tuning: yes or no?

[2_fast_240]

im working on a ka24de right now and plan of having the following things done to it.
-10.5:1 CR pistons
-pdm cams
-aem short ram intake
-ebay headers,3" straight through cat, and 3" cat-back exhaust
-obx underdrive crank pulley
-and im also thinking about porting out the head some

so my question is if i am going to need to do any kind of tuning to it after all this. im guessing no, but even if i dont would i be able to get anything more out of it if i did tune it. ive already got an safc-2, because im idiot , so its not like it would be that much trouble.

[punxva]

if you've got the money then have it chipped and tuned, or have some1 tune ur safc 2 because u can always benifit from a good tune. Like gain more mid range torque.

[punkz]

Since you already have a AFC, and if you have a some money to burn I'd get it tuned. Like punxva said, there's some gains to be had in it.

[xtreme_s14]

aem has an ecu for the KA that'll add about 50hp from what i hear.. but it'll cost yah $500.. but like they said.. it's all about tuning too!

[RBS14]

Add 50hp and cost $500?

Try 30hp on a good day and $1600.

Yes, you will need some tuning done. You could get away with the stock computer, but it will be way off. Why dump a bunch of time and money into your engine just to leave the ecu stock? The AFC will help, but there are still much larger gains to be had with real engine management.

[<3MyRiceRocKet]

wow 10:5 comp...should tune it! I heard the KA head doesn't flow good. BUt I guess any power is better than what could. Good luck, Keep us up-dated!

[Nizmo240_22]

Originally Posted by <3MyRiceRocKet

I heard the KA head doesn't flow good.

Where did you hear that?

Your biggest worry should be the timing. What octane will you be running.

If I was you I'd retard the timing a few degrees to be on the safe side. I ran 11.1:1 sohc pistons for a while but got bored with it.

[mikesim]

drop the 8 bit and go standalone. your NA setup won't benefit much from a rom tune. you'll need a more versatile fuel and ignition table to really make use of your cams and high[er] compression.

[2_fast_240]

I was planning on running the highest octane on pump gas so 91, 93. i hear all yall talking about an ems but i dont really have money for that. if i got a wideband air/fuel gauge, could i tune it myself with the safc-2. would there be any other ways of tuning the ignition, timing.

[orion::S14]

Fuel tuning is the easy part and doesn't yield big results.

With a setup like you're planning, you need PRECISE timing control.

That's where you find big gains. S-AFC is OK, but I'd sell it and use that money towards a better ECU or standalone....the JWT N/A ECU tune is pretty decent...but still does not compare to a standalone setup.

- Brian

[g6civcx]

You should always tune whenever possible. Haphazardly putting parts together won't get you optimal performance or reliability.

[<3MyRiceRocKet]

well i assume it because i get that all the time from honda guys...i guess they compare it to honda heads...I must say, dyno's do prove it. But I have yet to see a flow bench of it. I know I am talking out my ass. WOuld a KA head benefit decently from a port?

[Nizmo240_22]

http://www.az240sx.org/forums/index....6&hl=head+flow

[2_fast_240]

Ok, so i guess the general consensus is its gonna suck till i fully tune it. but in the mean time is this gonna be SAFE to drive. i mean, the valves arent gonna come down and smack the pistons when i first start it up or anything are they. Would having a poorly tuned car eventually cause problems that you wouldnt have if it was tuned better. Also, around how much power would you gain with a standalone ems compared to just tuning it with the safc-2.

[Nizmo240_22]

Originally Posted by 2_fast_240

Ok, so i guess the general consensus is its gonna suck till i fully tune it.

NO...but you'll benefit power wise.

but in the mean time is this gonna be SAFE to drive. i mean, the valves arent gonna come down and smack the pistons when i first start it up or anything are they.

With mine at 11.1:1 it was still a non-interference motor. Even then you should turn your motor over while on a stand to both check everything, and the satisfaction of feeling like a kid in a candy store.

Would having a poorly tuned car eventually cause problems that you wouldnt have if it was tuned better.

Only if you're detonating. If you can't get it tuned then retard the base timing a few degrees until you can play with it

Also, around how much power would you gain with a standalone ems compared to just tuning it with the safc-2.

Too hard to say. The ems allows for amazing control of every aspect the engine has. Playing with your timing numbers will yield better results.

[koukidough]

i think youll gain 40hp if you tune it

[mjjstang]

a good tune is a safe tune my lad, on top of the forementioned hp gains you shall receive.