Running both MAF and MAP sensor in the ER34?

As a follow up to my previous post on the Apexi Power FC, I wish to share that the Power FC unit that I have, which is the L-Jetro version runs on Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). And of course I'm going to pair it with the Z32 AFM for bigger flow measuring potential.

There is also D-Jetro version of the Power FC. D-Jetro on the other hand uses a Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP). There is no D-Jetro version of the Power FC for the ER34 but is available for the BNR34.

Pic 1: Apexi Boost Control Kit

So anyway, my point is that the Power FC will not be able to read the boost reading via the hand commander as it has no method of reading it in via the stock ECU loom. There is a way to get around this though and that is to purchase the Apexi Boost Control Kit.

Pic 2: Apexi Boost Control Kit

But like mentioned, I've already had the HKS EVC 4 to control my boost and I do not need another boost controller. So what can be done is to get the MAP sensor and MAP sensor harness from the Apexi Boost Control Kit. The solenoid thus is not required. These two items may seem small and trivial but mind you it's not that cheap. Damn JDM stuffs all are costly. WTF!

Two sensors?? Yes, one can run BOTH MAF and MAP in the ER34. :O

How? Well, the MAF will be used for reading the air fuel ratio while the MAP will be used solely for the function monitoring the boost level. The MAP sensor will be connected directly to the Power FC.

Pic 3: MAP Sensor

I was told the MAP sensor is pretty hard to source for a used item. Well, I've got one on hand. :)

Oh, by the way, the MAP sensor is actually made by Denso. One thing to note is that the harness has 3 pins while the Power FC ECU have 5 pins. It will work no worries, just plug it in the middle, i.e. from pin 2 to pin 4.

Pic 4: MAP Sensor

Each pin represents voltage, signal and ground respectively. So there you have it. If you plan to read boost from your Power FC hand commander, you know how it's done. :)

I was going to use it in my car but on second thought, I think I'll put this up for sale. So for those who want to read boost from your Hand Commander, shoot me an email and we can work out a deal.

Pic 4: This is for sale. Yes inclusive of the Samco silicone hoses it will go with.

Boost Pressure Sensor Hose split yet again!!!

Well well......ain't this becoming a common occurrence?? This is the third time the boost pressure sensor hose split it edges. The last time in September '06, I told myself IF it failed again, I'm gonna look for a stronger hose to replace it.

Pic 1: Boost sensor hose split yet again

Pic 2: Yea it split up pretty bad

Guess I lied to myself. Hehehehe ;)

I got out my trusty angle spanner and remove the unit, amazingly my zip tie theory worked pretty well as evident in pic 1 above. It actually held the hose in place firmly.

Pic 3: So many zip ties ???

Now that it's proven to be effective to secure the hose via zip tie, I'm gonna do the same thing but instead of a single zip tie to hold the hose to the boost sensor housing , I've added 5 smaller zip ties around the base of the inlet to minimize the chances of it splitting again. After doing the above job, I got the feeling that I’ve just fixed the thing as if it’s a Datsun 120Y. Hey!! A Skyline deserves better treatment that that right?!?!?

Pic 4: Jolin Tsai practising for her concert. At times like this I wish I had a 300mm lens for my camera.

The best part when doing the above is being entertained in the background by Jolin Tsai practicing for her big concert tomorrow. The concert venue is just next to where I stay.

Hope the above fix works.........fingers crossed.

Boost Pressure Sensor Hose Fixed!!

If you have read my post dated 15th September 2006 (here) on the boost pressure sensor hose, it had split at its edges and dislodged from the inlet to the sensor housing. Sigh.....

Pic 1: Boost sensor housing with angle spanner

Finally I got it fixed via a RM 5.00 (USD 1.30) angle spanner. :P

Firstly, I trimmed out the split edges via a scissor. Then the bolt that holds the boost sensor housing in place is removed. Slot in the hose back into the housing and for good measure, I zip-tied the hose to give it some extra hold/strength.

Pic 2: Zip-tied the hose for extra durability

Hopefully, this will not re-occur else I'll have to get the darn hose replaced. Anyway, now I have a functional boost meter back.

* Beams with joy * :D

Boost Pressure Sensor Hose

Last whole week I was in South Korea for a business trip. Spent time in Seoul, Asan and Jeju Island. A week away and it's amazing that I don't really miss the ER34. Hmm.....perhaps the trip was kinda nice and enjoyable. :P

The moment I got back, the urge to start the ER34 up was too great. Went to look 'her up and took it out for a drive. Arghh.........simply heaven to power it around town. BUT wait a minute, 15 mins into my drive noticed that the boost meter was not moving. Oh darn it. Parked the car, popped the hood and ...............??

The turbo pressure sensor hose has split at it's edges and dislodged from the inlet to the sensor housing. This is the second time this has happened and it's beginning to irritate me. Hmm.......I think I'll just trim away the edges and continue using it rather then getting those high end silicone hoses as replacements. Hope it'll last me this time round.

Now I'm having trouble inserting in the hose. Can't get the hoses in without removing the sensor module. And I can't get the darn sensor module removed, not enough space to remove the freaking bolt.

TENSION!!