gunfightrr

Greetings. I've looked all over the site (trying to do the right thing and all) and still am wondering what to do. I recently dyno'd my basically stock '99 on a dyno dynamics dyno and was told i'm running rich across the board, about 11.3. The tuner suggested I adjust the AFR to lean it up a bit and I should pick up 10-15 more hp (possibly????) and a couple of MPG. Purchasing a predator was mentioned. These guys mostly deal with Mustangs and aren't really set up for F-Body tuning just yet. My whip is basically stock other than an air box and I'm just wondering if it is really worth it right now to drop $350-450 for a tune at an area F-Body specialist, buy a predator (or similiar) and adjust it myself, or wait til I put a few mods on first (full header/exhaust swap will be first). No noticeable idle/acceleration problems and I wouldn't even have known it was running rich if he hadn't shown me. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and have a little bit of computer savvy, but I just don't want to delay things if it's running overly rich. any thoughts would help this newb out. thanks.

Big Geek

iTrader: (2)

If you really want to dive into total tuning then I would reccomend the HP Tuners software. If not then I would recommend Vinci's (Crane) Power Programmer. It has a good bit of tuning capability without the learning curve of the HP Tuner software. On the flip side you are not going to get all the tuning capability with the hand held that you would with the HP Tuner software. So it is really a matter of whether or not you want to deal with the learning curve or would you rather use a hand held with pre-select menus. The Power Programmer has some very good programs in it and allows for camshaft upgrades and the like. It also has some VERY good pre-programmed loads that are GREAT for stock cars. Now, the HP Tuner software is simply awesome. There are a few features I would love to see them integrate but for the money I cannot find a better program. It is a poor mans DFI. So again ask yourself how far into the PCM would you like to go. After you have answered this question the choice will probably be clear. Cheers !!!

Jim C.

YO-EL

iTrader: (6)

oink oink

gunfightrr

Big Geek...thanks for the input. I haven't had this car too long and I think any full computer based program is more than I feel like getting into right now for just an AFR adjustment, but who knows. I think a handheld programmer might just be the ticket right now. Once I get around to throwing so go-fast parts on it, i'll go for the full meal deal. Long gone are the days of simply turning a screwdriver on a Holley and getting 'er in tune!

Yo-EL....not sure what oink oink means, but thanks for looking at my question anyway.