Whipple Question

['02 SilveradoSS]

Can a Whipple Supercharger be run without the whipple computer?

[James B.]

Originally posted by '02 SilveradoSS
Can a Whipple Supercharger be run without the whipple computer?

Yes, but only if you make up for the lack of fuel in some other way. The stock EFI will provide fuel for the additional air to a point, but the auxiliary fuel system provides enough fuel for enrichment under boost and timing retard to prevent detonation.

I'm not sure why you're asking this. If you're intention is to install only the supercharger and not the fuel system you're asking for engine damage due to detonation. If you'd like to know if it's possible to drive it without the fuel system connected for some reason, yes you can drive it as long as you stay out of more than 2 psi of bost. If you plan on installing 8 bigger injectors and custom programming your stock PCM, that would be better than Whipple's system. As far as the supercharger itself - it's 100% mechanical and will work with any suplimental fuel system you choose as long as it's set up right.

['02 SilveradoSS]

Well the reason I ask is the truck does not seem any faster with the whipple than it did without it. It seems slower. I had 4.10's installed before I installed the whipple and it would spin the tires through first and second. Since I installed the whipple I'm lucky if it will spin the tires at all. I run Amoco 93 octane and it pings like crazy. At WOT there is no KR and timing is at 15 degrees and my O2's are in the .900's. If I go WOT from idle it bogs badly. The only way I could get it not to ping was pull some timing out with my predator. I do not have the predator tuning installed. I thought it would work without the whipple computer and I think your right that it would be better without it. I would much rather have larger injectors and custom programming. It seems to me that all I have now is nothing more than a $3000+ noise maker.

[James B.]

It sounds exactly like it's not getting the extra fuel. Double check everything electrical. Without the extra fuel it will feel like a tired, winded slug.

I had an electrical problem with my auxiliary EFI computer once and if behaved exactly as you are describing.

There is another possibility... The bypass valve may not be closing. check for clearance around the bybass valve. You can verify it's working by running the engine at idle and then disconnecting the vacuum line going to the actuator. The valve should spring shut (totally shut) instantly. If it doesn't, that's your problem. I know those lines are hard to get to and you may need to connect up a temporary longer one for this test.

Good luck

['02 SilveradoSS]

I've checked the electrical connections fours times and they are all fine. I pulled a vacuum line and the valve instantly closed.

[James B.]

Have you had this for a while? I remember posts from a few months ago with the same problem, was that you too? It's got to be fuel. Try disconnection power to the fuel injectors and see if it doesn't get worse. Be careful... let off the moment you hear pinging.
If it runs identically with the fuel injectors disconnected you wil have your proof that something's up with the auxiliary fuel system.

[Physh1]

I know this doesn't help much now but have you called Whipple about this? I think I remember you posting this too and if you've run the truck this long with the same problem I'd be kidna concerned.

Cameron

[ranwalk]

I believe you are having the same type problem i had when i first installed my whipple.It seems to be mainly on the 2002 trucks.GM changed somthing with the pcm/programming and torque managment in the 02 models.The problem is going to be too low timing and the torque managment.My truck would not even think about spining the rear tires at one time....then i installed tuning from a HPP3..after that it would blow off my poor little peg leg without brake stalling.Only problem was the HPP3 did nothing for torque managment.I recently got a Predator with a custom tune in it for the Whipple.I have 4.10 gears,eaton posi and a 3000 stall converter now.....well if i come off the brake and just hammer the gas,both tires go up in smoke all the way through first gear and with the revised torque managment and tuning it pulls alot harder than before.I currantly have the timing on my predator set at the max 10% and fuel at 2.5%....I get no KR at WOT.
Get with James at runninwiththedevil about a custom file for the Whipple.He can email it to you and you can load it to your Predator.I have been pretty disapointed with my Whipple for almost a year now....but not now:D
Whipple knows they have a problem with the new trucks....why do you think they release a "whipple tuner" to reduce T/M.
Too bad it's way overpriced....and it doesnt do anywhere near as much as the Predator does.
A guy over at LS1tech had his 2002 truck dyno tuned because he didnt like the power it was making with the Whipple....well,he picked up about 60rwhp after they added some timing and backed the torque managment down some.

['02 SilveradoSS]

James B., Physh1, It wasn't me I've only had in on about a 1 1/2 months. ranwalk, I guess I'll have to check with James at runninwiththedevil about a custom file, because I'm not real happy with this thing at the moment. If you don't mind me asking how much was the custom tune? Will he do this for people who didn't buy the predator from him? I wish I could adjust the idle with the predator. It idles to low at 515-530 rpms. I also have the drive by wire throttle body with traction assist.

[ranwalk]

You can still get a custom file from runninwiththedevil even if you did not get your Predator from them.I'm not sure what it would cost.Mine was done at the same time I ordered the Predator....he cut me a good deal and sold me the Predator with custom tune for 425 shipped.Email him or give him a call....he's somtimes hard to get up with but dont give up,he's a great guy and will take care of you.You will need a serial cable and power adapter for your Predator to download files.I got mine at Radio Shack for somewhere around 37 bucks.
1. Serial Cable:
Standard DB( (9-pin to 9-pin)RS232 serial cable(6 foot is long enough)Check to see if the port on your computer is male or female since some are different.You will need a male end to go into the Predator.
2.Power adapter:
Class 2 Transformer
Output : 12VDC 1000ma(1 amp)
Center is positive and outside is negative
They may be able to set your idle higher as well.

[DanaliHD]

I just bought a whipple for my 02 sierra and I am planning on having it installed in may. I'm gonna try to get in touch with James at runninwiththedevil for a custom tune. After reading this thread, I'm starting to think I just wasted a bunch of money. What do you think?

[ranwalk]

Originally posted by DanaliHD
I just bought a whipple for my 02 sierra and I am planning on having it installed in may. I'm gonna try to get in touch with James at runninwiththedevil for a custom tune. After reading this thread, I'm starting to think I just wasted a bunch of money. What do you think?
Wasted money on what??....The Whipple???...No,it's a good product,I just think there is a problem with how the 2002 model trucks take to the charger.If you get a custom tune for it you will be very pleased.The charger makes alot of power......there is a guy over at LS1tech that recently installed one on his 2000 sierra...truck basically stock with a cat back exhaust,he just ran a 13.4 in the quarter recently...thats at least 1.5 seconds faster than stock,Not bad for nothing more than the charger and catback.

[DanaliHD]

Ok, cool. Now I have to find someone in the area that has a clue how to install it and tweak the tuning.