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.

Cooling System Upgrade (SAMCO / NISMO / MOTUL)

Well ideally I should upgrade to a 2 row aluminium radiator (Koyo perhaps?) to cope with the hotter Malaysian weather (compared to Japan) and also for future upgrades on the ER34 (more horses perhaps? :P)

But with cost as a withholding factor, I'll have to skip that first. :(

Lets do something that costs less like below:-

Pic 1: Samco Sport Coolant Hose Kit

Pic 2: This is whats inside the box

Pic 3: The 2 hoses

Pic 4: This is the stock factory ones

Installed the Samco Sport Coolant Hose Kit (Part No. 40TCS149-C) for the ER34's radiator hoses. Initially was contemplating between this and the Blitz Cooling Performer (Part No. 75404), but decided to go with SAMCO as it covers both the top and bottom radiator hoses where else the Blitz unit only has the top hose replacement.

But unlike the Blitz unit, the Samco hoses does not come with an additional tap for the installation of a temperature gauge (not that I plan to anyway) and does not provide any clamps.

Pic 5: The clamps used

The Samco Sport Coolant Hose are rated at a maximum temperature of + 180ºC with a size tolerance of ± 0.5mm. Although the hoses are also available in Black, Red, Green, British Racing Green, Purple, Yellow and Orange, all I ever see are the standard blue colour. Oh darn!

Pic 6: Motul Inugel Expert Ultra coolant

Well since the hoses are out, I had the coolant changed as well. Poured in a bottle of Motul Inugel Expert Ultra coolant and added in distilled water into the radiator.

Pic 7: Nismo Racing Radiator Cap Packaging

Pic 8: Nismo Racing Radiator Cap (front)

Pic 9: Nismo Racing Radiator Cap (rear)

Pic 10: The factory radiator cap

To top it all off, I ditched the stock radiator cap and replaced it with the Nismo Racing Radiator Cap (Part No. 21430-RS012). These are rated at 1.3kg/cm2 (0.13Mpa) as opposed to the stock 0.9kg/cm2 units.

Pic 11: Samco Sport Coolant Hose installed

Pic 12: Nismo Racing Radiator Cap installed

Pic 13: Samco Sport Coolant Hose with the NISMO Radiator Cap

Why silicone hoses must be blue in colour?

Sigh....it happened again. My boost sensor hose has split its ends. This time round, I decided once and for all to get replacements instead of trimming and reusing the current hose.

Went searching around for tougher silicone hoses from the local speedshops. Found those offerings by SAMCO and SARD but all of them are blue in colour! Why must silicone hose be blue in colour? Can't it be black like what a hose is supposed to be like? Aren't blue a bit on the riceboy side of things???

Anyway, since there's no silicone hoses in black, I got the normal black rubber hoses and replaced mine.

Now my boost meter is back in function. :)