I've been on the fence about the HSK SSBOV for a couple months now.

In fact, I was on the phone once with SPE with the intention to place the order, and found out that they were working on a setup to vent to atm, so I decided the wait.

And another time, I was also on the phone with Akkurat also about to place an order, and found out that they were working on a setup with the return vent on the y-pipe eliminated, so again, I decided to wait.

So, this past week, I was looking at the engine bay, and decided to experiment a little. I've always done a lot of my own wrenching as well as implimenting my own setups on my past cars, so I simply decided to take the plunge.

First, I knew I was going to go with the SSBOV. I've run both the Type II and the SSBOV on past turbocharged cars, and imo, I think the SSBOV is fine for my Turbo's output. The only think is that I don't care for the high-pitched whistle portion of the BOV sound, so I took out the tri-fin.

I used to have a '98 GSX, and knew that I could use the flange from that setup (which was subsequentually replaced by Hahn hard pipes with the built-in flanges).

The setup is similar to SPE's, but instead of relocating the various tubes/lines towards the driver's side to make room for the BOV, I simply shifted the lines a little to the passenger side to make room for the BOV closer to the driver's side. There's a perfect space for it. Of course, I did the usual checks, shielding/tie-wrapping/protecting any lines to make sure the setup was robust.

For the plugs, since I'm in realestate, I simply used a couple cooper plugs that I found in the garage to cap off the return vent on the intake side. That side is obviously not pressurized, and it was a simply fix.

Now... the impressions. I didn't expect to feel any differences as my stock Bosch valves were just fine. However, I am very happy to report that I experienced no stumbling between blowoffs, and in fact, the turbo response was very crisp between shifts. My mind preceives that the valves closes faster upon throttle application after each shift, though I will qualify that preceived difference vs. actual difference is two different things. It may simply be that the bov sound has allowed me to preceive the difference. Still, it's good to know that the turbo response is as sharp as ever.

I did notice something strange though. My BOV would occasionally vent momentarily (.1~.3 seconds) at light throttle applications when I'm just dipping into positive manifold pressure. This is strange because the pressurized portion should actually keep the valve shut. I proceeded to tighten the spring tention on the BOV, which helped. I have it almost all the way in now. While this appears to have stopped most of it, I am not convinced that this is the proper fix. On past applications, I never had to have tighten it that much.

There's two things that I can think of... the less likely reason is that due to the design of the return vent tube from the y-pipe, that at light throttle applications, there actually is a low-pressure area right around the BOV due to the direction of flow (opposite from flow to bov). While this is a possibility, I don't think that low-pressure area should be enough to cause the valve to open.

The more lilkely scenario, which I will need some help from you guys to deduce, is that the electronic controller that feeds the vacuum signal to the blow off valve is doing something that is not normal. In all my past turbo cars, the signal is fed directly from the manifold. So, under boost, the signal line is pressurized, helping to close the valve. When the throttle is shut, the manifold is in vacuum, causing the signal line to want to open the valve. I wonder if the electronic controller is in fact shutting off positive manifold pressure, causing the bov to not get that extra pressure it needs to completely seal on light throttle applications. And as pressure builds on the intake tracks, that pressure is then enough to seal the valve.

Anyone know what that electronic controller does? An easy test would be to simply bypass that controller. But, I don't know if that'd throw any faults. Anyone?

http://1stephen1.com/cars/hksbov/hksbov.htm

 

Cool Setup!!!

 

Thanks...

 

Well Stephen, if you just waited, I could have sent you the vented SSQV kit. That plug that you show, (copper) might not seal everything properly. I have a cnc plug that i can send you at no charge that will work better!

-Mark

 

Thanks for the offer, Mark. Yeah, I really hadn't planned on doing my own setup, but, it was one of those things where you pop the hood, start digging around, and the next thing you know, you're halfway into your next project just past the point of no return, lol. All in all, it turned out to be a fairly easy project.

I may take you up on your offer of the cnc plugs. I misplaced my wallet this past Sunday, so as soon as I get my credit cards renewed, I'll give you a buzz... I mean, the least I can do is pay for shipping!

OT: I may be starting a project in the L.A. area late this year. If it comes to fruition, you can bet SPE will be my first stop. I've dealt with Alex and company in the past for my Supra, and you guys are a true class act. Looking forward to it! Peace...

 

I just put 2 HKS SSBOV's on my Esprit ! Also has an upgrade ECU, K&N filters, rear diffuser (just installed) and is in the process of getting a 3" straight exhaust fabricated....

Should go like hell !

I'll post pics of the BOV's....

Love the sound of those BOV's and the shift performance is so much better...

 

Nope, just give me your address. Considered them yours! From Alex and me!

 

Very cool Stephen. I love ot see guys doing serious work on their cars, especially blazing trails.

 

Ok, Stephen, When can I drop the car off? The HKS Racing type II BOV might be sick on our cars.

 

Mark: Thanks! PM sent... you guys are the best!

Tim/Ryan: Next time we have a gathering, you can check it out to see if it's to your liking!