I just cant see the auto holding up for long on boost.. I see so many people with the "Flashing D" issue where the auto trans is going out on N/A..

 

I had a flashing D issue a few years ago. I replaced a sensor switch myself and it went away. I am not going for mega power so my trans should be fine. Have been promised my car will get on the dyno this week. Will keep you all updated. 🤞

Have had a lot on my mind. Wife is now 8.5 months pregnant.

 

Howdy Gents,

AWD, have been lurking and reading this with great interest. Thanks for the information and best of luck and vibes for your upcoming birth. Both the boy and your E, hahaha

So, I have been studying up here and there on boost. I have come to the conclusion I'm not interested in turbo really at all, because while I drive like the lead car in a presidential motorcade (fast but steady) I have no use for power that is all in the higher rpm range.

I'm looking for low-mid to high mid power for pulling hills and mountains with a load, whether it's stuff in my E or pulling a trailer. So think 2000 to 6000 ish.... I do want it to be predictable too.

It's my understanding that superchargers can be good for this kind of boost. As I wrote elsewhere, I bought a JDM K24A (a2 usa) TSX engine with rbb-3 head. I know it has more power, but I'm guessing where it shines is on the high end, which is cool but won't help for hauling.

I'm not cheep, but I'm a diy guy. I'm comfortable with my skills to install the SC myself, so I'm leaning towards using a salvage eaton or aisin unit. I prefer not to have it directly mounted to intake, as the sizing of the SC (I have read) is more important - as in, what do you do with excess boost with that set up? Using a setup where the airbox is connected to the SC, and the output can be ducted the throttle body, gives an opportunity to blow off unused boost. (not the most efficient use of the parasitic load, but more tunable? Dunno)

So what size supercharger? Like I said, I don't want to have to rev like crazy to get the boost. But I also want to retain some fuel economy.

Been looking at common Eaton M90 and M62, which are 90 cubic inches(1.48 liters) and 62 cubic inches(1.02 liters), respectively.

What sort of performance would I be looking at with these SCs? And what sort of boost?

Thanks lads, this is exciting.

CM

 

Can’t wait the hear the noises this thing makes!!!!!!!

 

My plan is to post some dyno video soon.

 

Ok everyone,

Finally some news on my build. My tuner and good friend Jorge stepped in and created a power steering relocation bracket today. Next steps are putting everything back together, finding the right belt, testing the idle, and hitting the dyno.

 

Hey gang,

So wanted to provide an update on my build. The long and short of it is... that the mechanic I believed was a fabricator (was not really a fabricator) got in over his head on this build. It's not entirely his fault as we all assumed the merc racing power steering relocation bracket I had purchased would relocate the power steering and this build would be easy. However, after initially pledging to build a custom bracket the mechanic then proceeded to drag his feet, stop communicating with me, and eventually quit on the build. Since I live hours away in Houston and my car is in San Antonio this process has been quite stressful to say the least.

Thankfully, my tuner and worthy friend Jorge stepped in, and in four hours built a custom power steering relocation bracket (pics in last post) and got my car into more capable hands with a different mechanic moving forward. After many lame excuses from former mechanic (and my car just sitting for months) we are finally back on track for this merc racing upgrade. This has been my first ever build. I have learned a lot so far. Not just about boosting/ the racing world... Yes, I have invested a ton of money on this Element build but there is an emotional component also.... will speak more to that in another post. Right now, I just want my Element back, I really miss driving it.

Since this whole dream started I have gotten married, become a step father to a 6 year old, and soon on 04/27 my wife will be giving birth to our son via C-section. So y'all please send positive energy my way. Hopefully I will be able to give you dyno results soon.

 

Hey gang,

So wanted to provide an update on my build. The long and short of it is... that the mechanic I believed was a fabricator (was not really a fabricator) got in over his head on this build. It's not entirely his fault as we all assumed the merc racing power steering relocation bracket I had purchased would relocate the power steering and this build would be easy. However, after initially pledging to build a custom bracket the mechanic then proceeded to drag his feet, stop communicating with me, and eventually quit on the build. Since I live hours away in Houston and my car is in San Antonio this process has been quite stressful to say the least.

Thankfully, my tuner and worthy friend Jorge stepped in, and in four hours built a custom power steering relocation bracket (pics in last post) and got my car into more capable hands with a different mechanic moving forward. After many lame excuses from former mechanic (and my car just sitting for months) we are finally back on track for this merc racing upgrade. This has been my first ever build. I have learned a lot so far. Not just about boosting/ the racing world... Yes, I have invested a ton of money on this Element build but there is an emotional component also.... will speak more to that in another post. Right now, I just want my Element back, I really miss driving it.

Since this whole dream started I have gotten married, become a step father to a 6 year old, and soon on 04/27 my wife will be giving birth to our son via C-section. So y'all please send positive energy my way. Hopefully I will be able to give you dyno results soon.

So glad its progressing AWD! The pics are awesome! Jose and Nate still have mine. They are working on the wiring harness for the ECU which will need some customization. Once we get that figured out, on to the Supercharger. Believe me, I know how long these things can take. When I first started my build, the off-road/overlanding shop had it for a total of like 3 months, now the SC install...but it will be worth it. Good luck with all your changes!!

 

Anyone know a good source for 7-rib belts for a custom set up like this?

 

Vibes Sent AWD, keep on truckin'. Man, you do have your hands full. I'm sure it's all going to work out, it sounds like you have taken some of the hard steps.

It's looking really nice! I can't wait to hear your feedback on this setup.

Since I read this thread a few months back I now have a JDM K24A RBB3 in my garage, and I bought an Eaton M112 supercharger from a Jaguar XJR. Not sure where this is all headed! I always tend to leap before I look, and I'm wondering if what I really want for my car is more likely to come from another K24A4. In that, better breathing heads are not always better for torque, and well, when I bought the JDM I wasn't planning on a supercharger - and now I realize that lower comp may be better. The M112 is bigger than I wanted, but the M90s that have a smaller "scoop" outlet (like the Ford SC) are hard to come by. I'm not looking for top end necessarily, so if I have to detune it with a bigger pulley that's not a big deal.

Anyway, when you have time and some more experience we'll be psyched to hear how it works. One question, assuming the supercharger itself is an Eaton, what is it?

Thanks

 

My supercharger is not an Eaton. My blower is a TVS900 Harrop.

 

So as explained in previous posts my Element has changed hands during this build and the new mechanic has been trying to pick up the pieces. The latest challenge (as explained to me) is that when my Element starts it is not connecting with the OEM 05 ECU. My car has electricity (lights work, extra) and my ECU has been tested separately and boots up fine. My new mechanic has tested all the fuses and now suspects some sort of bad relay/ wiring issue...

See video link below. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Ok, I really need some support from you all! Today we had an automotive electrician spend four hours chasing this ECU issue and he was unable to diagnose the problem. Apparently the ECU has "no ground." They tried four different ECU's today with no luck. As reported in a previous post my ECU powers up fine when tested on it's own. Today was disheartening and it feels like we are back to square 1 now. Has anyone experienced a similar issue? Please chime in with suggestions for a solution..

 

Also need some feedback on finding a 7-rib 78 inch belt to fit my custom setup. I thought I found one on Ebay but it is a poly-v and our Elements use a micro-v so I think they are different width, right?

Continental ContiTech Poly-V V-Belt, 780L7, Ribbed, 7 Rib, 0.185" Width, 0.38" H | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Continental ContiTech Poly-V V-Belt, 780L7, Ribbed, 7 Rib, 0.185" Width, 0.38" H at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

poly-v and...micro-v

These are just marketing terms specific to different manufacturers. If it is 7-ribs and for the same type of application (i.e. accessory drive belt) then it should work, assuming of course your length measurement is correct

 

Mechanics are still trying to get my Element started so we can put it on the dyno. I am trying to stay patient. My son was born last week and my mother in law is staying with us.. so I have been quite distracted lately.

 

So the latest update is that my mechanics were finally able to power on the ECU after switching some plugs! This was only after receiving some invaluable tips from the guys on Boosted Elements FB page. I think the TPS wiring and MAP wiring were mixed up causing an immobilizer issue which we are still sorting out. Anyways, I feel like we now have some wind back in our sails. We are one step closer to getting the Element on the dyno.

In other news... I am officially turning into an old man because I am so proud of my garage. For the first time I am a homeowner and have a garage (never had a garage until now). After it being full of boxes/ furniture/ misc. (recently moved) I finally organized everything and made space for our cars. Anyone else hanging their rear seats?

 

Ok gang here is the latest update, hot off the press!

We finally got the Element to turn over and start today! Aside from connecting sensors backwards the mechanic who initially started my build (and eventually quit) left my key in the ignition while letting the battery die. This meant that we needed my two OEM ignition keys reprogrammed with an expensive scanner to bypass immobilizer security feature. We did this today and were finally able to get that spark we have waited so long for. My team and I are so stoked. We have a few more issues to rule out and address but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now that we got the engine running! Thanks for the support thus far which has helped me sustain hope during month 5 of this build. Can't wait to tell you guys that we hit the dyno. Stay tuned!

 

Ok gang here is the latest update, hot off the press!

We finally got the Element to turn over and start today! Aside from connecting sensors backwards the mechanic who initially started my build (and eventually quit) left my key in the ignition while letting the battery die. This meant that we needed my two OEM ignition keys reprogrammed with an expensive scanner to bypass immobilizer security feature. We did this today and were finally able to get that spark we have waited so long for. My team and I are so stoked. We have a few more issues to rule out and address but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now that we got the engine running! Thanks for the support thus far which has helped me sustain hope during month 5 of this build. Can't wait to tell you guys that we hit the dyno. Stay tuned!

Hey AWD! That’s awesome. Nathan ran into a similar problem with my build- because we had to use an Acura TSX ECU, the immobilizer would not let the car start/run. The local dealer would not reprogram the key (I think they are trained not to do that so they don’t help a thief) so Nathan had to order another Acura ECU with a matching immobilizer and key. That did the trick along with a custom wiring harness to re-pin the sensors from the Element layout to the Acura layout. Nathan is going to document the heck out if it for future use. We are on the way too- hopefully done in a couple of weeks in time for me to take on a trip to CO and back. Can’t wait to hear about yours when its making real power!

 

Ok, we continue to make solid progress. Apparently an AEM fuel pump I bought was DOA so we replaced it with a new Deatschwerks one and voila! In the video link below you will hear my mechanic singing with excitement. Be advised, some inappropriate language in video. I think this long, ongoing- build, with one obstacle after another... has made us all a little crazy.

 

Can anyone else appreciate my custom-designed power steering relocation bracket working so nicely?

 

Well it's been a long journey indeed folks. Today my 2005 Element finally hit the dyno and made 205whp on 5 PSI. That's about 250hp at the crank (compared to the stock 156hp) and I am fine with that. As many of you know I have a 4 speed automatic transmission, AWD, drive by cable TB. 2 years ago before any tuning my dyno baseline was about 121whp. Now I am sitting at 205whp. Appreciate all you guys, and shout out to (my awesome friend and tuner) Jorge Hurtado at H-Car dyno, my mechanic Will Adcox, and Jose Mercado at Merc Racing for giving me a free 3.2 pulley (that really came in handy).

 

Well it's been a journey indeed folks. Today my Element finally hit the dyno and made 205whp on 5 PSI. That's about 250hp at the crank and I am fine with that. As many of you know I have an auto, AWD, drive by cable TB. 2 years ago before any tuning my baseline was about 121p. Now I am sitting at 205whp. Appreciate all you guys, and shout out to Jorge Hurtado at H-Car dyno, and Jose Mercado at Merc Racing for giving me a free 3.2 pulley.

Woohoo!!! That’s quite a project and quite an accomplishment!

 

Yup- we are going add a bigger radiator and better fans and separate the transmission cooling to a separate unit

 

Hey guys...not sure if it's been discussed on here already, but Merc Element supercharger kit is live on Jose's website

 

Yep! That picture is my engine bay
In the next couple of weeks we are going to put a larger throttlebody and intake, larger exhaust system, and better cooling to let it breathe better. I will tell you though, it makes a very heavy Element drive fantastic!

 

Once I get my Civic supercharged, I'd really like to do this to my Element 😀

 

I communicated with Jose Mercado at Merc Racing recently and he says Jet9RDO and myself are still the only 2 to actually buy MR kits to supercharge an Element.

So the latest on my never ending build is that we were having idle issues. Some of you may remember that I switched my TB to RSX style. In my experience OEM IVAC is the only way to go but the RSX IVAC is 2 bolt and the Element IVAC is 4 bolt. Not to worry! My tuner and good friend Jorge (with Hcar Dyno) made a way and built a custom adapter plate for the OEM Element IVAC to fit on the RSX TB and guess what? Idle issues magically went away.

 

Well after about 8 months, I and another friend from this forum will be driving from Houston to San Antonio (tomorrow 09 04 21) to pick up my Element. Am looking forward to finally driving it!

 

Ok y'all. I drove my newly boosted Element over three hours from San Antonio to Houston on Saturday (09/04). No CEL's or starting issues. Engine temp and A/C were fine whole trip. I only went open throttle once after picking it up in San Antonio on a deserted street with my tuner. My tuner told me to put my shifter in first gear (I have a four speed auto) and then to shift it into drive at high RPMS. I was reluctant as I didn't want to mess up my transmission. He said transmission is locked in first gear? Anyways, I gunned it and engine roared and supercharger whined and before I knew it the rev limiter shuddering kicked in which scared me and made my tuner laugh.

My tuner Jorge is a good friend of mine and has spent countless hours on the dyno and using my Element as a DD to perfect the tune. Jorge speaks a different language (that I don't fully understand) when he explains all the tuning particulars, but apparently, there are safety protocols built into the tune that will protect my engine. The whole drive home I never went wide open throttle, I did mash the pedal a few times when passing others on the freeway which felt good but other than that I didn't feel the need to go crazy. I am so grateful it appears the Element is reliable and still useable as a DD (need that A/C) which was a big reason I went with the MR TVS900 supercharger to begin with.

Big thanks to my friend Felix (who I met on this forum) who drove me up to San Antonio, and Brandon (also met through this forum) who Felix and I really enjoyed connecting with on the way to San Antonio. Brandon sold me some OEM rear seat covers for my Element a while back and was kind enough to meet us at a McDonalds (which was on the way to San Antonio) for handoff of seat covers.

 

Hi AWD,

I just did a cursory review of your TVS900 Merc Racing supercharge upgrade and see that you just came through San Antonio to pick up your E!

I actually live in San Antonio (which practically makes us neighbors), am just under 200K miles and I am seriously considering doing something similar.

If you have the time, can you hook me up with the team that helped you did your work as they may be the best ones for the job since they already have one job (possibly 2) under the belt.

Any help you can provide would be much appreciated!

Sincerely,

Ivan

 

As many of you know a lot has changed for me personally since I started this build. I am now a husband and father. I have a 6 year old stepson and four month old baby boy. My Element has been parked in my driveway since coming back Saturday. I have not had the Element for 8 months and its a bit of a mess and I badly want to detail and adjust/ fix small things here and there... alas I have almost no free time anymore with the kids/family. I am still getting used to being a family man... I never imagined it would be like this!

 

So, I somehow found time to work on the Element yesterday... As some of you know, my wife frowns upon my Element spending and has called my Element a 'white elephant'. I have been able for the most part to reign in the spending as we now have two kids and a mortgage, extra. Despite my 'growing up' over this last year... I simply couldn't resist placing the below decal yesterday.

 

Attached are latest engine bay pics, extra.

 

Hey guys. Just wanted to give an update on the supercharger (post install). Everything is running well. Last tank was 17mpg, tank before that was 15mpg. MPG will vary depending on how much I get on the throttle. Since I tend to take it out every other weekend, I set up a battery trickle charger last night.