IHADAV8.com - Turbo Buick Tech, and Nonsense

Tech Area => General Buick Tech => Topic started by: earlbrown on August 20 2016, 08:12:24 PM

Title: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 20 2016, 08:12:24 PM
Unfortunately, my boost logging doesn't work since I removed my boost/tach module to get it rebuilt....    and I haven't hooked up my FP transducer yet...

My engine is a 4.2L with a little over 9:1 static, max ported 8445s with O/S valves, 215/220 roller, GT3255, and an extender chip on 93 with 19/17*.

PL is with a PLX wideband.

First pass is tuner style with the wastegate backed off as far as it will go. (about 5ps when I'm forced to let off, I think)  What's odd is that .7* is LOUD AS HOLY HELL. It literally sounds like drunk gnomes with hammers and marbles under my hood. I suspected the knock circuit wasn't reading right but it works fine...

#2.   So I popped the wastgate arm loose.  It makes right at 2PSI at the top of second  The knock readings not parrallel what I expect to see and hear with that amount of knock.  No freaking idea why PL shows .7 when you can hare it in the next county.

#3.   I upped the BLM adjust to 13 (of 18) to see what putting the BLMs closer to 128 would do. (since high compression likes more fuel it makes seance. ESP with my extra cubes and flow)

#4  Seemed to be the right direction, so I set the BLM adjust to 18.

#5 Made two changes at once. Maxed out the LoGear fuel and got rid of the default +2* 1st/2nd ignition advance.  It was SOGGY as hell driving to my turnaround spot then flooring it.

#6 Same as above. but much less soggy than #5. Still soggy and still knocking at @2PSI. Honestly, I don't think I'm knocking from cylinder pressure. I think I increased my burn rate and I'm just lighting the spark too soon.


I spend a lot of time with my piston engineer when I was designing my pistons. He mentioned that he like his inverted domes to require as little advance as possible. I agreed.   From the passes I made today it would appear that I've just increased the efficiency of my engine 'too much' and tuned myself right out of my chips' window. 

What I do know.  It started out lean as hell and adding fuel brought my numbers closer to where it's a good starting point to find 'the magic number'.  Pulling timing <i>seemed</i> to help, but without a way to pull it until I see a difference, that's speculation.

Thots?

I'm am surprised that I can knock the 295's loose without boost. That's one stout N/A V6 with a cork in the exhaust  :)
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: motorhead on August 20 2016, 08:47:57 PM
Try changing the type of fuel you are using.  Adjusting the burn rate could be a positive influence.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 20 2016, 09:40:52 PM
Screw that. If I can't run plain ole gas station pump gas, I'll part this damn thing out and have a covered place to park my jetboat.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Pyro6 on August 20 2016, 10:22:24 PM
What about the timing? Crap, just re read and saw the "as little advance as possible". Is it possible to retard it more?
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 20 2016, 10:47:48 PM
No, from what I can tell my extender allowed me to mess with 1/2 timing but only down to ''no more additional''. Once the 3rd gear signal lights up, it appears to be set in stone.  I really thought they were more adjustable than that.

If the knock would have waited until after 3rd to flare up, I would have unplugged the transmission plug so the ECM always thinks I'm in low gear. (I don't need TC lockup to tune).   From what I can tell, 'my N/A V6 is maxed out with timing'...   once the boost comes up ANY, that's it. Time to spick the cylinder temps.

I briefly glanced at Eric's site and it look like the TT chips have more timing latitute but his won't take advantage of the Extenders doubling of the g/sec of airflow with a Translator.

I wish I had an engine on a stand. It'd be easier to look at what it would take to drop the crank trigger down a few hundred thou.

It literally looks like I'm just outside of the tuning window to know where to go.  I hate the idea of spending $100 on a chip just to learn what I need to ask for so I can spend another $100 on a chip (then hope I haven't blown my car up spending all these 100's on chips learning what my engine wants)
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Scoobum on August 21 2016, 12:12:55 AM
Is the timing I'm seeing correct?
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 01:04:21 AM
If you're looking at the timing on my logs......    probably.

Honestly they make no sense.   If I was old schooling it and messing with a distributor, there's no way in hell I was try some of the shit my computer is trying.


I actually ignore that a little when I look at the wastegate (I'm tuner style now so it doesn't effect me at the moment). It'll start knocking and the computer is still commanding 100% solenoid duty cycle...  WTF?   Not to mention my chip code indicates I should have 85 and 80% duty cycle.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Scoobum on August 21 2016, 01:18:10 AM
WB, NB are showing lean...and the timing is also showing it going through the roof. You say you can hear it knocking...but it shows minimal KR in the first file. If the KR is real you're hearing...then why isn't it picking it up?
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 01:34:44 AM
No idea. But that first file makes enough racket that it would have blown non-cometic head gaskets, or cracked a hyper pistons with NO problem. Ive cracked three pistons. Two on the first pull. rebuild the engine, one on the second pull. (That's why there are forged pistons with my name on the bottom now. lol)

Look at the TPS in the first file.  I can get NOWHERE near full throttle with the wastegate hooked up. That's only partial throttle.  I can't floor it until I let the wastegate rod hang loose.

It's seriously so loud I'm considering pulling the engine and shotgunning the rod bearings. I've thought about making an audio recording of the physical noise but I'm literally scared I'll bust my only 4.1 block and rip the bottom out of my transmission.

It's that loud.


I truly have NO idea why it's only.7 on the log and sounds like a parking lot carnival ride at the same time.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Scoobum on August 21 2016, 08:37:54 AM
Contact Bob and ask if bypassing the wastegate solenoid messes with the timing in his chip. Timing should stay fixed at 19/17. If that chip isn't burned for your combo...that might explain it running lean. Are you showing KR on the SM or your in car knock sensor?

At the end of the day, I think this is gonna be a chip issue...and possibly a bad knock sensor.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 08:57:54 AM
I'm showing knock on my scanmaster, my powerloger, and the actual real life audio scares schoolchildren and gives them nightmares.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 09:01:12 AM
Frankly with the shit I'm catching on the other board, I'm REALLY thinking about walking way and either burning this car to the ground and parting it out.

I honestly don't enjoy owning this car anymore.


this is coming from some one that has over 10 motorcycles, a TVR, a pimp ass '72 Dodge van and some other toys that haven't been driven in over 10 years.....    but if the fucking Buick gets gone, I really think I'd feel better.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Scoobum on August 21 2016, 09:12:53 AM
It's not your pistons that are the problem. Don't let them get to ya'. If ya' do...then they win.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: motorhead on August 21 2016, 10:04:45 AM
Quote
It literally looks like I'm just outside of the tuning window to know where to go.  I hate the idea of spending $100 on a chip just to learn what I need to ask for so I can spend another $100 on a chip (then hope I haven't blown my car up spending all these 100's on chips learning what my engine wants)

Pick up a cheap used MAF T Pro and Extender Pro chip and gain all of that functionality you desire.

There are limits on what you can do with straight pump gas, the quality is always suspect, and it really is limiting.  Maybe order up some "Race Gas" octane booster and/or toss in some home-brewed additives (paint thinners) to make up the difference - if you don't own an alcohol injection kit already.

As for burning it...  Yes, do that - because the platform is pretty self-limiting if you are unwilling to start chopping it up to get modern tuning benefits - kinda like an Atari vs. Xbox One.  Maybe go with Mega Squirt and expand your options?
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: daveismissing on August 21 2016, 10:15:29 AM
Maybe with those pistons you need a lower compression ratio?
Spend $125 on a mcumall GQ-4X programmer and another 25 on an eraser and start tweaking your own tables in the chip.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Scoobum on August 21 2016, 10:37:27 AM
There's a 109 out there with Earls slugs in it running 25 PSI with zero issues...so that tells me it ain't the slugs. Looking at his files, he's running extremely lean and the timing is showing anything from 25 to 42 degrees...and it's not showing KR...for some reason. I'd spend 80 bucks on a chip from Eric that's burned exactly for Earls combo. At least I'd know the chip is correct. It could  also be something as simple as the ECM on the fritz.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Steve Wood on August 21 2016, 10:56:08 AM
nothing to do with the damn pistons.  Get a TT chip and set the timing at 18 degs in all gears.  Simplify the hell out of it.  Be sure you don't have an injector that is not working right.

Not sure what size of injectors you have but to make it even more simple go to an SD chip and open loop it
Title: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: larrym on August 21 2016, 10:57:26 AM
Earl I got a Gen2 translator and and extender G chip for 60s I could send your way to help you set fixed timing for testing if you like.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 11:07:58 AM
nothing to do with the damn pistons.  Get a TT chip and set the timing at 18 degs in all gears.  Simplify the hell out of it.  Be sure you don't have an injector that is not working right.

Not sure what size of injectors you have but to make it even more simple go to an SD chip and open loop it

Brand new tank, new sock, supra pump, 60's that are fresh off Chucks flow bench.

the basics are covered and them some.  I just left the other board and I'm FUCKING AMAZED I can't find a mod to delete my thread that wend SIDEWAYS AS FUCK.

I think I'm supposed to upset all all the people 'interested' in my $450 pistons sets that cost me $485 plus shipping and wrist pins.....

it's almost Noon, I haven't been to sleep yet and freeing up a spot in the garage is looking better and better....
Title: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: achalmersman on August 21 2016, 11:23:24 AM
I have a 5.6 TT chip burned for 60s Ill ship you for testing as long as you need earl

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 12:12:41 PM
Honestly I think it's time to bust the car up and make room for my jetboat under cover.

I've got over 10 years of making room for a dead GN since it was stolen. Betwee it's parts and the time involved, I don't have the car I used to drive everyday and gas will never be $1.59 for supreme.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: motorhead on August 21 2016, 12:43:28 PM
nothing to do with the damn pistons.  Get a TT chip and set the timing at 18 degs in all gears.  Simplify the hell out of it.  Be sure you don't have an injector that is not working right.

Not sure what size of injectors you have but to make it even more simple go to an SD chip and open loop it

Brand new tank, new sock, supra pump, 60's that are fresh off Chucks flow bench.

the basics are covered and them some.

The basics for a car running stock boost levels (or less); a performance oriented car not so much.  The base engine is junk by conventional standards, conventional pump gas is junk by 1980s standards, and to think you are going to pigheadedly run them together with an eye toward performance is going to leave you with a lot of junk.

Cut your losses and add better fuel and/or a better EMS; or move on and be happy.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 01:10:45 PM
Mike, I assUmed I would be given the benefit of the doubt as far as fueling and ignition and the sort.

Brand new tank, supra pump set to the correct depth, 60's freshly cleaned by Chuck, new hoses that don't leak, ported hoses, blah blah blah....


If you want a really go laugh, go to the other board and look how my tech post turned to to ripping me to shreds for selling pistons.

Just to throw out some numbers, I lose right at $100 a set when I sell a set of pistons.  Yes, you read that correctly, I care so much about the slugs, I eat a doubletap for shipping and I retail JE pins @16 each plus 7% tax and shipping.


Busting mu car up is looking better and better.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: TexasT on August 21 2016, 01:20:47 PM
Not sure why you would be posting tech over on that board. Answering the Newby questions, sure, but not much knowledge over there like there was a decade or so back.

So, we are sure the pump is delivering pressure that rises with boost? Not sure on that supra pump. I'm about ready to drop my tank again and move to a dw300 as mine won't keep the O2 up when I mat the pedal. I probably need a gauge and longer hose to be sure.
I'm looking forward to seeing the logs when I get home from work.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: motorhead on August 21 2016, 01:31:56 PM
Mike, I assUmed I would be given the benefit of the doubt as far as fueling and ignition and the sort.

Brand new tank, supra pump set to the correct depth, 60's freshly cleaned by Chuck, new hoses that don't leak, ported hoses, blah blah blah...

In a performance car of this vintage it just isn't enough.

I commend you for making the effort to bring a product to market for such an obscure car; but, you cannot expect anyone to appreciate/understand/acknowledge your effort.  You do you, and fuck the rest.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 21 2016, 01:55:09 PM
I didn't make the effort for that  per se. Don't give m too much credit.  :)

I made pistons that didn't exist because I needed them for my build.


Turns out I'm an asshole because I made a tech post without trying to sell pistons yet it's a dick move that pistons exist that belong to me...  (that I used to sell for $100 loss per set)
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: motorhead on August 21 2016, 02:47:37 PM
I didn't make the effort for that  per se. Don't give m too much credit.  :)

I made pistons that didn't exist because I needed them for my build.

I understand both of those things.  I do lots of shit for my own reasons which go against conventional thought - for my own reasons/stubbornness/education.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: TexasT on August 21 2016, 04:36:41 PM
Yall two must be hard headed or sumthin. Haha, this is just the site for ya. Lots of , I did it my way.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Be4u on August 21 2016, 11:24:56 PM
No matter what you do Earl, we love 'ya!

(Need some help on the other board? I gotta LOTA shit to talk lol.)
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: daveismissing on August 22 2016, 10:07:44 AM
$130 for the package (w eraser) on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OD7O9G2/ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OD7O9G2/)
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 22 2016, 10:44:49 AM
Yeah, I guess I am being hard headed.   If I want a car with a chevy v8 I'll buy a chevy.

My Buick GN has a Buick engine in it, and that Buick engine is what I'm working with. I've got over 10 years tied up on tying to turn this hunk of yard art back into a car, I'm not even going to consider doing a powertrain swap.


It sure would have been nice to pull the timing down across the board (and hopefully see the knock disappear).  With a distributor it would have taken me about 2 seconds to run that test. And learn if that that fixed it.

As of now, I'm waiting on a TT chip that (hopefully) will let me pull timing.  I can't do a damn thing until I run that test.  If it fixes it, then I know my engine build needs less advance than the average build.   If it doesn't fix it, I had to go through a bunch of unnecessary bullshit to run a simple test and then dig deeper.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: earlbrown on August 22 2016, 10:48:56 AM
$130 for the package (w eraser) on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OD7O9G2/ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OD7O9G2/)

Oh, hell no!   The last think I need is to teach myself another hobby!   For years, I've purposely avoided learning how to build transmissions, and decode/modify ECM codes.

It was bad enough when I got my 454 jetboat and had to go backwards to learn big chebbys and Holley carb circuits.  lol
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: Scoobum on August 22 2016, 11:10:31 AM
Earl...if you have a spare ECM...swap it...and see what your timing is at idle with your laptop hooked up. Your first file reads 25...and that chip is 19/17. Yeah I know, I'm looking for a simple fix.
Title: Re: I think I made my pistons ''too efficient''. Logs inside....
Post by: motorhead on August 22 2016, 11:22:08 AM
I am going to order some Torco octane booster for Drag Week... want to talk about band-aids for poor planning? Because this is it.  Another $130 US down the tubes.
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