that unit too, but my only question is at what knock level does it start retarding timing? If it hears a peep, is it constantly going to be pulling timing, because that would be annoying when you're trying to tune it and eventually drive it.

[Shocker]

not sure exactly. If I decide to buy one I'll call and talk to someone who knows.

I did however talk to my tuner last night discussing knock sensors. He laughs at them almost. He owns a 3 rotor and my buddy who also works with him has a 13b going into his s-14. If anyone knows anything about rotories is that if they have the slightest knock by the time its been read... the motor is already done. over seals are ruined time for a rebuild..

A good deal of the cars they tune do not have knock sensors nor do a few of the high HP.. (1000+) turbo v8's he has worked on and tuned. I will see what im going to do..

[blurrbosi]

I have heard good things about that unit too, but my only question is at what knock level does it start retarding timing? If it hears a peep, is it constantly going to be pulling timing, because that would be annoying when you're trying to tune it and eventually drive it.

I dont like the idea of a device that automatically pulls timing when it sees knock. As we all know... while tuning, it is easier to pull timing/adj boost manually when knock is detected, then tweak. Assumin you have a good standalone unit.

[eh?]

Its not as easy as you think. For instance the PFC is made for the RB series. Every engines knock sounds different, so its extremely difficult for a general sensor with a standalone to know what knock sounds like for a specific engine.

That is why with the aem ems you make base line runs with dialed down timing to see what is engine noise and not knock. (from what I rememeber) With that you can plot a graph so the AEM ignores any noise below the threshhold. The AEM can add fuel and/or subtracting timing based on the knock voltage.