A Supercharger Problem
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York

The belt that is attached to the Supercharger is the one that is frayed. It would be nice if that what the source of the problem. I see how the belt would make noise if it is indeed misaligned, but would that be enough for the boost to misbehave?
Regardless, my buddy and I are gonna give the oil level a check tomorrow just to play it safe. What color should the oil be and does it smell funky whether it is good or bad?
As always, appreciate the help.
Regardless, my buddy and I are gonna give the oil level a check tomorrow just to play it safe. What color should the oil be and does it smell funky whether it is good or bad?
As always, appreciate the help.
Oil will not affect boost level unless it'* completely gone. If you have erratic boost, your Boost Control Solonoid is suspect #1.
Oil will be smelly. If you don't know when it was changed last, change it. But that'* not your problem.
Oil will be smelly. If you don't know when it was changed last, change it. But that'* not your problem.
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 1
From: Westerville, Ohio 2000 Black SSEi

Also check to see if your intake hose has come off or loose off the throttle body. This will make the whine from the SC sound louder. One way to be sure if its the SC is to take off the SC belt and drive it. If you find you still need a SC (for whatever reason) PM me and I'll get you in touch with Ed Morad.
Originally Posted by Rogue
Also check to see if your intake hose has come off or loose off the throttle body. This will make the whine from the SC sound louder. One way to be sure if its the SC is to take off the SC belt and drive it. If you find you still need a SC (for whatever reason) PM me and I'll get you in touch with Ed Morad.
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 1
From: Westerville, Ohio 2000 Black SSEi

Originally Posted by willwren
Originally Posted by Rogue
Also check to see if your intake hose has come off or loose off the throttle body. This will make the whine from the SC sound louder. One way to be sure if its the SC is to take off the SC belt and drive it. If you find you still need a SC (for whatever reason) PM me and I'll get you in touch with Ed Morad.

Thread Starter
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York

Where in the system is the Boost Control Solenoid located?
What is it, some sort of regulator for boost?
What does a replacement cost?
Is it difficult to install?
Does any GM dealership stock SC oil, or should I go specifically to Pontiac?
How much does it cost (avergage) and how much does the unit require?
Regarding a pulley change, what is my stock size?
There are several different sizes for pulleys out there, what is a good size for my application?
Is smallest best or just something smaller than stock? Is there such a thing as too small?
What is it, some sort of regulator for boost?
What does a replacement cost?
Is it difficult to install?
Does any GM dealership stock SC oil, or should I go specifically to Pontiac?
How much does it cost (avergage) and how much does the unit require?
Regarding a pulley change, what is my stock size?
There are several different sizes for pulleys out there, what is a good size for my application?
Is smallest best or just something smaller than stock? Is there such a thing as too small?
Originally Posted by William Aronson
Where in the system is the Boost Control Solenoid located? On front of SC (round bypass actuator w/ 2 vac lines attached, small black box (BCS) w/ some wiring and 2 vac lines (one to bottom of actuator)
What is it, some sort of regulator for boost? Yes, during shifting or engine problems, the BCS applies vacuum to bottom of actuator to open bupass valve, dumping boost to be recirculated.
What does a replacement cost? $40??
Is it difficult to install? No, 5 minutes max
Does any GM dealership stock SC oil, or should I go specifically to Pontiac? Most should have it.
How much does it cost (avergage) and how much does the unit require? $15ish, and I think one bottle will fill it.
Regarding a pulley change, what is my stock size? 2.55"
There are several different sizes for pulleys out there, what is a good size for my application? A 2.2" or 2.3" does wonders.
Is smallest best or just something smaller than stock? Is there such a thing as too small?
What is it, some sort of regulator for boost? Yes, during shifting or engine problems, the BCS applies vacuum to bottom of actuator to open bupass valve, dumping boost to be recirculated.
What does a replacement cost? $40??
Is it difficult to install? No, 5 minutes max
Does any GM dealership stock SC oil, or should I go specifically to Pontiac? Most should have it.
How much does it cost (avergage) and how much does the unit require? $15ish, and I think one bottle will fill it.
Regarding a pulley change, what is my stock size? 2.55"
There are several different sizes for pulleys out there, what is a good size for my application? A 2.2" or 2.3" does wonders.
Is smallest best or just something smaller than stock? Is there such a thing as too small?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York

How does one test the BCS to determine if it is defective?
Is it possible for it to be fine one day, then the next to be "my new paperweight"?
When it goes bad, it dumps boost? Any other symptoms to look for?
Should a replacement be purchased at the dealer or will any auto parts store have it?
My stock pulley size is 2.55", is there a formula that can help determine the best size to go with, or should I just go with the recommended 2.2 or 2.3?
Is it possible for it to be fine one day, then the next to be "my new paperweight"?
When it goes bad, it dumps boost? Any other symptoms to look for?
Should a replacement be purchased at the dealer or will any auto parts store have it?
My stock pulley size is 2.55", is there a formula that can help determine the best size to go with, or should I just go with the recommended 2.2 or 2.3?
Originally Posted by William Aronson
How does one test the BCS to determine if it is defective? Disconnect the vac line between the BCS and the bypass actuator. If it behaves differently/better, it'* the BCS. Or if you get the codes for it.
Is it possible for it to be fine one day, then the next to be "my new paperweight"? Sure.
When it goes bad, it dumps boost? Any other symptoms to look for? Unsteady boost at WOT, unsteady SC whine.
Should a replacement be purchased at the dealer or will any auto parts store have it? Not sure if auto parts places have it. I imagine NAPA would.
My stock pulley size is 2.55", is there a formula that can help determine the best size to go with, or should I just go with the recommended 2.2 or 2.3? Go with a 2.2 or 2.3. It'* been tested by a lot of people. If you want confirmation, go to www.pulleyboys.com and contact them. They know they're stuff.
Is it possible for it to be fine one day, then the next to be "my new paperweight"? Sure.
When it goes bad, it dumps boost? Any other symptoms to look for? Unsteady boost at WOT, unsteady SC whine.
Should a replacement be purchased at the dealer or will any auto parts store have it? Not sure if auto parts places have it. I imagine NAPA would.
My stock pulley size is 2.55", is there a formula that can help determine the best size to go with, or should I just go with the recommended 2.2 or 2.3? Go with a 2.2 or 2.3. It'* been tested by a lot of people. If you want confirmation, go to www.pulleyboys.com and contact them. They know they're stuff.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York

You have been helpful, I appreciate it.
Disconnect the vac line between the BCS and the bypass actuator. If it behaves differently/better, it'* the BCS. What is the bypass actuator and where is it located?
Or if you get the codes for it. I am getting no "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", would there still be codes?
Disconnect the vac line between the BCS and the bypass actuator. If it behaves differently/better, it'* the BCS. What is the bypass actuator and where is it located?
Or if you get the codes for it. I am getting no "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", would there still be codes?


