Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

[WyoSyclone]

Hi Guys,
Newbie from Oklahoma here (you can see some pics in new members area).

My Sy was subject to a frame off restoration, but the documentation is lacking. From my drag racing experience it feels like a 12-second vehicle. What documentation there is talks about some Kenne Bell parts, including a KB 40lb street chip, along with 40lb injectors, 160 degree thermo. I can report that it also has a 3" exhaust, egr bypass. The truck runs awesome - great idle and startup, no smoke, no smells, great throttle response and transition, no dead spots, no pre-ignition.

Question 1:
GJP tells me that the KB chip is kind of a time-bomb waiting to go off due to no knock retard function. The documentation that came with the truck says to 'always' run race fuel, or 104 octane boost (which I hear may be a waste as well). Can anyone verify the suspected problem with the KB chip? I really don't want to risk damaging this nice motor.

Question 2:
And... what would a good replacement chip be? I know the tuners here need more details on the engine build to answer this one (I'm calling the build shop on Tuesday for details).

Any help is much appreciated! I'm glad to be a new member of this great site!!
Thanks...
...Rob

 

[KETCH-UP]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

You should,at a minimum get some data logging software and a laptop. If you run super good fuel like C16, you may be ok with KB chip. Most would probably suggest using anything but the KB chip. The ultimate chip works ok on some trucks. At least it has reasonable knock protection, and adjustable options. The 3 bar map sensor is real important if you expect to run over 14 psi. A custom chip will give the best results.Good luck!

 

[gjp]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

from what I remember no one makes a good 40lb chip. Most guys run 50lb's. I have not been around syty's for long but I have read and searched a lot. Scan tool would help a lot. Try Phil long, he might be able to do a custom 40lb chip. If you plan on keeping it close to stock that would be the best way to go. If you see mods in the future you might want to go to 50lbs.

 

[SBNova]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

I have also heard the KB chip has no knock retard. You can send someone the chip, and activate the knock retard easily. I can do it for you, as can many others on this site. If you have access to an eprom programmer you can even do it yourself.

 

[Flyin Ryan]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

First I would verify that you have a kb chip in the ecm.. then check out the color of your injectors and verify or post up what color so we can verify if they are indeed kb 40lb injectors.. If they are i'd contact one of the many good and well known tuners of this forum to see if they can do anything at all with the 40lb injectors in terms of a custom tune.. If I remember right most could not but all can work wonders with the 50lb injector setups.. if that's the case do the injector swap to 50's and enjoy the truck

Also if you don't have a 3bar chip which if it is a kb chip then you don't.. and you want to run higher then the factory 14.5 psi.. I wouldn't until you look into getting a 3bar custom burn

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the helpful info. I'll start calling people on Tuesday to see if I can find out more details from the builders.

The injectors are kind of a light green color at the base, black on top. I haven't dug into the ECM yet to see what is in it, although I have no reason to doubt that it is the KB street chip, cuz of the receipt from the build. I couldn't see the numbers on the MAP sensor (light wasn't too good), but will look for that tomorrow.

I did manage to get ahold of a complete, new set of GM service manuals for the Sy, so I can at least intelligently identify everything, plus just bought this new scan tool (AUTOXRAY EZ SCAN 5000 OBDI & II SCAN TOOL, also has the GM Enhanced OBD-II Software Upgrade, and EZ-UPDATE AX400-USB) - got it for $275 which didn't seem too bad since I can also use it on my '02 Bravada

Thanks much!
..Rob

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Ooops, one more thing... I guess this is the right forum for this....

Should I get a good, accurate permanently-mounted boost guage, or should I just invest in a laptop and a data-logging interface/software package to take care of this task??

 

[Flyin Ryan]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

The injectors are kind of a light green color at the base, black on top.

Well honestly the only way to tell what injectors you have is by part # because different manufactors use different color combos.

I did manage to get ahold of a complete, new set of GM service manuals for the Sy, so I can at least intelligently identify everything, plus just bought this new scan tool (AUTOXRAY EZ SCAN 5000 OBDI & II SCAN TOOL, also has the GM Enhanced OBD-II Software Upgrade, and EZ-UPDATE AX400-USB) - got it for $275 which didn't seem too bad since I can also use it on my '02 Bravada

Rob,

There's a few manuals online in pdf format here:
http://www.sportmachines.com/maintenance_tips.php

Also you can pull error codes for free by using a paper clip here's the info:
http://www.sportmachines.com/maintenance/aldl.php

Should I get a good, accurate permanently-mounted boost guage, or should I just invest in a laptop and a data-logging interface/software package to take care of this task??

I personally daily drive my sy and don't always have the need to data log or to lug the laptop with so I opted for a boost gauge up in a pillar pod so I can always see an accurate reading rather then having to rely on the stock boost gauge which is horribly inaccurate. If you have a 3bar map in your truck then the factory boost gauge will be even worse.

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Hey Ryan,
Thanks for the info..

I just got the injector color cuz you said in your previous reply you may be able to use that to help identify things - I'm about 99% sure these are the KB 40lb units.

Truthfully, I bought the autoxray for my Bravada as much as for they Sy.... with the Sy I thought it could help identify if one particular parameter was way out of whack. As all Sy/Ty owners realize at one time or another, there is a lot to learn about the fine details regarding how our vehics make power - I feel like I'd better be up for buying some real tools if I'm going to be able to ask intelligent questions and have anyone spend their valuable time trying to help me out I think the Datamaster looks like the way to go, but I'll hold off for a few days if anyone has suggestions on something better.

Looks like the Autometer, or Apex boost gauges are pretty good candidates - that stock GM unit sure leaves a lot to be desired!

I think I've read just about every article I can find via google, including the links you provided - thanks for that! Me thinks that it's now time for me to get my hands a little dirty and start doing some investigative work!

Thanks for the help!
...Rob

 

[Flyin Ryan]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

I just got the injector color cuz you said in your previous reply you may be able to use that to help identify things - I'm about 99% sure these are the KB 40lb units.

yea I know but after I thought about it.. I remembered color isn't the sure way some 50lb injectors are green with black for example so going by the part number would be the only sure way. Sorry about that.

Truthfully, I bought the autoxray for my Bravada as much as for they Sy.... with the Sy I thought it could help identify if one particular parameter was way out of whack. As all Sy/Ty owners realize at one time or another, there is a lot to learn about the fine details regarding how our vehics make power - I feel like I'd better be up for buying some real tools if I'm going to be able to ask intelligent questions and have anyone spend their valuable time trying to help me out I think the Datamaster looks like the way to go, but I'll hold off for a few days if anyone has suggestions on something better.

This forum is full of good guys that will help you with any questions.. plus pretty much any question ever regarding these trucks has already been asked so if you could master the search feature somehow that would really help you im sure.

I think I've read just about every article I can find via google, including the links you provided - thanks for that! Me thinks that it's now time for me to get my hands a little dirty and start doing some investigative work!

Check out www.syty.org It pretty much has a link to all the sites with good info for our trucks if you haven't already and yea owning these trucks really require you to get down and dirty on them personally since not many people or shops know anything about them so good luck with it.

Oh yea sent you a pm

 

[SBNova]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

First I would verify that you have a kb chip in the ecm.. then check out the color of your injectors and verify or post up what color so we can verify if they are indeed kb 40lb injectors.. If they are i'd contact one of the many good and well known tuners of this forum to see if they can do anything at all with the 40lb injectors in terms of a custom tune..

If your happy with the way it runs, then just activate the knock retard and call it a day. If you buy a spare chip ($9 max) you can keep your KB unharmed, and have the new chip burned with all the KB data and the KR enabled in 5 minutes.

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Hi SB,
Thanks for that info! I've been quiet here for a few days cuz I've been studying my Sy shop manual. Once I get ready for that step I'll PM you for some recs on who to use to burn the chip - I haven't even pulled mine out to see what kind of micro it is... could be that it fits a programmer we have at work. But, at this stage I'd rather have someone do it who knows what they're doing
Thanks again,
Rob

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Hey Ryan,
No prob... there's a lot to remember about these vehics.
I've got to search the forum about a loud ticking sound at idle... if it were any other hot rod I've had I'd say it's in the valvetrain, but this could be something to do with the forced induction.
Thanks,
Rob

 

[Flyin Ryan]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Hey Ryan,
No prob... there's a lot to remember about these vehics.
I've got to search the forum about a loud ticking sound at idle... if it were any other hot rod I've had I'd say it's in the valvetrain, but this could be something to do with the forced induction.
Thanks,
Rob

I know the stock injectors and a few aftermarket injectors tend to ticket extremely loud because of being seated too deep.. it's common that's what you have. I'd also check for any heat shield on the dp, cat exhaust that could be loose etc just an idea

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

Thanks for the info Ryan. I just finished searching the forums and the likely candidates seem to be: 1) fuel lines hitting between the seat and accelerator pedal on underside of chassis, 2) injectors misadjusted, 3) possible lifter partially blocked due to contamination. Found something on the brake booster check valve (mine has the old style), but that is supposed to make more of a duck honking type noise than a loud tick.
Sounds like pulling one plug wire at a time can also help find if it is a rod/bearing issue. Will try all of that this weekend.
Sorry to get on this topic in the wrong forum
...Rob

 

[berzerker]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

sb nova , where can u get blank chips for nine dollars . i cant seem to find any at all. please give me some info on this if u could .

 

[SBNova]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

They are $5 here(plus shipping);
http://www.moates.net/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=39
This is a replacment chip that should work fine. Its also flash erasable, so no UV light needed or time wasted.
You could also search EBAY for some 29C256's. I bet you could score some real cheap if you had some time to wait for a deal. Here is a link to five new chips, "buy it now" for $14.99 plus $9 for shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-x-...009QQitemZ190069425275QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[berzerker]

Re: Newbie with Kenne Bell Street Chip

very cool thanks for the info !! also any good info on cheap memcals