Drew's Kickass S/C Install Thread

[Dr.Drew]

So I've always wanted to try one of these install walkthroughs and since I've noticed that the web lacks a decent one for a supercharger I'm going to give it a shot. I've noticed that the instructions provided by moss are woefully vague and missing large chunks and I want to provide something to the community and let other people learn from my mistakes. I'll be updating this thread periodically as I get things done.

I won't however cover things like installing the boost or wideband gauges and controllers as there is a ton of info online regarding this.

Also, if anyone has anything to add or subtract please do.

[Dr.Drew]

So the first thing I did was remove the exhaust header heat shield so I could install the main S/C bracket and get better access to the power steering pump and brackets.

The main bracket bolts onto the remaining studs of the 2nd and 3rd top studs that hold the exhaust manifold on.

In the picture you can see the 3rd bolt in the far right side of the image:
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=574

It also used the bolt that held on the engine lift eyelet as you can see in the top left.

I used approx a metric ton of liquid wrench on these so it was easy sailing :D

For those guys who are piecing together a kit: I heard a ton of info about the difference in brackets between years. Some people said you needed a separate bracket for 90-93, 94-97, 99-00, and so forth. From my experience the brackets on the 1.8's are exactly the same and the engine lift eyelet is in the same location. However I can't speak for the 1.6

[Dr.Drew]

Next I installed the track dog upgraded pulley tensioning system. I would have used the stock JRSC tensioner but the instructions were very convoluted and I got a deal on the track dog so I went with it. :)

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=575

The install was pretty straight forward. Remove anything that is included in the stock tensioner, and remove the bracket that hold the P/S hose to the pulley. Unlike with the JRSC tensioner you won't be reusing and reworking all those stock pieces. Don't forget to rotate the pulley and get the two hidden bolts! The large bracket that attaches to the pump that the rest of the tensioning parts connect to must be removed too!

Then make sure the non adjustable pulley is tightened down nice and tight.

Next, if you have an NA, you'll have to reroute the P/S hose with hardline:
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=576

From stock this hose comes from the front of the pulley but with the upgraded tensioner there's just no way to work through or around. So you have to drop it down nice and low (careful, you will loose P/S fluid) and run it behind a couple of other hoses. Then you can reattach it to the pump like I did in the picture. Be careful not to bend the hose too much or you can ruin it. My understanding is that on the 99+ the hardline is different and this isn't needed.

Next you have to bolt the tensioner to the pump. If you remember removing the large bracket with the curved bit on bottom this will be straight forward.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=577

If you look into the holes in the pulley you can see the two bolts that need to be attached.

I recommend attaching the new bracket to the pump first and then attaching it to the remaining hole on the head. If you look in the picture towards the top right you can see the stagnant idler pulley and a bolt right beside it. This is the final bolt to install the tensioner and you may have to move the pump assembly around a bit to get it right. If the pump is reluctant to move make sure you've loosened the long bolt that's on the bottom left of the pump.

Ok, that's all for today, I'll hopefully be doing some more work this week!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

This brings me back :lol:

Good on you Drew, obviously more prepared than I was. I wouldn't have trusted my guide on anyone!

[Dr.Drew]

Thanks Jack!

Ok, because I'm installing a megasquirt for engine management I need a GM IAT sensor in the crossover pipe (I remember when I first started planning this install I didn't even know what a IAT or Megasquirt was so thanks to everyone on here)

It's a simple proceedure: drill hole, screw in sensor, wire, success!! Except that the plastic on the crossover is about 1/8" thick so screwing in the sensor takes a ton of patience and a good deal of hand strengh. Be careful not to thread it in sideways as it will naturally slip to an angle. Once you get it nice and started get a wrench and finish the thing off.

Please note that if you use an IAT from DIY you'll need a 9/16" bit for the hole. I also recommend soldering the wires to the metal sleeves when you assemble the sensor harness otherwise you may accidentally pull the wires out and the sleeves WILL NOT come out of the harness by any earthly means.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=578

Finally get some "Plastic Weld" (#84115) and seal the nut nice and tight. Make sure to wipe off the excess otherwise you'll never get that crap off the pipe and it will look like Bling Bling (the youtube crackhead) installed it.