"cheap boost" mod--boost gauge required?

[chris1866]

"cheap boost" mod--QUESTION HELP!

So i've heard alot about this "cheap +2psi" using a $5 carb. spring.
See thread:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105148&highlight=boost+cheap+spring

I'm NOT asking about this mod vs. a MBC or anything like that. All i want to know is is it safe without a boost gauge? A lot of people who did this made references to it like "i was at 7psi stock and this put me up to 9". Obviously, i would have no way of telling this.
The thread also recommends running cooler spark plugs (copper NGK BKR7E with a .032 gap).
So once again, my question is-- would it be ok to do this with just the spring and plugs with no boost gauge?

thanks in advance.

EDIT: QUESTIONS
so i went to autozone today and got my copper plugs and the springs.
Got a few questions:
1- Which spring to use? The thread says the "biggest" but is that the longest or the one with the biggest spring diameter, etc?--i want to know fore sure because the tension in these springs is very different and i want to make sure i have the right one.
2- Is there a way to get the heat shield off without taking off the O2 sensor? If not--what's the best way to remove the O2 sensor?

thanks

 

[MSP#735]

yes, this is a safe mod without a boost gauge though, it would be best if you had one but you will be fine without one. in the near future you will buy one (go ahead and buy one now and save you the wait) over all it IS a safe mod to do without a boost gauge.

 

[Pyr0TeK]

I have one of these springs I made that used to be on my car sitting in my garage.

 

[Pyr0TeK]

Where are you in SC? If you aren't too far, maybe you can come up to Charlotte and we can help you install some stuff.

 

[chris1866]

i am in Greenville, SC (less than 2 hours from charlotte).
I am not planning to mod at all actually--but when it's something this simply and this cheap, i can hardly resist.
I appreciate the invite though......I will most likely be up in Charlotte for the first CCR autox event at Knights Stadium on Feb. 10th----actually might come up for the test & tune the day before as well....get a few heat cycles on the new Hoosiers.

 

[Dugg E Fresh]

The first run I did with mine increased it about 1-2 psi (was running 5.5 stock). I then pulled it and cut the spring shorter which increased my "level off" psi about 3lbs. I would get a boost gauge as soon as you can. Even if you aren't planning on a lot of mods, you should always know what level you are, to help troubleshoot any problems you run into, like a WGA or any vaccum leaks you may encounter.

 

[Pyr0TeK]

The first run I did with mine increased it about 1-2 psi (was running 5.5 stock). I then pulled it and cut the spring shorter which increased my "level off" psi about 3lbs. I would get a boost gauge as soon as you can. Even if you aren't planning on a lot of mods, you should always know what level you are, to help troubleshoot any problems you run into, like a WGA or any vaccum leaks you may encounter.

Exactly... the notorious WGA failure and overboost syndrome...

 

[chris1866]

ahh i see.
Well it sounds like a good idea and everything, but i suppose then i couldn't technically be in D-stock anymore for autox..... or is it easy enough to remove and put on that i could just take it off before an event?

 

[Kypatrick]

How many people ahve actually done this? Well Chris, when you do it let me know how things go, im in line right behind you to try!

 

[Dugg E Fresh]

ahh i see.
Well it sounds like a good idea and everything, but i suppose then i couldn't technically be in D-stock anymore for autox..... or is it easy enough to remove and put on that i could just take it off before an event?

Hmm.. That is an interesting concept. I hooked mine up using the "how-to" on the forum. I suppose you could do the same, not mount the gauge anywhere, and have a vacuum hose standing by to replace the tapped one.
I am ignorant to the rules; Can you run if you show the boost gauge is not hooked up? Then you could at least mount it someplace and just swap out the short lil hose at an event.

 

[Pyr0TeK]

How many people ahve actually done this? Well Chris, when you do it let me know how things go, im in line right behind you to try!

Tons of people have done this mod. Search the forum and you find threads about and posts from many users including myself. There has been several articles published about this mod also.

 

[Velocifero]

I was running this, it is a great and safe way to gain a few psi without huge spikes. I too recommend a gauge. I took my spring off when I replaced my WGA (failure not due to the spring) b/c I boost 9-9.5psi with the ATP WGA and my mods. Once I get my EMS up and running and can tune accordingly, I will probably reinstall it til I can grab a EBC, more or less just to see if I can squeeze any more out of it, wouldn't mind tuning for 12psi with EMS and meth inj for daily.

 

[chris1866]

I don't believe the boost gauge itself is illegal in stock class (on several cars ie WRX it is actually a factory option). I say this because it does not at all enhance performance. But the spring would definitely be illegal so i would have to remove it before events.

 

[Pyr0TeK]

I don't believe the boost gauge itself is illegal in stock class (on several cars ie WRX it is actually a factory option). I say this because it does not at all enhance performance. But the spring would definitely be illegal so i would have to remove it before events.

Unless they couldn't see it... (peep)

 

[nazgul350r]

Gauge should not be illegal, I would call it a comfort and conv. feature but the spring would move you out of stock of course.

 

[Kypatrick]

Sounds like a good mod for me, Cheap and Effective!!

 

[chris1866]

QUESTIONS
so i went to autozone today and got my copper plugs and the springs.
Got a few questions:
1- Which spring to use? The thread says the "biggest" but is that the longest or the one with the biggest spring diameter, etc?--i want to know fore sure because the tension in these springs is very different and i want to make sure i have the right one.
2- Is there a way to get the heat shield off without taking off the O2 sensor? If not--what's the best way to remove the O2 sensor?

thanks

 

[Dugg E Fresh]

QUESTIONS
so i went to autozone today and got my copper plugs and the springs.
Got a few questions:
1- Which spring to use? The thread says the "biggest" but is that the longest or the one with the biggest spring diameter, etc?--i want to know fore sure because the tension in these springs is very different and i want to make sure i have the right one.
2- Is there a way to get the heat shield off without taking off the O2 sensor? If not--what's the best way to remove the O2 sensor?

thanks

1- Pull on them, don't remember which one, but it is the strongest of the two long ones. I believe the long, narrow one is pretty wimpy which you don't want. The other thread says for sure.
2- Don't know for sure, haven't decided to take that off. Sorry.

 

[Velocifero]

use an 02 socket, available at the store, not too expensive and i use mine frequently, it is longer and has a slot cut out of it to allow room for the wire

 

[msp35]

Or you could cut a notch in the bottom of the heat shield....as long as you're not drunk and cut it straight it'll look good.