so I came across this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Not sure what the dealer charges for the parts and installation, but what is involved for someone to buy the parts and do the install themselves?

 

Hi.

Fitting the kit involves;

1-Removal of inlet manifold and replacement with new.
2-Removal of airboxes and replacement with new.
3-Wiring airbox 'powerflaps' into fuse box
4-Wiring powerflaps / fuse box to engine ECU connector plug.
5-Upgrade ECU.

Items 1-4 would take longer than the 6 hours suggested - the harness bracket to the rear of the inlet manifold is really tricky to remove. The bumper and wheel arch liners need to come away to fit airboxes and the electronic side of the upgrade is reasonably intricate and should only be attempted by an auto electrician in my opinion.

But, as far as I know, and as the breakdown of parts the vendor suggests - the kit does not come with new ECU. So I can only gather from this, you would need to send them in the post your existing ECU and VIN number so they can reflash and return to you????

Better to avoid a home fit IMO and get the dealer to do it - they should be glad of the custom too seeing as the kit only offers 10BHP via airbox and ONLY the additional 10BHP when running high octane fuel at the customers expense..!

 

Mike, what octane rating is necessary to gain the extra 10 bhp?

 

The AM Power kit ... from the US dealer network posts a 20 HP gain for the 4.3 ... 380 to 400. The dealer keeps the SW upgrade for the ECU propriatary per individual VIN number, at the dealer, not transferable/resale. Selling the AM kit on eBay is a little weird and not per AM.
I would recomend the RSC ECU upgrade w their Green Filters. There is at least a 20 + HP gain and a lot less complicated install. The price is much better too.
BTW - the AM Power kit uses their stock air filters, small flaps open at about 4500+ RPM otherwise closed.
I have installed both upgrades on my car.

 

When fuel octane rating 105 RON / 95 MON is used the engine ceases to exhibit detonation meaning maximum spark therefore maximum power is delivered. But in reality, filling with 100 RON / 91.5 MON will be adequate to get the remaining 10 BHP

 

Thanks, Mike. I believe the highest rated gasoline here in Florida is 93 octane, which should translate to about 98 RON, correct?

 

Hi.

The filters you mention are worth 10BHP for sure, which anybody could install into their existing airboxes.

Exactly how the additional performance you mention is delivered via an aftermarket ECU reflash, I for one am unsure, and I have never been fully enlightened by any such supplier brave enough to enter into this discussion with me. Leaning off the fuelling is about the only option in reality open to the aftermarket 'tuner', but data as to exactly how much / the performance benefit and the associated implications of such a modification is not forthcoming.

 

FYI, the seller is the AM dealership down here in Naples, FL. It does seem a bit strange selling the kit on eBay, but they are selling other bits too. I dont think there's much demand for the kit, so I think they're probably just trying to move the parts. I've visited the dealership and spoken with them, but can't vouch for them.

 

Hi..

98 RON equates to roughly 90 MON

The 93 MON you mention available in Florida equates to roughly 102 RON and is adequate to return all of the 10BHP

 

Thats great news! After reading your posts on other sites Mike, i thought that my AM upgrade only netted me 10HP......did not realize that our 93 equates to 102RON!

 

Roughly speaking, the uplift from MON to RON is 8 to 10 units. But fuel blend to fuel blend, blender to blender, season to season and test standard to test standard conditions (MON to RON) will bring slight variations to the rule.

I should have made my other posts specific to RON / MON to avoid confusion.

 

Thanks, Mike!

 

I called the Naples dealer about this upgrade in the past. I then talked to my mechanic here in Seattle. My guy told me that he could use this kit and do the software upgrade. However, after all is said and done, you save maybe 200 bucks. Plus you have the potential of the Naples dealer not filling out the proper paperwork for the software upgrade and lost parts. Safer to go via your dealer.

 

I upgraded mine a couple years ago. It was expensive buy I had excellent results.

 

Can you elaborate a bit? How do you feel it changed the car? Some members feel it changes the sound as well--what are your thoughts?