View Full Version : Steps before purchasing the MBC+A
thecanyon2k4
05-02-08, 02:29 AM
So I was just reading the disclaimer on the smartperformance website, and it says before increasing boost, make sure the car is equipped with a low restriction intake and exhaust. Is this referring to raising the boost over fuel cut? I only intend to raise to boost to about ~14, or a bit less than 15 (fuel cut, correct?). I use only fully synthetic 10w40 oil, premium gas and I'm using bosch plugs. Should I get a less restrictive Intake and exhaust before getting the MBC+A, or will I be safe?
As far as the health of the engine, I'm not 100% sure as the car has 131xxx miles on it and practically no service history (I'm the second owner).
<------is a total noob when it comes to forced induction.
i've just got my mbc+a with a glowshift boost gauge and seriously, i have no clue where to start. i installed it where it is supposed to be but plugging the wires... well that's going to be interesting ;/
i have saabsport catback and gs open air intake already though.
Corn Cob
05-02-08, 03:07 AM
The reason they want you to have a free flow exhaust is so that your exhaust gas tempertures will be less. The extra boost causes more heat so they want you to be abile to evacuate the exhaust as quikly as possible so you don't hurt the engine with knock since the ECU can't pull back boost anymore.
mr rx-7 tt
05-02-08, 04:44 AM
Mine is bone stock and I run the MBC+A...I have it turned down lower than fuel cut. I also don't beat on the car.
BluAero93
05-02-08, 04:54 AM
I suggest before you turn the boost up, make sure the car is in good mechanical shape. You may want to pull the valve cover off and/or oil pan just to make sure there is no signs of sludge. And remember when you turn up the boost, there are more possiblities of things going wrong.(i.e. make sure your headgasket and timing chain are in good condition) Thats just me though.
get those bosch plugs out of the car! put some ngk bcpr7es-11 in. go over the car with a good eye. if you can, drop the oil pan to check for sludge and clean the screen. save for an exhaust system
Shirozina
05-02-08, 09:27 AM
It's always a good idea to get a 3" DP if you are upping the boost and disabling the knock protection. There is no need to upgrade your intake - it's a very free flowing design to start with - wait till you have 400bhp before upgrading this:cheesy: Only use NGK plugs - these are vital for the ECU to measure the knock threshold.
thecanyon2k4
05-02-08, 02:25 PM
Where can I get the NGK plugs? All of the autopart stores around me don't carry any for a 9-3...
Corn Cob
05-02-08, 02:47 PM
I had advanced auto parts order mine, or you can get genuinesaab to send you some. You don't want the stock plugs anyway you want the heat range of 7 ones that somebody already mentioned.
TROLLhattenschatten
05-02-08, 05:03 PM
Really stupid question, but won't you get the same effect if you just pull the APC fuse?
Shirozina
05-02-08, 05:05 PM
Really stupid question, but won't you get the same effect if you just pull the APC fuse? You get base boost if you disable the BPC
TROLLhattenschatten
05-02-08, 05:34 PM
That's what i figured.
FWIW, I've been running the MBC+A on my 1999 9-3 for 8 months and I have not wrecked anything yet. Get the NGK plugs and run good fuel. When warmer temps come back in the spring, you may want to take it easy on hot days.
Down the road, you should get the 3" DP. I do worry a little about my EGTs and in that respect I'm running blind since I have no idea what they are. Same goes for boost level. I am below a cold weather fuel cut but I am not sure exactly where I am at, probably 12-13 psi. You may be better off keeping boost below the full 15 PSi to keep temps down a little.