zex install?

[sabtaj1]

Just what the title says. I just recieved my kit and will install it soon. I am wondering what wire to hook up to for tps sensor. I know its the white wire on the box but dont know which wire on the tps. And I know one of you guys would know. Thanks again. Would love to see some pics of how and where you mounted the stuff under the hood. sabtaj1@sbcglobal.net
Thanks ahead of time. Jason

[Raudermaster]

PM Pat as he is helping me with my install. He is very knowledgeable and helpful.

[Pat]

Sabtaj1;

Check Reinhart's Automotive Forum, look for Zex Install thread and there is most of the info you will need. Read all the posts, I put a step by step install procedure in that thread.

The wire you need is the #2 or middle wire on the TPS harness.

I'll post more pictures in the next days, there are some already on the North Texas Marauder photo section.

The installation does not need to be hard if you have settled the issue of where your going to tap off for power (+12V), I used the console cigarette lighter fuse connection in the main fuse box under the dash and I put my arming switch in the dummy button next to the trunk release button in the drivers door panel.

I would like to advise you to buy the Traction Control device from Zex and you will be able to better control when the system fires from a WOT position (some can build their own).

You see, from a standing start, firing the Zex at WOT throttle doesn't account for the engine having to build RPM's and be ready to take this added power.

You first determine, by testing, when your tires hook up and thus set your controller to fire at or above that RPM. Your engine is then ready for the nitrous shot. In my case it was 4K. So that's where I programmed the controller to fire the Zex system, keep in mind you ARE WOT, not just driving around at 4K. The controller is fully progammable to any RPM.

At MV-V My car, without the nitrous, ran a 14.4 ET @ 93 MPH and with the nitrous ran a 13.5 @ 103 MPH on a mid ninty degree day with high humidity.


Good luck, PM me if you have more questions.

Pat

[sabtaj1]

Thanks, that helps alot. I will be intouch soon! Jason

[fairlane347]

I just finished my Zex dry kit, its the gray wire with white trace (the middle wire). I can't wait to try mine out!

[Pops]

Pat also had the power adder car that beat me me at MMV. It was not hard to tell when the juice started flowing. That was a good run Pat and I had fun!

[sabtaj1]

Well, I mounted the bottle in the trunk today and ran the main nitrous line. I have the kit with the shorter main line. Let me tell you. I am glad I didnt have the kit with the longer line in it. from the trunk I ran it in the frame rail to the front all on the drivers side. I ended up putting more line back into the trunk becouse the line was comming out of the engine bay and over the front bumper. I dont know if its becouse the way I ran it or what but it was not short by any means. I am waiting on the nozzle bung to arrive to mount the nozzle into the intake tube. And I did take your advise and I bought the zex traction control device. I am waiting for that to arrive so I can figure out how everything is supposed to wire up. I am trying to do a really clean install. Nothing worse than seeing a big rats nest of a nitrous kit under a hood. I will keep ya posted. Also, fairlane 347, how is that dry kit workin for ya? Please let me know. Thanks, Jason.

[fairlane347]

Well, I mounted the bottle in the trunk today and ran the main nitrous line. I have the kit with the shorter main line. Let me tell you. I am glad I didnt have the kit with the longer line in it. from the trunk I ran it in the frame rail to the front all on the drivers side. I ended up putting more line back into the trunk becouse the line was comming out of the engine bay and over the front bumper. I dont know if its becouse the way I ran it or what but it was not short by any means. I am waiting on the nozzle bung to arrive to mount the nozzle into the intake tube. And I did take your advise and I bought the zex traction control device. I am waiting for that to arrive so I can figure out how everything is supposed to wire up. I am trying to do a really clean install. Nothing worse than seeing a big rats nest of a nitrous kit under a hood. I will keep ya posted. Also, fairlane 347, how is that dry kit workin for ya? Please let me know. Thanks, Jason.


Had a flip chip burned by Lidio at Alternative Auto, the car is awsome, blows the tires off if I want. Got 348hp and 482 ft. lbs. on the 125 shot LOVE it. Get a proper tune so it lives forever!
ps PM me if you want more details.

[Pat]

Well, I mounted the bottle in the trunk today and ran the main nitrous line. I have the kit with the shorter main line. Let me tell you. I am glad I didnt have the kit with the longer line in it. from the trunk I ran it in the frame rail to the front all on the drivers side. I ended up putting more line back into the trunk becouse the line was comming out of the engine bay and over the front bumper. Jason.

Jason, you got a kit with a line for a truck. No sweat I guess. My "long" Line was a perfect length, not 6 inches to spare and I ran it just like you did.

That Zex company is getting too loose.

The short line we speak of is for a Mustang/Camaro/firebird type vehicle.

Oh well, as they say in France "better over than under".

[sabtaj1]

Well, I have installed the nozzle. I made a mounting plate out of aluminum and poilshed it. This instals like toomanyfords mount that he made. This is to mount the zex unit and it sits inbetween the top of fender well and brake master cylinder. Mounts to the exsisting bolts for the cruis control. Looks pretty slick. Thanks for the idea! I am waiting on the traction control to arrive tomarrow so I can try to figure out how everything is to be wired. I am gonna be useing the 125hp jets and dont plan on going over that. as for this is my everyday car. I will keep ya posted on the progress and I will try to put some pics up after all is done.

[superford3]

you will love the hit you get ,i put my window switch at 3,000 rpm untill i learned how the car reacted ,then went to 2,600 and it was perfect

[sabtaj1]

Hey super was that with a stock stall? I have the 3500 and not really sure where to start. I would assume higher than 3500 becouse of the stall. Was the TC unit easy to wire up? Also where did you put the TC unit? Thanks!

[sabtaj1]

I have posted a pic with the brain box mounted to the polished aluminum bracket that I made. Its in my gallery pics. Sorry its a big picture, dont know how to resize it.

[Zack]

I have posted a pic with the brain box mounted to the polished aluminum bracket that I made. Its in my gallery pics. Sorry its a big picture, dont know how to resize it.

www.picresize.com

[sabtaj1]

cool thank you Zack.

[sabtaj1]

ok, sorry. More questions. I just recieved my traction control device. I am wondering where you guys are hooking up the tach signal wire? Also where you decided to run the wires through the firewall. and where you decide to tap into the tps sensor. and is it safe to mount the module under the hood or should I mount it in the cabin? Sorry for all the questions but I want to do a really clean install and have it work the first time and not fight with it. Thank you for your time. Jason

[sabtaj1]

Anyone??? I would like to get this done by friday. Supposed to be in the 70-80 degrees and not humid. Want to get er out to the strip, I hope.

[Pat]

I mounted my TC on the same plate as the "brain box" as you call it.
Picked up the tach signal at the back of the instrument panel (lot's of work) prolly an easier way if you have a wiring diagram. My dealer copied wiring schematic pages for me on another matter that came later, didn't think to ask about this one at the time.

I suggest you locate the wire for the tach from the ECU and splice into it. I used a solder connection, don't want it to come loose.

I also have a 3500 stall converter and set my signal to fire at 4K. Based on tests make with launching the car with a rider aboard so he could listen/feel for tire hook-up.

In my case it was 3500 RPM so I set the TC for 4000 RPM because I don't want to start losing traction. I'm using street tires- KDWS. Every car/tire combo will require you to experiment. I would say 3.5 to 4K RPM on the outside.

[sabtaj1]

Thanks, I am really tryin to get this done tomarrow. That way I might be able to take her out friday night. Fingers crossed. Well I have to check for detonation before I even think of running it so I hope to finish it tomarrow. Lots of plug pulls to check for detonation. Better safe than sorry. Thanks

[Pat]

Oops! I just noticed that your shelf is not the same shape as mine so I'm not sure if you can mount the TC to the shelf. You may have to reposition the ZEX computer. Look at my photos on the North Texas Marauder photo section.

Whoa Jason, Your using a 125 shot, I'm using a 100 shot and had lidio retard timing 6 degrees and put in Iridum spark plugs. I would not advise you to run a 125 shot without retarded timing. I don't think there is such a thing as a little detonation for these motors. Seems to snap the oil pump shaft and size the motor. Like being a little bit pregnant.

Trying to rush this will not be in your best interests.

So after the hardware and wiring install, you will need to get an updated tune, re-read "fairlane 347's" post above. change your plugs if you haven't done so to copper core or iridium.

Be sure to "index" your nozzle, that is the opening is pointed toward the throttle body.

If you have done these things then all well and good. I'm just not sure.

[sabtaj1]

Thanks for the heads up. I have a tune for the 125 from reinhart. I also have the denso IT-20 plugs in it. I am thinking I should be ok but, I have to locate the/a Tach output wire. In a easy place to get to. I hope. Thank you for the heads up.

[superford3]

i only pulled 2 degrees timing for a 150 shot and never had a problem ,and ran perfect on a dyno with a 11.8 a/f and had light brown plug tips using autolight ap103s spark plugs

[sabtaj1]

maybe he ment six degrees from his tune? Depending on how much it was advanced. Hey super, ya ever find out about that wire? Thanks. Jason

Wow, those dyno numbers are building up super. Remeber that 2003 cobra I had told you about? It was forsale for 24,900. That is a steal for that car.

[superford3]

The Coil Wire For Signal Is Red And Green

[superford3]

maybe he ment six degrees from his tune? Depending on how much it was advanced. Hey super, ya ever find out about that wire? Thanks. Jason

Wow, those dyno numbers are building up super. Remeber that 2003 cobra I had told you about? It was forsale for 24,900. That is a steal for that car.yes and to think i paid 21,500 for 21,000 miles with mods:D

[sabtaj1]

if anyone is interested. I went to the ford dealer where I work and grabbed a shop manuel. The main computer harness is where I tapped in to get the tach signal. It is PIN #48 LG/WT (light green/ white strip). Very easy to get to. Took the C.control unit and moved it out of the way and pulled the plug and the cap. Located the wire and put a T connector on and thats that. Hope this helps if someone is looking. And from what I am told the TPS wire to hook up is the center wire on the plug, it is Grey/White stripe. I confirmed this in the shop manual. Figured I had the manual so I would double check. Thanks to all. I will keep ya posted.

[Pat]

Way to go Jason;

Glad your dealer helped you find that Tach wire. Don't forget to turn your bottle on at the track, he, he.

Interested to set where you set the TC rpm, post when you can.
I'm at 4K, as I said previously, but I could set it a 3.8 K possibly.

I'm told that you launch regular, no burn out, from idle, ususal stuff off and just nail it. I took a rider along with me first time to listen for detonation. No problem, from then on I had to wear a helmet and fire jacket. You do have those things right?

Good luck.

If all goes well you should be in the low 13's at 103+. On a cool nite you could crack the 12's. WOW.

Pat

[sabtaj1]

I have a pink pro-tech helmet from when I was 12 and was skateboarding and a jacket with flames on it. Dont think those will pass though. I still have to finish wireing. I am really taking my time and so far its really paying off. Everything wired looks factory so far. Heat shrinking all wires and zip tieing. Gonna make a panel for the nitrous switch soon. I will post pics when I am finished. Should be pretty cool. Thanks. And I am planning on 12's on the first pass. (if I get it to hook). I dont do burnouts but I go around the water box and back up to the edge of the box and nail it just to warm them up. I run 26psi in the rears. This netted me 2.0 60ft times all motor. Plus it was very hot and humid when I was doing that. Netted a 14.002 at 98.6 mph. So I am hopeing for the 12's on the first pass. Not goin tomarrow though. I am gonna wait so I dont rush the instal. Plus I am gonna run down to my friends dyno and check the air fuel mixture and see if I can get some numbers N/A and with the spray. I will be sure to post as soon as I find out. Thanks again for your help. Jason.

[Pat]

Here is a link to a site that complies a large data base of drag race data.
www.dragtimes.com/Mercury--Marauder-Drag-Racing.html (http://www.dragtimes.com/Mercury--Marauder-Drag-Racing.html)

Many MM racers post there and you will recognize many members from this site.

[sabtaj1]

Cool link. 12's Hmm, Dont really see anyone runnin them on the squeez. Maybe I wont make 12's.

[John Nero]

i did a 12.6 on nitrous in gainsville at mmv4 -100 shot-nitto drag radials-
1.70 60ft

[sabtaj1]

Thats awesome! I dont have drag radials though. 100 shot?? Maybe I shouldnt push it with the 125? I wont go anymore than the 125 though. I do believe that superford was sprayin 150 though. But 100 or 125 is good enough I would say. Now you got me thinkin on the 100 or 125 shot. Is the 125 safe? Properly tuned I know is a must. Is there anyone useing the 125 shot? Thanks. Jason
and damn 12.6 Thats freakin awesome with a 100 shot!

[superford3]

Thats awesome! I dont have drag radials though. 100 shot?? Maybe I shouldnt push it with the 125? I wont go anymore than the 125 though. I do believe that superford was sprayin 150 though. But 100 or 125 is good enough I would say. Now you got me thinkin on the 100 or 125 shot. Is the 125 safe? Properly tuned I know is a must. Is there anyone useing the 125 shot? Thanks. Jason
and damn 12.6 Thats freakin awesome with a 100 shot!
if its tuned right ,up to a 150 shot is safe

[sabtaj1]

Ok, This is probably a stupid question but I have to ask. I have read all the directions for programing. I have everything all wired up. The zex box and the traction control module. I turned the system on with the car in the run position and pushed the button and started holding the gas pedal down like it says to do. But before its on the floor it starts flashing like it should when its done. So I turn it all of and turn it on to check and the solinoids are opening and closing rapidly without even touching the pedal. Does the TC module have to be disconected in order to program this thing or what? Everything is soldered so I know the connections are good and all the wireing should be exact. I couldnt figure it out. Figured I would ask before I start taking this crap apart. I tried it a couple times and get the same thing. I just dont think the tps signal is going through the TC box since the car isnt running. I have no idea, I am used to regular nitrous kits. Not the tps ones. Thanks ahead of time. Jason
Also, can the traction control power be wired with the power for the nitrous unit? Never said, but I was asuming so.

[sabtaj1]

Ok, Scratch the last question. I got the zex box programed. I didnt realize it had to be programed before the TC was installed. Anyways, about the TC unit. I have programed everything except the first step 1. Tach signal setup. I am unsure of what I should be putting in here. Sould the display be reading 008? If you have a zex traction control unit could you please let me know what exactly I should be putting here. Please and thank you. I am getting excited. Still have to do the fuel line and fill the bottle though.

[superford3]

Ok, Scratch the last question. I got the zex box programed. I didnt realize it had to be programed before the TC was installed. Anyways, about the TC unit. I have programed everything except the first step 1. Tach signal setup. I am unsure of what I should be putting in here. Sould the display be reading 008? If you have a zex traction control unit could you please let me know what exactly I should be putting here. Please and thank you. I am getting excited. Still have to do the fuel line and fill the bottle though.that is correct

[sabtaj1]

Thank you very much. Gonna fill the bottle after work tonight. And hook up the fuel feed.

[KillJoy]

This Thread is useless without Pics.

:D

KillJoy

[sabtaj1]

pics are coming soon. Maybe tonight. Sorry

[sabtaj1]

just went to fill the bottle. They said they couldnt and that it had to be checked first becouse ite been five years since the bottle had been filled. So, I emailed the guy on ebay that I got the kit from. Said that it wsa on his car for maybe two weeks and that everything was pretty much new. And which it did all look like new. Sorry, Had to vent. Get everything done then the main part is POOP!!!!!!!!!! damn, I wonder if this is some type of sign?

[KillJoy]

How did they "know" the age???

KillJoy

[sabtaj1]

the numbers stamped on the bottle = month and year. 07^02
I guess every bottle has it. They said they have to hydro check it. But the bad news is their machine is broken and they are waiting on the repair parts. So who knows how long it will take. The place I found is 2.95 a lb. and you get 9 fills and your 10th is free. SO its worth the wait. And they still have my fill card from my mustang days.

[KillJoy]

That sounds like when the Bottle was MADE, not last filled up.

Have any other local "gas" stations????

KillJoy

[sabtaj1]

Yes, but they say that it checks the pressure for the valve, its a safety thing so I guess its no big deal. So Thats all I am waiting for. So I am now gonna run the wires for a purge and remote bottle opener since I plan on adding these soon. Pics of the switches and the whole thing will be coming soon. I will have to put them in my gallery pics since I dont know how to put them on the post/

[sabtaj1]

there are a couple pics in my gallery of some of the install. Was gonna make a plate for the front pocket of the door panel but decided not to.

[sabtaj1]

Ok, I have pictures in my member gallery. I cant figure out how to put pictures on this post though. Can anyone tell me how to or just put the pics on this post? It would greatly be appreciated. Thanks. Like Killjoy said "This thread is worthless without pics".

[superford3]

the numbers stamped on the bottle = month and year. 07^02
I guess every bottle has it. They said they have to hydro check it. But the bad news is their machine is broken and they are waiting on the repair parts. So who knows how long it will take. The place I found is 2.95 a lb. and you get 9 fills and your 10th is free. SO its worth the wait. And they still have my fill card from my mustang days.
holy crap thats cheap ,here it is 5 bucks a pound

[sabtaj1]

At the speed shop its almost that, but at a medical supply company its cheaper. Thats where the speed shops fill their tanks then resell it.

[sabtaj1]

pics123456

[KillJoy]

HERE (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=4531) are your Pics ;)

KillJoy

[sabtaj1]

Hey, Thanks. Not sure how to do that stuff. Pics arent very good but they are pics.

[sabtaj1]

Got the bottle back today, with 5 pounds (n20 pump broke)!!!!! Have it in now but havent tried it yet. Hope to get it on the dyno soon and get er out to the track. Keep ya posted

[sabtaj1]

Ok, I am very happy. With only 5 pounds and a cold bottle. unsure what the pressure was but WOW!!!! I absolutly LOVE IT! I have the TC module set to come on at 3700rpm and shut off at 5900rpm. SO I am rolling at 10mph on good concrete. I floor it and it goes then starts blowin the tires of in first the half way through second. This thing flys! And whats the odds of this. I see a fox body mustang at the light. light turned green and was rolling at 30mph I could tell by the sound he had some stuff done. anyways he Wuffed me, so I did the same back. Then he got on it and so did I and I walked away from him like nothin. Hence the 30mph roll (hard to beat a marauder at that). got to 70 slowed down. came up to the light and he couldnt believe it. he wanted to know what was done to it. I said Stock ;-)
He then said his car went 12.80 on dr's. HELL YES!! When I heard that I had the Biggest Sh-- eatin grin on my face. Had to share. And no I dont really do the street racing thing, but I couldnt resist it then. Just had to share.

Also, Thanks to all that have answered my questions and helped me out on this. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!

[Pat]

I'm very happy to see you complete this project and that it worked out well.

One thing to consider, if your losing traction when the nitrous fires you may not be fully hooked up and need to set your TC RPM higher, or you need a better/wider street tire or a drag radial.

You are now officially a member in good standing of the Street Sharks of America.

[Gre8one7]

Awesome jason! Saw u drivin on the ave the other day and was wondering if u had gotten the NOS yet. You have a 12 second car, i would put money on it...hell i ran a 13.48 on intake and nitrous. Bet u will run a 12.84 your 1st run hehe

[sabtaj1]

Awesome jason! Saw u drivin on the ave the other day and was wondering if u had gotten the NOS yet. You have a 12 second car, i would put money on it...hell i ran a 13.48 on intake and nitrous. Bet u will run a 12.84 your 1st run hehe

I am hopeing for better. Kinda nervous using the spray on the marauder though. Dont wanna hurt it. So I probably wont be using it that much. I saw that fairlane347 lost his motor. not sure if it was due to the squeez or not. But he was running a dry kit and I am using a wet kit. I did however notice a tick inside the car but that was before the juice was installed. I have an exhaust leak and think it may be coming from there. Have no idea, when the radio is off I can hear it coming from the dash d.side. cant tell if its from the exhaust or the back of the d.side head. Just started doin it a little after the exhaust was leaking. exhaust valve? dunno.

[superford3]

a wet kit is far more safe than a dry kit in my experience ,i just pilled up my car to a 150 shot now and holy crap what a difference ,have fun with the spray dude and congrats on the install