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Dyno Tuning Basics - Jets, Timing, Camera, Action

How This Tempest Picked Up 28 Hp In An Hour
By Randall D. Allen
Photography by Randall D. Allen
Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning 66 Tempest
Floyd Hand's '66 Tempest runs... 
   
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Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning 66 Tempest
Floyd Hand's '66 Tempest runs a 0.030 over 10:1 compression 455 and ported (248 cfm) 7K3 iron heads to the tune of 11.50s at 117 mph on a 1.57 60-ft. The engine features a 950 cfm carb, Performer RPM intake, 234/244-deg Bullet cam, Hooker 1.75-in primary headers, 3-in x-type crossover and tailpipes from Pypes, and 2.5-in Straightline Performance mufflers. It's also equipped with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a Continental/Jim Hand 10-in 3,200-rpm stall converter, and an 8.5-in Corporate 10-bolt with 3.42 gears.
  • Timing light
  • Standard wrenches
  • Screwdrivers
  • Automotive diagnostic tools
  • Carburetor tuning supplies
  • Carburetor gasket(s)
  • Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning Spark Plug Gapping Tool
    Here are a few tips for your... 
       
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    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning Spark Plug Gapping Tool
    Here are a few tips for your dyno excursion: Before leaving for the shop, pull a spark plug and examine it for detonation and/or abnormal wear. Replace your plugs (and properly gap them) if there is any wear, and don't forget to make sure that you have fresh fuel, a fuel filter and a PCV valve (if so equipped).
    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning Leak Down Tester
    If there is any doubt as to... 
       
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    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning Leak Down Tester
    If there is any doubt as to the internal condition of the engine, perform either a compression and/or leak-down test before dyno testing. An engine with low compression in any cylinder won't impress you on the dyno.
    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning Ignition Timing Light
    Rather than relying upon the... 
       
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    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning Ignition Timing Light
    Rather than relying upon the shop to supply tuning equipment, come prepared and bring your timing light. A modern-dial back-to-zero timing light like this unit from Craftsman works well and is affordable at Sears.
    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
    In addition to bringing a... 
       
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    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
    In addition to bringing a distributor wrench, remember to carry along spare belts, as well as screwdrivers, wrenches and any other basic hand-tool you may need.
    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
    For carburetor adjustments,... 
       
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    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
    For carburetor adjustments, organize your carburetor tuning kit. Holley-style carburetors need jets, shooters and a spare power valve (if applicable). Shown here is the author's own Quadrajet kit. (Even though Floyd didn't use the Q-jet in this story, you get the idea.) In addition to main jets, there is an assortment of secondary rod hangers and metering rods. Spare hose clamps and vacuum accessories (T's and vacuum caps) fit nicely into a clear plastic organizer.
    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
    After strapping the Tempest... 
       
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    Vintage Pontiac Dyno Tuning
    After strapping the Tempest to the dyno and warming up the engine, it set a baseline of 354.9 horsepower and 427.9 lb-ft of torque. Timing was set at 28 degrees total with 10 degrees initial. This carburetor began life as a mechanical secondary 850 and has been professionally modified by BG to flow 950 cfm. It was equipped with No. 82 jets in front and No. 92 jets in the rear. According to Keith Lohse of RPM, "The overall air/fuel ratio was rather rich at 10.0:1, considering that carbureted applications generally perform best between 12.4-12.8:1."

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