hey all,
Im looking at getting some of Barry's kits, quite possibly all of them. I am quite satsified with the info/explanations he provides, but I am also interested to hear from people who have any of his kits, and what they have found from having them. Btw barry, you are more than welcome to contribute to this thread.

Cheers.

I put the fuel rail kit on and instantly noticed less droning in the zorst, Other then that i cannot tell if it made it faster or whatever

']I put the fuel rail kit on and instantly noticed less droning in the zorst, Other then that i cannot tell if it made it faster or whatever


really? now thats wat i need lol. how does it do that? dosnt the fuel rail kit like just heat the fuel up so it like burns better?

really? now thats wat i need lol. how does it do that? dosnt the fuel rail kit like just heat the fuel up so it like burns better?

search it up, there's a ****load of info on it, mostly posted by Barry himself.

really? now thats wat i need lol. how does it do that? dosnt the fuel rail kit like just heat the fuel up so it like burns better?

Yeah it was suprising to say the least, of course it wasnt a HUGE amount of droning taken away but it was DEFINATLY noticable

Have the fuel rail kit, and after some distance 200km or so, less droning. Pretty cheap so worth a try.

Ive got the following kits:

- Fuel Rail
- Earthing
- Gaskets

The fuel rail kit was a lifesaver when I first got headers/exhaust/k&n panel as I got a massive flat spot in acceleration, after installing the kit, the exhaust is quieter and the flat spot is gone almost instantly.

Earthing Kit is wonderful, headlights and dash are brighter and the car's fuel economy has increased as well as the smoothness of the ride, the car seems more happy to coast along at 60-70 with little or no accelerator at all and also seems more responsive when I give it a bootful.

Gaskets have only been installed for a week or 2, car gets to operating temp quicker so less time running rich, but apart from that I havent noticed huge gains from this, but then again Im not sure where I should be expecting gains from this.

All in all, all 3 kits wil probably only set you back ~$200 and I'd recommend all 3 of them.

Any more Q's just ask.

hey all,
Im looking at getting some of Barry's kits, quite possibly all of them. I am quite satsified with the info/explanations he provides, but I am also interested to hear from people who have any of his kits, and what they have found from having them. Btw barry, you are more than welcome to contribute to this thread.

Cheers.

Hi - I have just PM'd you answers to your questions esp re Dyno results before I noticed this thread - so please check your PM's

Cheers, Barry

really? now thats wat i need lol. how does it do that? dosnt the fuel rail kit like just heat the fuel up so it like burns better?

Yep - instead of having cold fuel quench the ignition-combustion, fuel injected at just the right temp improves combustion so more energy is used to drive the piston, rather than be wasted into the exhaust, where it is heard as "droning"

This is how you can get that extra "throttle response" when used with a Hi-flow air filter

Cheers, Barry

Ahh Chisholm the valiant defender of magnas on ocau :P

I have the fuel rail system and dizzy earthing only. Noticed smoother drive on low BF opening, which enables me to cruise on low rpm quite nicely. But - when it's hot (35+) then the fuel starts to evaporise too much/early and makes idling bit crppy in buzy traffic

Ahh Chisholm the valiant defender of magnas on ocau :P

someone has to do it :flame: I love it how they use to bag out magnas incesssantly without actually knowing anyting about them. After I provided proof of stock TJ sports/VRX's running high 14's they shutup :)

thanks for the input guys, I am 99% sure I'll get all of them, suplied and fitted by Barry himself in one go.

I have the fuel rail system and dizzy earthing only. Noticed smoother drive on low BF opening, which enables me to cruise on low rpm quite nicely. But - when it's hot (35+) then the fuel starts to evaporise too much/early and makes idling bit crppy in buzy traffic

Hi Killer
WADR to your ability in fitting the kit, I honestly doubt the fuel is the reason for poor idling

The fuel may show up other underlying faults e.g. in over 60 kits in use there has been only one problem with a 2nd Gen where there was excessive random ignition timing due to a common problem for that model.

There was a 3rd Gen with lack of expected performance, and that was traced to a faulty oxy sensor

I tested the kit under the severest temps, also under commercially accepted levels on my own 3rd Gen, and there is a wide margin designed into the kit

If you want you can PM me with your details, and I will try to diagnose the likely cause

Cheers, Barry

someone has to do it :flame: I love it how they use to bag out magnas incesssantly without actually knowing anyting about them. After I provided proof of stock TJ sports/VRX's running high 14's they shutup :)
Nah, they didn't believe you or the links we provided to quarter mile times.

Yep - instead of having cold fuel quench the ignition-combustion, fuel injected at just the right temp improves combustion so more energy is used to drive the piston, rather than be wasted into the exhaust, where it is heard as "droning"

This is how you can get that extra "throttle response" when used with a Hi-flow air filter

Cheers, Barry


interesting. you will be getting a PM from me within a few weeks :D

thanks barry

Nah, they didn't believe you or the links we provided to quarter mile times.

some/most of them evidently did in the end, because they shutted-up about it havn't contested anything I've said about magnas since :)

Not that I think magnas are some kind of god's gift to motoring, but it does annoy when fanboys (usually falcadore) insist on bagging it out to extremes, without having much constructive to say.

OT: I've decided I will definantely get the fuel rail and grouding kits, still a bit undecided on the gasket kits, but for that kind of money no harm done if I don't notice any difference.

I have the earthing, fuel rail and gasket kits on my TJ auto Exec, auto, which is
otherwise stock. (next item on agenda is a K&N air filter). I fitted them all at once.

In the short time I had it before the wife took it interstate to visit family I noticed:

Immediately noticeable improved idle. Its now very smooth, and obviously so.

Improved fuel economy on highway trips. Not easy to put a figure to, because of
all the other variables affecting fuel economy, but approx 0.2 km/l and could be
more. Doesn't sound like much, but any improvement is worth having. I can't say
anything about around-town fuel economy, as each trip is different and its
impossible to tell.

Starts almost instantly. The starter motor cranks the engine faster than before,
and the engine fires up a tad quicker also.

I can't measure it, but I get a definite impression of improved torque from idle
up to mid-range....say 3500 rpm. Not a huge difference, just enough to notice.

Overall, yes I've noticed definite improvements, its worked for me, and if I had
another 3rd Gen I'd be fitting the kits to it as well.

Regards,

My Testimonial,
While being slightly sceptical, I put the earthing kit on and found the car far more tractable and responsive - smoother gear changes as well.
Well pleased with the results. I have also put on the fuel rail kit and a K&N filter and have no flat spot. Have the TB gasket on and have yet to put the inlet manifold gasket on.
For a little work and some seemingly minor mods, I am very happy with the improvements in the car's driveability. I've had a KF Verada previously and find the Magnas far better to drive that Fords or Commodores - actually bought the Verada while test driving it side by side with the same year Commodore.
Barry's mods make a good car even better. Thanks Barry.

so where do we get these kits and what is the total cost.

Yeah I have the Gaskets, but have yet to find the time to install them, but am keen to find a price on the earthing kit and fuel rail kit.

Barry?

I believe the prices are as follows from memory

Gaskets - $55 Posted
Fuel Rail Kit - $50 Posted
Earthing Kit - $95 Posted

so where do we get these kits and what is the total cost.

Hi DVS
You can get the kits if you PM me with your full postal address and preferred method of payment

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showpost.php?p=559963&postcount=192

Fuel rail kit - 49.50
Earthing/grounding kit - 95.00
3 gasket set - 55.0

Thanks, Barry

Yeah I have the Gaskets, but have yet to find the time to install them, but am keen to find a price on the earthing kit and fuel rail kit.

Barry?

Hi Poita

Fuel rail kit - 49.50
Earthing/grounding kit - 95.00

Of course if you are getting the fuel rail kit, it is best to do it at the same time as the gaskets

The earthing/grounding kit can be done independently

Thanks, Barry

how easy is it to install all these things?? can the average mechanicaly minded guy do it? or need mechanic to do it??

Gaskets and Fuel Rail kit are relatively simple.

Earthing kit was a bit daunting for me so I got it installed for me.

Re the question about how difficult is the earthing kit to fit......

I found it to be straightforward, with only a couple of fiddly bits.

Its basically a matter of removing bolts, fitting a terminal to the bolt,
and doing the bolt up again. Some mounting points are vacant but
threaded holes, so you don't even have to remove a bolt.

The airbox, and if I remember correctly the battery box, need to be
removed, but that's easy.

I found the fiddly bits to be one bolt - a distributor mounting bolt - awkward
to get at, and as I elected not to crimp/solder one of the cables (optional) I
had to modify the terminal hole, which is explained in the instructions. Not
difficult to do but it took me a little while to get it right.

Other than that, its pretty easy. Some mucking about with routing of cables,
but if you can use a socket set and screwdriver its hardly a challenge.

Regards,

sorry to spam but can i say one thing that ive noticed!

all the replies to these posts have been in great detail and people have explained why and how and under what curcumstances...its great to see because it gives future buyers a real good insight as to what the parts do!

keep up the good posts!

dave

/back to topic

PM Sent.

I'll take all three kits.

Installed the Fuel rail kit due to my bad problem of flatspot. Noticed an immediate improvement in Flat spot and small improvement in the Fuel Economy:D . Will be buying and installing the last two mods when i can afford them as well.

Also Barry was excellent to deal with. Knowledgeable and patient with questions.

sorry to spam but can i say one thing that ive noticed!

all the replies to these posts have been in great detail and people have explained why and how and under what curcumstances...its great to see because it gives future buyers a real good insight as to what the parts do!

keep up the good posts!

dave

/back to topic

I believe its because Barry's kits are extremely well made and the improvements are quite clearly noticeable. As well as that Barry is a very patient and knowledgeable man who never has a problem answering even the dumbest of questions. Im a huge fan of all his mods and hopefully we should see some more coming our way further down the track.

Also believe this thread should perhaps be stickied below Barrys other thread?

I'm looking forward to my Kits comming.

what does the earthing kit consist of? and does anyone have any pics of it??

WADR to your ability in fitting the kit, I honestly doubt the fuel is the reason for poor idling Cheers, Barry

Thanks for vote of confidence....:cool:

Mmmh, this bad idle has only occurred on very hot days (35-45 deg) and when vehicle has been in the sun and then back to slow driving again etc. Once got some air under bonnet the idle was quite ok again. This didn't occur before the installation. Logical really - the original bits are there to insulate the fuel rail to prevent them to heat up too much. As in, Barry's kit is doing the opposite with generally good results. Not gonna remove it for such minor issue tho :)

Thanks for vote of confidence....:cool:

Mmmh, this bad idle has only occurred on very hot days (35-45 deg) and when vehicle has been in the sun and then back to slow driving again etc. Once got some air under bonnet the idle was quite ok again. This didn't occur before the installation. Logical really - the original bits are there to insulate the fuel rail to prevent them to heat up too much. As in, Barry's kit is doing the opposite with generally good results. Not gonna remove it for such minor issue tho :)

Hi Killer
Yes I agree that Mitsu have kept the fuel temp cool, obviously to avoid potential problems where there is another [fault]

eg For comparison, the VR holden 3.8L V6 has fuel rails fully mounted to the top of the engine, without any insulators

The actual cause for the Magna is usually a defficiency in the electrics, after all these are directly related to battery, ECU and fuel injectors

The battery has often been cited as the reason for stalling, etc

The underbonnet temps can expand aged/painted metal earthing connections, and then lose tension again when cool

IMO (from your profile) you could improve all the weak areas in the electrical system, and then fit an electrical upgrade/grounding kit

You will improve idle and also increase torque in the part-throttle range

Cheers, Barry

Barry,

PM replied to

wouldnt mind buying all of these for my car
heard some good things about them and what they improve
will be ordering some soon barry
i'll PM you when i get some funds sorted :D

Hrmmm....

Interesting idea this fuel rail heater. I had a Saab that I ended up insulating the rail because the heatsoak when the engine was off on a hot day was enough to vaporise the fuel and create a vapour lock (making the engine very hard to start). No-one has reported this condition though (mongrel of a car... Turboed to within an inch of its life - and well beyond the life of the drivetrain - 3 transmissions... sigh.)

Also - in a few competitions where power is paramount, fuel *coolers* are fitted to increase the density of the fuel, and hence its energy content per ml. Like someone else said, there is no fuel temp sender. An assumption is made as to the fuel density/energy content.

In a highly stressed engine where leanout has disasterous results (forced induction, high compression) I don't think I would take the chances. But, heating up the fuel is a way that the endurance / fuel trial cars get their results. And magnas run too rich from factory anyway.

In summation - for atmo cars, probably not a problem - for forced induction/high compression, you are throwing another (minor) risk into the mix.

Power will probably go up marginally - a slightly leaner mixture will probably be beneficial - on NA cars - on FI cars - not worth the risk.

The earthing kit definitly has merit, as does the TB insulators...

Cheers
Heath Young

Hi all just had my fuel/earth kits fitted to my VR-X ,VERY HAPPY with the result thanks barry:bowdown:

I purchased all of Barrys kits and am quite pleased with the results. I have a TJ Sports tiptronic with Ralliart running gear, K & N Panel filter and a few other mods. I hooked up an air/fuel analyzer prior to fitting the kits and again a few hundred km's after there is a definate difference. I no longer have a flat spot down low (prior to fitting the kits there was a definate lean off in fuel) and the car generally feels a lot more responsive.
I must add that Barrys kits are very well made, the instructions are easy to follow and comprehensive and I would recommend them to anyone.

Looking forward to mine next week !!!

Let me know when i can pick up Barry.

Well I've had the kits installed, update time.

First of all, thanks a bunch Barry, im happy with the results, and you were a pleasure to deal with. Anyone who's in Sydney, I highly recomend getting Barry himself to install the kits. His work is professional, and he is very patient, happy to answer any questions, relevent to his kits or not, and explain things in great detail if they are in his area of expertise :thumbsup:

As I had all his kits installed at once, I can only comment on the overall results, rather than on kits in specific.

I should point out atm my TJ sports manual, is completely stock motor-wise, I wanted the kits in first as a foundation before I begig making changes. Even so, the difference after the kits is quite amazing.

The main difference can be summed up as : It seems to be making substantially more torque in in the 1000-2500rpmg revrange. E.g I only need about 20% throttle to move as quick as I use to with say 30-40% in that revrange. Makes for much improved drivability in traffic. I can't feel any difference in the 3-6k rpm range. If anything, it feels a little sluggish now in the higher revs, but I think that's only because the power comeso on a bit smoother, and lower revs perfromance has improved in comparison. I suspect this is the reverse of the k&n effect, where the top end feels faster, because low-revs performance declines.

As we all know, the magna motors are a bit gutless down low compared to something like the ford inline-6. These kits rectify this quite noticeably. Around town I find it drives much more effortlessly, and I find myself hanging onto taller gears in situations where previously I would have downshifted to avoid labouring the engine. It's also quite noticeable on the highway, where it just seems much happier lazing in 5th gear, especially up hills. Feels like now simply breathin on the throttle ie enough to hold cruising speed. I suspect this difference in low-revs performance is easier to percieve in a manual car, as you don't have the torque convertor to slip against, so it's very easy to feel how "happy" your engine is at low revs, you can feel its struggling just a little well before it starts to labour. This "struggling" feeling at low revs in the taller gears rears its ugly head much later than before.

Another benefit is the motor feels smoother down low in the revrange, and the exhaust note is a bit different in the low revs. It sounds a little deeper and lessy droney, and also seems a tad louder, although this might just be because it drones less, so you hear the actual exhaust note more easily.

I can't comment on fuel economy, as I just had a new O2 sensor put in before getting the kits installed, although I certainly doubt it's hurting exonmoy. And with the gaskets I'm now reaching correct idle MUCH quicker than before, which can only help fuel economy.

Overall, I'm very satsified with the results, It hasn't transformed my car in a groundbreaking way, but it has made it noteacibly more pleasant to drive in daily traffic, and I'm now set up to do other mods without having to worry about the dreaded flat spot. And for $260 for all kits installed (fuel rail, grounding, TB/EGR/PLENUM gaskets), I think it's quite a bargain for what you get out of it. Highly recommended.

Cheers.

Good write up I'm yet to fit mine, I just haven't had the time, thanks to the Electricty Company.

Well I've had the kits installed, update time.

First of all, thanks a bunch Barry, im happy with the results, and you were a pleasure to deal with. Anyone who's in Sydney, I highly recomend getting Barry himself to install the kits
His work is professional, and he is very patient, happy to answer any questions, relevent to his kits or not, and explain things in great detail if they are in his area of
expertise :thumbsup:

Hi Chisolm - many thanks for the rap and it's a pleasure to do it for those who are appreciative of the results

As I had all his kits installed at once, I can only comment on the overall results, rather than on kits in specific.

I should point out atm my TJ sports manual, is completely stock motor-wise, I wanted the kits in first as a foundation before I begig making changes. Even so, the difference after the kits is quite amazing.

The main difference can be summed up as : It seems to be making substantially more torque in in the 1000-2500rpmg revrange. E.g I only need about 20% throttle to move as quick as I use to with say 30-40% in that revrange. Makes for much improved drivability in traffic

I can't feel any difference in the 3-6k rpm range. If anything, it feels a little sluggish now in the higher revs, but I think that's only because the power comeso on a bit smoother, and lower revs perfromance has improved in comparison

I suspect this is the reverse of the k&n effect, where the top end feels faster, because low-revs performance declines

Yes, I think you are quite correct here - if you now fit a hi-flow air filter you should get more part-throttle torque response, due to the extra Hydrogen that combines better with the improved fuel delivery

As we all know, the magna motors are a bit gutless down low compared to something like the ford inline-6. These kits rectify this quite noticeably

Around town I find it drives much more effortlessly, and I find myself hanging onto taller gears in situations where previously I would have downshifted to avoid labouring the engine

It's also quite noticeable on the highway, where it just seems much happier lazing in 5th gear, especially up hills

Feels like now simply breathin on the throttle ie enough to hold cruising speed

I suspect this difference in low-revs performance is easier to percieve in a manual car, as you don't have the torque convertor to slip against, so it's very easy to feel how "happy" your engine is at low revs, you can feel its struggling just a little well before it starts to labour
This "struggling" feeling at low revs in the taller gears rears its ugly head much later than before.

Another benefit is the motor feels smoother down low in the revrange, and the exhaust note is a bit different in the low revs

It sounds a little deeper and lessy droney, and also seems a tad louder, although this might just be because it drones less, so you hear the actual exhaust note more easily.

I can't comment on fuel economy, as I just had a new O2 sensor put in before getting the kits installed, although I certainly doubt it's hurting economy. And with the gaskets I'm now reaching correct idle MUCH quicker than before, which can only help fuel economy.

Overall, I'm very satsified with the results, It hasn't transformed my car in a groundbreaking way, but it has made it noteacibly more pleasant to drive in daily traffic, and I'm now set up to do other mods without having to worry about the dreaded flat spot. And for $260 for all kits installed (fuel rail, grounding, TB/EGR/PLENUM gaskets), I think it's quite a bargain for what you get out of it. Highly recommended.

Cheers.

I think your existing sports exhaust will be quite good enough - just get the Hi-flow air filter and see how you go!

Cheers, Barry

Good to see another member as satisfied with Barry's kits as I am.

Hope you enjoy.

I see the posts praising the kits and this is great.

Does anyone have any pictures of the kits as I am sure more members would be less hesitant in buying these if they saw pictures of what they are getting for their $$

All in all the theory behind these does work, my Verada had a varient idea applied to it and made a big improvement.

Good write-up Chisholm - always a pleasure to read your posts.

Getting my fuel kit from Barry. Will post a picture of how they look like once they arrive if it's ok with Barry. Considering that it is afterall his product, don't want him to sic his lawyers onto me lol

Getting my fuel kit from Barry. Will post a picture of how they look like once they arrive if it's ok with Barry. Considering that it is afterall his product, don't want him to sic his lawyers onto me lol

Not a problem with the Pic - in fact it has been posted before

Cheers, Barry

Barry what do you mean by earthing the coolant. how do you do that?

Barry where are you located in Sydney?
I'm interested in getting the 3 kits installed by you.
I've got an '04 TW AWD VR-X, and have ordered a Sprintex kit.
Other mods coming in the next few weeks will be Headers, K & N filter, Hi Flow Cat, Whiteline Front & Rear Sways.
.
Just wondering if the kits will assist with my set up?

Barry what do you mean by earthing the coolant. how do you do that?

Hi Mag...

You earth the metal core of the radiator, and also the point nearest to the thermostat housing

Cheers, Barry

Barry where are you located in Sydney?
I'm interested in getting the 3 kits installed by you.
I've got an '04 TW AWD VR-X, and have ordered a Sprintex kit.
Other mods coming in the next few weeks will be Headers, K & N filter, Hi Flow Cat, Whiteline Front & Rear Sways.
.
Just wondering if the kits will assist with my set up?

Hi Jaz

I'm out Penrith way - just PM me when you are ready

You will prolly be best to contact the s/c installer to verify what kits are suitable, and I can work with you/them to make sure it all goes smoothly

Should be great
Cheers, Barry

Hi Barry,
Tried sending you a PM but your inbox was full! I have DD on the 27/12 into your account could you send me your email address so i can give you the postal address.

I've just bought an '02 sports manual for my wife and tribe - still in completely stock form it's got HEAPS better driveability than my daily, an 06 Forester XT (ie 2.5 turbo FTNITK)

I am really diappointed in the Subie's poor throttle response and general driveability (considering it's relative price tag). The service dept tell me there's nothing wrong with it too... compared to other XTs maybe...

It's not turbo lag I'm concerned about, just jittery, surging acceleration and random power output that seems to be not tied to any environmental or fuel factors - It's just driving me :nuts:

Wonder if there's a legend like Barry in the Subaru world?

Anyways, as much as I don't think my Magna needs any improving, based on the plethora of positive responses from you lot, I will definitely be laying down the $$ to Baz as soon as his inbox clears :D

Hi Barry,
Tried sending you a PM but your inbox was full! I have DD on the 27/12 into your account could you send me your email address so i can give you the postal address.

Hi A...
Sorry about the inbox full - I was away for 2 days
Email address should be in my avatar
Your kit is going well - I just need you to confirm if you have 3.0L or 3.5L engine

Thanks, Barry

I've just bought an '02 sports manual for my wife and tribe - still in completely stock form it's got HEAPS better driveability than my daily, an 06 Forester XT (ie 2.5 turbo FTNITK)

I am really diappointed in the Subie's poor throttle response and general driveability (considering it's relative price tag). The service dept tell me there's nothing wrong with it too... compared to other XTs maybe...

It's not turbo lag I'm concerned about, just jittery, surging acceleration and random power output that seems to be not tied to any environmental or fuel factors - It's just driving me :nuts:

Wonder if there's a legend like Barry in the Subaru world?

Anyways, as much as I don't think my Magna needs any improving, based on the plethora of positive responses from you lot, I will definitely be laying down the $$ to Baz as soon as his inbox clears :D


Hi teejay

Sorry about inbox full - I have been away but it should be OK now
No worries - the sports is a good car and I can definitely improve it

Cheers, Barry