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Red bullet VVTI seloniod

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by Max Taiwan, Apr 9, 2019.

  1. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Hi ice9 Just saw you edit, 50,000 miles is a bit short considering the taxi torture test, 1 year lets your imagination run a little. The fundamental of the design is fail proof meaning if the part stops working OEM or Red Bullet the valve timing will be slow or in a fixed variable time. The below will put our unrest to sleep.

    From the diagram which JimboPalmer posted earlier here and which I have used on other page to describe how the variable valve work and how the Red Bullet makes it better. The variable valves works at optimizing the valve position with very minor angle adjustment, you will still be able to drive the car if it fails regardless of OEM or Red Bullet. I guess this is what a mechanic will never tell you! unless they are your family or close relative. Let me explain why.
    With a failed solenoid unable to adjust the variable positioning it just means you are driving a non-variable valve that is all. If it is stopped working at idle, you will be driving at the idle setting, if stuck at power, you will be driving in the power setting, if you are stuck in a betweener then you are there fixed none the less. Ever wonder how engines continue to rotate before they invented variable valve? I guess it must be a fixed system then just like running on a failed solenoid.

    Wrong variable time is totally manageable and wont cause total engine destruction like they try to scare you at the stealership, just go and get the solenoid replaced.
    I once drove my car that had one cylinder totally off time from Lublin in Poland all the way to Budapest Hungary back and forth twice I think until we figure one set of tappet was set to the wrong engine firing sequence, ran like a bloody diesel, the thing took regular, it was significantly off time in a cute fixed way. The car was adjusted correctly after and I used it for another 3 years traveling as far as France and Italy, in the end sold to very happy people. I think it is still running right now.
    I think people are being scared to a extant that we do not even look at the logic and theory behind it anymore!
    Caution side note here! A wrong variable time is not the same as a skipped tooth or skipped timing! Those can be very dangerous! especially on a VW zero tolerance engines!
     
    #401 Max Taiwan, Jul 27, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2019
  2. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    OK. So the engine might run rough. Actually though, not recognizing the symptoms would be even worse. Operating the vehicle for a long time, unaware of a failed component, is usually not a good thing. However, in a Prius that would not likely be the case, especially if you hypermile - it would become obvious.

    Regarding the 50,000 mile warranty: I was just throwing a number at you. A term warranty indicates that the manufacture stands behind product reliability - which is not necessarily the case with a "manufacture's warranty" that ensures against defects. However, for a single item, a term warranty might not be practicable, and is usually not necessary if it's not a critical item.
     
    #402 ice9, Jul 27, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2019
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  3. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Hi ice9,

    I have been enjoying our discussions, really productive and on the basis of looking after the interest of vehicle owners.
    If the Red Bullet or the OEM solenoid stops working, you as the driver will be notified right away! It will read as cam time position not correct on the diagnose tool. The standard procedure is to take out the old one and put in the new one and off you go, you have switched from a fixed timing engine back to a variable one. The computer reads the position of the variable valve non-stop. if it is off by a bit, it will store the code and await another few trips of the incident and let you know if the problem persists.
    After you install the new one just erase the code and off you go.
    Regarding the 50,000 miles, I totally agree its just a number, feel free to go over it within the year! Like I said the OEM parts warranty did not limit it to miles covered nor did we.
    Do we stand behind the product from my manufacture I will say "Yes" we do just as if I was distributing for Toyota OEM! Just this is way better which I hope you would agree.
     
    #403 Max Taiwan, Jul 27, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2019
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  4. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Last Bar #5 results are out.
    OEM @ 420.6km with 25.7km/L
    Red Bullet @ 445.0km with 27.1km/L
    I have been using the AC and going on very short trips recently, It got really too hot to not have the AC on anymore. 35 degree plus with the interior car temp at more then 45+ was just not safe to drive anymore. Even with the windows fully down I was still sweating bullets at a red light.
    I will do a fixed throttle acceleration test next. which came to mind recently.
    First I will proof the concept of able to accelerate the car with a fixed throttle position, then I will find a stretch of road which will allow me to drag to 60km with half throttle or more if need be, in order to get to that speed within the distance available, All the same time making sure that the throttle position stays the same throughout the test for the Red Bullet and the OEM.
    I can use a app to read and clock the time it takes to get to 60km/h and also 80 km/h.
    I will post those results here.
     
  5. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Just like with any after market item, use at your own risk. There is a similar thread regarding the pros and cons of using the Injen intake systems. But, over the years, I have had minimal negative situations with aftermarket parts. The most fun I had was with my old 72 Datsun 510. The stock two barrel carbs on them really sucked. I upgraded to weber 4 barrel. Car ran terrible. I went to a mechanic who had a wonderful reputation and told him about my situation. He gave me two jets to install in the secondaries, and wow! fixed the problem. Ran better than the stock carb and even got 2 more miles per gallon. Smog time meant I had to swap back to the stock carb. Pain to do. Who was the man who gave me the jets that made my car scream? Louie Unser! If you don't know who he is or anything about his family, click on below:
    Unser Racing Museum – Family Racing History – Unser Family Tree
     
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  6. Royston.K

    Royston.K Member

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    I've been watching the OBD figures on throttle input from accelerator pedal and haven't seems to be able to hit 100% Any one with the accelerator input % OBD PID can share?

    Even on Sepang track the max I got was 96%.

    Anyone with throttle controller and obd reader can verify if with/without throttle controller does it affect the max accelerator pedal input?
     
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  7. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    I too have been noticing a throttle variance between absolute throttle and throttle position. I think it is how the ECU manages torque/power by having a degree of play to optimize it with the CVT.
     
  8. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    I only see 82% on my scan gauge and I have an Apexi Throttle Control so that didn't change it. I was told by SG that some cars display less even though it is 100%? I wish I had a way to verify that info. It would be nice if there is more power to be had if not true?
     
  9. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    I have a theory! If you care to try it! I will be intrigued if it will make a difference on the percentage!
    Take out the carpet or liner or whatever you have on the drivers side and run again!
    I was having a closer look at that area yesterday for good reasons TBD, and it seems the range of travel will be affected by the thickness of the carpet/mat/liner...
    Let me know!!
     
  10. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    I read you Montgomery! Race heritage! I spent a good 5 min just watching that spinning yellow beauty on the home page with my breakfast!
     
  11. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    I am still watching! Going to get my 3D goggles! Guys check it out! it is really amazing!
    Hang on a sec! why is the fueling port on the same side as that flame throwing exhaust?
     
  12. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    A lot of today's advances on our vehicles have come because of the racing industry. At sometime, this was eventually changed due to either an accident or incident. Not sure of the date.
     
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  13. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Hi Montgomery,
    This morning while I was watching the magnificent machine spin round and round, I suddenly had a idea! Have you ever heard about the Taiwanese and Japanese fire extinguisher bomb? Roughly the size of a volley ball, hard plastic outer shell which will pop releasing fire retardant dust cloud upon heat contact. Very effective against chemical fires! I was thinking... instead of a ball shape, maybe I can ask them to make custom molds for F1 or stock cars.
     
  14. CSuirp

    CSuirp Active Member

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    Hey guys. Just some helpful info for yas that i came across...

    Here's the main links to the Red Bullet.

    This link is detailed info and install instructions:
    http://www.redbullet.net/

    This link is for purchasing the right RB for your ride:
    Red Bullet

    I noticed that in the purchase page there's a NEW RB for the Gen3 Prius owners that eliminates any need to trim the engine cover to install. Looks like the RB has been modified for that engine so it will fit perfectly without cutting stuff.

    Side note that i found on the purchase pages: "PriusChat members receive $5-$15 discount (Require valid avatar)". Sweeet!

    Looks like there's even a star review we can give after purchase, and we all know how reviews help the next buyers.

    Max Taiwan is the main go-to guy for any questions about the web links above or any special needs. He's good with responding quick with answers.

    Hope that helps anyone interested in the RB. Mine is still going strong with about 62-65mpg average on 50/50 highway/sideroad driving during these Spring and Summer months. Will keep yas posted.

    -CSuirp
     
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  15. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Max!!
    Ok, so in a nutshell (in a short story version), I have gone through some financial challenges this year. Some medical, some major home repairs. I am on pace to buy the red bullet last week of August. Glad I am waiting as I can see the earlier verson may not have fitted on my car due to plastic cover. In reading all of the threads, especially those local to SoCal, the red bullet is delivering on its claims.

    All I care is if it makes my car more responsive. That will make me happy. I am not expecting any 1/4 mile miracles, just a little more "giddy-up" when I need it. Right now, in order to get this, I have to drive around in the "power mode" and that sucks because its harder to keep the engine out of the red zone, causing worse mpg (red bar on dashboard) and, the power mode always resorts back to regular mode once the car is off.

    From what you have described, the red bullet will put the car in a more reponsive throttle mode, without putting the engine in the red zone.

    I can't wait!

    Lamarr
     
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  16. CSuirp

    CSuirp Active Member

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    Hey there Montgomery. Yup, it gives more "giddy-up". I have a PriusC so I don't have a "power mode" button, just the ECO button. The ECO button is turned off with the RB installed. I have more power and I rarely go in the red zone anymore, maybe when passing someone or getting onto highway from stop or slow speed, but then I bring the level out of red when I got what I needed. The good news is that even if it hits in the red zone a little, it's still getting better mpg with the RB installed than with the OEM. I'm sure Max will field your question soon.
    Hope your feeling better medically speaking and your home is fixed up from the repairs.
     
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  17. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    Still researching this. Anyone know if there are any form-fit issues with gen 4? I have a 2018 Prius 4 Premium (hatchback, not touring)
     
  18. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    I had tried this before and no difference.
     
  19. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Hi ice9,

    We found that all vehicles of Gen 3 regardless of geographic location has the engine cover issue, this is why we came up with the fix knowing it will benifit in the long run for everyone! Previous supporters who have aready installed the Red Bullet, we have not forgotten about! We will be mailing the solution to you shortly, the engine cover is isolated to only the Gen 3 due to the design of the engine cover not the engine.

    Please allow me to explain.

    The Prius Gen 4 has a totally different engine "cover" design, it resembles to a bit with the CT200h. The reason I bring up CT200h and also talking about the Gen 3, Gen 4 and the Prius Prime, Prius V is because they all have the same engine, the 2ZR-FXE. The components around the engine such as air box, air conditioning and cooling might be differently orientated, but they all have the same beating heart.

    So as the Red Bullet was designed to work with the 2ZR-FXE you will see the stock number 15330-37010 for the solenoid associated with your vehicle if you do have a 2ZR-FXE engine and many others too will be the same, not because the manufature for the Red Bullet did it that way to have a one fits all but in reality it is a one that fits all from Toyota.

    The Red Bullet for its performance has a larger body externally to achieve that! Due to the size of the solenoid body casing it was not able to clear the Gen 3 cover. It is not just in America which some will have you believe, but in fact it is all over the world.
    We thought about the issue long and hard, since it is not a isolated situation with only one or a dozen vehicles, we realised cutting off all the covers like if it was a normal thing to do was just not the right way for us since there are so many Gen 3 out there.

    Having a direct partnership with the manufaturer gave us the opportunity to fix the issue once and for all moving forwards.
    So that owners of all 2ZR-FXE will not have to worry regardless of which car they have for installing the Red Bullet solenoid.

    I hope this helps ice9!
     
    #419 Max Taiwan, Jul 30, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2019
  20. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    So you are saying the last 3/4 inch of travel on the gas pedal does nothing on the scale for throttle input? That is interesting!
    The acceleration test to be done has something to do with this, but let us work on it together to see what we can draw from this situation. I think we in a love hate relationship with leaving the mechanical throttle wire now!