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Dyno tuning the FE446

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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 01:35 PM
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Dyno tuning the FE446

I'm dropping the 67/69 project off at Colvin Automotive here in Austin for Dyno tuning of the carburetor etc on Monday. Steve over there is supposed to be quite familar with tuning these BG carbs.

He's running a fuel injected 514 (460 stroker) in his Ford truck, 4x4, C6 and Dana 60 rear. Apparently there is substantial loss in these components. His truck posted about 300 RWHP. So, my 262 RWHP and 370 RWT numbers wern't too bad. But he expects to see substantial improvements based on how bad the A/F ratio was with the Edelbrock. He also thinks the BG carb is better suited for my motor.

I'm hoping for 300 RWHP and closer to 400 RWT.



In other news, I've been out of the loop a bit since my Mother passed away last Monday. We knew it was coming, but it's still difficult to deal with. She was just 60. :-(
 
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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 02:06 PM
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I am very sorry to hear about your Mother Greg. I was kinda wondering where you were.

You are being very conservative on your numbers Greg. I hope it all works out great for you! Hopefully soon I can get to a dyno so we can all start comparing numbers. I wish there were more people that had thier engine dynoed reguardless of performance level. I might setup a database on my website to record dyno results on various FEs.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 03:12 PM
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I know the numbers sound conservative, but there is a lot of loss in these drive-trains. Specifically the C6 and Dana 60 rear axles. These are heavy, clumsy parts. Steve also has more loss in the 4x4 transfer case.



I agree, as we get more rear wheel dyno numbers we should get a small database posted as a good reference. I think we'll find that most of us are well shy of the Desktop Dyno dream numbers :-)
 
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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 03:51 PM
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If you don't mind my asking, how much are you paying for the dyno-tuning? The machine shop now has my shortblock and an $800 deposit, so I will probably be going down the same road in about 2 months.

I agree that a dyno-database would be informative, and more importantly, "fun."

-Patrick
 
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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 05:30 PM
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Steve figures it will take him around an hour to optimize my carb settings using the dyno. He figures on 3-4 runs with the air fuel measurement, and a resulting cost of around $225.

It might sound expensive, but I don't have a dyno or an A/F meter and I have far less knowledge on tuning this carburetor. With near $10K in this motor, I'd like to have a pro look at it :-) I just could not see me getting even close by using the seat-of-my-pants dyno and trying to decide if it "Smells rich" :-) I'd probably end up lean and damage something.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 05:36 PM
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even if it is a little extra cost its better than damaging something on your own like you said, i hope everything works out for you and you get the #'s your shooting for, good luck
 
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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 11:39 PM
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The guys in Kansas City charge $145 for 1 hour of runs with A/F metering. Dyno costs vary widely from shop to shop. A guy on hand that can rebuild and tune a holley with his eyes closed is worth the extra money.
 
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 08:10 AM
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Originally posted by Ratsmoker
A guy on hand that can rebuild and tune a holley with his eyes closed is worth the extra money.
I get the impression that this guy is just about that good with these Demon Carbs. He seemed very knowledgeable over the phone. We'll see.

Now, I need to find a way to put it to the ground. There aren't very many 15" wheels with an 8x6.5" bolt pattern, particularly ones that are 12-14" wide for some mongo Mickey's :-)
 
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 10:31 AM
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First off-Greg, sorry to hear about your mom, I know that even when you expect it, it doesn't make it easier...

Just out of curriosity, did you run your number on a Desktop program initially, just for comparison purposes?

--Mike
 
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 12:50 PM
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I've run it on Desktop Dyno.

It shows 575lb-ft of torque and early in the powerband. It shows 441HP at around 4500rpm.

Assuming about 30% total loss through this drivetrain, that should yield 402lb-ft and 308 HP...So, right about what I'm hoping to see :-) My instincts tell me that's generous on the torque, but I think I can get there or better on the HP given how bad the last A/F looked and I still netted 262HP.

http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...50/67dyno1.htm
 
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Old Jan 6, 2004 | 10:55 PM
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Sorry to hear about your mother, Greg. You and your family are in our prayers.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2004 | 11:31 PM
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I'm real sorry to hear about your mom Greg, I've been there and know how it is. One of those one day at a time kinda deals, ya'know? I'm real glad you have a knowledgable tuner to work with your engine (especially since I was trying to talk you into the BG so much!)...I'm looking forward to the results. C6 is the great hog of horse, and you are right about the rest of the drivetrain sucking it up too. @300rwhp would be very significant with that combo. As you well know, most guys touting there massive horsepower (including me) is at the flywheel.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2004 | 11:52 PM
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I thought i heard that dd was about 5% off. if its 5% high you have about 420hp and 545 tq. I think edelbrock are good carbs but they can't match the power of some other carbs. I think you will get close to what you are looking for.
 
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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 06:33 AM
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Originally posted by proeliator
C6 is the great hog...
For those of you interested in cutting down on some of the horsepower loss in your C6 TCI makes a low drag kit. Just about every thrust plate in the planetaries is replaced with needle bearings. You can check it out on TCIs website (www.tciauto.com); it's about $150 from Summit. Just messing around with the tranny on the bench I can tell that there is a huge improvement in the amount of drag between the various parts. I haven't got the whole thing done quite yet; fell into the "while I'm in here" trap again....
 
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