Torco and gauge questions

[jari]

I finally gave up on trying to find a used blower and ordered a new Procharger P-1SC for my Cobra a couple of weeks ago. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm trying to get everything ready so that the installation will go smoothly.
In my never ending paranoia about detonation with 9.75 compression and 10# of boost, I bought a case of Torco unleaded race fuel concentrate.
I know that Mark (SMOKD U) has recommended it in the past but I haven't found any hard evidence on the web.
They advertize that you can get up to 104 octane gas when their stuff is mixed with 93 unleaded. Is this anywhere close to the truth? I would like to run about 100 octane to make sure that my engine will see the end of this season.
If Torco is not the right way to go, where in the Milwaukee area can I buy unleaded 100 octane fuel?
My second question is about gauges. I know that I should have a boost gauge but should I have a fuel pressure and/or A/F ratio gauge as well?
I want the car to be stealthy, so I don't want to mount them on the A pillar. Isaac has a neat setup where the gauges are mounted next to the factory cluster. Where did you get it from?
Does anyone know if there is a mounting plate for 2-3 gauges that would fit the radio or the CD player hole on a -99?
What would be the best quality brand for the gauges?

[Mark302]

Nice blower!!! I would love to have a P1SC! From my own experience, the VP octane boost really does work. A good friend on mine that owns an engine shop claims that it is the only on that actually works form his tests. BUT...... I have never seen it sold anywhere but engine shops. I have seen VP octane boost at Auto Zone just not the same stuff???

[SMOKD U]

torco works great i used it for three years with no problems. i would get a wide band. a boost guage is nice but not really ness. the pulleys should be close. i run 9.75 comp with 18 psi boost on the street with 93 octain and methn injection. thats another option.

[67 Notch]

I think that you should have a boost guage, because you want to know how much boost you are making all the time. The car could be low on power, and you'd have to guess that the boost is where it should be. If you had a guage you could see whether the blower had anything to do with it or not. You also need a fuel pressure guage, without it there is no way to see if the fuel pressure is going up accordingly w/boost. I'd rather just know what is going on.

[Mark302]

I agree, a boost gauge is a must! I ran without one for the first week with my supercharger and I had a lot of minor problems until I got one. Belt slip etc.

[SMOKD U]

i see your point i guess i never really get to see it because im trying to keep the car straight instead of looking at the boost. but then again my setup is right and i feel my boost is there all the time. in the early stages i would think that it might be helpfull

[jari]

So boost, A/F and fuel pressure it is.
Do I need to use different spark plugs because of the blower?

[SMOKD U]

i use autolights two heat range cooler and gap them to 35. make sure can pull timing out some how via MSD or Chip or Pms.

[NitrousEdge]

So boost, A/F and fuel pressure it is.
Do I need to use different spark plugs because of the blower?

Use an autolite 103 or similar...

[jari]

Wideband gauges seem to be pretty rear. I found a couple, but they are $700-$1000 with sensors, electronics and display unit. Are there any cheaper options?
Is single channel enough or should I get a dual channel with sensors on both sides?

[dufkis]

Single should be good enough.

The DynoJet set up is only like 400 bucks or so for a wideband

http://www.widebandcommander.com/

[jari]

Thanks, that looks like a good product. Still over $400, but I guess it is better to invest in the wideband kit now than in a short block later. I was thinking that the gauges would be closer to $50 a piece, silly me.

[Mark302]

You don't need a wide band. It you put it on the dyno and get it right you should be fine. I run 1 heat range cooler than stock plugs gapped at .035 also.

[jari]

I guess I'm a bit nervous and want to do everything I can to be safe. I would hate to blow up the engine and have to think that had I spent just a few $ more it could have been avoided.
I think that everyone agrees that a good tune is the key to safe motoring. I'm not planning on running with the ATI chip that comes with the blower. I'll have the car custom tuned as soon as I get the blower in.
I ordered the blower three weeks ago and still haven't even been promised a shipping date. Does anyone have experience with ATI's delivery times? I ordered through www.texashotrods.com

[Mark302]

Right now Procharger is 3 to 4 weeks behind. When you order a blower they put your package together. So I would guess it will be that long from when you ordered it.

I say just get it on the dyno right away and forget the wideband. My brother has one and his a/f never changes unless he changes something. He has tuned it on the dyno and left it. Unless you do a ton of tuning on your car you don't need one.

[RSNovi]

I have also had good luck with the Sunoco 100 unleaded.

[86merc]

A wideband is a very usefull item to have if you plan on changing the car's tune yourself.

Here are a few to look into:

http://efisystems.com/ They are sold through www.andersonfordmotorsport.com

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/

http://www.plxdevices.com/

Maybe try Bob Kurgan and see if he sells any.

[jari]

Thanks, these are great links. Now, if I just could decide which one....hmmm....
The good news is that they called and verified the MY of the car so that ATI can burn the chip. I guess the blower will be here soon:)