Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 13

Thread: How is Baro pressure measured?

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    148

    Default How is Baro pressure measured?

    Hi all, is barometric pressure measured from a sensor and if so where is the sensor? (Holden VE) Or is it calculated from something like MAP?

    Thanks in advance for your reply’s.

  2. #2
    Joe (Moderator) joecar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    28,403

    Default

    Usually it's measured from the MAP sensor when key is turned on just prior to cranking/starting engine.

    Also, in some cases, at WOT, if MAP sensor value exceeds the previously read BARO, then the BARO is updated with this new value.

    Some vehicles may have a separate/dedicated BARO sensor (not sure which).

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    148

    Default

    Thanks Joecar, thought it would be something along those lines.

  4. #4
    Lifetime Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    1,143

    Default

    It also updates while driving the car normally. Have seen the key on baro number rise when coming down to sea level from altitude without any wot. No doubt due to lookups based on other sensor inputs.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    148

    Default

    We have a customer that’s asked us to look into building an LS based engine with twin turbos to take to Pikes Peak Hill climb, just wondering how if at all would baro update under the extreme elevation change? Or are we best to replace the E38 for a Motech ECU that has a external baro sensor.

  6. #6
    R.I.P Shawn, 1956-2011 WeathermanShawn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    1,807

    Default

    I think different OS's update BARO differently. I have done pleasure drives from 5000 MSL to 11,000 MSL and have only seen BARO update under 2 circumstances.

    1. Key-on
    2. WOT

    I never saw BARO update as I climbed or under part-throttle. But, remember your MAP is constantly changing voltage with altitude, so the PCM is always properly calculating load. As I understand it, BARO is really only used as a reference to vacuum and injector flow. So, it may not really be an issue unless you are at WOT (which it instantaneously updates).

    Different OS's and PCM's may give you more flexibility. But, again utilizing the LS1 PCM those are only the two times I found it would update.

    That Pikes Peak climb would be a challenge, especially keeping your ECT/coolant working efficiently with altitude.

    Good luck.
    2002 Black Camaro Z-28 M6 Hardtop 11.0:1CR 425HP/410TQ SAE (400TQ@3500RPM)
    200cc Heads, 228/232 110+2 Cam, 1 3/4" LT's w/catts, GMMG, Koni Shocks, Hotchkis Springs, 35/21 Sways, 17" ZR1's, 3.90 Gears Roadrunner PCM LM-2 Serial Wideband
    EFILive Closed-Loop MAF/SD Hybrid Tune..


  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    148

    Default

    How does it get on when you are running boost? I would assume it can’t then update at WOT?

    The customer would like around 1100hp at sea level, he has been there a few times with a 850hp Mitsubishi EVO that would not even start when they arrived there due to the height so they had to carry out some quick on the fly tuning which sounds like a recipe for disaster.

    We don’t have many big mountains here in New Zealand so it’s going to be pretty hard to test any tuning. Really starting to think it won’t be worth the headach.

  8. #8
    Lifetime Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    702

    Default

    hm, I think you just found one case for which GM's 'use MAP as BARO' idea doesn't work for.

    What is BARO really used for though, other than MANVAC based tables, namely IFR? If it's just IFR, then just put a vacuum referenced fuel pressure regulator, and then your IFR table would become a constant value, making BARO or MANVAC irrelevant.

    What other tables use BARO or MANVAC? I cant think of any others of the top of my head...

  9. #9
    Joe (Moderator) joecar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    28,403

    Default

    +1 on the MAP-referenced FPR.

    I can't think of any other tables.

  10. #10
    Lifetime Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    1,143

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rally1 View Post
    How does it get on when you are running boost? I would assume it can’t then update at WOT?

    The customer would like around 1100hp at sea level, he has been there a few times with a 850hp Mitsubishi EVO that would not even start when they arrived there due to the height so they had to carry out some quick on the fly tuning which sounds like a recipe for disaster.

    We don’t have many big mountains here in New Zealand so it’s going to be pretty hard to test any tuning. Really starting to think it won’t be worth the headach.
    A couple thoughts...

    If you are running constant boost through a boost controller your intake air mass flow should be constant regardless of MAP. (?) At least until the compressor runs out of the ability to do this or gets so far off peak efficiency that the intake charge gets to hot for the intercooler to extract the heat as the altitude rises and the air thins.

    plus maybe if you ran a MAF maybe you might not have the same challenges keeping the mixture right as the ECM would "know" the mass air flow vs looking it from the VVE which will no longer see the right MAP.

    Just some thoughts.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. What is Low/Med/High Baro? & a VVT ?
    By MN C5 in forum Gen IV V8 Specific
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: April 12th, 2016, 08:48 AM
  2. Baro PID
    By killerbee in forum Duramax 06 LLY / 06+ LBZ & LMM
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: April 28th, 2009, 02:32 AM
  3. Baro sensor
    By billiardcue in forum General
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: May 15th, 2006, 01:00 AM
  4. BARO creep in 2 bar
    By mistermike in forum General (Petrol, Gas, Ethanol)
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: August 23rd, 2005, 11:45 AM
  5. baro and 2bar setup
    By turboberserker in forum General (Petrol, Gas, Ethanol)
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: July 4th, 2005, 03:34 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •