I have searched and apologize if it been covered already but would like to know if the Gruppe-s 3 port selenoid could be used in place of the GM BCS? I was hoping for a plug-n-play affair that the GM BCS route would not offer. Any help would be great especially some technical explaination. Thanks.

 

Yes it works just fine.

It's a German solenoid made by Pierburg, which are used in many Audi, Volvo and VW's.

 

Great. Thanks GST. Do I even need a new BCS? After looking at mrfred posts I am thinking I only need the Evo X MAP sensor and larger restrictor pill. By the way looking forward to coming out to GST this summer for a tune. Trying to get ducks in a row before I come to you. I apologize if this is newbie stuff. Thanks.

 

The 3 port is easier to tune and give better control of boost spikes.

MB

 

If you can go 3-port then do it - don't mess with the stock solenoid and pills, 3-port makes your life simple and if you go the GM route it is very inexpensive.

 

The GM BCS is a better performing solenoid. Its faster, more consistent in its response, and will hold a more steady WGA pressure. I recommend spending the extra time needed to find a plug to splice onto the GM to make it plug-n-play.

 

Unfortunatly the GM just went up in price almost 3x.

I also hear a nasty rumor they stopped making them. Only a rumor at this point though.

 

I was told by the dealer when I ordered mine that the part was not going to be made anymore so it may not be a rumor had to get it direct shipped from Pontiac MI and it took over a week to get!

 

That's a bummer.

 

Serious bummer... but they've gotta be using something to control their boost. Maybe the new one is twice as fast and half as quiet?

Check the stock tuning wiki (in my sig) for info on the 3 ports and what plug you can cut out for PnP...

 

That's great..... Now that I have trusted members dishing out good info I am left with the 'all good things must come to an end' scenario. So the GM piece is the best way to go. Guess I better get to lookin' Thanks.

 

Well just spoke with several local GM dealers and none knew of them being discontinued but the price was on par with other 3-port's( just under $100). Might try gmpartsdirect.com part#1997152 and see what I come up with for about half that shipped.

 

So would you consider the GM solenoid better than the MAC too?

Also on the GM, is the inline resistor really necessary? There seems to be conflicting info out there.

FYI, Rock Auto still shows the GM BCS for $48.

Thanks,

John

 

$48 ain't too bad.

The GM BCS has a resistance of about 24 ohms. The standard has been to run a 10 ohm resistor in series to match the normal resistance of the stock BCS (about 35 ohms). In my bench testing, a 5 ohm resistor makes a significant improvement in performance over a 10 ohm, and running no resistor is still better yet. The problem is that no one is really sure how much current the relay in the ECU for the BCS can handle. The resistance tolerance range for the stock BCS is from 29 ohms to 36 ohms. This means that a 5 ohm resistor is a safe option as well. razorlab (aka GSTMotorsports) knows of people running trouble-free for over a year with no resistor.

 

Remember you also need the pigtail as well.

I've installed a ton of GM's with no resistor that have been running for over a year with no issues, some almost two years at this point and under heavy use (track use)