Finally in a position to get my car set up with Mark @ MA Developments.
I originally phoned him back in August, but my P8 ecu was buggered, so had to wait until now.....

Now running an L8 with stage 4 colling's performance pectal / ahmed chip, mongoose, group A K&N, 803's, group A fuel pump, 3 bar map, full samco hose set, ( but standard head gasket )

The car feels really quick now, compared to what it was, but how much of a difference do you think I will see after a full set up from Mark??

& how much bhp can I expect from a standard head gasket ( I don't mind being brave and taking a small risk! )

Booked in for the 21st!


Got the setup today and it has made a huge difference.....

First thing Mark did was listen to the car running, just from hearing it idle he could tell it was not right, which I thought was strange because driving up the performance seemed good. Mark then checked the fuel mix and it was miles out! (I did not want to try and adjust the fuelling myself before hand because I thought it seemed to idle OK?) – fuel mix then set to optimum level.
Next step - plugs. The plugs I was using were running too hot so replaced the ones in there for new denso plugs with a lower running temp.

Car was now idling much better.

We then took the car out for a first run, checked fuelling, current boost level, and Mark listened for detonation. I noticed on this run that the car felt much better already than it was on the way up - no detonation at all and the current boost level was 21psi (peak)

We then had a chat about what boost levels to try with standard head gasket and I told him that I was prepared to take a small risk for a bit more power! So we went for 24psi at peak, but ended up with 25psi. Mark listened for detonation and checked the fuelling and the engine was running fine.

Result! 25psi is high for a standard head gasket, but it seems to run very well!

Mark also gave good advice on future mods, told me of other things I need to sort soon- i.e. front bushes, and generally gave the car a good going over. and noted that it was a very nice example.

So all in all I am very pleased, hope the gasket holds out until I get the urge for more power! - I will also be interested to see what my bhp output will be, Mark suggests 330 give or take 5? I did not have time to go to PE after the set-up, but I will try and book a power run before Christmas!

 

Damo - If you do notice this thread what is the most reliable power you have know from a standard head gasket? is it as you have said before 320ish???? or more?

 

I was running 320 and blew my group a type whch had done 30k.. replaced it wuith a cometic, which was shit...

IMO if you want it reliable I wouldnt go above 20-22psi peak

 

But I should add... you will want more boost than that I reckon

 

I think your right!

 

Why go backwards and run with a L8 and not get another P8?

 

nice one SImon..

although i dont see how mark can set it up?

all he can do is adjust the boost and check the fuelling is ok with his motec wideband?


unless you have verniers and he is going to dial the cams in?



drop in to PE on the way back and get a power run

 

kelcos - - I had the oportunity to get an L8 with pectal and stage three, while Ahmed sorts my P8 out.... It may be beyond repair, if that is the case then I will think about getting another P8 if I see one come up at a reasonable price. But if the performance is good with an L8 I might just keep it for a while!

Dave - I know I am not going to expect a huge difference to what I am seeing now but I would rather someone like Mark set up the boost and fueling to run at the optimum, and when the time comes I will have to change the head gasket, and get verniers, may be grey's etc....

Where is PE, is it near to where Mark is? - another option I have is a quick power run at interpro (Bristol) on the way home....? - but you a right it would be nice to see what power she is running at when set up!

 

PE is just by heathrow mate, so not far from MArks at all!

in fact, you will go past the turn off from uxbridge on the M25 on your way home

 

Hey Damo V, I thought the cometic gaskets were good and was thinking of buying one. Was the cometic you used a metal gasket? Im happy i seen your coment. Can you please let me know what problem you had with it and what gasket you would use for a 330hp (3bar,803 greens) kit (still to be fitted). Thanks M8

 

yup 3 layer cometic steel hg

imo stick with std and a slightly lower boost level;...

some people really rate them, though after less than 6k miles I dont, when it finally went across the wateerways and was removed it was clear to see it had bee blowing across the bores for some time

 

Thanks for the info. I will steer clear of the cometic then.

 

I would recommend listening to your tuner, as I say some have had no probs att all

 

Ok, Thanks. I will do that

 

SEE TOP!

 

i know i need to go and see him again soon ... might leave it till after xmas tho ...

 

Top Work as always.

 

Another person from S.Wales thats happy MAD customer!!

 

The just feels so fast compared to what it was! - I have got a shi't load of college work on at the moment but I have already been out twice this evening to take the car for a quick blast! - What a distraction!

 

(BTW I spoke to cyril last night BIG MAD fan!)

 

- What does Cyril have to say about his old car? Does he like the work you have been putting in?

 

I am still driving around with a big grin on my face! - can't believe how much quicker it is now! I have noticed a difference in the amount of fuel I am using though!

 

25pound peak aint to high, I'd go lower personally but hey ho good luck mate

 

Cheers Mr V! - I could never turn the boost down now! - It is far too good to drive. - I don't think I would risk turning it up any higher though!

 

cool, glad you are pleased


how did Mark adj the fuelling though??

 

Cheers Dave! the car is miles better than it was, but I am sure I am getting used to the extra power already.

My main job now is to sort all the bushes out / Ahmed springs from Mike R, koni's, group A strut-brace then next year some tidy front brakes (that will fit under standard wheels)

-With regards to Marks set up he used a pectal monitor, and a wide band lamder probe that gave a reading of how rich/lean it was while driving, and set the mixture from the ecu adjustor.