Well, I went to the track Friday! Just about nobody was there... usually you only get three runs (that's as many as the ticket holds). I didn't know any better, so I took my time between runs... when I went up for the last run, I asked the guy if he'd let me slide for one more run after "this one". He said it didn't matter! He said that since there was only a handful of people there (maybe 20-25), I could run as many times as I wanted.

So I banged out the last time, went up for a 4th run-- and it started raining. It didn't let up, either. Oh well, I'm happy!

Here's the tabulated results! Sorry it took so long, I didn't have a chance to do it yesterday.

Runs #1-3 are the ones I posted a while ago, after my 3.73/posi/disc swap. The best times out of those three are in bold.

Run #4 is right after I installed the MSD 6AL box and Blaster coil, and right before I put my cleaned injectors in. The times in blue beat runs #2 and #3.

Run #5-7 are after I put in the injectors that Rich at Cruizin' Performance cleaned. The times in red show the results of the new injectors. I actually wrote down the weight of the car this time! It was 3370 pounds!

The 7th run, well.. here's the chart, first. (You might have to scroll down, I don't know why that sometimes happens- anyone know?)

<table BORDER=3 CELLSPACING=3 CELLPADDING=3 >
<tr><td>Run #</td><td></td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td><td>4</td><td></td><td></td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td></td><td>7</td></tr>
<tr><td>Date</td><td></td><td>9/15</td><td>9/15</td><td>9/15</td><td></td><td></td><td>10/25</td><td></td><td></td><td>11/10</td><td>11/10</td><td></td><td>11/10</td></tr>
<tr><td>Temp F</td><td></td><td>70</td><td>66</td><td>65</td><td></td><td></td><td>61</td><td></td><td></td><td>56</td><td>55</td><td></td><td>56</td></tr>
<tr><td>
<tr><td>R/T</td><td></td><td>1.09</td><td>1.037</td><td>0.698</td><td></td><td></td><td>0.910</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">0.779</font></td><td>0.928</td><td></td><td>0.750</td></tr>
<tr><td>60'</td><td></td><td>2.348</td><td>2.354</td><td>2.345</td><td></td><td></td><td>2.450</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">2.327</font></td><td>2.365</td><td></td><td>2.362</td></tr>
<tr><td>330'</td><td></td><td>6.972</td><td>6.953</td><td>6.949</td><td></td><td></td><td>7.043</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">6.927</font></td><td>6.971</td><td></td><td>6.973</td></tr>
<tr><td>1/8</td><td></td><td>10.868</td><td>10.830</td><td>10.829</td><td></td><td></td><td>10.949</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">10.808</font></td><td>10.858</td><td></td><td>10.818</td></tr>
<tr><td>MPH</td><td></td><td>63.20</td><td>64.27</td><td>64.24</td><td></td><td></td><td>61.88</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">62.92</font></td><td>62.82</td><td></td><td><font color="#FF9900">63.75</font></td></tr>
<tr><td>1000'</td><td></td><td>14.246</td><td>14.265</td><td>14.252</td><td></td><td></td><td>14.311</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">14.202</font></td><td>14.262</td><td></td><td><font color="#FF9900">14.149</font></td></tr>
<tr><td>1/4</td><td></td><td>17.154</td><td>17.240</td><td>17.225</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#0000FF">17.200</font></td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#FF0000">17.151</font></td><td>17.219</td><td></td><td><font color="#FF9900">17.039</font></td></tr>
<tr><td>MPH</td><td></td><td>77.16</td><td>75.89</td><td>75.77</td><td></td><td></td><td><font color="#0000FF">77.67</font></td><td></td><td></td><td>76.37</td><td>76.22</td><td></td><td><font color="#FF9900">77.92</font></td></tr>
</table>

The last run shows the use of the Torque Convertor Lockup switch! Check out all the numbers in orange- they beat the heck out of the red #'s! https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...ueswitch.shtml Remember how I was complaining that my first three runs seemed to demonstrate a loss of power midway down the track? Well I wondered if that was attributable to the TCC lockup! It sure seems like it was, eh?

Here's a kicker for that last run- I was kind of upset at run #6, so I thought I might've been loading up the convertor too much. So, instead of launching at 2000 or 2200 RPM, I launched at 1800. I wonder... how would I have run if I launched higher?? Oh why did it have to rain? But hey, at least I got my 17.04 @ 77.9 MPH!!

So... thoughts?


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

[This message has been edited by TomP (edited November 14, 2000).]

 

Well, the TCC switch definitely seemed to help.

The only other thing I can say is, myself and my friends just shake our heads in wonder every time I see new track times from a 200+k mile '86 'Bird that will run over 6/10ths faster than a new one.

Keep it up Tom. You'll make the 16s yet!

------------------
Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Hypertech chip/K&N filters/Accel 8.8 wires/RapidFires
Eclipse CD and 100x4 amp/Boston plates and 6x9s
Alpine Alarm w/ Keyless entry
IROC tailights/tinted windows

 

You are almost there, GOOD LUCK!

------------------
91 RS Camaro
3.1L
Cat Back System, K&N filter,modified air box, Fastchip Stage 2, 160 thermo, Rapidfires and Bosch Wires, soon to come: Homemade Ram Air,and maybe power pulleys, 5 Air Horns

 

good job TomP! I think you could hit 16's without doing anything more, but practicing. I couldnt get my car to hit 15's, I hit a 16.09 , but my MPH climbed by 3 mph after the 3.73's went in! It looks like the ignition doesnt do to much do you think? what do you think I could do to get a tenth knocked off my 1/4 mile time? Check the sig I have alot of mods, but I dont know what else to do....



------------------
Modified 3.4 Pacesetter headers,Crane 2020 cam,K&N cone, cat-back ,shift kit,pulleys,3.73's(openrear)
16.18@85.6 and 16.09@83.7

 

3.1,

Have you done any ignition mods? I don't see them in your signiature....maybe thats a place to pick up a tenth or two. I realize they didn't make much of a difference in Tom's car, but they might help you a bit. Everyone I've talked to says ignition mods help the car rev faster, and we all know how important it is to get a 60 degree to rev, right?

Also, in a past post of yours you mentioned you were at a point now that you may be traction limited? Try that 1 slick idea you had Or, throw a posi in. Either one of those oughta give you at least a 1/10.

------------------
Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Hypertech chip/K&N filters/Accel 8.8 wires/RapidFires
Eclipse CD and 100x4 amp/Boston plates and 6x9s
Alpine Alarm w/ Keyless entry
IROC tailights/tinted windows

 

I have the MSD coil and 6aal and i disconned it to see how it ran after i got used to it with it connected u will feel more of a pul then without it.
TOM P get the Powerpullys and u will be in the 16's i noticed a big difference with mine on.

 

Hey thanks for the support, everyone!

Jason, yeah, I guess it is pretty wild! I just wish I knew my mileage when I turned a 16.87 back in '96.

3.1, I think you're right about the practice. I don't think I ever launch at the same RPM. I need to invest in an MSD 3-stage limit box, that way I can just try different RPM pills for a powerbrake. It seems if I powerbrake too high or too low, the car's slower. (Er, well, brakestand, not powerbrake!) I'm worried about going too high because I don't want any wheelspin.

FastRS, I'm an '86 bastard car- nobody makes power pullies for the motor. 85-86 were the only MPFI's that didn't use the serpentine system. I guess I could have 'em custom made, but I could probably buy that NOS nitrous kit for the price!

Oddly enough, the ignition made a big difference in the overall performance of the car. The track times don't show it well, though! The injectors also made a big difference in power, but the track doesn't show that either. Maybe it just comes down to practice?


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

hey Tom I was looking at your chart again and it looks like the box made your MPH go up by about .5 over your best run before the MSD. I think I'll get me a box sometime. I think the key to good ET;s is the launch.

 

What about your fuel supply? I've never worked on a FI V6/60, but don't you have a fuel pressure regulator that you could replace with one that would allow you to bump up the pressure? What about better injectors?

Just tossing some ideas out there...

 

actually i saw an fpr before..but it was a proto and no doubt expensive..i think bumping the pressure in one of these could make some nice power...

------------------
88 Firebird 2.8
MODS (either coming or on):
Flowmaster 80 series, Random Technologies Cat, 3" intermediate pipe, Accel 8.8 wires, MSD Coil, MSD Ignition Module,MSD 6A
Currently Working On:
t5 swap
Next to buy:
Slp dual cold air intake!

 

You mean no one makes an aftermarket FPR for FI'd V6/60s? That sucks!

What alternatives are there? Is it possible to make one out of something else? Use a V8 FPR?

 

I heard you can use a V8 AFPR,wheres TomP at he should know this....

 

Dan, good point about the fuel pressure. I'm wondering if I'm being somehow limited by it. As to larger injectors, I just had mine cleaned, and I don't think I've improved the airflow of the motor enough to require 'em. But, maybe more/less fuel pressure is a key here.

I've also been told we can use the AFPR's available for the TPI v8's. (If anyone remembers Mark K/SSFIREBIRD, that's who it was. I haven't heard from him in a year or two.) In fact they both look the same, and both are listed in the GM service manual as "not servicable, replacement only".

I know of a 4th genner that needed it (James/13secV6) when he had headwork done, since the airflow was increased so much. However, I suppose I could be running too rich, and not getting the power I should.

I'm also wondering if I have vacuum leaks. I'm considering visiting a junkyard tomorrow to get a "new" set of vacuum lines between my plenum, EGR, vapor canister, and TB. The 195 stat is also going back in tomorrow- I'm too damn cold!


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

yep..i just found the holley 5.0 tpi fpr works for 60* v6...(a fiero owner has one on his fiero) he said he gained 12 hp by turning it up!!(russell i emailed him)

------------------
Flowmaster 80 series, Random Technologies Cat, 3" intermediate pipe, SS Hand Made Tips, 3 1/4" out, Accel 8.8 wires, MSD Coil, MSD Ignition Module,MSD 6A Box
Currently Working On:
T5 swap
Next to buy:
Slp dual cold air intake!

 

so this guys says he uses the holley 5.o TPI AFPR......hmmmm, now we to know if the 2.8 fierro uses the same parts as the 2.8/3.1 fbods. And also, why is the fuel regulator considere"unserviceable"?

 

I think the non-adjustable FPRs are the ones you would get through GM. The aftermarket ones are what we want...

And yes, Fieros used pretty much the same engine that's in our F-Bodies. The intakes were a little different, and I think they may flow more air than F-Body intakes. Dunno for sure, though...

Also, check out some of the stuff for the Berettas. They had a wicked 3.1L SFI V6/60 in some of them (I know, I used to own one of those bad asses), with a VERY nice FI setup. Distributorless ignition driven off a crank trigger too... I totally want that in my next Camaro! Heh, heh.

 

Dan's right, although I remember my mechanic replaced the rubber diaphragm inside my sister's fuel pressure regulator. It was a TBI 4-cyl car, so maybe those pressure regulators are servicable? Otherwise I don't know where he'd get the part from.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

What gets me is the drastic difference in Times I have seen with 2.8's... I have a 180,000 on mine and I am low 16.0 ~ 16.3 range with less mods than Tom.. Now my friend syxxgunnar with 70,000 runs 18's to 17.9 with more mods than me and similar ones to Tom.... Could it have something to do with the year the car was made? GM did different things? This is intriguing me way to much... I have a 86 Camaro are camaros lighter? Any ideas?

 

I know, it is strange. Maybe it has something to do with funny engine wear? I'd love to get a dyno run in, but I'm worried about what it'd show! Hehe... I could wind up having 80 HP or something!


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

well my old 85 was fast as it wanted to be stock. I always thought that i got one of those special production test models, but could never prove it. And 85' is the year the 2.8L had the most TQ. 165lbs, versus 160 like that makes to much of a difference. Friends of mine with firebird and camaros even the guy with a charger will always say, "john, you car really can get up and go." makes me giggle. hehe.

 

That is how it is with my buddies and their Z's...At one point they all have had a thrid gen and they say mine is really not off most I would see on the road (beaten up and run down V8's) in performance. It surprises the take off with it for a 6...

 

That's another thing that ticks me off- all my friends say my car's fast, my car feels faster than it ever has, yet my track times suck. Something's wrong around here! Oh well.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!