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-   -   Installing Imagine Automotive Super Charger on my 1998 2.5 Boxster (http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/49610-installing-imagine-automotive-super-charger-my-1998-2-5-boxster.html)

drbodzin 11-29-2013 04:21 PM

Got the aluminum bracket installed on the cam cover after grinding some of the metal off of the bracket where there was some interference from the cover.

Now on to the next step :)

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385774394.jpghttp://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385774445.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385774475.jpg

drbodzin 11-29-2013 07:54 PM

SO, the Ai instructions say to install the cam cover bracket first, then the SC bracket gets attached
to it once in the car. I have to say, that is not the best way. In order to get a really good snug fit of
the SC bracket to the cam cover bracket, it is best to attach them first. Then, as a unit attach them
to the 8 cam cover bolts and the 1 bolt in the front of the engine.

So, I took out the cam cover bracket and did it this way.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385787001.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385787046.jpg

This is from inside the car. You can see where the one allen bolt is attahced with
the spacer behind it.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385787094.jpg

RawleyD 11-29-2013 08:56 PM

Totally awesome. can't wait to see this thing fully installed! so cool 8)

drbodzin 12-01-2013 04:27 PM

Got the 2 pulleys that guide the serpentine belt installed. The kit came with 5/16th bolts for the
pulleys but the threaded portion of the plate where they mount were tapped with bigger diameter
holes. So I had to get two 3/8th bolts. Which meant the holes in the pulley had to be enlarged. So off
to Rick's Machine Shop in Santee, CA. Rick was easily able to enlarge the holes for me. :cheers:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385947589.jpg

drbodzin 12-01-2013 04:50 PM

Time to get the SC installed. This took about 3-4 hours of trial and error to get all the parts to line up
properly. Had to get the out port of the SC aligned in the right direction. Then had to get the rubber tubes
aligned properly. Lets just say I had to put the thing in and out 6-8 times before I got it perfect. Also had
to shave some metal off the aluminum bracket that mounts to the cam cover to provide the right
clearance and alignment of the out port of the SC. This kit is definitely not just "bolt on" and go.

Installed the check valve per the instructions. This is a tube that runs under the driver's side manifold.
Then I re-installed the oil cooler.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385948460.jpg

Filling the SC with 2.5 oz of SC oil.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385947173.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385947916.jpg

Testing the alignment of the out port piping.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385947956.jpg

Here you can see the area I had to remove some of the metal from the bracket.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385948167.jpg

Showing the out port alignment.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385948259.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385948309.jpg

Here is the SC installed with the in port piping installed.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1385948544.jpg

drbodzin 12-07-2013 08:09 PM

Although its not required, I bent the stock air pump bracket back so it was flush against the inner passenger wall
of the engine compartment. If the engine ground wasn't attached, I would have just cut it completely out. I did have
to install a new engine ground wire so it would not interfere with the intake pipe.

You can see how much more room I now have on the passenger side of the engine with the air pump bracket bent
out of the way. You can see the SC on the bottom right of pic. Also decided to order a 2.5" diameter flexible rubber
hose to run from the SC out port to the top of the engine compartment. The hose that came with the kit just won't
fit without a major fold in the hose.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1386478987.jpg

drbodzin 12-07-2013 08:23 PM

Today I tackled getting the intake pipe installed. Let's just say, its a really tight fit. But I got most of it done today.

I also took the time to round out the inner edge of the pipes to reduce drag. Here is the stock edge with some of it
rounded it so far.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1386479515.jpg

Here is one of the pipe edges after rounding it out.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1386479568.jpg

Here you can see the intake pipes installed. I modified the pipes that came with the kit by shortening the one that
attaches closest to the filter by about 2 inches. I also installed the intake pipe that houses the MAF with the MAF
inside the air box. This made a cleaner install of the intake pipes. I will have to extend the MAF wire harness.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1386479617.jpg

From this pic, you can see that the hose from the AOS will attach to the intake pipe instead of the throttle body.
I assume this is to prevent blow back. If someone knows the exact reason for this, let me know. I'm just making an
educated guess. :rolleyes:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1386479820.jpg

drbodzin 12-21-2013 08:24 PM

Latest update to the Supercharger install:

The 2.5" inlet pipe that attaches to the out port of the supercharger just does not work real well.
So I decided to order a 2.5 flexible hose to use instead. Won't be here till next week.

So the past few days, I've changed my focus from the SC install figuring out a way to mount my new gauges.

I purchased an AEM Wideband O2 Sensor and an AEM Boost Gauge. To control (tune) the air-fuel ratio, I purchased
an Apexi Neo. Thanks to JAAY and The Radium King for your earlier advice. It all makes sense now.

Well, I wanted to install the AEM gauges in the center console so they look factory installed. For the life of me,
I could not figure out where I could install the Neo unit, without it looking lame. I even considered leaving the
Neo in the storage compartment behind the seats.

Then I came up with an idea (that I think is pretty darn cool ;-). I decided to make a hide-a-way pocket between
the AEM gauges that I could slide the Neo in and out of when needed.

I still had an old cassette tape center console insert that I modified for the job.

Take a look. I am almost done with it. Just waiting on some 3M 94 primer so I can install the Burl Wood Laminate
to finish off the factory look.

Here's a couple of shots showing the pocket I built for the Apexi Neo.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1387689392.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1387689482.jpg


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1387689529.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1387689571.jpg

Here I'm test fitting the whole unit. Once I get the wood laminate installed, it will look factory. At least I think so :D
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1387689611.jpg

woodsman 12-22-2013 12:09 PM

Lots of work! J can't wait to hear how she drives.:dance:

The Radium King 12-24-2013 08:50 AM

cool. lemme know your source for flexible silicone hose - i looked and looked and the closest i could find was flexible rad hose.

otherwise, with the flex hose you have the opportunity to squeeze an air/water intercooler in if you need to. with the tuning you are going to use you cant alter timing, but you may wih to monitor it. if you find you are getting too much detonation you may wish to cool your intake charge. frozenboost.com sell kits, you just have to decide where to put the cooler - behind the rear wheels? in front of your rads?

drbodzin 12-24-2013 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Radium King (Post 378127)
cool. lemme know your source for flexible silicone hose - i looked and looked and the closest i could find was flexible rad hose.

otherwise, with the flex hose you have the opportunity to squeeze an air/water intercooler in if you need to. with the tuning you are going to use you cant alter timing, but you may wih to monitor it. if you find you are getting too much detonation you may wish to cool your intake charge. frozenboost.com sell kits, you just have to decide where to put the cooler - behind the rear wheels? in front of your rads?

Thanks! Here is my source for the hose. I too tried flexible radiator hose, but its too stiff.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=3621

Regarding the "timing", are you saying that the engine timing will need to be adjusted. Even though I got the AFC, I was still thinking of sending the ECU over to Pedro's to get tuned. His fee is pretty reasonable. Any issue with doing the tune and still attaching the AFC? Would that handle the timing?

BYprodriver 12-24-2013 10:58 AM

I have this assembly for sale:


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1387915104.jpg

The Radium King 12-24-2013 11:31 AM

ps, in an earlier post you asked about the aos hose. the aos needs vacuum to work. this is typically achieved by putting it downstream of the throttle body, so that engine suction creates the required vacuum. not possible in a fi situation, where the reverse would occur. so, the aos hose is located uptream of the sc and the venturi effect is used to create vacuum. you'll probably get less vacuum doing it this way, but the bigger concern for me would be the oil and whatnot coughed up by the aos passing though the sc - uncertain what the tolerances are of these things.

drbodzin 12-24-2013 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYprodriver (Post 378154)
I have this assembly for sale:

Hey,

Not that I need a spare, but what are you asking for it?

BYprodriver 12-26-2013 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drbodzin (Post 378221)
Hey,

Not that I need a spare, but what are you asking for it?



$ 150. for you.

drbodzin 12-26-2013 09:00 AM

Spent some time getting the Apexi Neo Air Flow Controller (AFC) wired in. I plan on writing up a DIY later (for just the AFC install),
but thought I would update this post as its part of the SC install.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388079601.jpg

Had to identify the 5 wires I needed to tap into at the wire harness connection to the ECU. I labeled them
with tape and used the ID number from the wiring diagram in Bentley manual.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388079662.jpg

The wiring harness from the AFC was pretty short. So I extended it about 5 feet. Labeled each wire with color from AFC harness
and corresponding ID from Bentley manual.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388079703.jpg

There were 3 brown ground wires going into the ECU plug. I need the one for postion #6 in the plug. So I
opened the plug and was able to identify it among the three.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388079982.jpg

Here are all the wires spliced into the harness with crimps. The two wires with the jacks are the MAF connections.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388080055.jpg

Here it is all re-installed. I will do a DIY write-up later with more detailed instructions, including all the wire connections
and the actual tuning process.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388080092.jpg

Here you can see the wiring harness I had to extend.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388080713.jpg

SF-Rockster 12-29-2013 08:37 AM

Nice write up! Im in. Sub'ed

drbodzin 12-29-2013 11:08 AM

Finished getting the AEM Gauges installed.

Here I installed the wood veneer from a kit I had. This is the piece that would normally be used to
surround the cassette or CD holder.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388346911.jpg

In this pic, I cut two pieces of wood to fill in the center section. I used a dremel to grind the extra off.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388347013.jpg

Here's a couple of shots with the completed install. Chose the silver bezels to match the main gauges.
You can see how the Apexi AFC slides out and into the pocket I built.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388347071.jpg


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388347110.jpg

Here's the install of the Boost Gauge sensor. I will install the Wide Band O2 sensor once I install the
200 Cell Fabspeed Cats next week.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388347255.jpg

The Boost Gauge sensor then attaches to the vacuum line upstream of the throttle body.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1388347322.jpg

pepe82 01-03-2014 01:12 AM

Great thread Miles! :) keep up the good work bro!!!

pepe82 01-06-2014 12:21 PM

Couple of questions (if answered in the previous posts, my bad).
- Are you going to run with the stock injectors and fuel pump?
Or have you upgraded these?

drbodzin 01-06-2014 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepe82 (Post 379840)
Couple of questions (if answered in the previous posts, my bad).
- Are you going to run with the stock injectors and fuel pump?
Or have you upgraded these?

At this time I will be using stock injectors and fuel pump. I can always upgrade if I need to. But most of what I've read says that it won't be necessary with the amount of boost I anticipate.

drbodzin 01-16-2014 10:41 PM

Been traveling, so just now getting back to the SC install.

To keep temps in control, I decided to remove the headers so I could wrap them with an exhaust wrap.

The tie wraps are temporary. Replacing them with hose clamps.

100ft was just enough to wrap the headers and the new Fabspeed 200 cell cats.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389944327.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389944355.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389944385.jpg

pepe82 01-17-2014 05:06 AM

Did the same wrap mod. to my Boxster last summer. :)

I would strongly recomend to wrap the cat part, I believe it's more vital than the midpipe section.

BYprodriver 01-17-2014 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drbodzin (Post 379897)
At this time I will be using stock injectors and fuel pump. I can always upgrade if I need to. But most of what I've read says that it won't be necessary with the amount of boost I anticipate.

Be sure to have the injectors cleaned & tested 1st so you can work with a known quantity.

j.fro 01-17-2014 09:30 AM

What differences are you guys noticing with the wrapped exhaust systems?

drbodzin 01-17-2014 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYprodriver (Post 381442)
Be sure to have the injectors cleaned & tested 1st so you can work with a known quantity.

Thanks. This may be a dumb question, but they have to be removed to do that?

drbodzin 01-17-2014 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.fro (Post 381453)
What differences are you guys noticing with the wrapped exhaust systems?

I will let you know once the car is running again. I will also be wrapping the cats with another thermal protector. The idea is to significantly reduce engine compartment temps.

pepe82 01-18-2014 06:55 AM

Cool. :)

Faster (=cooler) flowing exhaust fumes also give a bit more power. :)
But like he said, main idea for me too was to reduce the temps, so s#it won't melt.

drbodzin 01-18-2014 04:30 PM

More progress today. Finished getting all the pipes installed. But now I have an issue with the headers. :confused: http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/50361-using-only-1-header.html

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1390094765.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1390094800.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1390094838.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1390094870.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1390094943.jpg

JAAY 01-18-2014 07:56 PM

I had this issue when I had that charger. I had to buy a shorter set. Turbowerx worked for me. Do I see flex pipe (orange) on the charge side? If so bad idea. That's should be a more sturdy tube.

JAAY 01-18-2014 08:33 PM

http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/12788-supercharger-install-imagine-auto.html

This was my install.

drbodzin 01-19-2014 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAAY (Post 381727)
I had this issue when I had that charger. I had to buy a shorter set. Turbowerx worked for me. Do I see flex pipe (orange) on the charge side? If so bad idea. That's should be a more sturdy tube.

Hi Jay,

Thanks! Why is the flex hose a bad idea?

Its rated at 12.5 in Hg vacuum and 14 psi pressure.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=3621

I used it cause the rubber hose that came with the kit was impossible to get to fit. I'm open to other suggestions though.

JAAY 01-19-2014 09:37 AM

The tubing would expand and contract so often that I think it would affect the performance and also fail eventually. I could be wrong. All the forced induction cats I have ever had we always wanted hard pipes.

The Radium King 01-19-2014 09:43 AM

they make flexible rad hose for universal applications that might work. maxes out at around 2.5" ID if a recall, and not that flexible. might be good enough to wiggle by the tight spaces next to the engine, with a couplers and elbows where required. siliconeintakes.com is a good source for such bits and pieces.

drbodzin 01-19-2014 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Radium King (Post 381803)
they make flexible rad hose for universal applications that might work. maxes out at around 2.5" ID if a recall, and not that flexible. might be good enough to wiggle by the tight spaces next to the engine, with a couplers and elbows where required. siliconeintakes.com is a good source for such bits and pieces.

I tried a flexible radiator hose. But it was worse than using the original rubber hose the kit came with. Not very flexible at all.

drbodzin 01-19-2014 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAAY (Post 381802)
The tubing would expand and contract so often that I think it would affect the performance and also fail eventually. I could be wrong. All the forced induction cats I have ever had we always wanted hard pipes.

Here is a link that talks about the hose I am using as suitable.

Powerdyne Custom Tubing (Stage One)

Mcmaster flexible silicon hose 2

Meir 01-20-2014 07:18 AM

Hi doc.
have a look here.
with all the angles options you have on the aluminum tubes and silicons, you might be able to fab something yourself.
just a thought.

Intercooler Pipe Fabrication - Silicone Intake Systems Auto Parts

JAAY 01-27-2014 09:24 AM

Doc. Your headers just got to me. Hopefully mine get to you asap also. They are in great condition and for cheap ebay headers these things aren't half bad. I know mine will fit your car with the charger but I feel bad that mine have quite a few more marks on them than yours. I hope they work well for you though.

Jason

drbodzin 01-28-2014 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAAY (Post 383365)
Doc. Your headers just got to me. Hopefully mine get to you asap also. They are in great condition and for cheap ebay headers these things aren't half bad. I know mine will fit your car with the charger but I feel bad that mine have quite a few more marks on them than yours. I hope they work well for you though.

Jason

Hi,

As I shared with you in my email, I am so appreciative of you swapping headers with me, especially when there was no need on your part. Goes to show you what a great group of people are on this forum. Thanks again. Excited to get this project completed. Next time your in San Diego, beers on me!

Jamesp 02-03-2014 03:35 PM

We need an update! We're dying out here!


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