Tuning procedure for a stubborn/cheap guy?

[4gfun]

Alrighty then, I would like to tune my car like I am still living in 2001-2003. (That is when I had my last 1G dsm).

These are my cars mods (I will update my profile after this post to make it easier for you all):

Centerforce DF clutch, Fidanza Flywheel, Big 16G port matched to 2G manifold, ported and polished head, bigger cams, Galant VR4 1st Gear, K&N, Apexi SAFC, Apexi Exhst, Autometer Boost Gauge, EGT Gauge, Palm iiic with mmcd, SX AFPR w/ gauge, Walboro 255, MBC, JE Pistons and Eagle Rods, 2G Exhaust Manifold, SS Brake lines, ported O2 housing, JSPEC transfer case & tranny, modified fuel rail.


As you can imagine, I would like to tune via EGT and Data Logger. From what I have gathered from the procedures I have seen on this forum I have concluded the following.

Could you all interject and let me know if this procedure is a good route or perhaps provide me with some alternate thoughts?

1.) Set the turbo's boost psi to where you want it.

2.) Turn the timing DOWN lower than you know it will go.

3.) Tune for A/F, EGT, or O2. (Yes I know that some are not as accurate as others).

4.) Once you have completed step 3, slowly start advancing timing untill you get knock nad then back it down 1* at a time untill there's little to none.

Thank you for your time!

 

[turboglenn]

That's the method i use, except i tune via wideband o2 instead of EGT and regular o2 volts.

 

[4gfun]

That's the method i use, except i tune via wideband o2 instead of EGT and regular o2 volts.

This sounds reasonable, thanks.

 

[turboglenn]

The best way to tune for max power (this is my opinion only) is just what you said.

a.) turn the boost up till it's in the turbos max efficiency range.

b.) turn the timing down

c.) set AFR's

d.) start turning the timing up untill you get some knock and then back it down 1-2* at a time, untill knock is gone

e.) recheck AFR's


YOu guys with knock sensors are either lucky or plagued.. I don't have a knock sensor on my stand alone so i tune by only watching for signs of detonation. Hopefully getting a J&S safeguard knock sensor this spring though. It has the ability to interface with the haltech and pull timing when it sees/hears knock. And it's fully calibratible for dialing out engine noise like piston slap, valve train noise and things like that.

 

[GVR4592]

The best way to tune for max power (this is my opinion only) is just what you said.

a.) turn the boost up till it's in the turbos max efficiency range.

b.) turn the timing down

c.) set AFR's

d.) start turning the timing up untill you get some knock and then back it down 1-2* at a time, untill knock is gone

e.) recheck AFR's


YOu guys with knock sensors are either lucky or plagued.. I don't have a knock sensor on my stand alone so i tune by only watching for signs of detonation. Hopefully getting a J&S safeguard knock sensor this spring though. It has the ability to interface with the haltech and pull timing when it sees/hears knock. And it's fully calibratible for dialing out engine noise like piston slap, valve train noise and things like that.

Make a set of det cans, you'll hear the detonation before any knock sensor will, and well before you can see any signs of detonation with a logger of any type.

 

[xtreme-elements]

get a logger, wideband o2, and tune from that, low knock count and wide open little rich is better than little lean, every car is different so your tune will differ from others.. i tuned mine with gm maf and maft translator setup with a wide band o2 in the tailpipe and 3rd gear pulls with a logger to watch for knock count. .. about 7-8 pulls and the car was running stronger than ever and havnt had a problem since... good luck...

 

[4gfun]

get a logger, wideband o2, and tune from that, low knock count and wide open little rich is better than little lean, every car is different so your tune will differ from others.. i tuned mine with gm maf and maft translator setup with a wide band o2 in the tailpipe and 3rd gear pulls with a logger to watch for knock count. .. about 7-8 pulls and the car was running stronger than ever and havnt had a problem since... good luck...

Thanks all

 

[turboglenn]

Make a set of det cans, you'll hear the detonation before any knock sensor will, and well before you can see any signs of detonation with a logger of any type.

you have a link to these "det cans"? Never heard of it,(at least by that name) so i'm interested in seeing them.