I have a 99SSEI with CAI and high flow cat and muffler. I recently changed the wires and plugs and I used the dual tip plugs. I also wanted to install a 180 degree thermostat. Is there anything wrong with doing this?

I am also interested in removing the MAF screen. I searched the forums and can not really find anything that answers my question. Can I remove the screen with out any issues or problems(idiot gauges or other things).

I always run 89 octane and do plan on going to a smaller sized SC pulley. The car has 150,000 and runs great.

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jack

As long as you have an intake with smooth walls then removing the MAF is ok. Probably worth like 4 horsepower but its a 5 minute job.

Switching to 180 is fine.

first off, running 89 octane in an SSEi, is really not good for it, supposed to run premium(91+) octane in it for optimum performance

Dual tips? Bosch? If so, toss them. Bad news in our cars.

180 would be great. Highly reccommended.

MAF screen? Try it. Works for some, not for others.

89 octane? Not good. 91 minimum. If that'* too much, don't drive the car or sell it. You really need to do this, and may actually see higher mileage with the proper octane.

WOW I put 89 in my BMW so I thought it would be okay for the Bonny. I will switch to 91 immediately. And why are the bosch plugs (which I have) bad news?

Thanks, Jack

Virtually every member here that has run Bosch plugs or O2 sensors has seen early failures. Typically within 30 days. Bad combination, Bosch and 3800'*.

You'll find bosch plugs extrude or erode electrodes rapidly.

I can virtually assure you that using 89 octane with a smaller pulley will quickly put an end to the car running great.

You can try the MAF screen removable but if your idle quality dimishes you'll know why.

Cheers,

It takes a very well planned intake setup to be able to idle and run smoothly with no MAF screen.

I'm debating putting mine back in to smooth things out with my freshly ported TB.

To add to the maf screen removal, the car will usually idle kinda rough at first but the computer will soon learn and smooth out the idle. I have had mine out for a year and a half now with no problems.

It may also be appropriate to mention that you should avoid platinum plugs with your SSEi. Check Techinfo and/or search the forums for more info, but copper or irridium seem to be the plugs of choice with the supercharged crowd.