Hey guys

So I got my hands on an Alta Unichip with a good harness! I don't have a boost gauge [on the list!], so i don't know what levels I'm running at, but its definitely elevated as I'm getting some compressor surge now.

Its not 100% of the time I let off the throttle, but shifting hard will sometimes do it[higher psi], or say boosting from ~2.5k rpms in 3rd gear 70% throttle then letting off, the stock DV sometimes will not react in time to release the pressure, thus causing the compressor to surge (very easily heard when it happens).
I have the Alta CAI, so I know the differences from DV sounds and compressor surge, many others have agreed with me it is also sounds like compressor surge.

Now- solution options:

I'm weary of the HKS SSQV, as I hear problems with turbo lag, unhappy MAF's/ecu's, unsteady engine delivery, etc. ...I can pick up a new ssqv on ebay for about $150ish without flanges or anything, then looking @ JSC speed, they mention [http://www.jscspeed.com/mini_r56/bov.htm] that the best redily available spot for a BOV is right in the T connector of the sound generator tube coming off of the cold side IC tubing. They say the ALTA BOV will fit right up to it, but others need an adapter-- they also list the perrin adapter, but afaik I believe the T connector is smaller than 1.5" so it probably won't fit there...
Just to add, I do want to keep costs down if possible, and thus not get whole new piping on the cold side (for now), and weld the flange on there such like exhaust depot has (great setup, and i'd love to get it, but $$$ for me is broke *** college student!) =p

So has anyone installed the HKS SSQV to the T connector of the sound generator tube location? With that it seems you need the MAP connector for a pressure source. Overall problems with this? So long as I leave the stock DV hooked up and don't touch it, will I get any of the troubles people talk about with the engine behaving and increased lag due to the MAF expecting more air?

Option 2: I don't think this would take care of my compressor surge problem, but the Forge BOV plate? This seems to just take the air the stock DV would be recirculating and dump it into the atmosphere to reduce the increased temperatures going back to the turbo. It doesn't seem there is any aiding of increased boost levels? Opinions on this?

Any other possible solutions?
Thanks!

 

THe hks does not add lag to the ride. It sucks when a BOV is controlled via electronic means vs pneumatic because the ECu tends to mess around at times.


This mounts to the throttle body area, http://srt4tech.com/exhaust/mini/hpkit5.JPG

 

Any CEL's with this setup to date? Engine issues? I see Erik you said you seen them, where at so I can read up?

I'm interested in that setup, but tired of dealing with parts that are advertised to fit stock and then don't, or have issues. At the track yesterday, a friend of mine had his ALTA IC pipe blow off under load. I'm going to the track very often this year and don't want this sort of thing happening to me.

 

When you say bov controlled via electronic means are you talking about the HKS since its hooked to the MAP sensor or the stock DV? and "This" mounts to the throttle body... are you talking about the HKS? I don't see it in the photo, im sort of lost.

Would the HKS solve my compressor surge issues, and can i get it to fit in the stock T housing where the stock sound generator hooks up to (in the vicinity of your photo you showed)

I was listening carefully on my way home just now, and at ~4k rpms 2nd gear, if i start boosting and let off the throttle, you hear the DV blow, but you can still hear surging from the compressor... This confuses me because the DV is releasing boost, but there shouldn't be enough boost to the point where the DV can't handle it, especially because i am only boosting on maybe 40% throttle... I'm assuming this is because the DV is electronically controlled and isn't realizing that the new ECU mapping is making more boost at specific levels of throttle...? In this case would it possibly be the PnP that is not working together with the stock ecu in controlling the DV?

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...valve-bov.html

 

I have the same problem but if I take off the unichip, I still experience compressor surge on highway speeds. I called Alta about this issue and they said that a BOV would help reduce compressor surge but not guaranteed to eliminate it. I am thinking about getting the Helix BOV since it looks like an easy install.

I would get Exhaust Depot's but I already have boost tubes

 

WHAT? If the clamps are tight etc. it CAN'T blow off. If he hasn't already, PLEASE get in touch with me or my staff to find out the root cause. We want him to be 100% happy!

My concern when you contacted me is not having the car in hand I can't 100% confirm it is surge and not related to the Forge BOV you had installed (I think that was you right?) The Forge valve could reduce the ability to vent "x" volume of air and as such creates the surge, or it could just sound funny as well. Regardless, a larger ALTA valve on the manifold side will allow a much larger volume of compressed air to be release and eliminate the surge. I should have clarified my point above better on the phone and in email.

Also the ALTA valve is a cake walk to install! FYI!
Let me know if I can help in anyway further!

 

Interesting, did you have the compressor surge before you installed the Unichip? I will wait for a nice day [pouring out now] to take it off and see if i still get the surge under normal/stock ecu mapping. I know i didn't have this surging before I installed it, so i'd expect it to be gone when I take it off.

 

I'm on the stock ecu and have heard what sounds like the flutter of compressor surge on a couple of occasions. I can probably say it's only happened 3 or 4 times out of my 17k miles though.

Only happened when I floored it low in the revs and then let off the throttle partially...(i think...). I honestly don't remember what I was doing when I heard it, definitely an odd sound though

 

Yeap! Thats definitely the surge and how its created!. I am starting to think it happens with all R56s but becomes audible as the mods progress such as exhaust intake etc. I am trying to find solutions to fix it.

Adam, that was not me that had called, I do not have a forge spacer. I would buy your BOV but it is a bit pricey and I have had problems with multiple items have purchased from you ( being honest).

Forgot to answer you Boston, sry! I did have compressor surge without the unichip. Maybe its more sensitive to have a compressor surge with the increase in boost with a unichip, so a BOV is recommended IMO. I am thinking about trying out the forge BOV this weekend (cheapest BOV and available around the corner) and seeing if it solves it.

 

^^^^PM SENT^^^^^

 

So bottom line, will a BOV help or hurt the turbo if it is placed further away from the stock DV and turbo?

 

A Larger BOV in any place on the boost tubing will allow a larger volume of air to be released (as needed.) It will NEVER hurt the turbo and only help the turbo.

Sorry for not clarifying sooner!

 

Thank you Adam! Good to know!

 

richi, i was looking at the forge- the reason i don't think it'll help with compressor surge that already exists is because it doesn't release any more pressure than the stock DV, because it is just a spacer to the stock DV which expells the air into the atmosphere versus bringing it back into the intake. If you're going to spend the money on the forge, get a HKS ssqv on ebay for the extra cost, so long as it is a legit one and not a knockoff.

I'm still trying to figure out how to adapt the hks to the T connector on the cold ic piping where the stock sound generator is removed..

good luck!

 

Thumper, I did get some of that surge you speak of very minimally when i put on the CAI, which is most likely because you can hear the turbo's spool much louder as it isn't a closed system anymore, and possibly even something with the MAF/ecu in getting the higher amounts of air with the CAI through the revband, but i won't make any assumptions on that.

Though, what I am hearing isn't what I used to hear now, especially if I get tire spin (its been raining the last few days here), in 1st gear, and you let off the throttle at say 4-5k rpm, it flutters like crazy, makes my heart skip a beat.

 

So what you think Erik, Hector's setup is expensive, but in the long run makes the most sense...bov, hard pipes, and if your going to eventually do a Jan tune or any tune that becomes avaialble your going to want the hard pipes. I say save up and get it...in the mean time, I'm going to probably purchase Hector's setup...maybe not this month as I just bought track tires, but if you need my plumbing, let me know...

 

Ahhh, I have no clue about the forge spacer but I wanted to try that before I spend >$150 looking for a BOV such as a HKS SSQ.

I thought that the forge spacer was sort of like a BOV sandwiched in between the DV and the turbo which expels it VTA.

So you don't think a forge spacer would help??

 

i said before in a post to get the audi 2.o fsi set up it works great and no check engine light because its still controled by the ecu,and put and alta dv close plate

 

NICE IDEA! Love that!

 

That won't help and might make things worse.

 

steve.. got a few plans possibly, maybe fabbing up my own hard pipes =x
my buddy just finished doing his turbo setup to his miata so hes got some leftover stuff that may be of help =]

 

MTunning3, I dont understand. the Audi 2.0 FSI has the stock diverter valve in the same location. Are you saying to just use their diverter instead of ours? If so how can you use the block off plate from Alta? because the Audi DV valve will be in the spot.

Or are you saying to use a custom setup that was designed for the Audi? if yes what set up? do you have a link? I would love some clarification here. thank you

 

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Hmm. looks like a simple install, how did you get a hold of one since the dealer will charge an arm and a leg and I need those to drive manual.

Adam, can you elaborate on how it would possibly worsen things and secondly, can your BOV can be installed on the noise generator and connecting the vacuum to a T with the boost gauge line?