What should I get with the 3s?, before they put it in Options

[Doge]

Hey all. I am about to get down and dirty with the 3s swap and I have some questions about what items I should get right now and what items can wait.

Turbo Timer - Kinda confused about this one cause I know its a really beneficial thing for your turbo to have one, but do stock turbo'd engines have them? If not why not? I thought these things were pretty necessary unless you want to sit in your car for a spell before you turn it off and go do what you gotta do.

Boost, a/f, and EGT gauges - I know I want the boost and a/f gauges, but how good of an idea is it to get them? Will the boost and a/f need enough attention that its prudent to get gauges for them? And about the third gauge (I put EGT because thats the one I was thinking of getting based on posts that i've read) ...of the other gauge options which one is the most important to be able to monitor? EGT, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Oil Pressure, etc, etc. Which gauges will be used the most?

SAFC2 Engine Management - I know its beneficial for proper tuning, but do you guys think its pretty necessary? Will it help with reliablity, gas milage, etc.? What im trying to say is, is it something that i'm going to need to get soon or is it something that can come way down the road?

Been searching endlessly for these answers and I figured there's no faster answer than to ask you guys. I'm just alittle paranoid about doing this thing right so thanks for any info.


P.S. If theres anything that I didn't list that would be a good idea to get please feel free to list and explain.=)

This post has been edited by Doge: Jan 27, 2004 - 9:44 PM

[Coomer]

I'd say get the engine running first before the turbo timer and S-AFC 2...those items can all be added on fairly easily after the car is already running.

What I'd suggest buying now is a nice clutch if the one that came with the engine isn't in great condition. Also, if you're planning on upgrading to a lightweight flywheel, the easiest time to do that is now as well.

Also, changing the timing belt and various seals such as the front and rear main seals is a smart thing to do while the engine is out of the car.

Edit: Also, about the gauges, unless you get a wideband 02 sensor and an air/fuel gauge designed to use it, an air/fuel gauge is relatively useless. EGT is important, as it allows you to notice easily if you're running lean. Also, boost is nice to have on any force induction application...it's probably smart to install those while you're doing the swap.