Can you help me with my tuning?

JasonZ · 06-17-2001, 09:23 AM

I have the mods listed below. A few weeks back I ran a 14.9, I was happy, but I thought I could get even more before the next mod. I put FMS 9mm wires on, motorsport plugs, a new cap, and a new rotor. I gapped the plugs to .052 - .056. I ran the wires to where the crossed and touched the least, and made sure they aren't touching the headers. The car seems to be detonating and was before the wires. At least, I think it is detonating, from what I hear. It is just a knocking underneath the car, and I only have the timing at 12* on 93 octane. Tonight I put some octane booster in, and still I have the knocking. What could the noise be, and is it possible it is hurting my performance?

Lastly, I WANT A 14.7 WITH WHAT I HAVE NOW. I really want it, and I think it can be done before any other mods. I think my tuning skills are just not too good yet. When I check the timing, I took the spout out, and it seems to be mainly at 12* but every once in a while it jumps down to 8, what is this?

What else can I do to get my car to a 14.7? I want it badly. I took the air silencer out, put a k&n filter in, advanced the timing, got the mods below, I keep my engine clean, got the plugs/wires/cap/rotor on nice and new. What can I do? Please help. It will be greatly appreciated...

-Jason

------------------
89 LX Convertible 5.0

Current Mods:
235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials,
k&n air filter,
removed air silencer,
4.10's,

06-17-2001, 10:40 AM

14.9 means relatively nothing to us. What was your 60' time, and your mph. ET is basically a measure of traction. I'm assuming that your car is an automatic?

JasonZ · 06-17-2001, 10:47 AM

sorry, I forgot

My 60ft was a 2.28, and I also forgot to say I ran a 15.1 after the new wires, plugs, cap and rotor, with also a 2.28 60 ft.

I have no problem with traction, can launch around 2000 rpm, brakes won't hold any higher, and still no peel out.

-Jason

------------------
89 LX Convertible 5.0

Current Mods:
235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials,
k&n air filter,
removed air silencer,
4.10's,

dinomite · 06-17-2001, 11:58 AM

14.9 with 4.10? Whats your mph, give us the full breakdown of your quarter mile. is it still detonating? what gas are you running? More info we have, more we can help.

JasonZ · 06-17-2001, 12:34 PM

Heres the timeslip with the 4.10's.

Reaction: .7075
60 ft: 2.3306
330 ft: 6.3266
1/8 ET: 9.6368
1/8 MPH: 74.40
1000 ET: 12.4921
1/4 ET: 14.9125
1/4 MPH: 93.07

Now, that was before the new wires/plugs/cap, and rotor. The timeslip with the new plugs, and wires is bad and doesn't give any info, and themph is all off. Only thing I can say is with the new wires and plugs my 60 ft was a 2.28, and my 1/4 ET was 15.1

It is still detonating before and also after the new wires and plugs, I am running 93 octane, and I tried putting a bottle of octane booster in last night, and I still hear a knocking underneath my car...

-Jason

------------------
89 LX Convertible 5.0

Current Mods:
235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials,
k&n air filter,
removed air silencer,
4.10's,

Unit 5302 · 06-17-2001, 12:39 PM

Where are you shifting at? You should be shifting in the low 5000's. Also, with 4.10's and drag radials you shouldn't be higher than 1.9's for 60ft. Just getting a better launch out of the hole could easily give you 1/2sec.

Unit 5302 · 06-17-2001, 12:40 PM

Also, if it's pinging and detonating, back the timing off. Regardless of what octane you are running, the car will not run as good with that as it will without knock, and you may destroy your engine in the meantime.

JasonZ · 06-17-2001, 12:42 PM

I have an AOD I am letting it shift itself, it shifts around 5200 rpm's. I only have the timing at 12*, so if I back off it is back to the stock timing

I don't know how I can get it to 1.9's theres nothing I can do driving wise, other than shuffle, which I am not gonna do...

-Jason

------------------
89 LX Convertible 5.0

Current Mods:
235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials,
k&n air filter,
removed air silencer,
4.10's,

Mr 5 0 · 06-17-2001, 03:31 PM

Jason:

Your 14.9 et is about right for what you have (stock 5.0/AOD/heavy convertible) but the gears should be getting you a bit lower.
The detonation is your real problem and it has to be corrected for the sake of your engine health - as well as your et.

Have a reputable shop (or a Ford dealer) run a scan on your computer to look for stored 'trouble' codes. This will run about $60. but is worth it, as it saves you the cost of replacing perfectly good parts while 'hoping' to cure the detonation problem.

The detonation could be anything from a worn distributor to a failing Mass Air sensor/meter but a scan should give you the info you need to correct the problem.
Octane booster and retarded timing are just a band-aid and won't really 'fix' anything.

With the detonation cured, you should see your 14.7 et, especially if you can go to 14 degrees advance and possibly install a shift kit in that AOD.

Good luck to you.

------------------
Mr. 5.0
Messageboard Administrator

JasonZ · 06-17-2001, 06:30 PM

thanks a lot, and I think I will do just that. I have a question, I am taking my car into the shop on Tuesday to get a minor oil leak fixed, I trust this shop, could they scan the codes, or does it have to be from Ford?

Jason

------------------
89 LX Convertible 5.0

Current Mods:
235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials,
k&n air filter,
removed air silencer,
4.10's,

IMPULSERACING · 06-18-2001, 04:53 PM

If they are a bigger shop and have the computers then they can run the codes. If you want better times pull your front sway bar. That will help with your 60' not to mention light'n you up some. Also, I'm assuming everything (spare, jack, junk) is out of your trunk. The lighter your car is the faster she'll run. Good Luck!

------------------
92' LX Hatch 5 spd, Performer Intake, 1/2" spacer, pro-m 75mm MAF, 70mm T.B., 24lb injectors, 190lph, BBK fenderwall cold air, mallary ignition & coil, 1.7 rockers, Ripper Shifter, Scattershield, Dual Friction Clutch, SVO Quadrant, Long-Tubes, Off-road H-Pipe, Pro-Dumps, Auburn Pro, 373:1, Strange Axels c-clip elims, control arms, supersubs, 50/50's, Eibach frnt drag springs, Moroso rear trick springs, no sway bar, battery in hatch, 5-Lug Pro-Stars 3 1/2", 8 1/2 26x10.5" MT ET streets, N20

9

JasonZ · 06-20-2001, 12:06 AM

yup, and I just noticed that after the new plugs and wires, when I ran a 15.1, versus the 14.9 before, I let off the gas early, I got it down to 81 mph before the track ended, so I think I lost a few tenths for sure, bieng my real mph should hae been around 94 mph. What do you think, I woulda rna another 14.9?

-Jason

------------------
89 LX Convertible 5.0

Current Mods:
235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials,
k&n air filter,
removed air silencer,
4.10's,

06-17-2001, 09:23 AM	#1
JasonZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Schertz, TX, USA Posts: 7	Can you help me with my tuning? I have the mods listed below. A few weeks back I ran a 14.9, I was happy, but I thought I could get even more before the next mod. I put FMS 9mm wires on, motorsport plugs, a new cap, and a new rotor. I gapped the plugs to .052 - .056. I ran the wires to where the crossed and touched the least, and made sure they aren't touching the headers. The car seems to be detonating and was before the wires. At least, I think it is detonating, from what I hear. It is just a knocking underneath the car, and I only have the timing at 12* on 93 octane. Tonight I put some octane booster in, and still I have the knocking. What could the noise be, and is it possible it is hurting my performance? Lastly, I WANT A 14.7 WITH WHAT I HAVE NOW. I really want it, and I think it can be done before any other mods. I think my tuning skills are just not too good yet. When I check the timing, I took the spout out, and it seems to be mainly at 12* but every once in a while it jumps down to 8, what is this? What else can I do to get my car to a 14.7? I want it badly. I took the air silencer out, put a k&n filter in, advanced the timing, got the mods below, I keep my engine clean, got the plugs/wires/cap/rotor on nice and new. What can I do? Please help. It will be greatly appreciated... -Jason ------------------ 89 LX Convertible 5.0 Current Mods: 235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials, k&n air filter, removed air silencer, 4.10's,

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06-17-2001, 10:40 AM	#2
9Cobra5 Guest Posts: n/a	14.9 means relatively nothing to us. What was your 60' time, and your mph. ET is basically a measure of traction. I'm assuming that your car is an automatic?

06-17-2001, 10:47 AM	#3
JasonZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Schertz, TX, USA Posts: 7	sorry, I forgot My 60ft was a 2.28, and I also forgot to say I ran a 15.1 after the new wires, plugs, cap and rotor, with also a 2.28 60 ft. I have no problem with traction, can launch around 2000 rpm, brakes won't hold any higher, and still no peel out. -Jason ------------------ 89 LX Convertible 5.0 Current Mods: 235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials, k&n air filter, removed air silencer, 4.10's,

06-17-2001, 11:58 AM	#4
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	14.9 with 4.10? Whats your mph, give us the full breakdown of your quarter mile. is it still detonating? what gas are you running? More info we have, more we can help.

06-17-2001, 12:34 PM	#5
JasonZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Schertz, TX, USA Posts: 7	Heres the timeslip with the 4.10's. Reaction: .7075 60 ft: 2.3306 330 ft: 6.3266 1/8 ET: 9.6368 1/8 MPH: 74.40 1000 ET: 12.4921 1/4 ET: 14.9125 1/4 MPH: 93.07 Now, that was before the new wires/plugs/cap, and rotor. The timeslip with the new plugs, and wires is bad and doesn't give any info, and themph is all off. Only thing I can say is with the new wires and plugs my 60 ft was a 2.28, and my 1/4 ET was 15.1 It is still detonating before and also after the new wires and plugs, I am running 93 octane, and I tried putting a bottle of octane booster in last night, and I still hear a knocking underneath my car... -Jason ------------------ 89 LX Convertible 5.0 Current Mods: 235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials, k&n air filter, removed air silencer, 4.10's,

06-17-2001, 12:39 PM	#6
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Where are you shifting at? You should be shifting in the low 5000's. Also, with 4.10's and drag radials you shouldn't be higher than 1.9's for 60ft. Just getting a better launch out of the hole could easily give you 1/2sec.

06-17-2001, 12:40 PM	#7
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Also, if it's pinging and detonating, back the timing off. Regardless of what octane you are running, the car will not run as good with that as it will without knock, and you may destroy your engine in the meantime.

06-17-2001, 12:42 PM	#8
JasonZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Schertz, TX, USA Posts: 7	I have an AOD I am letting it shift itself, it shifts around 5200 rpm's. I only have the timing at 12, so if I back off it is back to the stock timing I don't know how I can get it to 1.9's theres nothing I can do driving wise, other than shuffle, which I am not gonna do... -Jason ------------------ 89 LX Convertible 5.0 Current Mods:* 235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials, k&n air filter, removed air silencer, 4.10's,

06-17-2001, 03:31 PM	#9
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Jason: Your 14.9 et is about right for what you have (stock 5.0/AOD/heavy convertible) but the gears should be getting you a bit lower. The detonation is your real problem and it has to be corrected for the sake of your engine health - as well as your et. Have a reputable shop (or a Ford dealer) run a scan on your computer to look for stored 'trouble' codes. This will run about $60. but is worth it, as it saves you the cost of replacing perfectly good parts while 'hoping' to cure the detonation problem. The detonation could be anything from a worn distributor to a failing Mass Air sensor/meter but a scan should give you the info you need to correct the problem. Octane booster and retarded timing are just a band-aid and won't really 'fix' anything. With the detonation cured, you should see your 14.7 et, especially if you can go to 14 degrees advance and possibly install a shift kit in that AOD. Good luck to you. ------------------ Mr. 5.0 Messageboard Administrator

06-17-2001, 06:30 PM	#10
JasonZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Schertz, TX, USA Posts: 7	thanks a lot, and I think I will do just that. I have a question, I am taking my car into the shop on Tuesday to get a minor oil leak fixed, I trust this shop, could they scan the codes, or does it have to be from Ford? Jason ------------------ 89 LX Convertible 5.0 Current Mods: 235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials, k&n air filter, removed air silencer, 4.10's,

06-18-2001, 04:53 PM	#11
IMPULSERACING Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: chicago,IL,USA Posts: 158	If they are a bigger shop and have the computers then they can run the codes. If you want better times pull your front sway bar. That will help with your 60' not to mention light'n you up some. Also, I'm assuming everything (spare, jack, junk) is out of your trunk. The lighter your car is the faster she'll run. Good Luck! ------------------ 92' LX Hatch 5 spd, Performer Intake, 1/2" spacer, pro-m 75mm MAF, 70mm T.B., 24lb injectors, 190lph, BBK fenderwall cold air, mallary ignition & coil, 1.7 rockers, Ripper Shifter, Scattershield, Dual Friction Clutch, SVO Quadrant, Long-Tubes, Off-road H-Pipe, Pro-Dumps, Auburn Pro, 373:1, Strange Axels c-clip elims, control arms, supersubs, 50/50's, Eibach frnt drag springs, Moroso rear trick springs, no sway bar, battery in hatch, 5-Lug Pro-Stars 3 1/2", 8 1/2 26x10.5" MT ET streets, N20 9

06-20-2001, 12:06 AM	#12
JasonZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Schertz, TX, USA Posts: 7	yup, and I just noticed that after the new plugs and wires, when I ran a 15.1, versus the 14.9 before, I let off the gas early, I got it down to 81 mph before the track ended, so I think I lost a few tenths for sure, bieng my real mph should hae been around 94 mph. What do you think, I woulda rna another 14.9? -Jason ------------------ 89 LX Convertible 5.0 Current Mods: 235/60/15 bfg Drag Radials, k&n air filter, removed air silencer, 4.10's,