Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP-44+Drag Comp... longevity? And fueling Q's

[sparks57]

Ok, I know this has been covered, but I've done a search and have been reading for about a few hours (yeah, I know... too much time on my hands ) with not a whole lot of hard facts.



I'm looking for enough fuel to spool twins. My altitude (4k feet) limits those twins to 35/ht3b instead of a 40 on top... from what I have been told by those on this forum. I have an automatic, and plan on going to DTT as soon as possible... hopefully a full race 89% setup (again, I would go tighter but altitude is screwing me over).



Can I spool those twins with a Drag Comp and a Mad ECM? Mach 4's maybe?



I'm still trying to figure out what kind of setup I want, and I've been searching the forums for the past week... but I still have so many questions!



Also, my other concern is the VP44. How long will my ETC VP44 hold up to this setup before puking out? I know that no two are the same, but on average?



If I start loosing VP's, I'm not going to fool around... straight to the p7100.

 

[Diesel Freak]

VP Longevity? It's a crap shoot. Just pierce the wire and hold on!



Oh, and solder the connection, any and all ways of just piercing the insulation are inadequate, and terrible electrical connections. This includes Scotch Locks, Electronic Test Probes (Grabber) and the UHMW Pump covers. Soldering and shrink wraping the junction ensures a solid electrical connection that will not corrode or cause a high resistance connection.



If ya play you will eventually pay, so set aside an extra $2000 for a new pump! There is no other way around it.

 

[sparks57]

Thanks for the tips, Cliff.



Anyone have insite on my fueling Q's? Am I being too conservative in my fear of high altitude blues?

 

[Mad Bomber]

How long?

A good additive is a way to help. Upgrading fuel system by getting rid of banjos and getting 3/8 line from tank to VP. The way you drive too will make a differance. Keeping a little presure on the go pedal will keep the pump lubed when coasting off a mountain.

 

[Diesel Freak]

You should have enough fuel to light those turbos, but it will smoke... no way around that at your altitude. Drive pressure will be an issue over 50 psi of boost.



You will need an 'o' ringed head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sparks57]

Yes, I do know that o-ringing is necessary. I'm hoping I can find someone close by who o-rings... I think J@NWC in Spokane is the closest. But then again, I'll have to go all the way over by Seattle to get my head ported anyways... so I'd be passing through Spokane on the way.



I'm still completely clueless on the different forms of head gasket reinforcement... such as fire-ringing, c-ringing etc. O-ringing is pretty simple, from what I can tell.



I'm also assuming that I need head studs? I'm hoping that's something I can purchase and install myself. I'm trying to keep as much of the labor in my own shop. I won't learn anything if I have shops do all the work. Not to mention I'd drive myself broke with shop labor.



How much does the ISB head weight? Is it something that needs to be hauled in a small truck? The only other vehicle I have access too for that kind of trip is a 91 Escort!



Now, about these drive pressures. Obviously, having a smaller turbo up top is what is making more drive pressure than the 40/3b twins... but is 50psi going to be enough?



Why would I need more than 50psi?



Thanks again for the help Cliff.



And thanks Eric!

 

[snowracer69]

I believe our heads weigh somewhere around the 200 lb mark. Not a light piece by any means.