New 08 MS3!

[DigitalSyn]

Hey everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster. About a week ago I took ownership of a 2008 Silver MS3 Sport. I wanted the GT, but for a sound system, leather seats, auto wipers, and a few other things, it wasn't worth the extra money.


I will be getting pictures soon. I am located north of Atlanta, in Cumming. (ha)

This is my first turbo'ed car, and I notice right away the need for a boost gauge. I've been looking around the how to forums on how to install a boost gauge in the MS3, but since I am relatively new to modding, does anyone know a place that has it pretty spelled out? Pictures would be a bonus!

Look forward to being apart of the community.

Also, I've got less than 500 miles on the clock so far, and my gas mileage is about 16mpg. I assume around 700-800 or so I should see an improvement?

I don't drive it very hard, I've gotten on it a few times, but nothing close to redline. Any thoughts?

 

[SharkDiver]

Welcome...Your gas mileage should not be that bad even if you were getting on it all the time.I get about 24mpg and I get on it all the time.

 

[redspeed]

Welcome. I don't know if your mpg is gona improve with brake inn period. I was so happy driving it, that I didn't mind putting gas on it. You didn't say if you want to mod it( just boost gauge) but a cai will lean out the stock A/f ratio, so it will help a little.

 

[DigitalSyn]

yeah, I was thinking about getting the MS CAI knowing that it would help. I love driving this car, but perhaps I'm too used to my honda and how much of a miser it was on gas. I've never let the gas light come on so far, so I think this tank I will, just to see how far I can push it.

 

[redspeed]

I've never let the gas light come on so far, so I think this tank I will, just to see how far I can push it.

Don't, another ms3 owner let his ms3 get that low, and he got hesitation and a lean code. This cars are really sensitive, so don't go lower than the last 1/4 tank.

 

[DigitalSyn]

Well, wouldn't filling the tank back up when it does all of that solve the issue? I find it odd that you shouldn't let the car get below 1/4 a tank. They have a gas light for a reason, no?

If it does throw a CEL, shouldn't that be something thats addressed via the warranty?

 

[redspeed]

Yeah, but why you wanna risk it? You have to put gas on it again anyway, so there is no point on letting it go that low. You're not saving any money by doing that.

 

[aaronc7]

Don't, another ms3 owner let his ms3 get that low, and he got hesitation and a lean code. This cars are really sensitive, so don't go lower than the last 1/4 tank.

lol my car computer usually reads "0" miles to go until I run out about every tank.

 

[DigitalSyn]

Does anyone have a recommendation on where to go to get some help installing a boost gauge? I've done a search and I see lots of posts about people having completed theirs, but as far as I can see, there is no how-to.

 

[Falconx84]

my boost gauge - www.dashhawk.com

easy as plugging in a scan tool and you can monitor anything the ecu does

 

[1QWIK7]

Well, wouldn't filling the tank back up when it does all of that solve the issue? I find it odd that you shouldn't let the car get below 1/4 a tank. They have a gas light for a reason, no?

If it does throw a CEL, shouldn't that be something thats addressed via the warranty?

Its a safety precaution, for all turbo cars.

Say you're pulling hard cornering G's, if your tank is below 1/4, theres a chance you'll catch a lean spot because all the gas is on one side leaning.

Basically you want to keep your tank above 1/4 just for those reasons, and you dont starve your engine of fuel.

 

[Falconx84]

plus, not sure how this design is, but on gm cars the pump is in the tank and fuel actually cools it. It also has to work harder, and has a greater chance of picking up sediment too (last one is not a big issue on a new car, but will be later on and its good to get in the habit now)

Also, I never go below 1/4 tank just so I have some reserve in case of emergency. Like on evening my dad had to go to the emergency room. If I hadn't had the extra fuel, I would've wasted precious minutes. I also used to do EMS and SAR (emergency medical services, search and rescue) and I always ran the risk of being called upon in the middle of the night. Last, but not least, here in fayetteville, all the good stations close at 11pm or earlier, so if you wait too long and have to stop, you're getting bad kerosene (they call is gasoline, but I don't believe them....)