Anyone try this free performance increase yet?

[Antonio]

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=31089

Reading over at the sister forum, Hector from Exhaust Depot has stumbled onto something interesting. Apparently there's a solenoid controlling our rate of boost spooling. The modification presented is simply bypassing that solenoid allowing the turbo to boost more efficiently and quickly. They had no codes thrown, and there was no overall increase in the total amount of boost, so I doubt any kind of damage is possible. The wastegate may need a bit of tuning to handle the quicker boost flow, but I think the wastegate at it's current rate can handle it. If it can't, it's adjustable anyhow.

I've been strongly considering doing this, as it's extremely easy to do, and also easy to reverse back to stock. Anyone else catch that thread, or have done it already? I really think i'm going to try it today, I'll let you know how it goes.

[Nemesis]

You do it and I'll watch!

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by Antonio

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=31089

Reading over at the sister forum, Hector from Exhaust Depot has stumbled onto something interesting. Apparently there's a solenoid controlling our rate of boost spooling. The modification presented is simply bypassing that solenoid allowing the turbo to boost more efficiently and quickly. They had no codes thrown, and there was no overall increase in the total amount of boost, so I doubt any kind of damage is possible. The wastegate may need a bit of tuning to handle the quicker boost flow, but I think the wastegate at it's current rate can handle it. If it can't, it's adjustable anyhow.

I've been strongly considering doing this, as it's extremely easy to do, and also easy to reverse back to stock. Anyone else catch that thread, or have done it already? I really think i'm going to try it today, I'll let you know how it goes.

By the way, I've been meaning to ask you: did you lose any low end torque with the magna flow exhaust? Did you notice any gains with the CAI on top of the exhaust?

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by Nemesis

By the way, I've been meaning to ask you: did you lose any low end torque with the magna flow exhaust? Did you notice any gains with the CAI on top of the exhaust?

Actually I noticed the most change in the low-mid end rpm band for the exhaust. The intake however, compliments it perfectly, and increases your peak HP at around the 5,000 range. So the exhaust helps your low end, and the intake helps your top end. really great combo

[Antonio]

well, after some thinking, looking around, reading testimonials, and beautiful weather, I'm going to pull the trigger and do this mod today.

I will also make a tutorial video for those who are either lazy, or mechanically silly.

I'll try my best to also record the actual difference in results, but driving one handed with a camera and shifting is a wee bit dangerous and hard.

[Antonio]

OK. Modification is complete.

it's rather painless, and I'd rate it as a 1 on a scale of 5 for ease. Literally anyone can do this mod, just as long as you can distinguish left from right.

total cost: $4.26

End Result: I did notice a small increase in speed as far as how quickly the turbo spooled up. The amount of lag from where you press the gas to where the boost kicks in didn't seem to change to me, but once the boost starts, it climbs faster to its max at around 2400 rpms or so. I couldn't really open him up in my neighborhood, so I can't give you a full result of this mod. I'll get some highway driving in today and give you a better opinion. I did however, notice the biggest change between shifts. Shifting from 1st to 2nd quickly, I found the turbo remained spooled higher, and once shifted into 2nd, I was at max boost in the blink of an eye.

Now, it's too nice out to sit inside and write out a full DIY tutorial, I'm heading to the beach with the girlfriend.....TONIGHT however, you can expect a full detailed tutorial with pictures for all to follow. I'll also make a quick video explaining the process as well, and throw it on Youtube.

[Antonio]

Alrighty....

I had it on the highway today. The turbo spools faster in between shifts. WOT boost lag is still there, just quicker. All in all, I'm satisfied with this $4 modification.

[Antonio]

Ok. Here we go. This modification will bypass the solenoid that limits the rate of spooling for your stock GXP/Redline Turbo. The tools you will need are:

Pliers
Rubber jaw guards or soft material to place in pliers to protect tearing the tubing
1 Ziptie (normal size, not the small ones)
1/4" Vacuum Tube Connector
1/4" Vacuum Tube Cap

It's a good idea to do this on a cold engine, to save yourself from some contact burns.

First you will need to remove your engine cover to access the solenoid, which is on the drivers side of the engine bay. The engine cover is held in place by 4 rubber snaps. Just hold tightly with your hands and pull it off. Don't be afraid to use a little force.

Now with the cover off (Pic 1) you can see the solenoid with 3 tubes attached to it; the tube connecting to the stock wastegate, the tube connecting to the intercooler pipe, and the tube connecting to the manifold.

Using pliers, pinch the green tube clamps at the tabs to loosen (pic 2). Move the clamps further back on the tube rather than take off since we're going to use these later on. The tubes simply pull off, but may need some encouragement. Using rubber guards or perhaps soft cloth to protect the tube, use your pliers to loosen the tube and pull carefully. Once the tube begins to move, go back to pulling by hand. All 3 tubes are going to be taken off the solenoid (Pic 3)

Next, using a 1/4" vacuum tube connector (Pic 4) connect the Stock wastegate tube together with the manifold tube. Make sure to firmly push each tube all the way to the center of the connector. (Pic 5) Using the original green tabbed tube pinch clamps, secure your new connection by moving the clamps to the ends of the tubes. This connection is now done. You should look something like this, with the intercooler pipe tube still to be removed in the next step. (Pic 6)

Now remove the intercooler pipe tube in a similar fashion, loosening the clamp and give it a tug. With the tube removed, you will see the exposed brass nipple on the intercooler pipe. (Pic 7) You are going to install the Vacuum tube cap onto this brass nipple. (Pic 8) Push the vacuum cap onto the nipple as far as it will go. I tried to use the same green clamps, but my vacuum cap was a smaller diameter, and the clamp wouldn't hold tightly. I used a normal sized cable ziptie to tightly secure the vacuum cap onto the nipple. (Pic 9) Trim the extra ziptie from nipple and this is done.

You should look something like this. (Pic 10) The intercooler pipe tube can now be removed completely. Hold onto this tube in case you decide to go back to a stock setup.

Replace the engine cover onto the engine, and give it a sturdy push on all 4 corners to make sure all the snaps are inserted properly.

YOU'RE DONE!

This modification did not throw any codes. I did not see in increase in total boost, just the time it takes to spool. Happy Modding!

[Antonio]

Pictures 1-5

[Antonio]

Pictures 6-10

[Antonio]

*bump* anyone else do this besides me? I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone with the gxp/redline. Too easy to do, and the benefit is noticeable. You can't pass this down. Autox'ers? Dragsters? Just lookin for better performance?

[jarcher]

Just wondering, if that thing is not needed, why did GM pu it there? What was it supposed to do and why?

[MattBrenner03]

does this void anything on the warranty?

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by jarcher

Just wondering, if that thing is not needed, why did GM pu it there? What was it supposed to do and why?

It's put there as a "nanny" Making sure that people don't over boost their car. It limits how quickly you build boost. Autocrossing can put a big strain on the turbos, and that solenoid just limits the amount of air that could possibly flow back in the turbo. Now, you'd have to run your turbo HARD all damn day for damage to occur, so normal applications and even racing conditions, this mod won't hurt your turbo. If you're racing seriously, then I'm sure you'd already invested in a turbo controller to properly monitor your boost without the GM solenoid anyhow.

As far as warranty goes, just like EVERY modification, it has to be PROVEN your modification caused the problem beyond the shadow of a doubt. So no, this won't outright void your warranty. Also keep in mind this is 100% reversable. Since no tubing is cut, and you're recycling all the existing hardware, it can be put back to a stock configuration and no one would know.

[SKYGAZR]

I like....

I will try it on the weekend!

[marlboromike]

Antonio...did u take that governor off your car yet? The fastest his car can go is 65 MPH....the life u save may be mine..

[EOD1]

Originally Posted by Antonio

*bump* anyone else do this besides me? I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone with the gxp/redline. Too easy to do, and the benefit is noticeable. You can't pass this down. Autox'ers? Dragsters? Just lookin for better performance?

I'm in. You did a great job with the instructions and pic Thanks

[Antonio]

excellent! Let me know how you all do.

[Antonio]

*bumpity* Am I still the only one?