Modified 1980 Dyno Run with Graph

[joelittel]

2 hours of DIY dyno time at Dyno Source Performance ran me $250. It was DIY meaning there was minimal hand holding. Had I scheduled one of their tuners to dial it in the $ would have been more. However, I suspect he could have done a lot more with it than I did in 2 hours.

I don't want to add up what I've spent on my build, not yet, but I've provided enough clues for you to do the math. The only wildcard is that I started buying parts seven years ago and everything was quite a bit more affordable back then. I'm also a big fan of "the Bundle" so if I can buy in bulk I'll sell off what I don't need and try to offset my costs that way. It's a long and slow process but I have had some success finding deals and other success selling items I don't need for my build... does anyone need a rebuilt transmission?

I did most of the labor myself, which may end up proving to be why I can't hit high numbers like some of the pros can. I've seen dyno graphs that literally make me drool... but I'm not sad about not getting there yet. This is a hobby for me so getting better at it is part of the fun. I do have a goal HP number in mind (thanks Andy), but I don't expect to get there this year. I've learned that I have a lot to learn.

I can add that my car has been entirely funded by my willingness to take on overtime work. Every dollar that's gone into my car has been funded by money I've made in overtime... which is awesome because that money is entirely outside the family budget! Whenever my manager says "Are you able to work late?" I hear "What does the FIAT need now?"

HUGE smile emoji

[nelsonj]

Great story about the OT - really glad the car is running well. It's a very rewarding feeling and these cars are really fun when everything cooperates.

I have semi-parts car with a 1600 that needs and engine rebuild, needs a new exhaust, interior and could use a new top. But the body is in good shape (no rust and straight except minor hood damage) and the carb is new, the breaks are new, and the trany/rearend is solid. Was driving it when I had an overheating event. Given my other car is "fully" restored (but still requires attention), I just don't have the time to work on the other car - I know it would be a lot of fun to get it rolling, but it's just too big of a project given all my other priorities...

Anyway, I certainly understand the "hobby" of it all, the best way to look at it.

Peace.
Out.

[So Cal Mark]

can you post your new graph? I'd also like to see what your advance curve is. I was looking at your first graph recently and it looks like the AFR wasn't ideal for power either which probably hurt the top end

[baltobernie]

Yes, that's one of the problems with a conventional dyno; it calculates torque at WOT only. The graph I posted on the previous page was with a Weber 38DGS, a synchronous carb that delivers great top-end performance, but I could never get it to work well in "normal" driving. I ultimately ended up with a 36 DCD, and this progressive carb delivers a much more pleasurable street experience. I didn't dyno this carb, and frankly my dear ....

[joelittel]

I'll post the graph when I can get to my desktop. Currently I only have a photo of it on my phone and iCloud is frustrating the crap out of me.

[djape1977]

you're pulling just over 100hp with modified 2L engine? this is wheel HP?

[joelittel]

Djape1977 I assume it's Wheel hp.

I'll scan the graph at work today and post it and some pictures tonight.

The dyno guy thought I might be running too rich, and he might be right. I had read that rich was safer than lean so I kept my afr in the 13's.

[So Cal Mark]

afr at full throttle should be in the 12.5-12.7 range for best power

[joelittel]

I don't recall where I have the higher (WOT) cells set, but I'll be interested to see tonight when I get home.

[So Cal Mark]

the dyno shops I know would end the test if they saw aft going up over 13:! at full throttle, high rpm as the motor is starting to lean out

[joelittel]

At WOT I think I'm richer than 13.

What I meant earlier is that I kept other portions of my fuel table rich thinking that richer was safer.

[So Cal Mark]

I thought your first chart showed about 13.5

[joelittel]

My mistake then.

If that's what the chart shows then that's what I had in there

[joelittel]

My new chart from Saturday shows a min afr of 11.7 and a max of 13.6

I'll scan it and post it tonight

[joelittel]

Here's a photo of it from my phone. A scan might be easier to read, but for now here's a photo.