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Thread: New to tuning.

  1. #1
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    Default New to tuning.

    I’m new to tuning and looking for some direction. I have a 98 Z28, with an LS6 intake, long tube headers, off-road y-pipe, B&B cat back, and SLP cold air intake. I know that I am running rich due to the soot on the exhaust tips and the smell of the exhaust. Any advice on where to start with my tuning?
    Last edited by Steven LS1 Z28; December 29th, 2020 at 05:52 AM. Reason: Incomplete posting.

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    I seem to recall the F bodies commanding more WOT fueling than the Corvettes and also having less ignition advance. At least on the stock tunes I'd looked at years ago. Do you have a wideband? Your best bet would be to tune the VE/MAF then command a WOT AFR of something more akin to 12.7-13:1 vs the factory pig rich settings.
    1998 GMC Sierra K1500 5.7/4L80E, longtubes, 411 w/COS 5, marine cam/intake, Whipple. 91 octane at 6000'.
    1997 GMC Sierra K3500 7.4/4L80E, 411 w/COS 3, Whipple, small cam.
    2004 Corvette Z06 with longtubes.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Supercharged111 View Post
    Your best bet would be to tune the VE/MAF then command a WOT AFR of something more akin to 12.7-13:1 vs the factory pig rich settings.
    I don't normally challenge the advice you give, but this time I have to. Seriously, 13.1 AFR at WOT? In my opinion that's too lean... and considering you don't even know what fuel he's running, it could end up putting him in a situation where he gets very little enrichment at all.

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    I do not have a wide. I use only 92 or 93 octane unleaded.

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    Quote Originally Posted by statesman View Post
    I don't normally challenge the advice you give, but this time I have to. Seriously, 13.1 AFR at WOT? In my opinion that's too lean... and considering you don't even know what fuel he's running, it could end up putting him in a situation where he gets very little enrichment at all.
    Sorry, I was assuming premium fuel here as that's what the car calls for. 13:1 is the number I have seen slung around for the LS1 by folks with dynos. If you've observed otherwise I'm open to more input. In the absence of a wideband dude is dead in the water. I think we can all agree that 12.5:1 is a universally safe AFR for an NA engine though.
    1998 GMC Sierra K1500 5.7/4L80E, longtubes, 411 w/COS 5, marine cam/intake, Whipple. 91 octane at 6000'.
    1997 GMC Sierra K3500 7.4/4L80E, 411 w/COS 3, Whipple, small cam.
    2004 Corvette Z06 with longtubes.

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    First step is to buy a wideband, without one, you're shooting in the dark as far as what your actual fueling is.

    The 97-98 PCMs are super limited and you have to deal with a Secondary VE table plus there are limitations around running SD as well. The later 99-02 512kb PCMs don't have this limitation and it's a pretty quick swap if you need more tuning support and functionality.
    ~Erik~
    2013 Sonic RS Manual - 1.4L I4T E78, tuned, turbo mods, etc.
    2008 TrailBlazer SS 3SS AWD Summit White - LS2 E67/T42, bolt ons, suspension, etc.
    2002 Chevy TrailBlazer LT 4X4 Summit White - 4.2L I6 P10, lifted, wheels, etc.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Supercharged111 View Post
    Sorry, I was assuming premium fuel here as that's what the car calls for.
    Yeah, I guessed that was your logic... but people will use shit fuel if that's the only fuel available in their area. I never assume what fuel is being used, I always ask.


    Quote Originally Posted by Supercharged111 View Post
    13:1 is the number I have seen slung around for the LS1 by folks with dynos. If you've observed otherwise I'm open to more input.
    I'm observing a newbie who doesn't even have a wideband yet, let alone a dyno. I would suggest a newbie (with a wideband) shoot for 12.2 or 12.3, and a more experienced home tuner should shoot for 12.5 or 12.6. Personally, I think 13.1 is too lean even for an expert dyno tuner... but that's just my opinion.

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    Good call statesman,
    The overlap cycle has a lot to do with what the wideband sees. There is no magic AFR/Lambda number

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    Ok next question. Any recommendations on a good affordable wideband and where to install it? I have read on other forums driver side or passenger side, with no real consensus on where.

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    Quote Originally Posted by statesman View Post
    Yeah, I guessed that was your logic... but people will use shit fuel if that's the only fuel available in their area. I never assume what fuel is being used, I always ask.




    I'm observing a newbie who doesn't even have a wideband yet, let alone a dyno. I would suggest a newbie (with a wideband) shoot for 12.2 or 12.3, and a more experienced home tuner should shoot for 12.5 or 12.6. Personally, I think 13.1 is too lean even for an expert dyno tuner... but that's just my opinion.
    You bring up good points, in addition he'd be smart to leave some wiggle room in there in case he misses something when he does get it tuned with a wideband. If memory serves correct, the stock PE AFRs commanded were well into the 11s.

    Steven I have an AEM gauge in my 1500, I want to say I only paid around $125 for it back in 2009. It has a couple wires that allow you to make a serial cable for it to get it talking to the Flashscan.
    1998 GMC Sierra K1500 5.7/4L80E, longtubes, 411 w/COS 5, marine cam/intake, Whipple. 91 octane at 6000'.
    1997 GMC Sierra K3500 7.4/4L80E, 411 w/COS 3, Whipple, small cam.
    2004 Corvette Z06 with longtubes.

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