Magnavolt Mounting Location -- Engine Bay? Trunk? Other? Why?

rand49er · #1 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 08:13 AM

Just got a Magnavolt to install. I know some of you guys had some problems with having an adequate ground, but is there a preferred mounting location? Why there? Heat? Better grounding? Accessibility?

justin311 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 11:08 AM

I'd like to know also. Good question Randy.

ctsv154 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 11:57 AM

If you have the new one that is all one piece, probably the best place is under the hood so you have a good clean boost reference. Now I believe Heavy Metals has basically a separate map and then then the magnavolt so he installed the magnavolt in the trunk and the map under the hood. The shorter you can keep the boost reference line, the better off you'll be.

**heavymetals** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 01:39 PM

Correct. The pressure switch is under the hood, mounted on the firewall with the wires running to the trunk to trigger the Magnavolt (old design but works for me).

I am still on my original(!) Magnavolt and only blew the fuse once when I first turned it on (no load on the fuel pump).

I don't like putting electronics in a hot engine compartment.

MAKE SURE YOU GROUND THE HECK OUT OF IT.

lilgCTS-V · #5 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 01:45 PM

WhAt does a magnavolt do ? Exactly

CTSV_510 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 01:57 PM

Randy - I think you'll have to go under the hood unless you have the extra hardware required to mount it elsewhere like heavy. The under the hood location is certainly convenient for installation, but now that I think about it you actually might be able to mount it somewhere under the passenger side of the dash (I don't remember how much room is in there). Your boost reference line and wiring could go right through the firewall and not be any longer than if the magnavolt was under the hood. That might be worth taking a look at since it would be a good bit cooler in there.

And GROUND THE HECK OUTTA IT x1000000!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilgCTS-V

WhAt does a magnavolt do ? Exactly

It increases voltage to the fuel pump when under boost to keep pressure up when there is high demand for fuel. It is triggered when boost goes to ~4psi I believe, but someone else can verify or correct me on that.

**heavymetals** · #7 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 02:08 PM

The Magnavolt is a switching power supply that "boosts" the voltage to the fuel pump on demand (vacuum) to increase fuel pressure.

DisposableHero · #8 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 02:09 PM

any pics guys?

rand49er · #9 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 03:20 PM

Here's the kit I bought. Don't have any install pics, though.

justin311 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 03:32 PM

That's what mine looks like.

rand49er · #11 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 03:35 PM

That's encouraging!

(Mod Hell is very lonely when you're by yourself.

)

ctsv154 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 03:44 PM

No mount? If you are mounting under the hood they sell a mount that bolts it to the the passengers side strut tower. Very convenient but hot. Like 510 said it may be worth looking into mounting inside if possible.

rand49er · #13 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 04:35 PM

I'm assuming the "boost reference line" is a vacuum tube that connects to a nipple on the maggie and tells the Magnavolt that the supercharger is in boost mode (i.e. pressure, not vacuum) and to crank up the voltage to the fuel pump.

Also, I'm assuming by keeping it short, there's less opportunity for it to get in trouble (i.e. kink, get cut, melt, etc.) thereby not relaying the boost-condition info on to the magnavolt.

True those?

Slithering_Joe · #14 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rand49er

...Also, I'm assuming by keeping it short, there's less opportunity for it to get in trouble (i.e. kink, get cut, melt, etc.) thereby not relaying the boost-condition info on to the magnavolt.

True those?

You want that line as short as possible. The shorter the line the less [air] mass it takes to pressurize (boost)/depressurize(vacuum) the line giving a more accurate and quicker transient for the Manga-Volt to react to.

CTSV_510 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rand49er

I'm assuming the "boost reference line" is a vacuum tube that connects to a nipple on the maggie and tells the Magnavolt that the supercharger is in boost mode (i.e. pressure, not vacuum) and to crank up the voltage to the fuel pump.

Also, I'm assuming by keeping it short, there's less opportunity for it to get in trouble (i.e. kink, get cut, melt, etc.) thereby not relaying the boost-condition info on to the magnavolt.

True those?

Yes, though, the line that comes with the kit is the size that Magnuson intended to be used with the setup, so as long as you don't lengthen that line, you will still be working within the original specs. I guarantee that if you find a place under the passenger side dash, the supplied line will reach just fine.

The line itself is pretty tough. It seems to me to be holding up to the engine heat very well, and it actually is firm enough that you would have to try pretty hard to get a kink in it. I have it running through a series of zip tie loops that keep it in place but don't squeeze it too much.

So, IMO, I don't think you need to worry about shortening the line at all, just don't lengthen it.