Quote:
Originally posted by Eric_VR-4
what is a little versus too much?.. right now I run between 2 and 6 but I haven't finished fine tuning (still rich).. and now I'll have to start over anyhow when I gut the honey's ....( hmmm that pun sounds a little scary)
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I don't hold much faith in the knock sum numbers. The sampling rate on the logger is too slow to really tell you much IMO. I think these Knock sums may be giving people the ‘Chicken Little’ complex. After all, the ECU knows how to deal with these sums to a large extent.
It takes a lot more than a little knock to be of any harm. Many car manufactures write in the user manual that *audible* knock is normal. While I wouldn't want to give that advice to anyone, I still think that the knock counts tell you very little.
Better to use a WB02 and an EGT gauge. This is just my opinion though.. Don't blame me if your engine blows, but if it does, it will most likely be a rod bearing that goes from making to much power or low oil pressure, and not a piston from detonation unless you are very lean or running too much boost. I really don't think knock is as big an issue on second gen cars. First gens are a little more prone to it, so I'd just reduce the base timing a few degrees to be safe. You can't adjust the base timing on a second gen. From what I can tell, the second gen ECU does a very good job of suppressing knock by dumping fuel when required. If you have an EGT gauge, you'd see a sharp spike in the temp, and it would not climb smoothly to 900c as it should. Knocking usually will result in high fast climbing EGTs.
Keep in mind that on my 95 VR4, I can't really monitor knock, and I've put 28,000 hard ass miles on it running it leaner than most guys would. I've had many online arguments with peeps on this forum about it. The fact is my car runs better than ever, and burns not a drop of oil, nor does it blow any out of the crankcase, so the rings are perfect.
Here is my advice.
USE A WIDEBAND TO TUNE A/F
Run no more than 16 psi to redline, use premium gas, use OE laser platinum plugs(yea, the stock heat range) , and always keep the air fuel ratio at 11.5:1 at WOT over 4500 rpm's, and your engine will be happy as mine is. There is no reason why knock should be an issue.
If you run race fuel, you can raise the boost, and at that point a colder plug wouldn't hurt. The Laser Plat plugs are FLAT OUT the best plug on the market. I find the stock plugs work best for me, but that me.....
Other add on knock suppressants, like WI can only help, and you can get away with running a tad leaner with it, which will give you a little more HP and a little less knock at the same time.