SSSICK
Introduction
The SSSICK (SSSQUID Input Conversion Kit), previously known as the SSSMCK (SSSQUID MAF Conversion Kit), is the first and only retail-level kit that not only properly reads and filters a MAF signal for use with a stock ECU and tune, but also allows live data-logging with our Buoy application.
You may noticed that some pages still refer to it as "SSSMCK". While we are working to replace all instances with "SSSICK", please do not worry if an instruction says "SSSMCK". If a link stops working, please check the URL for SSSMCK and replace it with SSSICK.
It is plug-and-play and can directly replace the stock VAM. The kit can properly convert a variety of different MAF signals into a signal a stock ECU can process. What this means is that this kit does NOT require a special tune to work. However, when using the Variable TPS or MAP Sensor add-ons, a retune is almost always required.
This kit is designed to work with the BMW M20, M30, M40, M42, and S14 engines. However, due to a lack of availability, the kit only comes with a connection for M20/M30 engines. For use with M40/42 and S14 engines, there is some custom wiring required (cutting, splicing, and soldering). Please contact us for more information!
At the moment, the SSSICK does require the purchase of a MAF (if using it in MAF mode); a TPS is required for TPS mode; vacuum tubing is required for the MAP adapter. There are multiple plug-and-play adapters that can used with the SSSICK base kit, such as MAF, MAP, and TPS. Why is it not all-in-on? Because it is designed to handle a variety of different sensors as well as additional add-ons such as the Variable TPS kit or the MAP Sensor kit. MAFs are by-far the most common and most reliable choice, and are the only sensors that can be used on a stock, un-tuned ECU.
Converting from the VAM to the MAP Sensor will change your vehicle's tuning to what's known as Alpha-N tuning, which uses engine RPM and throttle position to determine operational values. Using this REQUIRES a specific tune from SSSQUID and cannot be used on standard software.
Converting from the VAM to the MAP Sensor will change your vehicle's tuning to what's known as Speed Density tuning, which uses engine RPM and manifold air pressure to determine operational values. Using this REQUIRES a specific tune from SSSQUID and cannot be used on standard software.
You can find the kit for purchase HERE
Getting Started
After you receive your kit, you will follow the #Installation instructions below.
The first thing you must do after you install your kit is to program it for your input and output sensor. To do this you will need to download our Buoy software (Windows or Linux; Android coming soon). Read the #Software section below for more information on how to do this.
If you have talked to us directly and specifically requested that your kit be pre-programmed for a setup, then you will not need to do this.
That's it! You're now good to go!
Hardware
At the moment the kit is in pre-release format. What this means is that it uses 3D-printed components along with early software and hardware. While it works perfectly well for most applications, there may be small bugs or glitches we are still working on. Please keep this in mind and CONTACT US with any issues or bugs you encounter and we will fix them as quickly as possible.
You can find the kit for purchase HERE
Software
The software used to control the SSSICK is an all-in-one data-logging and flashing tool called Buoy. You can read more about it here: BUOY
Installation
Installation instructions can be viewed on the INSTALLATION page!
Operation
The SSSICK has an LED that displays operation and errors. It also has active microcontroller-monitored internal error checking that can output specific codes to our logging and tuning software "Buoy" for diagnostics. It can be fully tuned and programmed for a variety of sensors, as well as offering an extensively tunable list of options such as: filtering, linearly interpolated manual airflow corrections, dynamic short-term and long-term corrections, programmable external component triggers (for NOx, water injection, or similar), and more.
Read more about this on the USER MANUAL page!
Selecting a Sensor
You will select ONE sensor conversion option for you kit: MAF, MAP, or TPS.
MAF
Most everyone should select a MAF sensor. It is the best, easiest, and most reliable sensor conversion. If you have a N/A street vehicle, a MAF is your best and highest recommended option. If you have a low or medium boost engine, the MAF is likely also your best option. Please keep in mind that ALL MAFs ABSOLUTELY MUST BE PLACED ********BEFORE******** your turbocharger. This is how they work. They are not designed or able to correctly read positive pressure airflow.
It's recommended to choose a MAF that supports about 20% more power than your vehicle produces. It's generally not recommended to choose a MAF that is rated for over 50% more than your vehicle produces. So if your engine outputs 200 hp, you would choose a MAF that is rated for at least 240 hp, but no more than 300 hp. Of course you can always use a higher rated sensor, but it does reduce the reading resolution, so sizing your sensor correctly can produce a much smoother and more reliable engine than over-sizing.
Most MAF-based conversions can be used on even a stock tune.
MAP
MAP sensor are used by those that have a forced induction setup or cannot use a MAF for one reason or another (open, unmetered ITB for example). Running MAP-only (known as "speed density" tuning) is considered a slightly lesser option than a MAF for most cases.
When selecting a Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) sensor, it's a very similar process to selecting a MAF: it's recommended to choose a sensor that supports at least 15% more pressure than your F/I setup will produce, but no more than 80% more. So if your setup produces an absolute manifold pressure of 1.65 bar/24 PSI, you would select the 2.5 bar/36.5 PSI sensor.
A MAP-based conversion REQUIRES a custom tune. No exceptions.
TPS
TPS-based tuning (or "alpha-n" tuning) means that your ECU is not able to read airflow or manifold pressure and instead relies entirely on throttle position for all airflow estimations. This is seen by all as the least efficient method of tuning and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
The kit supports just about any variable TPS. You can calibrate and program your TPS from within Buoy. The most popular TPS is the M50 variable TPS.
A TPS-based conversion REQUIRES a custom tune. No exceptions.
Supported Sensors
Please expect this list to grow as we develop the kit further. If you have a specific sensor you would like to use and do not see it listed, please send us a message and we'll try our best to add it to our supported sensor list.
Please note! "Supported power hp" are just estimates and vary drastically depending on a number of factors such as engine efficiency and induction type.
Input
Part Number | Diameter | Power Range | Internal IAT | Connector Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
0281002421 | 92 mm | 350-480 hp | No | Type 2 |
0280213011 | 76 mm | 170-220 hp | No | 6-pin twist |
0280217007 | see #Custom Housing | see #Custom Housing | Yes | Type 3 |
0280217107 | 70 mm | 170-230 hp | No | Type 4 |
0280217114 | 70 mm | 150-200 hp | No | Type 3 |
0280217120 | 70 mm | 170-230 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280217124 | 70 mm | 200-270 hp | Yes | Type 3 |
0280217502 | 76 mm | 180-240 hp | No | 4-pin twist |
0280217515 | 80 mm | 300-400 hp | Yes | Type 3 |
0280217519 | 80 mm | 225 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280217531 | 80 mm | 240 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280217533 | 80 mm | 240 hp | Yes | Type 3 |
0280217800 | 92 mm | 300 hp | No | 4-pin twist |
0280217801 | 96 mm | 400 hp | No | 4-pin twist |
0280217803 | 92 mm | 300 hp | No | 4-pin twist |
0280217806 | 92 mm | 300 hp | No | 4-pin twist |
0280217814 | 92 mm | 280 hp | Yes | Type 3 |
0280218002 | 70 mm | 210 hp | Yes | Type 1 |
0280218003 | 70 mm | 210 hp | Yes | Type 1 |
0280218007* | 86 mm | 300 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218008 | 86 mm | 330 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218012* | 80 mm | Yes | Type 2 | |
0280218017 | 80 mm | 245 hp | Yes | Type 1 |
0280218019 | 80 mm | 245 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218038 | 86 mm | 300 hp | No | Type 1 |
0280218019 | 70 mm | 180 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218045 | 80 mm | 300 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218063 | 70 mm | 280 hp | Yes | Type 1 |
0280218067 | 92 mm | 415 hp | Yes | Type 1 |
0280218069 | 92 mm | 450 hp | Yes | Type 1 |
0280218083 | 76 mm | 415 hp | Yes | Type 3 |
0280218087 | 80 mm | 330 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218089 | 86 mm | 430 hp | Yes/No** | Type 1 |
0280218108 | 80 mm | 300 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218113 | 70 mm | 185 hp | No | Type |
0280218119* | 60 mm | 175 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218176* | 86 mm | 215 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
0280218192 | 600 hp | Yes | Type 2 | |
22680AA160 | see #Custom Housing | see #Custom Housing | Yes | Type 5 |
22680AA310 | see #Custom Housing | 320 hp*** | Yes | Type 5 |
22680AA380 | see #Custom Housing | 380 hp*** | Yes | Type 6 |
22680AA410 | see #Custom Housing | 450 hp*** | No | Type 6 |
281002Y100 | 70 mm | 185 hp | Yes | Type 2 |
5WK9-624 | 70 mm | 240 hp | Yes | Type 3 |
Key glossary:
- Part Number
- The part number of the sensor.
- Diameter
- The outer diameter of the sensor's housing.
- Supported Power
- A generalized highest supported power of the sensor. The actual supported power depends on a large number of factors.
- Internal IAT
- Does the sensor have an internal IAT? If "No", then you will need to either configure your adapter cartridge to use an internal IAT sensor, or wire your own external IAT sensor.
- Connector type
- See Connector Types below.
Description | Notes |
---|---|
2.5 Bar MAP Module | Requires specific tune |
4.0 Bar MAP Module | Requires specific tune |
Variable TPS Module | Requires specific tune |
(*) will be supported soon (**) this MAF only sometimes has an internal IAT sensor. We have seen it both ways. (***) supported power level depends on sensor housing diameter. Larger diameter = higher supported power and vice versa.
Connector Types
Because the choices of input sensors are quite diverse, there are a number of different connector types. Some we offer as adapter cartridges directly, others can be wired using our universal DIY harness.
You may notice that the Type 1 and Type 3 connectors are very similar looking. There is a difference that you should know about! The Type 1 connector has only ONE locking tab on the TOP of the connection, whereas the Type 3 connector has TWO locking tabs on the SIDE of the connection. You can, in-fact, use the same connector on either if you don't mind two things: 1 -- cutting the locking tab(s) off of the MAF, and 2 -- not having an active and secure lock on the MAF. The connector will be able to slide on and off without needing to pull or press on any locking mechanism, so it's not very secure. We do recommend using the proper connector for the MAF you choose.
Custom Housing
Some sensors are generally bought alone and installed in custom pipe housing because their OE mounting is directly in a filter box or something that can't easily be used, such as with many Subaru or Mitsubishi MAFs. In these cases, sensor housing size can be different based on what you're using. We try to provide settings for a few sensor housing sizes, but we can always provide something specific by request.
Output
- 0280202025
- 0280202064
- 0280202072
- 0280202082
- 0280202083
- 0280202091
- 0280202122
- 0280202130
- 0280202134
- 0280202203
- 0280203027
- 0280203028