zielritter
Been here awhile...
So this afternoon I received my Sprint Booster. It is the model made for the Genesis Sedan model years 09-14 (i.e. BH body style).
For those unaware, this thing is a throttle signal amplifier for "drive by wire" throttles. The goal is to provide a higher throttle percentage output for a given pedal position versus stock settings. For example, what would normally be 30% throttle is now interpreted by the ECU as 60% (just being hypothetical). So, it doesn't add power, but it's meant to improve the "delay" that is sometimes experienced with these electronic throttle setups.
Installation was as simple as it gets. I had no knowledge of how to remove the gas pedal in order to access the throttle harness, but it took me 2 minutes to figure it out. Basically remove one bolt and slide upwards. After that it's literally plug it in and mount the remote somewhere.
As far as initial driving impressions, I had the chance to drive it in my neighborhood and then on the interstate for a few miles. I went straight to the "race" setting, which is a red indicator on the remote.
Noteworthy observations:
In conclusion, I think this is a neat device that improves the everyday driveability of the Genesis. It makes it snappier around town and more eager on the highway. As far as improvements in acceleration - these will most likely be minimal. Reviews show approximately a .07s reduction in the time it takes the vehicle to reach WOT with the SB, so you're going to get a tenth of second at best in any timed run.
I was hoping for perhaps a bit better reduction in lag off the line at WOT, but I think Hyundai has gimped the drivetrain through the ECU to preserve it during it's most vulnerable times. No device short of a new ECU or tune is going to cure that issue.
The one big negative I will say is the price. I really don't know if I can justify the $300 price tag. It's well made, a breeze to install, and works as described, but is a hefty price for a throttle enhancement.
For those unaware, this thing is a throttle signal amplifier for "drive by wire" throttles. The goal is to provide a higher throttle percentage output for a given pedal position versus stock settings. For example, what would normally be 30% throttle is now interpreted by the ECU as 60% (just being hypothetical). So, it doesn't add power, but it's meant to improve the "delay" that is sometimes experienced with these electronic throttle setups.
Installation was as simple as it gets. I had no knowledge of how to remove the gas pedal in order to access the throttle harness, but it took me 2 minutes to figure it out. Basically remove one bolt and slide upwards. After that it's literally plug it in and mount the remote somewhere.
As far as initial driving impressions, I had the chance to drive it in my neighborhood and then on the interstate for a few miles. I went straight to the "race" setting, which is a red indicator on the remote.
Noteworthy observations:
- If you're looking for noticeable changes, skip right to the red. The green is too mild, imo.
- "Pedal to the metal" from a dig is mostly, or perhaps minimally, unchanged. There is still that slight hesitation before you really take off. This is partially a symptom of the V6's torque curve in general as I've come to learn. The ECU's programming comes into affect too.
- Mild acceleration from a complete stop is noticeably improved. The inch or so of dead pedal travel is gone and thus driveability around town is much better, imo.
- Executing passing maneuvers on the highway is also noticeably improved. Very little manipulation of the throttle is required to prompt quick downshifts and instant acceleration.
In conclusion, I think this is a neat device that improves the everyday driveability of the Genesis. It makes it snappier around town and more eager on the highway. As far as improvements in acceleration - these will most likely be minimal. Reviews show approximately a .07s reduction in the time it takes the vehicle to reach WOT with the SB, so you're going to get a tenth of second at best in any timed run.
I was hoping for perhaps a bit better reduction in lag off the line at WOT, but I think Hyundai has gimped the drivetrain through the ECU to preserve it during it's most vulnerable times. No device short of a new ECU or tune is going to cure that issue.
The one big negative I will say is the price. I really don't know if I can justify the $300 price tag. It's well made, a breeze to install, and works as described, but is a hefty price for a throttle enhancement.
