Long story short. I had a bad pickup coil and adjusted everything I could (IAC, TPS, Timing, you get the picture) outta whack.

Now that the pick-up coil problem is dealt with, I see that I have to adjust all other sensors, adjustment screws, etc. before I start tuning my VE's. I have seen many articles one what to change, but never a "What to set and keep set" before you make changes to your chip. It seems somewhat obvious, but then again, some people might overlook some key points. Here is a short list I have come up with. I would appreciate other input if I have skipped anything or if I am going over something that has already been published on the DIY boards.

1) Fresh tuneup. This includes setting timing to the value set in your chip.

2) Set your fuel pressure. Once you get it, don't mess with it.

3) Always record baseline engine readings. Even if you are using a scanner, record FP, outside temp, and ...

4) Keep notice of where your TB butterfly adjustment is and make sure it is not at either extreme.

5) Reset your IAC and TPS

6) Sit down and get all the info you can about reading your spark plugs.

7) Don't only keep a record of the BIN's but make a txt file with the same name showing what you changed and WHY you changed. After only 3 months of chip stuff, I already forgot why I made some changes I made. Also, if you are using a DOS based scanning program, make a run and exit the prog. At a c:\ use the edit command to make a corresponding txt file with the same filename as the recorded file you saved the sample of to note of things that your tool doesn't record (exhaust smell, manifolds glowing, misfiring...).

I don't know if there is an interest in a compilation like this, but I do know that I started thinking of it when I was going back and setting all my stuff back to where it should have been. Add to it, tell me a list has already been made, or just pass it off as common sense. -Matt-

 

I think that it is a great idea & suggested something very similar to Traxion as the precurser to his proming tech article. I pulled a major bonehead move & did not check my timing before I started playing (& racing i might add). Lets say that it was VERY far retarded & boy how happy was the motor to get some timing back.

not assuming is a great thing. I had to search to figure out how to set the minimum idle in my car. Traxion suggested that I do it & pass it around but I have not got around to it.

BW

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Bobalos
aka Bob W.
www.r71camaro.homestead.com
r71chevy@earthlink.net
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