I posted a thread over in the Blower Bistro Forum about the New KB install on my 98 that anyone with a 96-98 Cobra needs to read. Many of you were curious about what was going on with my car and this is the story. Below is the link to the thread:
At this point, I have rather given up hope that it is going to be resolved, as I haven't been able to get a return phone call from KB in days or status update. Unfortunately, I also shipped them about $1500 worth of my own parts back with the Supercharger. Oh well, live and learn. But my Tech Article on this install is being written now, as I have a deadline to meet. I will keep you all posted and also provide a link to the Install Article.
I posted a thread over in the Blower Bistro Forum about the New KB install on my 98 that anyone with a 96-98 Cobra needs to read. Many of you were curious about what was going on with my car and this is the story. Below is the link to the thread:
At this point, I have rather given up hope that it is going to be resolved, as I haven't been able to get a return phone call from KB in days or status update. Unfortunately, I also shipped them about $1500 worth of my own parts back with the Supercharger. Oh well, live and learn. But my Tech Article on this install is being written now, as I have a deadline to meet. I will keep you all posted and also provide a link to the Install Article.
It's almost impossible to get a call back from KB, as well as getting a hold of them. But when you do, they seem to work toward a solution and get it done. I sure wish they would get thoer customer service ( at least their phone service) fixed. They make a great product.
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1993 Cobra Kenne Bell 2.1L, 8psi, 42# injectors, 76mm C&L tuner MAF and inlet pipe, MM sub frames & K-brace, Autometer gauges, Flowmaster cat backs, Hurst SST shifter, Moates QuarterHorse tuner, BE/EA, DataQ, PLX M-300 wideband, 75mm Accufab throttle body, TRE 255lph pump, AIS water/meth injection.
I agree with above statement. I had an issue with the fitment of my coolant crossover tubes, they overnighted some new ones and were quite helpful. I think they struggle with alot of people having problems doing the installs and needing help. I felt the instructions were top notch and so was the kit. I think this type of project sometimes requires some mods such as cutting or modifying a bracket to make things work. Alot of us are able to figure out a way to make things work and some are not. I would be pretty pissed if 3 weeks had passed and no answers. Good Luck!!
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2003 AB Mach 1, Intercooled KB 2.1 running 9psi,SCT X3,FAST dual wb 02 meter, Autometer BOOST, OIL PSI, and FUEL PSI pillar mounted.FRPP chrome cam covers/valve covers, billet strut tower covers,canton aluminum coolant reservoir, and canton aluminum PS reservoir, centerforce DFX, fidanza aluminum flywheel, Steeda clutch quadrant, FRPP aluminum DS, BBK Upper/Lowers and axle brace,FRPP traclok diff, FRPP 31 spline axles, FRPP 3.73 gears, eibach pro kit, tokico shocks, magnaflow catback w/ off road x pipe, Cobra fuel system with KB BAP, Wilwood 6 piston calipers, with 2 piece f&R Wilwood rotrs. New engine going in now!!
damn...im getting ready to buy a 2.2 for my cobra.....i dont want to have problems like this as i wont be home too much this spring to drive it. when i am home, i dont want to be on hold with my car not running!
what comforts me , is that if you have a problem, havent most people been through it with a setup? all you have to do is get on here, or other websites ( shoot i know 3 guys in the metro area that have Kbs) ....so if kb cant help, f- them, theres gotta be someone who can help. right?
Hey guys, Mike here from KB. I was actually the tech dealing with Glen. He does have an issue with his fuel rail and our manifold. I told him that we needed to figure out what was going on with his setup, because since 1996, when we started selling these, we have not had an issue like this before. Kenne Bell wants to make sure(especially with fuel rails being involved) the kit is right. Glen has been very understanding and we do appreciate that. We are giving him the 42# Lightning injectors, tune and 90MM MAF for his headaches. We fixed his broken bolt in the IMRC plate. We have sold hundred and hundreds of these kits and never had seen this issue. We are doing our best, Glen actually found a TSB about the 98 Cobra fuel rails, also the 98 IMRC plates are phenolic not cast aluminum like the 96 and 97's, we think this is playing a big role in his fuel rail fitment problem. We are working on getting another 98 Cobra in here to do a complete install so we can see if this is a "one of a kind issue" or an issue with all the 98 Cobras.
I know Kenne Bell can be hard to get a hold of, we do apologize for that. There are some alternatives to get a hold of us, (3)phone numbers (909)941-6646 (909) 941-6653 or (909) 944-3509. Then there is also the fax (909) 944-4883. You can also e-mail me direct at Kennebell@kennebell.net or mike@kennebell.net . We have hired 2 new guys that are very technical in an attempt to fix the “I can’t get a hold of Kenne Bell” problem. So you should see that come to end.
We offer large variety of products, we support everything we sell. We are human, we do make mistakes, but we will if given the chance, we will make things right.
^^^ very good to see this post. i understand having a big business like that, and you cant be perfect. people are the first to badmouth the product when they have a problem, but you dont hear them getting on here and starting a " man my kb is awesome" thread.
there are goods and bads with everything, good you on you for trying to deal with the situation.
i will be buying a kb based off that post, knowing that i will have help if i need it!
I do believe that Kenne Bell care about their customers. But as good of intentions as that may be, it will be nice to see better service. Everyone at Kenne Bell has been freindly and on one hand, I feel bad about having to post this thread, but on the other hand, I just couldn't see another Cobra owner go through what I had to go through. So, I started this thread. This problem could happen to anyone installing one of these kits.
It is true that problems WILL happen with any company (I own a company I know), but it is what the company does to resolve the issue once a problem comes up that makes the difference. I think Kenne Bell wants to resolve this issue with my car and are trying to do so, but are just very short on time to get it done.
As I said, I do believe Kenne Bell cares, but I just have to put the facts forward about what has happened and what my experience has been. I have been told what Mike has said. That they have fixed the kit and sent along with it a set of injectors, maf, and a new tune at no cost (which I do appreciate). BUT, I have not received it yet as promised. I was also told it would ship, Thursday, then Friday, then Monday..... It is now Wednesday of the following week. I really can't say yet as to what the end result will be.
As to the 98 fuel rail recall. Yes, there was a recall. Welds were breaking on them, so I suspect that Ford may have put a thicker weld on the tabs of the replacement fuel rails. Which is one of points causing my problems.
As to the composit IMRC plates. ALL 98's have them, so I'm not sure why this would be a unique situation.
Despite these problems, if I didn't think KB was the best supercharger for my car, I wouldn't have been waiting and trying to work with KB to get this problem resolved.
There are two points I hope this thread and the other thread I started will get across to anyone thinking of installing a supercharger.
1) KB makes a great supercharger for Mustangs, but should you have any serious issues, you had better have a lot of patience.
2) I would not recommend any person who does not know their car extremely well install a supercharger kit of any kind. Or anyone who is just starting to work on cars, without a large amount of tools and some fabrication knowledge. Let a shop do it. I have owned a shop before and I have worked on Mustangs for more then 22 years. And it tested the limits of my knowledge and skills.
I do believe that Kenne Bell care about their customers. But as good of intentions as that may be, it will be nice to see better service. Everyone at Kenne Bell has been freindly and on one hand, I feel bad about having to post this thread, but on the other hand, I just couldn't see another Cobra owner go through what I had to go through. So, I started this thread. This problem could happen to anyone installing one of these kits.
It is true that problems WILL happen with any company (I own a company I know), but it is what the company does to resolve the issue once a problem comes up that makes the difference. I think Kenne Bell wants to resolve this issue with my car and are trying to do so, but are just very short on time to get it done.
As I said, I do believe Kenne Bell cares, but I just have to put the facts forward about what has happened and what my experience has been. I have been told what Mike has said. That they have fixed the kit and sent along with it a set of injectors, maf, and a new tune at no cost (which I do appreciate). BUT, I have not received it yet as promised. I was also told it would ship, Thursday, then Friday, then Monday..... It is now Wednesday of the following week. I really can't say yet as to what the end result will be.
As to the 98 fuel rail recall. Yes, there was a recall. Welds were breaking on them, so I suspect that Ford may have put a thicker weld on the tabs of the replacement fuel rails. Which is one of points causing my problems.
As to the composit IMRC plates. ALL 98's have them, so I'm not sure why this would be a unique situation.
Despite these problems, if I didn't think KB was the best supercharger for my car, I wouldn't have been waiting and trying to work with KB to get this problem resolved.
There are two points I hope this thread and the other thread I started will get across to anyone thinking of installing a supercharger.
1) KB makes a great supercharger for Mustangs, but should you have any serious issues, you had better have a lot of patience.
2) I would not recommend any person who does not know their car extremely well install a supercharger kit of any kind. Or anyone who is just starting to work on cars, without a large amount of tools and some fabrication knowledge. Let a shop do it. I have owned a shop before and I have worked on Mustangs for more then 22 years. And it tested the limits of my knowledge and skills.
The 98 kits much be more involved than the Fox body kits. Although I am mechanically inclined, I have never, until now, owned a fuel injected Mustang. I installed my KB blower kit in an easy weekend, without problems. The instructions are clear enough to get the job done, even though there were a couple of things that weren't mentioned that would have made the install easier.
As far as customer service, as I said above, it's hard to get a hold of them. Looks like they might be getting that fixed. That is the real problem with their customer service. Once you get a hold of them, they bend over backwards to help. And in particular, Mike has been working with me on a small issue and has also helped with a SN-95 to Fox blower conversion I have been helping a friend with.
If you are worried about buying a Kenne Bell, I can assure you when you get it installed and you are driving your car, any worries will go away. I love my KB and am glad I bought it over a centrifugal every time I drive it.
I also had a very hard time getting my fuel rails to fit. had to take a little hammer action to the manifold to much at all about 1/16 of a inch to squeeze them by but I got it to fit. its all fine now.
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1998 cobra 2557 of 5174, - 1 of 1,344 laser red black leather - born Wednesday march 11 1998
c&l intake -x pipe with 2 chamber flows -31spline and 4.56 gears-diablo sport flip chip-SPEC stage 3 -Aluminum Flywheel
Other rides:
1998 BMW 328is
DVD and beats in the trunk
2000 Denali
HID's
in progress of getting Beats.
I also had a very hard time getting my fuel rails to fit. had to take a little hammer action to the manifold to much at all about 1/16 of a inch to squeeze them by but I got it to fit. its all fine now.
Yep that was basically what we had to do. We also made a radius around the back corners on the Supercharger plate. I do not think the issue was just one thing though. I think it was a combination of the fuel rail and the IMRC plates. The original kit was developed with the aluminum ones. We have to look at what is different, with a kit that has been out for that length of time and never hearing about this before. We are looking for a 98 Cobra, Jim said he was going to get on in here so we can do a install.
I think every business is running a little lean to keep costs down. Sometimes it does not work out to the advantage of the customer. It looks like KB is trying to deal with this problem as best they can,and getting more tech support. They are definately headed in the right direction and with such a great product when you do get you blower installed you will forget the negatives of waiting to get this issue resolved.
Ok, Mike and Kenne Bell kept their word (all be it late) and today I received everything they promised. It appears to go together on the bench, so the next step is to put it in the car.
Any suggestions on an aftermarket intake for my car that will work with the 90mm MAF? The tube between the Throttle Body and the MAF. I have fabricated a cold air box for the engine compartment that puts the new 90mm MAF in the factory spot and pulls cold air from the fender well. On my car, you can't put the filter in the fender well. So this box will keep the MAF in the factory spot, accept a 6" K&N, and pull cold air to keep the KB cool. I just need an intake tube, as the factory one won't fit the new MAF.
Also, now that I have 42# injectors, it is my understanding that I do not need to use the FMU. Just the BAP with correct setting for my boost level. correct?
Yep that was basically what we had to do. We also made a radius around the back corners on the Supercharger plate. I do not think the issue was just one thing though. I think it was a combination of the fuel rail and the IMRC plates. The original kit was developed with the aluminum ones. We have to look at what is different, with a kit that has been out for that length of time and never hearing about this before. We are looking for a 98 Cobra, Jim said he was going to get on in here so we can do a install.
Thanks!
Mike@KB
i would me more than happy to let you guys work on my car LOL. to bad im in idaho.
Ok, Mike and Kenne Bell kept their word (all be it late) and today I received everything they promised. It appears to go together on the bench, so the next step is to put it in the car.
Any suggestions on an aftermarket intake for my car that will work with the 90mm MAF? The tube between the Throttle Body and the MAF. I have fabricated a cold air box for the engine compartment that puts the new 90mm MAF in the factory spot and pulls cold air from the fender well. On my car, you can't put the filter in the fender well. So this box will keep the MAF in the factory spot, accept a 6" K&N, and pull cold air to keep the KB cool. I just need an intake tube, as the factory one won't fit the new MAF.
Also, now that I have 42# injectors, it is my understanding that I do not need to use the FMU. Just the BAP with correct setting for my boost level. correct?
The install is nearing its final stages. But this may not be the last I have to deal with fuel rail situation.
On the bench, the IMRC plates, gaskets, manifold, fuel rails/injectors, and blower all seemed to now work and bolt together. But remember, these are Composit IMRC places which flex and on the bench there is only one bolt holding each plate to the manifold.
During install, once everything was torqued down, there was still alot of "bow" in that fuel rail to get it to fit around the manifold. Something not experienced on the bench. The last injector on the drivers side (where the KB removed some material on the manifold) is still not seated as well as the others. Although it fits better then before. But the fuel rail bolted down fine. So I moved forward. There is a slim possilbity that injector may leak when I fire her up.
I wasn't about to remove it for a fourth time again! I trust KB, if they say it will work, it should. If not, they may just have a 98 sitting on their door step one morning!
Anyways, the install has been slowed because of minor kit problems. All the vacum line fittings on the manifold had to removed and replaced so they could face the correct direction (according to what the manual shows) and get the lines hooked up. Missing bolts here and there, and some spacers for the throttle linkage that I had to fabricate. The manual towards the end got a little foggy and I had to really study the pictures closely to install some final parts. As if the author just got tired of writing details. Overall, an easy install and these minors install issues, but they are just that "minor". Just the little things that get ya! Should be done this weekend. The MAF forward is taking some fabrication and time to make. You will see why when I post pictures. I went with the C&L Trueflo inlet tube for my car....Looks NICE! but puts things a bit out of alignment and I have decided to make custom tubes to put the filter in the fender well.
I will keep you all posted. Keep your fingers crossed! Please no fuel leaks!
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