Tips for preventing engine destruction
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,621
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From: THORNTON, PA (NEAR PHILLY)
Tips for preventing engine destruction Wondering if you guys would share some things you learned over the years that would help prevent engine damage. Be specific, like timing (what rpm you ramped in/out particular amount of degrees), AFR (again when you fatten/leaned and where), meth (when and where), etc etc. Any and all responses welcome!!!
Last edited by 69-chvl; Oct 21, 2013 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 31
From: THORNTON, PA (NEAR PHILLY)
The fuel type is going to sway the numbers drastically. Reading the plugs on last yr's setup (stock LQ4 engine with an 88mm, W2A and 110 race gas) it was safe and happy at 17*, 15-16psi, and 11.1 AFR.
This yrs setup (403" Lsx with a 98mm, straight methanol) it is currently only at 12 psi, but 27* and 3.6 AFR and could use some more timing at that. I'm thinking we may drop it back to 26 above 20psi of boost. So you can see how just fuel type can totally change a setup/tune.
This yrs setup (403" Lsx with a 98mm, straight methanol) it is currently only at 12 psi, but 27* and 3.6 AFR and could use some more timing at that. I'm thinking we may drop it back to 26 above 20psi of boost. So you can see how just fuel type can totally change a setup/tune.
Rich at peak torque with lower timing and you can lean it out some (like going from 10.8 going to 11.2) as rpms climb. Be conservative with timing. It is not a volume **** for power. This applies more for pump gas. E85 and race gas are a little different. But every set up is going to want something different. Generally speaking, the more efficient the set up, the less timing you need.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 31
From: THORNTON, PA (NEAR PHILLY)
One of the things that still amazes me is when I see connecting rods bent like an S, but the pistons are still perfect. Shows the strength of cast pistons and a good tune. But bending rods is amazing - can that be a sign of too much timing at the tq peak???
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Wondering if you guys would share some things you learned over the years that would help prevent engine damage. Be specific, like timing (what rpm you ramped in/out particular amount of degrees), AFR (again when you fatten/leaned and where), meth (when and where), etc etc. Any and all responses welcome!!!
I had a fuel pump go partially bad, went lean & melted a piston. Now before a street race event I go out a make a few hits & watch the wideband.
No intercooler don't work for me, I've read several people claim they do it. I have this old rat rod & tried to run it sans intercooler. Was giving me fits after a few more beers I said **** it. 15lbs 91 oct plus meth blew the side of the steel block to pieces. I was running with no hood and the dip stick flew almost out of sight.
Always check your meth tank level if you are pushing the limits of 91 octane. Melted piston that way as well.
Another thing I rarely see mentioned here is the type of driving you are doing. I think some of these roll race kids blow **** up pulling high mph long runs.
I can get away with a lot more running an 1/8 mile run. If I pull third gear things are more likely to go bad on pump gas.
I run street cars as fat as they will take sometimes that is high tens with meth/water injection.
I can get away with a lot more running an 1/8 mile run. If I pull third gear things are more likely to go bad on pump gas.
I run street cars as fat as they will take sometimes that is high tens with meth/water injection.
Agreed 100%. 150 mph pulls is tough if your tune is not spot on. The longer you have a motor full tilt at a high load situation (like a long 5th gear pull or something) the more stress that motor, cooling system, etc is under and it will expose weaknesses.
Tips on not blowing it up? Back up guys, I've got this. LOL.
Don't put it on 22psi and 19*. Don't try non intercooled on 23psi and 10* when an oil ring is damaged. And don't put three 15GPH nozzles with straight meth and spray it all while on the 2step building boost at the line. Thats the 3 ways I've killed a 5.3. Start off NOT doing that and you should be fine!
Don't put it on 22psi and 19*. Don't try non intercooled on 23psi and 10* when an oil ring is damaged. And don't put three 15GPH nozzles with straight meth and spray it all while on the 2step building boost at the line. Thats the 3 ways I've killed a 5.3. Start off NOT doing that and you should be fine!
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 82
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From: Tucson, AZ
Listen to your tuner! That helps a ton too. Back in the day I blew my motor in my civic because I didn't listen to him... "No 5th gear pulls" he said "Your intercooler is too small and your IATs get too high".. Retard me does a 5th gear pull and melts a piston.
This could go on and on. I've had my share of motors let go over this year. Things id recommended first obviously is your tune. Next make sure of good oil pressure.
If your really going to hammer it on pump gas get meth injection!
Just keep timing numbers "safe" and pay attention you will be fine. It all depends on how hard your going to push it.
If your really going to hammer it on pump gas get meth injection!
Just keep timing numbers "safe" and pay attention you will be fine. It all depends on how hard your going to push it.
I've said for many years now to people, find a GOOD tuner and run good gas. Even if you have to trailer the car to another state, paying the right tuner is worth it! If you want to run pump gas, either leave it turned down or run a dual fuel setup. MANY hurt JY motors are from bad gas(mostly pump gas, lots with meth added) and most others are from bad tuners. Very few die from pure power hurting parts.
I've said for many years now to people, find a GOOD tuner and run good gas. Even if you have to trailer the car to another state, paying the right tuner is worth it! If you want to run pump gas, either leave it turned down or run a dual fuel setup. MANY hurt JY motors are from bad gas(mostly pump gas, lots with meth added) and most others are from bad tuners. Very few die from pure power hurting parts.
If you run E85 check it at one or two stations and stick to those stations, thats what I've had success doing.
