It's an amazing device. I have either run them, or seen them run on 2,3,4,5,and 8 cylinder engines. Both auto and motorcycle, air and liquid cooled and it has saved them all from over aggressive timing, running out of meth in an injection system, and even a fuel pump failure with the resulting lean detonating condition.
After seeing the number of "saved" engines I'll never run without one again.
Absolutely agree. I believe it saved me from engine damage on just the first tuning pulls. What's cheaper, $650 for a Vampire, or 6K for a new motor? In this day in age with all the mediocre tuners out there, I can't believe the Vampire is not the FIRST mod on these cars.
So the knock sensor just gets bolted to the side of the block via a 8mm or 10mm width bolt? Just wondering with the non-provisioned knock sensor iron blocks... I can think of a couple empty bolt holes next to the motor mounts.
How did you determine that 25% was the appropriate sensitivity level? Do you monitor knock via a gauge or anything since it's under the seat now that it's tuned?
And what type of fittings did you use for your PCV Remote Breather (line to valve cover)?
Nice job! :beer:
You're exactly right. In the iron block 03 Cobra application, the empty hole next to the motor mount is the correct location. Also works better there on the blower cars because the knock sensor is further away from the screws of the blower. They can be noisey buggers. If you read the main tuning story you can see how I reached the 25% level as my "safe zone". We used a tune that couldn't possibly detonate and turned the Vampire up until false knock was heard. Then turned it down until no false knock registered. Then we turned up the boost/timing until knock was heard (at a target where knock would most likely be present), and viola! Setting is right where it should be, and we backed the tune off (turned timing down) until i could make a full pull with no trace of detonation. Also, my PCV fittings were purchased from D'agastino.
took a quick glance at the Vampire Eight channel '99 and later Ford COP Instructions.
how is one knock sensor going to accurately detect detonation in each cylinder.....seems a knock sensor per each cyl bank would be needed.:shrug:
Nope, the logic used in the Vampire determines the last cylinder fired to be the detonating hole and pulls timing. So stupid simple, you wonder why ALL vehicle manufacturers don't use it.
Ive got one going in my build, glad to hear another success story
smokin - did you use the msd harness setup or splice into the wires? My concern with our coil pack covers was the extra wiring causing them not to seal and getting water in the back coil pack tubes.
No. I spliced into the AEM extenion harness and used the corresponding cylinder pinouts for true cylinder knock detection. That way I know exactly which hole is pinging, and how bad. All of this is explained in my step by step videos.
might have to pull the trigger and purchase the Vampire...another hit to the slush fund....these cobras are a magnet to mods...
See my above response. I can't believe people would NOT install this thing. You almost can't afford not to. I think they never took off, because it's not a power "making" device. But in reality it does make power. If you have a tuner that wont bring your tune "to the limit" for safety reasons...he's right for doing so. What the Vampire does is SHOW the tuners the limit, allowing them to tune right up to the engine's full potential. So you're no longer sacrificing that 20-30 HP to be "safe". Instead you gain that 20-30 HP back AND the piece mind knowing if an injector fails or some other whoops happens...the Vampire is your guardian angel that keeps the engine together. I think it's a STEAL at $650! You can now buy that piece of mind, and it works. Every time.:rockon:
Here is a good knock sensor location on the Boss 5.0 block It's a 6 mm thread.
"dead center" is the best location where it will "hear" all 8 cylinders on an equaul basis :coolman:
Yes, and what's better? Give John the thread pitch and dimensions, and he will make a custom mounting stud for your (or ANY) application.
Also...stay tuned guys. I'm going to make some videos about how to install/utilize the nitrous retard feature this weekend. What's better than twin turbos and 16 psi? Using a 150 shot to get them spooled. With the versatility of the Vampire, I don't even need to make tuning changes to run a large shot. The Vampire will retard timing for me....AND still pull additional from the cylinders if knock is detected. In my 15 years of automotive wrenching and tuning...no product has EVER been this kick-ass!:rockon: