MS-controlled VICS
#1
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MS-controlled VICS
OK, I'm legally retarded when it comes to anything involving the ECU. I also don't quite understand how the VICS works, so this is a two-parter.
One, the VICS. How I think it works:
-There's a vacuum reservoir fed by the IM through a check valve so the VICS has a constant vacuum source, even at WOT or in boost
-The reservoir feeds vacuum to the actuator, which then draws the butterfly valves closed
-When the switchpoint is reached, the solenoid is powered which shuts the vacuum source off and opens the butterfly valves
-SO: what I want is a +12v hot that is on above a certain RPM, regardless of TPS, right?
Two, the ECU. I can use Output 1, which is on JS2 to trigger the VICS. Inside the ECU, I should run a jumper wire from JS2 to an unused spare wire on the center MSPNP connector, then run that wire to the VICS solenoid, and then ground the other pin on the VICS solenoid. Correct?
Side note, how do I get the Output 1 screen to NOT be greyed out when I open my maps in Megatune?
One, the VICS. How I think it works:
-There's a vacuum reservoir fed by the IM through a check valve so the VICS has a constant vacuum source, even at WOT or in boost
-The reservoir feeds vacuum to the actuator, which then draws the butterfly valves closed
-When the switchpoint is reached, the solenoid is powered which shuts the vacuum source off and opens the butterfly valves
-SO: what I want is a +12v hot that is on above a certain RPM, regardless of TPS, right?
Two, the ECU. I can use Output 1, which is on JS2 to trigger the VICS. Inside the ECU, I should run a jumper wire from JS2 to an unused spare wire on the center MSPNP connector, then run that wire to the VICS solenoid, and then ground the other pin on the VICS solenoid. Correct?
Side note, how do I get the Output 1 screen to NOT be greyed out when I open my maps in Megatune?
#2
Yeap. Or just leave them unhooked such that they stay open all the time.
As for wiring, MS doesn't shoot out voltages to control anything. It spits out a ground and you supply fused positive voltage to whatever you're running. So in this case you'd need to supply that solenoid with +12V when key on and hook the other side of the solenoid to an output on the MS, ASSuming that whatever output you use is strong enough to supply whatever current the solenoid requires.
As for wiring, MS doesn't shoot out voltages to control anything. It spits out a ground and you supply fused positive voltage to whatever you're running. So in this case you'd need to supply that solenoid with +12V when key on and hook the other side of the solenoid to an output on the MS, ASSuming that whatever output you use is strong enough to supply whatever current the solenoid requires.
#3
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i haven't looked at the VICS or VTCS much, but I suspect they are "normally open" devices. that is, they only need vacuum IN vacuum. ie if you leave them "off", they are in their low vacuum (near wot or above) state. I know the VTCS is because people unplug it and it remains open. I believe that is done with a spring.
Anyway, the vacuum goes to a solenoid valve yep. you'll want to check your shop manual or wiring diagram to verify that it is indeed +12 you want and not ground. see a lot of accessory stuff is already fed a constant +12 source and just needs a switch to ground.
then on top of that, I'd run a relay out there to take the load off the megasquirt. just make sure the relay is not powered when the car is off or you'll find yourself carrying jumper cables in your passenger seat.
ok next?
Anyway, the vacuum goes to a solenoid valve yep. you'll want to check your shop manual or wiring diagram to verify that it is indeed +12 you want and not ground. see a lot of accessory stuff is already fed a constant +12 source and just needs a switch to ground.
then on top of that, I'd run a relay out there to take the load off the megasquirt. just make sure the relay is not powered when the car is off or you'll find yourself carrying jumper cables in your passenger seat.
ok next?
#4
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-SO: what I want is a +12v hot that is on above a certain RPM, regardless of TPS, right?
Two, the ECU. I can use Output 1, which is on JS2 to trigger the VICS. Inside the ECU, I should run a jumper wire from JS2 to an unused spare wire on the center MSPNP connector, then run that wire to the VICS solenoid, and then ground the other pin on the VICS solenoid. Correct?
Side note, how do I get the Output 1 screen to NOT be greyed out when I open my maps in Megatune?
Make sure that the selection X4(JS2) is set to "Output1" and not "Boost Control".
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Yes. The IRLZ44Z MOSFET is perfectly capable of driving the VICS solenoid directly, and it's already wired in the proper configuration.
As an aside, for anyone who needs to drive any solenoid directly, the EBC modkit will allow you to do this without a relay, on any of the general purpose outputs. Just wire it to JS(x) as opposed to JS2. Thanks for the idea, Sav- not sure why I didn't think of this earlier.
As an aside, for anyone who needs to drive any solenoid directly, the EBC modkit will allow you to do this without a relay, on any of the general purpose outputs. Just wire it to JS(x) as opposed to JS2. Thanks for the idea, Sav- not sure why I didn't think of this earlier.
#10
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It works perfectly. Close the butterflies at 2000rpm, open them at 5200rpm. I saw a 12wtq gain. One wire to a +12v, one wire to the MS, just like your boost controller would be hooked up. You change the settings in the hardware as Joe indicates, then set it up.
#12
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I did one run with them fully closed and one run fully open. My crossover was just past 5000rpm, and honestly I saw nearly no torque loss with them closed to redline (like 2lb.ft).
#13
Many will probably have seen this plot, but I'll link here again as it has relevance. I performed these tests, under as controlled conditions as I could, when I was setting up the new 2L with '99 VICs head (extensively worked so that may affect the results a little). I was very surprised at the strength of the results, not only notable in DLL but very notable SOTP improvement with the engine continuing to pull strongly to redline.
Edit: BTW I have my switch point set at 5100rpm - perhaps given Jason's comment above I could lower it 100rpm or so.
Edit: BTW I have my switch point set at 5100rpm - perhaps given Jason's comment above I could lower it 100rpm or so.
#14
This is with and without vics on a '99 @ 6psi
This is vics on a stock 99. From FM's site:
If you look at the chart,
Run 29 (blue) is with hose disconnected and plugged for the VICS actuator. Major drop in midrange torque.
Run 30 (red) is with VICS hooked up normally.
Run 31 (green) is with VICS locked in the low rpm position, you can see that peak hp is the same, but hp plummets after about 6k rpm.
Both graphs suggest 5600 is the ideal switchover point. You probably have other results because of all the work that's been done to your engine.
This is vics on a stock 99. From FM's site:
If you look at the chart,
Run 29 (blue) is with hose disconnected and plugged for the VICS actuator. Major drop in midrange torque.
Run 30 (red) is with VICS hooked up normally.
Run 31 (green) is with VICS locked in the low rpm position, you can see that peak hp is the same, but hp plummets after about 6k rpm.
Both graphs suggest 5600 is the ideal switchover point. You probably have other results because of all the work that's been done to your engine.
#17
Hi Frank, You are probably right and why I caveat my reply with the fact that my head has seen extensive work. I can't say how significantly the headwork affects the results though. I sort of guess that it will amplify the difference at higher rpms where the higher flowing head will have the biggest impact?
#18
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Bring it back from the dead... So the Trackspeed sourced MS3 is up and running, and tuned... But I bet the VICS has not been hooked up yet. Can anyone give me a step by step procedure on how to get the VICS up and running?
One more thing, I already ordered the EGR plates from TSE... :O
One more thing, I already ordered the EGR plates from TSE... :O
Last edited by The Driver; 04-04-2017 at 10:21 AM.
#19
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- Connect one side to +12v, the other side to spare on/off output on the ECU
- Configure programmable i/o in software to activate at 2500rpm (close butterflies), deactive at ~5500rpm (open butterflies) (actual RPMs will vary depending on dyno testing)
- ?????
- profit