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The wire and plug that hooks into the flex fuel sensor were delivered today. It is a perfect match. I was under the impression that it had the metal ends that fit in the J3 plug of my wire harness but it does not. Luckily, that sonic forum provides that information so I will order the rest of the parts/tools that I will need. Unfortunately, I had to order 25 so if you need some, let me know! Only cost $14. Total cost is still pretty low.

 

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I started fitting the charge pipes today. I'm going to move the intercooler back (towards the radiator) a tiny bit for a better fit but I'm happy with the progress. This bumper literally snaps off and

All of my oil lines are hooked up, I've put gaskets on all of the exhaust connections, everything is set to start. I have tried to start it but I'm getting a laundry list of codes in HP tuners. Nothin

While reading the HP tuners forum I came across a reference to a YouTube channel, Goat Rope Garage. I've watched a few videos that have been incredibly helpful and relevant for the 2014 Chevy spark ec

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  • 2 weeks later...

I finished wiring the sensor to the computer and enabled the flex fuel sensor in the computer via hp tuners. I will still have to tune the vehicle but there is a baseline that will change based on ethanol content. I ordered a badge for the hatch.

 

The ZZP midpipe I have been waiting for is finally back in stock so I ordered that as well. Should be here by early January. 

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I finally was able to get the exhaust manifold to bolt on to the turbo. My uncle helped weld on the bolt threads and I'm really happy with how it worked out. I still have to move the radiator and hose a bit but I was able to fit the turbo in with the downpipe on for a test fit. The downpipe looks like it will work perfect with the midpipe I ordered and the rest of the exhaust. I will be wrapping the exhaust manifold for heat reduction and start working on the oil lines next.

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Thanks to someone on this forum, I got a 3 day subscription for GM service manuals from AC Delco. I looked at both the Spark and the Cruze (both have the e78 ecu). Also, the turbo I am using is from a 2016 Cruze and has the plugs and wires.

 

I believe I am now ready to wire the bypass valve and solenoid. The green wire on the turbo bypass valve goes to pin 32 on the J2 plug on the back of the ecu. The brown and yellow wire on the bypass solenoid goes to pin 63 on plug

J2. The other two wires should go to a power source.

 

Once wired and enabled, the bypass valve and solenoid should be controlled by the stock ecu based on the settings I set using HP tuners.

 

It appears all relevant  tables for the turbo are accessible in the spark ecu through hp tuners. It is just a matter of enabling them. 

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My zzp midpipe arrived, my oilfeed and fittings arrived, my oil return and fitting for the oil pan arrived, my radiator fan also arrived. 

 

I started test fitting my midpipe exhaust and it looks great. I will have to cut a bit to fit and maybe even weld but all of the parts are here and it is easily remedied. I also finally have a welder so I have more flexibility. 

 

I installed my aftermarket radiator fan for more space and tested it using HP tuners. Here is a video showing how powerful the fan is on each setting and how much HP tuners can do.

 

 

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I had to shorten the ZZP mid pipe that I bought which was designed for the chevy cruze 1.4 turbo. I picked up a two bolt flange, cut the pipe to fit and welded on the new flange. I used a cheap wire feed welder with flux core wire. This is actually my first real weld since high school. I did a few test lines for wire speed beforehand. It's definitely not pretty but it works and the pipe fits great. I just have to get bolts, gaskets and work on finishing hangers and the exhaust is done. 

 

 

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Beyond excited to see the end result. I came across this while wondering how to tune my 2013's ECU. I have always thought about trying my hand at a turbo now that I'm past warranty... and after driving my new (to me)mini cooper s, the spark takes patience to drive. I am curious since the 13-15 sparks are just about the exact cars, would they all be e78 ECUs? Its hard to find definitive evidence of that. I have been very interested in some more modest upgrades lately.

 

Good luck! Keep us posted!

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4 hours ago, kicks012 said:

Beyond excited to see the end result. I came across this while wondering how to tune my 2013's ECU. I have always thought about trying my hand at a turbo now that I'm past warranty... and after driving my new (to me)mini cooper s, the spark takes patience to drive. I am curious since the 13-15 sparks are just about the exact cars, would they all be e78 ECUs? Its hard to find definitive evidence of that. I have been very interested in some more modest upgrades lately.

 

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Thanks! I believe they have the same ECU but I will triple check. The computer is used by a wide range of chevy models and years. Hp tuners also has a vehicle list to check what they cover. I'll let you know here shortly.

 

Edit: after looking it looks like yours may have an e83. It looks like 14 was the first year of the e78 for the spark. I'll look into this more and see what your options are.

 

I've seen some comments on the hp tuners bulletin board mentioning e83. I posted a thread asking about 2013 spark compatibility. I'll let you know if I hear back.

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Happy Friday! We're looking at our first real snow storm and  possibly -25 ° F in MN this weekend so I'm planning on getting some work done on the car. I finally got my oil return line connected to the fitting that will connect to my oil pan. I put a hose clamp on after this picture.

 

I've drained my oil and removed all of the bolts holding the oil pan on. It's holding on by friction or maybe the gasket but I will remove it later tonight or tomorrow to drill the hole for the return.  My goal for the weekend is to finish the oil feed and return lines. My other goal is to start the car up by the first of the month. Time to get after it and get it done.

 

 

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I bolted the oil return fitting onto the turbo. I had to grind one side flat to have the holes line up perfect. I will still need to find a downsizing connector to connect the return line to the fitting on the turbo.

 

I also connected the turbo to the intercooler with 2 90° couplers I had left over and some left over 2.5" aluminum pipe. I have one clamp left and will need to order 5 more to finish the job.

 

I'm going to connect the air intake filter with a 90° coupler and have it positioned right by the grille that already has airflow. I'm considering cutting a section to open it up for airflow. 

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Edited by LittleBlue!
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I finally was able to use a crow bar or cats claw? And I was able to hit the wedge into the seam and break the oil pan loose. I'll be drilling the hole and finishing the return line tonight.

 

I also believe I determined the best (or maybe only?) Option for the source of my oil feed line will be the oil sensor switch which is right in front of the engine near the oil filter. I'll post some pics on that incase anyone finds use in it later. 

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I connected the return line to the oil pan. I got lucky and drilled the perfect size hole. I was using a step up bit and checking size as I went but I usually never get it perfect.  I drilled the hole high on the side with the deeper section. It looks like it should work great. I need to put the pan back on and cut the line to length. I'm hoping I can hook up the feed line today but I need to look for a T fitting for the oil switch and the feed line. And space is limited.

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Here is the oil switch where I will be connecting my oil feed. I'm going to use a T fitting to tap into the oil supply. This switch has always been an issue for space and was about as close to the turbo as possible without touching. I'm planning on having the switch repositioned with the T to allow for more space. I'll take another picture when it is all done. 

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All of my oil lines are hooked up, I've put gaskets on all of the exhaust connections, everything is set to start. I have tried to start it but I'm getting a laundry list of codes in HP tuners. Nothing to concerning but one injector does seem to have a bad wiring connection. I'm going to work through these and the next post should be a video of the car running. Fingers crossed.

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Edited by LittleBlue!
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  • 2 weeks later...

Just as an update, I have identified the issue that is preventing the car from starting as lack of fuel. Specifically,  it is a fuel pump issue. I have been traveling a lot for work so I haven't been able to focus as much on the car. I have dropped the gas tank and I'm beginning to troubleshoot the issue. I believe it is related to wiring. HP tuners has a feature that allows you to turn on the fuel pump so I plan to use that as I investigate the issue. 

 

On a positive note, I am getting oil to the turbo. Confirmed by a small leak on the return side. Once I get it running, I plan on changing the oil fairly soon and will use the gasket tube stuff I used for the oil pan which has no leaks

Edited by LittleBlue!
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I pulled the fuel pump basket and noticed the fuel line was disconnected just after the fuel pump in the fuel basket. Amateur hour move on my part, I used too short of a line (stock after I cut it off the stock fuel pump) and it disconnected. I tested the wiring and the pump fired right up. I'm going to hook up a longer fuel line and hopefully the car should be getting fuel. 

Edited by LittleBlue!
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It finally fired up! I confirmed the fuel pump was working and hooked it back up and gave it a try. The current tune is not adjusting for the injector size so it is running extremely rich. It also is clear I will need an oil restrictor on the turbo feed.

 

It's not much but here is a video of me geeking out in excitement as it fires up for the first time since putting on the turbo.

 

 

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With all of the codes in hp tuners popping up and the sound from the engine, Im fairly certain the 4th cylinder is not firing and it is due to an issue with the injector and I'm assuming it is related to the electrical connection.

 

I'm going to pull the sparkplug and see if it is dry to confirm my suspicion and look to tinker with the connection. Unfortunately, pulling the injectors is a massive task on these cars.

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