I went an dyno'd my car and spent more than some of the racers have spent on a complete carb. Maybe the tuner was bad but he sure spent a lot of time and the shop was reputable. I prefer to do my own tuning if I can and maybe have someone double check my work. Here is something cook I found, it's a simple gauge without being able to log data but later on if needed, it has the option for like $150 to log data. Starts at $220 with everything. http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/db.php
the nice thing about the inovative products one is it self calibrates for the degradation of the sensor over time so you will get the most accurate readings from it. there was a magzine artical that did a comparison on alot of different ones and there was only two that did the calibration thing. you should be able to search for it on google but it required a subcription to read the results. it did give alot of good info before the point that you have to pay.
You have a point. Its kind of like when you tell someone at work a tidbit then by the time it gets around its blown up into something huge. Same thing happens here. One guy adds a bit to the thread then another and before ya know it we've solved the JFK thing. The dyno is cheaper than the guage though.
Dyno is neat, and all that, but not as much fun as running it, tuning it on the side of the road, and running it again. Plus, I can do it to figure out which jets to use for regular street driving, then do it at the track to figure out which jets work best for WOT short runs, etc. Also, I can figure out the jetting for winter and summer gasoline formulas. So when I am done, I should have at least 6 different sets of jettings based on the different kinds and seasons of driving. Then I won't even need the gauge. I will have 6 "dyno sessions" worth of calibrations for $200. Then when I go to the track, I will know I just have to swap in my xx/yy jets for best performance at the track during winter months, etc. THIS is the kind of stuff I really enjoy about running an old carbureted car. It is constantly a challenge to figure stuff out.
If you get your tune and the circuits rite in the Carb you probably wont need but one set of jets. I use mostly my idle circuit for cruise and the power valve and pump shot for a quick enrichment if i just bump the throttle, Then when the front barrels open the main circuit and power valve supplies enough for the front two barrels. Then i have very large jets in the rear which supplies enough fuel for wot ( along with the front jets and pv). I will gain one full point during the hot of the summer but i just let it run a little richer for anti-detonation-suppression. It still will cruise on 15.7-1 afr. After you learn what and how each circuit functions its not that hard to tune. Although let me caution you. Before you start drilling on pvr"s and emulsion bleeds and what not be sure that you understand what the effects will be across the board. And get you a good set of numbered drill bits with a pin vice. Tuning carbs has always been one of my favorite things to do. I think anyone with a little patience would enjoy it also.
I am not anywhere close to drilling anything or making any permanent modifications to my carb. This would be a good carb to learn that on. I think I only paid $50 for it and it has been "there and back". But for now, I will be satisfied with just a decent tuneup and drive it till I kill it.
I have the Innovate LC-1, can data log with and have the analog gauge, which BTW, is actually stepper motor driven so it's very smooth. Original price was $289, found it on sale through an internet speed shop for $239 and ordered it using Microsoft Cash Back discount, eneded up paying $139 for it!
