Anyone know if there's already an electric VIAS valve electric actuator to replace the awful vacuum-driven one on the VQ35DE? I was going to make my own, but if there's already something out there for, say, $80 or less, then I'll just buy it.

 

I just put on a block off plate, bump the timing 2* and call it a day.

 

I know it's the popular mod, but I'd like to keep the full functionality of the VIAS. It's good in theory, but it's plagued with insufficient vacuum, slow actuation, and sticky pumps. It seems to me that a good electrical push-pull solenoid could give the best of all worlds.

I'll take a stab at making one and report back if it works.

 

it's not even worth the hastle, just get a block off plate.

 

I appreciate the suggestion, but no, I desire the operation of the VIAS for my daily driving. The block off had been installed by the previous owner, and I've reverted it, but it suffers from the common failure to open during fast WOT. (Slow WOT works perfectly.) I've got some solenoids coming tomorrow. I'll try a quick fab and report back.

 

do you have an auto or manual??

 

It's a 6-speed (2002 SE)

 

do you have the vacuum tank?

 

I was thinking the same thng. I asume he already has new vacuum hoses. I believe it has an internel check valve so the way it's hooked up matters.

 

Yes, new can, hoses, pump, and solenoid. It functions as designed, but the earlier design (02 and possibly 03) has a responsiveness problem where sudden WOT at low RPM causes it to have insufficient pressure differential to pull the door all the way, and it springs back. It often feels like the car "almost" gets power, then changes its mind. It's much more pronounced on manuals, because you might be cruising around town in 4th and feather the pedal a couple times while passing someone. The first time, you don't have power, the second time, you do.

The later system works much better. A number of components are different, and I don't know what part made it more reliable, but it's still not perfect. I think a solenoid would be appropriate here.

Unfortunately....I mis-measured, and my solenoids are 2mm too short to fully open and close the door. )-: However I realized I have some old 1980's door lock actuator solenoids that are longer AND stronger. They just don't have any attachment at the end. I might still be able to make it work.

 

Try locating the plastic one, it seems to work better then the metal ones

 

Try your local junkyard

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23606559850...QaAnMMEALw_wcB

 

Hmm, that's interesting. I think I have at least one I can try. I'll bet the vacuum pump is internally half the size on the plastic one. That would give it a lot more cycles per vacuum tank.