Well I installed it last night and did a throttle reset after it was installed and before I drove it (I didn't disconnect the battery).

Before I installed I looked up into the foot well at the throttle pedal and could see the Plug almost enough to remove it. I found a plastic panel there (quite thin and flexible) and by pushing it up, could nearly do the install. I removed 2 "cross head" screws in this panel and just pushed it "up" and out the way. This meant I could pull the plug out and install the sprint booster with ease. The only problem I encountered was removing the plug as the "tabs" need quite a firm squeeze and as I was "pushing up" on the plug more than "pulling" it was a tad difficult due to not being able to get much force behind it due to "cramped conditions" in the foot well. Total install took about 10 mins including the throttle reset. I recon you could do this in 5 mins this way after doing it once and knowing what to do. I don't know if it makes any difference that mine is a UK Car.

Wel, now the bit you are all waiting for with regard to the "A2" Sprint booster and how it worked. Well I wend out for a drive for about 1 hr. The car was already "warm" as I had driven back form work so could cane it pretty much straight away.

Pulling away is much more "instant" and requires less throttle movement for better results. It now launches like a catapult "off the mark" rather that a surge that builds. Down changing (1 gear or 2) is much faster, it is almost as if the car knows what you want, just as you make a demand on it. I barely needed to change manually at all, only if I was going to floor it at 40 when it was running along in 5th, but saying that the down change of 3 gears was slightly better anyway. If you down shift to 3rd (at 40) and then floor it, that was quite interesting as it only need to drop 1 gear before it tries to break your neck.

On accelerating in 1st there were 2 benefits: the fisrt being the instant "Shove" off the mark the 2nd being that it seems to get the power down so much quicker that the "G force" in 1st is noticable stronger, it reminded my of the Subaru Imprezza STI PPP I had before the SRT in 1st gear. The SRT is quicker on the run that the STI was but never had the sharp "snap" and "push" in 1st...now it is equal there too.

Now, I know that the sprint booster does not increase BHP, but I recon that the "snap off the mark with no softness to the launch at all, would save a 10th of a second on the 0-60 MPH and the delivery of power in 1st and the extra push it gave (when getting the balance between traction and wheel spin right) would save at least the same again, so in my opinion the whole Car is much more drivable and "snappy" and it always feels like you are riding on the back of Evil Demon that is waiting for you to say "come on then, lets play" and the moment you plant that pedal into the carpet it rears up, rips your spine out and beats you to death with your own scull !!!

I still find the best "launch" is achieved by putting it in 1st, holding the brake pedal with the left foot (to stop you "creeping") and is you hit the pedal, let go of the brake. This needs to be a small sharp application of the throttle (to limit wheel spin) and when that is controlled plant the throttle into the carpet quickly. In comparison to before, it feels like I never used to get full throttle" is is so different, but so much easier to wheel spin until you get the balance right.

Summary:
0-60 is definitely improved.
Gear changes more positive and quicker.
Grin factor, better that when you test drove and thought, Wow I must buy one.
Round town, just as smooth as before and no control issues with being over sensitive.

If you don't have a Sprint booster, go buy one as you won't regret it. I have always thought there was something missing, now there isn't !!!

Enjoy...

 

Nice write-up - thanks.
Between yours and ShawnQ's, the sprint booster sounds like a winner.

 

Definitely worth it, just been out for another drive in my lunch break with a colleague that I took out 2 weeks ago before the mod. Had similar fuel level and air temp too as before, so a fair comparison and did the same route. He too noticed that the gear changes were stronger and 1st gear pull away was sharper and stronger.

If the difference is felt by a passenger, then acceleration must be quicker and 0-60 times improved with the better delivery of the same Power to the wheels.

 

If the SB does not add HP or Torque - how can the acceleration be quicker?

How did the SB change the shifting, which is controlled by the ECU?

Would you say that the SB has just shortened (compressed) your gas pedal, making your XF a little more "squirrelly", and now you are driving a little more aggressively?

 

Simon,

Install wasn't so bad, eh? Sure is a shame that a lot of people went through the magnet hassle and pedal removal...

I wish I could compare an A2 to a regular A version - would like to see if there is much of a difference.

As for co-workers - my co-worker owns an SRT roadster. He drove my car and immediately came inside, got on ebay, and ordered one.

If you push your pedal leisurely, a little at a time, will your 0-60 be as good as if you slam the pedal? That is how the sprint booster MAY help 0-60 (I haven't tested the 0-60 before/after yet).

I continually see you saying that you can simply 'mash' the gas pedal and achieve the same effect. Being someone who mashes the gas pedal frequently, it is not the same effect.

You need to try one. I offered to ship mine to you just to get your opinion and you declined. I don't work for the place, I don't sell them, or get paid to advertise for them - I just like the product and think you probably would too.

SQ

 

Hi ShawnQ,

Yeah, a great MOD and one of the best value for money ones I have done. That was why I sought a 2nd opinion from an unbiased colleague who is really into cars and has a number of friends with imprezza's and EVO's and thinks the SRT would see them off. He thinks it is fantastic and for the money recons it will never be beaten.

I have the full "Grin" thing back every time I touch the throttle again. It is definitely like a new car and very different to drive. So glad I did it.

I still haven't seen another SRT6 in the UK since I got mine 9 months ago !!! Everyone who sees it, loves it and always asks about it. Whenever I take anyone out in it it leaves them totally gob smacked. It seems only Jeremy Clarkson doesn't like the Crossfire, but then again, he never drove and SRT6 did he ???

 

So I may sound like a dunce, but what does this product do for me? Added hp? Better gas mileage?

 

Added H.P.? Nope
Added MPG? Not sure, but I doubt it.
Well worth the money? YEP!

The sprint booster basically gives the car better throttle response. If you own a crossfire or any other 'drive-by-wire' (electronic throttle control) vehicle, you are probably familiar with the lag that this system can cause. The crossfire is probably the worst that I've driven, regarding this lag (both SRT and Non SRT). Now, the car is VERY responsive, VERY 'punchy', and seems MUCH more eager to get off the line and get moving. If it doesn't help acceleration, the only reason is because it has a tendency to break the tires loose now. It definitely FEELS like it helps acceleration.

This device basically takes away this lag by making your pedal input 'quicker'.

In stock form, you have to press the throttle down 80% of the travel to achieve 100% throttle opening.

I believe it only takes 40% of the actual motion to open the throttle 100% now (I could be wrong on this).

So, you basically open the throttle twice as fast - resulting in what feels like less lag, more horsepower, quicker acceleration, etc.

Some people argue that they can smash the pedal fast enough to make the sprint booster unnecessary. I have raced everything from 125cc shifter Karts to 10 sec 1/4 mile cars and F1 cars, and know how to push the skinny pedal plenty fast. The sprint booster still put a smile on my face!

Take it for what it's worth, but don't knock it until you try it.

The biggest down side would be in wet/ice/snow conditions where you will be more likely to break the rearend loose. I am in Texas and the only ice we usually see comes from our Freezer. As far as rain, it stays in the garage on those days. It is manageable anyway, but definitely easier to break it loose.
You may also be more prone to drive a bit more spirited and use a little more fuel.

SQ

 

Nice write up! I will have mine this weekend, can't wait to get it in before I store it for winter!

 

Nice write-up. Just wondering where you can order one and how much they cost. The acceleration lag and automatic transmission shifting are definitely pet-peeves of mine for the SRT-6. Would like to solve one of the two if possible.

 

About 10 Mo. ago when I purchased my 06' Limited – I first experienced this "throttle lag" issue and seeking a cure to this frustrating issue, I searched the forum to see if my car had some sort of mechanical / electrical problem. I had never owned a car (always trucks, bikes and planes) so I looked here for some help.

When I discovered, and asked about the SB – how it actually worked and the benefits - no one could provide me the true 411.

Then a member told me about the throttle reset and how to be "A little" more aggressive with the throttle each time when I drive.

No need to "mash the pedal" or "hot rod" – just be a little more aggressive. Over time (about 5 trips) the throttle memory adapts and BINGO – problem solved. I have found this to be very true; not only with the Limited but also the SRT.

When I went to the GTG in Anaheim last weekend, I got stuck in tap-and-coast traffic I started to notice the lag so when I got off the freeway I did the throttle reset and no problems.

We have amazing little cars with lots of hidden secrets – and I am thankful for this forum and the info it provides to us owners. Most other cars would not benefit as much from such a forum.

I guess I am just a purest and feel that my $48K car (well I purchased for $25K) should not need a $300 device to make it "perform" like a sports car.

Thru this forum, I now understand why the XF does what it does and how to correct it.

If you like your SB – power to you man. I just find that I don’t need one – my SRT is just as peppy and is just as responsive.

Just make sure you don’t make false claims like increase performance – your SB won’t win the race for you.

ShawnQ said it best –
You're buying a feeling. - nothing more.

 

Nope, not just a feeling it is a real change in TPS response. I think it is funny when people who have never had a SB or driven a car with one can tell others what it doesn't do. Is it worth the money? Well that is up to each person and how they want their car to respond and if you like yours just like it is or if resetting the computer fits your likes that's great say so and leave the review of the SB to those who have experience with one.
I have said this from the start about SB's
HP increase...NO. NO. NO.
Change fuel consumption... It doesn't have anything to do with it (unless you have a little more fun and drive faster).
Correct throttle lag. With out a doubt. Resetting the computer does not even compare.
Just my .02 and MHO. And yes I have one.

 

I totally agree with this post. If you have not driven a Crossfire with a Sprint Booster then it is not your place to make judgment about what they will and won't do. There is clearly a definite difference with it installed and it is worth every penny to me to have bought it.
Try one and then make your comments or simply don't bother posting negative comments here because lack of knowledge brings ignorance.

 

You guys crack me up. So sensitive over a little device.

I thought this forum was to share and express ideas and opinions.

Do us all a favor and provide a description of what the SB is, (it's one of the most frequently asked questions along with motor oil prices and Rotex Pads) how it works and effects the XF, what RPM range it is effective to. Parts #, install steps etc...

We then can request that it be made a sticky so it will be easy for all the new forum members to read and make a decision.

If I attacked or offended anyone over their SB - I apologize - Maybe I can take you on a coastal flight down Malibu beach or something. Help you take your mind off it.

You guys crack me up!

 

Come on Ryan...you don't need one!

I was thoroughly convinced that every Crossfire owner drove like a madman...until the Dream cruise.

Everyone there drove like grandma...except MI1XFIRE. (NOT the person I was expecting to see in my mirror on that onramp to I-75)!

Besides...isn't your Crossfire tucked nicely away in hibernation for the winter?

 

I don't know how to say it any differently then to say that the car is a different machine with it installed. Whether it just FEELS that way or not doesn't really matter. The feeling is what it is all about. You can dyno 900 hp but if you can't feel it then what good does it do you? If you can't plant those tires or get it off the line, it is worthless. This mod, although it may not show on a dyno, definitely helps the car feel much more friendly to an aggressive driver.

Prior to it, I could reset the throttle on my car and notice very little difference. This tells me that I was aggressive enough to tell the car to 'stay' aggressive, so much so that it wouldn't get any better. I typically reset the throttle once every day or two with and without the sprint booster.

What is it and how does it work? Not sure, I'm not much into electronics. Mechanically I'm quite knowledgeable, but not with electronics.

And I don't think you are hurting anyone's feelings. I think everyone is simply surprised that you are being so closed-minded about it. You've never tried it, yet you continue to tell everyone that it is pointless, serves no purpose, and is a waste of money.

My offer still stands Brian - I will gladly ship it to you on the understanding that you will try it, ship it back, and provide an honest review. It can ship for next to nothing because it is quite small (USPS will be cheap). It takes 5-10 mins for install for anyone who is competent enough to turn a screwdriver. My main concern then would be whether or not you will swallow your pride and actually give an honest review, or keep your stance and stay anti-SB.

Apkano - I drive like a mad man, and it made QUITE a noticeable difference. Like 99.9% of the people will tell you - it is a different car after install.

SQ

 

Thanks for the offer - but I have to many other mods In the works. Most of which are going to cost some $$. Now if you wanted to lend me a set of these http://www.supersprintna.com/product...arch_model/192 (gotta click image to enlarge).

I'll take you up on it. And I promise to return them when done.
Now that gets it done for me.

Have fun with your new SRT - these cars are great!!

 

BrianBrave - It looks like ShawnQ has got you pegged. You shouldn't criticize something if you're not open minded enough to try it. He's willing to send you his SprintBooster so you can judge for yourself. Are you not confident enough in your beliefs to risk being wrong?

 

Hi again to my friends across "the big lake" I am glad that, all but one of you, enjoyed reading my review on the "A2" SB for the SRT. I have had a good read though this morning of all your comments.

One common theme that is , oh so true, everyone IS entitled to their own opinion but, you should have all the facts before you knock it. In that respect anyone who is considering if the SB make an noticeable difference should drive a car that has one fitted before saying it is worthless as it does not increase BHP etc (which it doesn't).

If "snake oil" does exist, it does in the SB. I am as cynical as anyone about "rogue" performance mods and have had many performance cars and done many tuning mods over the years. Some with a noticeable difference, some perceived difference and some with no difference (however hard to try to convince yourself it is better to justify the cost). For this reason I did my "Placebo" test by taking out a colleague who had been in the car 2 weeks before, on the same route, same air temp / weather conditions, same fuel load and neither of us had been on a diet either. I wanted to know if the effect could be "experienced" by the passenger as much of the difference is felt by reaction time of gear changes and throttle response by the driver. I was pleasantly surprised that my passenger immediately noticed the sharper full away from a standstill and the ability to get more power down earlier in 1st giving stronger acceleration. We both also noticed that on the change to 2nd gear the power surged in better and earlier giving a sort of gently/soft "shove" that wasn't there before is the gear fully engaged and the power kicked in (this may well be the throttle opening straight away to fully open position faster than before, but this is merely an assumption).

The SB, in my opinion, and I believe everyone who wants the car to be more aggressive and responsive, is that is worth every penny (dime). I realize that the mod is quite expensive as it is most likely a resistor in a plastic case with a lead and a plug / socket, but as someone else has spent the time and money to find the correct value to get the best out of this car makes it worth while in my opinion.

What you "feel" is better/quicker power delivery and when you get to grips with not letting the back end break loose from a standing start (which doesn't take long) you WILL see that the car is more rapid off the mark and through the first gear change. After this the only difference is quicker downchanges, quicker response to throttle movement, but power feels the same, just more "drivable" and "responsive".

I too drive very aggressively and the Throttle reset did not make that much difference. The SB feels like the car has been "mapped" it really is that different.

If anyone is totally happy with the SRT as it is and does not feel the urge for more response or aggression out of it, then the SB is not for you. If you feel the SRT has more but doesn't deliver or feels like it is holding something back, then get the SB, you will not be disappointed.

All I ask (which is probably the same for anyone with a SB) is that until you have tried one, don't knock it, this product really is the "Snake oil" that the car enthusiasts have always been looking for.

Brian, I have a thought of something you may wish to try. With Drive By Wire throttle resets, one of the things they normally do is align full throttle butterfly with full throttle pedal (I did this on a previous car when I fitted a new oversize throttle body). I don't know is this is the case with the Crossfire too but you may want to try this... Do a throttle reset, but hold the throttle somewhere around 3/4 of the way down (so it is kept still you may want to wedge something behind the pedal to ensure it is kept still and without triggering the "kick down" switch. If the crossfire sees this as full throttle and sets the butterfly to this too, you would achieve what is thought to be what the SB does. Don't know if it works, as it has just dawned on me and I can't be bothered (and don't want to) remove my sprint booster to try it myself. Who knows, you may get the last laugh at all of us that have spent money on this mod and do it for free !!!

Si

 

ShawnQ,

I'll take you up on that offer when I take mine to the track in a month or two. I'd like to run it first and get the best times possible, then install and see if 1/4 miles times come down. I'll PM you when I'm ready if your offer is good for me. I'm in AZ so no putting it away here. We get to drive all year round. The weather is getting perfect for some great times. I'm curious to see how low in the 13's it will go stock. Does any one know if there are drag tires for the 19" rims. I am wanting to buy an extra set to try it with. BfG's site didn't have any, but Hoosier had some. Not sure if the sizes they had would fit under car.

Thanks,
Cruzinquick