I thought my car had become pretty quick after the tune-up. New plugs, wires, and cap, timing set at 6* (tried 8* but got detonation at WOT). It seems happy at 6* with a nice crisp throttle response. Anyway, I got into a race last night and it was a real eye opener. I'm nowhere as quick as I should be. It was an Olds I think, one of those sleek long two door cars with a long single oval tailight, and twin tailpipes sticking out the back. Is it an Aurora? I dunno since I really don't like it too much and never bothered to see what it really was. Anyway, he was right with me through 1st gear but I pulled as soon as I hit 2nd. Never had a chance to hit 3rd since there were other cars on the road too.

The question is, how the hell did that POS manage to hang in there with me even in 1st. My car doesn't have much of a problem hooking up because it won't light up the tires unless I torque brake it. I never had the chance to do that because the light turned green as soon as I pulled up to it. BTW, to what rpm should it torque brake it to get the best launch? A little chirp from the rear tires accompanied but rocket-like acceleration wouldn't be bad .
My friends, I have to wake up this motor now, and I need your help to do it, What the hell is wrong with it? Yeah it's a peanut cam car but it can't be that bad.

Another thing - The motor acts really really weird when cold, like it doesn't want to be driven. The computer hasn't thrown any codes yet and everything seems fine, except for the o2 sensor. I think it's causing the whole cold operation problem. The new plugs are already slightly sooty on the edges, indicating a rich condition. Would a bad o2 sensor not throw a code?

Even in my cash strapped situation, I'm seriously thinking about getting an AFPR to bump the HP up a little. What do you all think?

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'88 IROC 305 TPI
Gutted airboxes
160 degree T-stat
Advanced base TPS voltage
Relocated IAT sensor
Momo steering wheel
Ram-air setup coming soon
Flowmaster muffler
Taylor SpiroPro wires
Accel cap and rotor

 

88,

That "Olds" might have been a Buick Riviera with a supercharged 231 Buick V-6. They're good for about 300HP at the output shafts to the wheels. An equally-equipped Aurora would have a similar resultant power level.

Guess it's time to get serious with your engine. Since your car weighs about the same as either of those, you'll have to make all those extra cubes work better for you. The best performance improvement for the dollar would be a different cam. Since you have a MAF, the control system could remain basically unchanged.

If you want to get an AFPR for less than a dollar, check this file:

AFPR.pdf

For about 30¢ in hardware and use of an accetylene torch for a couple of minutes, your regulator will be adjustable. Just don't expect a lot of improvement from the FRP adjustment unless you are using a different intake system.

For the money you save on the AFPR kit from one of the aftermarket places, go buy a die grinder. Get some rotatry cutters and a set of gaskets for your intake. Remove the plenum and open the restrictions according to these instructions:

Plenum Porting.pdf

For about $130.00 you'll have more flow, and a reason to use the FPR adjustment. Your soon-to-come Ram Air system will have more effect as well.

And you'll have the plenum ready to deliver air for whatever other mods might be on the way.

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Later,
Vader
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"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

Thanks Vader, you da man! Yeah, Buick Riviera, thats what I think it was. 300hp? I had no idea I was up against that much. I thought it was a silly little V6 that everybody and their dog has nowadays.

Change the cam? I dunno man, I don't think I have that kind of patience to work outdoors in this weather. I was thinking more along the lines of a new chip. One of my friends put one in his 91 305 TBI Camaro. I haven't driven it yet but he said it made a hell of a difference. I have trouble burning serious rubber in 1st but he smokes them halfway through 2nd. He's got a T5 though. For $120 or so, that's not bad at all.

Anybody got any advice on which chip to go for? I'm not planning to do any serious mods to this motor. A cam is about as far as I'll go. I'll probably port out the intake and do the AFPR mod, and the ram air system too. What should be a good chip for my setup? Thanks.

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'88 IROC 305 TPI
Gutted airboxes
160 degree T-stat
Advanced base TPS voltage
Relocated IAT sensor
Momo steering wheel
Ram-air setup coming soon
Flowmaster muffler
Taylor SpiroPro wires
Accel cap and rotor

 

The buick riviera supercharged 3.8L V6 produces 240 hp. The olds aurora 4.0L V8 puts out 250 hp.

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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

[This message has been edited by 82camaro (edited December 03, 2000).]