I've just ordered a Hydra from a fellow Nasioc member with wideband. I'm right now running a JDM ECU with EcuTek flash on my ver8 specC swap (completely stock turbo etc.) My exhaust is a bastardized JDM twinscroll downpipe (with cat) to a TXS mid-pipe and axle back. I'll be using a GM boost solonoid, but right now I'm running a MBC becuase my reflash was useless at controlling boost (at my altitude anyway).

I'm looking for installation and start up gotcha's from other Hydra users. I've read Phil's tuning guides and the Hydra manual several times, but I still don't understand if having a cat in front of the rear O2 sensor is ok or not.

TIA

I don't think you would have any problems with the cat. I have a catted Helix DP and I don't *believe* it has caused me any problems. Good luck on tuning around the GM solenoid though. It seems someone was trying to tune around the Perrin and it took them a while (but maybe I am imagining things).

good luck,
offset

That cat WILL affect any AFRs that sensor will see. By products of teh catalytic coverter process include O2, so a O2 sensor AFTER that cat will change what it sees (if it is being used for AFR).

If tuning for the GM sol. is going to complicate things right off the start, I still have the JDM FBC that I can run. Maybe I'll start with that unit first, then try the GM once my tune is roughed in.

As for the Cat and the O2 sensor; I was confused as soon as I saw the installation guide call for that rear sensor to be used. So what is the front sensor used for now? Nothing? Since I'm running the twin scroll system, my front O2 sensor is actually at the top of the downpipe. If the Hydra doesn't use it for anything, why couldn't I run the wideband and/or the OEM rear sensor in that location and plug the rear sensor? Of course I'd have to run the wires for that sensor forward to that location...

If tuning for the GM sol. is going to complicate things right off the start, I still have the JDM FBC that I can run. Maybe I'll start with that unit first, then try the GM once my tune is roughed in.

As for the Cat and the O2 sensor; I was confused as soon as I saw the installation guide call for that rear sensor to be used. So what is the front sensor used for now? Nothing? Since I'm running the twin scroll system, my front O2 sensor is actually at the top of the downpipe. If the Hydra doesn't use it for anything, why couldn't I run the wideband and/or the OEM rear sensor in that location and plug the rear sensor? Of course I'd have to run the wires for that sensor forward to that location...

You don't actually need either OEM sensor so if you like install the WB in the DP. You can select in the software to use only the WB.

As for the boost solenoids the stock is the easiest to tune since I provide a base map but many are getting the hang of tuning the aftermarket solenoids. I can offer advice regardless of which solenoid you decide to use.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

if you're going to battle with boost tuning, do it once, correctly, the first time. in other words, tune it with the GM solenoid in place. it is a technically superior solution vis a vis a bleed-based system.

jm2c
ken

You don't actually need either OEM sensor so if you like install the WB in the DP. You can select in the software to use only the WB.
www.elementtuning.com

So, if I install the WBO2 in the downpipe, and don't use the rear OEM sensor, can I go back to the OEM in the downpipe once my fuel map is done? And if so, which OEM do I use? The front or the rear?

Thx.

Installation gotcha: Unless Phil has added a quick disconnect already, getting the wideband connector through your firewall gromment is a real, real SOB and pretty much a two person operation. The reason is the wideband connector is a wide connector and with the OEM wiring going through there already, it's not a walk in the park working it through there.

Installation gotcha: Unless Phil has added a quick disconnect already, getting the wideband connector through your firewall gromment is a real, real SOB and pretty much a two person operation. The reason is the wideband connector is a wide connector and with the OEM wiring going through there already, it's not a walk in the park working it through there.

:lol: That's why we install it through the shifter boot. Simply pull up the center console, make a slit in the 6x8 rubber grommet and use the rear 02 sensor location.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

So, if I install the WBO2 in the downpipe, and don't use the rear OEM sensor, can I go back to the OEM in the downpipe once my fuel map is done? And if so, which OEM do I use? The front or the rear?

Thx.

The Hydra can use the WB or the rear OEM 02 sensor. It does not use the front 02 sensor. Once you are done tuning you can use your rear OEM sensor but don't forget to change the sensor source in the software.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

Well, my buddy does all his stuff through the glove box so everything is nice and secret, so we had to use the passenger side firewall grommet. Believe me Phil, we were both cussing you and your whole generation while doing that. The first time, we put it in backwards too, so we had to go through the whole thing twice. :lol: