Voodoo Full Flow Vertical (VFF)

From the Web site:

The Voodoo Full Flow Vertical modification allows your Impulse to run at its maximum level of performance. A factory fitted internal modification to your Impulse splits the gas supply allowing unrestricted flow to the solenoid and the valve chamber, giving greater consistency and a much smoother operation. The FFV is fully compatible with all standard thread vertical regulators and gas through grips and can be fitted to any Impulse.

Picture taken from www.smartpartseurope.co.uk

Comments

Isolation modifications come in two different flavors, isolation design and flow restrictor design.   The VooDoo Full Flow is unique in that it uses the isolation design.  The Isolation design separates the air flow and feeds the valve and solenoid separately.   Prior to the existence of the VooDoo FFV the only way to have an isolation type of isolation mod was to tap the vertical adapter and install a hose on the outside of the Impulse.   While the job might have worked the same, it left a lot to be desired in the looks department.  The flow restrictor design does not separate the solenoid from the valve, instead it restrict the valve from "sucking" air away from the solenoid.  

Of all the Isolation modifications this is, IMO, the "Cadillac", but it requires more work and some special parts to get it installed.  In addition this. unlike some of the other isolation modifications, is readily noticeable to anyone looking at your Impulse.  That's two thumbs up in the the "cool, look what I got" column.

Installation of the VooDoo FFV is a little more complicated than the average Impulse upgrade.  You will need to have available/purchase the following parts in addition to purchasing the VooDoo FFV:

• A 10-32 tap (a "plug tap" is best, but you can use any 10-32 tap).  I paid $2.49 at my local hardware store.
• A 10-32 set screw, sometimes called a grub screw.  You can get a small one, either 3/16" or 1/4".  I paid $0.20 each.  I bought two just incase I dropped and lost one.  NOTE: Get the tap first and use the threads on it to verify that the set screw in fact has 32 threads per inch.  When I opened the tray holding the various set screws it was obvious that someone had mixed them up.  Each container had some of the correct set screws as per the container label and several close but not quite right set screws.
• A Tap Wrench.  I got an inexpensive T-handle style for $5.79.  There were some that cost more but I did not need that level of tap wrench.   I chose to get a tap wrench but you could save the money and use an adjustable wrench if you have a steady hand.
• Some loc-tite.  Not sure of the cost, I already had some and you should too.
• Obviously you will also need your handy-dandy set of allen wrenches.  Again, something you should already own, but if not, now is the time to buy!!

Tools needed for the VooDoo Full Flow Vertical installation.

FOMs instructions on Tapping

Taping is simply cutting threads. I'm sure at one time of another you have use a "self taping screw" (like a sheet metal screw).   Basically you have a hole, you screw in the self taping screw, and if you remove the screw, there are threads in the hole.

Often you hear it referred to as "drill and tap". That is because if you start with a piece of metal you want to tap, you fist drill a specific size hole, then run the tap into that hole to cut the threads.

In the case of the Impulse, the hole is already there. The little "locating pin" on the underside of the Impulse (next to the air inlet) is the outside end of the air transfer passage between the valve chamber and the solenoid chamber. In a stock Impulse, the air comes into the valve chamber, then flows through this passage into the solenoid chamber.

For the VFF, we are giving the solenoid its own dedicated air supply and sealing of the transfer hole. The easiest way to do this is to simply plug the hole with a grub screw (a allen head set screw).

Now when you remove the "locating" pin (really just a 10-32 set screw) you are looking right up into the valve chamber through the hole we want to plug. The thing that makes this real easy is that the existing taped hole will act as a guide for the tap to thread the passage we need to plug.

The process is simple (after you get over the terror of doing it). After you remove the valve cap and put something in the chamber to catch the chips, you simply put some oil on a 10-32 tap and screw it into the "locating pin hole". it will easily screw right through and up into the top of the first (solenoid) chamber. As it enters the untapped transfer passage at the top of the chamber, it will get much harder. now you will have to use a wrench to turn it. A tap wrench is recommended, but if you are very careful, you can even use an adjustable wrench.

A tap is a very hard but very brittle bit. It can break if you put side pressure on it or put too much twisting force on it. It is very important that you proceed SLOWLY and carefully on the taping step. The recommended way to tap is to turn the tap in about a full turn, stop and back it out 1/4 to 1/2 a turn. Make another turn, back it out 1/4 to 1/2 a turn. What you are doing is taking the pressure off the tap so any chips that might need to can "fall" out of the threads.

To completely tap the hole will require a number of turns (the tap would require 32 turns to move an inch and the passage is about 1/4" long) watch the point of the tap as it makes it way up into the valve chamber.  As you get to the point where the tap "breaks through" to the valve chamber, it will get VERY tight.  NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO TWIST TOO HARD.  You may even find you have to make little "baby turns" back an forth at this point.   When about a 1/4" of the tap is into the valve chamber, you have gone far enough. CAREFULLY back the tap out - if it get hard to turn, try turning it in about a 1/4 turn, then continue to turn it out.  I have seen many a person hurry this part and break a tap when they put side pressure on it while removing the tap from the hole.

Clean and blow out the valve chamber and solenoid chamber.

Now you need to plug the hole.  I normally send along a 3/16 X 10-32 set screw for this.  If your adapter did not come with one, it can be easily picked up at the hardware.  Put some loc-tite on the set screw and screw it up through the first hole and then into the portion you just taped.  When you screw it in, watch the valve chamber so you don't screw it too far.  You don't want it interfering with the removal of the valve if you ever have to do that.

Thanks FOM!!!

OK, as FOM has said, in many words, installing the grub screw is not hard, but tapping the hole can be challenging.

OK, enough about the stupid installation, how did it perform.   This upgrade ROCKS!!!  My Impulse felt like a whole new gun but yet it was still my much loved Impulse.  I could not believe how fast my gun would now cycle and it feels so smooth.  Prior to the installation of the FFV I had a fairly consistent Impulse with no noticeable first shot drop-off.

NOTE: Smart Parts stopped drilling the air transfer hold that connects the solenoid air passage to the valve from under the body.  Because of this change you can NOT use a VFF.  Please make sure you check your Impulse body before ordering one of these parts.

The Details

• Installation: Installation is a little more complicated but can easily be done if you take your time.  If you do not have a 10-32 tap (or access to one) you will not be able to perform this modification.  For those of you that do not have the necessary parts or are uncomfortable with the tapping process, most SP certified dealers can install the VooDoo FFV for you.
• MSRP: Price is £35.00.  That is British Pounds, so the conversion to US Dollars can vary from day to day.  For comparison purposes it will average out to be about $51.00 US.  You will need to find a distributor in the US because ordering from England will cost you more in shipping than the price of the FFV.
• Options: Currently the VooDoo Full Flow Vertical is available in silver or black (matt and shiny finish)
• Pro's: The VooDoo FFV is currently the only Isolation modification on the market that completely separates the solenoid air source from the valve air source.
• Cons: While this is minor IMO, the tapping process will make many people nervous, but it shouldn't.  After all I was able to do it.  I also think it would be nice if VooDoo had provided the set screw and some instructions, but I get the impression they kinda want a certified Smart Parts tech to install this upgrade for you, hence the use of the term "factory fitted internal modification".