Sprint Booster V3 Woes - 2001 Boxster S

[rbala]

Hi all,

I recently purchased and installed a V3 Sprint Booster on my 2001 Tiptronic Boxster S. Installation was quite the PITA, since a large black plastic piece above the gas pedal obscures vision of the throttle harness. After a long while of reaching around this piece and using photos from my phone to predict where my hand should go, I connected the Sprint Booster device (now attached to the original throttle harness) to the location where the original throttle harness was attached. However, I did feel like the device harness connection was a little looser than the original connection, no matter how hard I tried to push the device into place.

Now the problems. While throttle response from a stop is great and the revs initially climb much faster than stock, after 2.5K to 3K revs, the engine seems to enter a limp mode of sorts, taking about 10 seconds to go from 3000 to 4000 revs locked in 3rd gear whilst flooring the throttle. This happens in all Sprint Booster modes, even including the one where the device is off and the vehicle is supposed to retain stock throttle response.

On one of the drives, after parking the car and resuming the drive, the car lost all throttle response. A quick engine restart reverted the car to its prior faulty condition, but now I saw check engine codes P1219 and P1577, both referring to the accelerator potentiometer. Deleting these codes did not at all affect throttle behavior and these codes returned upon subsequent restart. This didn't happen again but the car consistently remained in its faulty throttle behavior state, as explained above.

Does this seem like a problem with the device or just a loose connection somewhere? I have attempted to tighten all connections after realizing these issues, but to no avail. I am currently quarantined with most of California and have plenty of time to fiddle around with the device, so any suggestions will be much appreciated.

I will attempt to remove the device to see if that returns the Boxster to its original throttle behavior and will update this thread.

[1PorscheBoxster986]

I have the SB V3 for a few years now. I suggest you remove the air duct you are referring to prior to installation. This gives you more hand room to work around. It requires a core workout and the bigger you are, the harder it is to be under that footwell. You can remove the driver seat if you need to. The connection between the sprint booster and your factory connector should be a clean and snug fit. Use the clips on the SB as your guideline. It should go pass the plastic anchors on the factory connector. Make sure you install it right. If the connection isn't flush then you didn't do it right.

Warning: Make sure the connection is a snug fit. It will go in and took me a few tries in a few separate occasions to finally get it done right. If your connection is loose, it is very dangerous. My experience like yours was it lost throttle response once and I had to get off the road and remove the SB on the spot. This was not pleasant with passing cars on a narrow road. The most dangerous experience I had was when I pulled out of a gas station in a very busy avenue and my car went from 0-60 in 2nd gear off the line before losing throttle response. My throttle jumped to almost 7K rpm after I shift to 2nd gear and gave it some gas from first gear. Luckily there were no cars ahead of my path. This messed up my MAF sensor which threw on the CEL. I had to replace the MAF sensor. This is all due to a simple user error installation. I thought the connection was snug too perhaps like you.


Here is the link to install one.
https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/518400-sprint-booster-install-on-a-986-a.html#post6818295

If everything is done right and you're still getting this issue with the throttle response then perhaps it's a faulty unit. Good luck.

[rbala]

Thank you for the recommendations, I will definitely attempt to take out the air duct and make sure the connection with the SB is tight. Removing the air duct will definitely give me extra space, but I am more restricted by this plastic piece right behind the air duct - is there any way of getting around this?

[maytag]

Why?
What does a "SprintBooster" do for you? I mean, I know what they do.... but what do they do FOR YOU?

[1PorscheBoxster986]

I was always curious about this product over a decade ago. I came across a great deal and I couldn't resist. The Sprintbooster gives the car a "sports" and "sports +" mode that newer vehicles have today with a push of a button. It's a nice feature to have. It helps me with throttle blipping. The pedal lock mode is another feature it'll bring to your car. I haven't tried the the valet mode but I will compare it to Eco mode. It doesn't make the car faster but it feels faster.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by 1PorscheBoxster986

It doesn't make the car faster but it feels faster.

the operative words :
It doesn't make the car faster

[boxxster]

Never tried one on my Boxster but I had a V2 on my Mini years back and really liked it for what I paid (~$100 or so used). Best way of describing it is that it makes the throttle more sensitive and reduces the amount you need depress the pedal to get the same effect (i.e. pressing the pedal down halfway in race mode was equivalent pressing the pedal all the way down with the unit off). It was really nice for rev matching. Think of it like a short throw shifter for your gas pedal.

[1PorscheBoxster986]

Originally Posted by JayG

the operative words :
It doesn't make the car faster

That's right JayG. This product isn't suppose to make the car go faster for anyone who is new to this product and interested in one. There are better options to put your money in that will actually make your car go faster. Like what boxxster said, it lets you reach full throttle faster with less force onto pedal. For those who are interested in one like Traveno I would wait on a bargain deal and not pay sticker.

Rbala, I don't think you will need to remove the plastic behind the air duct once you remove it. Yank the accordion style air duct out for the extra room. The black piece with the circle holes will be movable once you remove that screw. I recommend you light up the footwell area so you can see. The SB should clip into the harness connector. I don't recall if I heard the click but I knew it clipped on correctly after a few failed attempts. It will come loose when you are driving if it isn't attached properly flushed; no matter how snug you think it is. That's how you will lose throttle control and pedal response like I did.

[traveno]

I’ve been thinking about buying this sometime in the near future for my ‘01 S Tiptronic. Despite your woes, would you recommend it?