Author Topic: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter  (Read 2703 times)

Offline ghjedi

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Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« on: October 31, 2012 - 12:13:13 PM »
Does anyone here have any experience tuning their carb with an electric air/fuel ratio meter?  It 'seems' like this would be the best way to tune the carb over a vacuum gauge.  The tool is a bit pricey, but I'm thinking it would pay for itself pretty quickly, given that I have a couple of classics with carbs to tune.

I'm looking at this tool: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270979863067?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Is there a better/cheaper one to consider?  Are these tools even worth it?

Feedback is much appreciated!
1 of 1 1972 Challenger 440 4sp Convertible Blue GB2
2012 Challenger R/T Classic Blue Streak Pearlcoat




Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2012 - 03:54:45 PM »
There has been a few guys here that have used a wideband meter to tune their cars. (Brads70 and CudaJas to name 2).

I don't know if they used that brand of meter or not though.    :dunno:

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

Offline brads70

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2012 - 05:21:32 PM »
I just used an autometer gauge. Worked great for me!
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline ghjedi

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2012 - 05:59:56 PM »
I just used an autometer gauge. Worked great for me!

Thanks, I will check that out.  Sounds like a cheaper route!
1 of 1 1972 Challenger 440 4sp Convertible Blue GB2
2012 Challenger R/T Classic Blue Streak Pearlcoat

Offline brads70

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2012 - 06:10:10 PM »
I will make life easier also if you have a carb that is easily adjustable such as a proform or quickfuel .  :2cents:
Adjustable air bleeds are a nice feature
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Jamiez

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2012 - 06:34:45 PM »
 Cudajas uses a FAST system.   I bought one as well. I looked at the system you listed and found several low reviews on places like amazon, it seemed a lot of them did not like the o2 meter.

Word of warning though you'll need to put a bung into you exhaust somewhere, where as a vac gauge doesn't require cutting into the exhaust or welding. 

Offline ghjedi

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2012 - 08:20:56 PM »
Cudajas uses a FAST system.   I bought one as well. I looked at the system you listed and found several low reviews on places like amazon, it seemed a lot of them did not like the o2 meter.

Word of warning though you'll need to put a bung into you exhaust somewhere, where as a vac gauge doesn't require cutting into the exhaust or welding.

Thanks for looking into that.  I know one model requires cutting/welding into the exhaust pipe and I believe the lower end model from the same maker has a sensor that can be inserted into the exhaust pipe for testing and then easily removed without any cutting.  I could be wrong and need to do more homework.  I definitely want to stay away from cutting/welding my exhaust system.
1 of 1 1972 Challenger 440 4sp Convertible Blue GB2
2012 Challenger R/T Classic Blue Streak Pearlcoat

Offline Jamiez

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2012 - 06:36:37 AM »
FAST makes an adapter that you can insert into the tail pipe and clamp down (others may as well).  It just holds the O2 sensor so it would work for any tuner not just the FAST systerm.
A number of vendors make a short section of pipe with a bung in it, if your exhaust is new enough you can disasemble a straight section, slide the sensor pipe in and clamp it all back together.  If your car is like mine the exhaust is fused solid and cutting it would be the only option.

I've done some tuning of mine using the tail pipe method but the chrome tips don't lend themselves to using the clamp so I really can't road test it which will give you better results. Also, ideally, you want the sensors further up the system, especially if the pipes mix, that allows you to tune left and right individually to get the mix just right, my FAST meter supports 2 sensors for just such tuning.  You can do it with 1 sensor but you'll need to move it from side to side (which can be hairy as the exhaust pipes tend to be hot).

Offline brads70

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Re: Carb Tuning With An Electric Air/Fuel Meter
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2012 - 07:54:32 AM »
Mine ( Autometer) has just the one O2 sensor and I drilled a hole and welded in a bung in the header.  When tuning with just 1 sensor I just make sure  I adjust the same on both sides of the carb.
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0