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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Is a chassis dyno turn worth the big $$?

I was thinking of having my V8's carb and diss curve dialed in at a tuning shop. The carb seems to be running really rich, and the non-stock diss is anybody's guess as to what's best. Can't really just flip open a manual and figure out the proper settings.

So I called around today and reached a place fairly nearby that has a chassis dyno (rolling road, to you limies) and will work with you on carb jetting and diss advance curve optimizing. They assured me that a simple 4-barrel carb setup is duck soup. But I almost fell out of my chair when they said $300 for the first half hour, and $100/hr after that!!! Is that a normal price scheme, and is it worth it (they said to expect $500 all in)? I have put so much time into the car that I think it would be fun to really nail the perfect settings.
Dale

I am sure that a tune up on a chassis dyno (rolling road) is worthwhile, provided the shop knows what it is doing. Go for the old guy with years of experience rather than the young techie <G> - I confess I'm a 58 y.o. techie the best of both worlds!

If yours is a new conversion I think you should probably run the engine in, and pass the first service before running on a cd/rr, and you willl be running up to maximum revs. Do make sure cooling is adequate when the car is on the cd/rr.

I can't comment on the suggested price but would recommend, that you get a print out of power, emissions etc at the starting point, and on conclusion.

If you don't know and trust these guys I would suggest a "cap" on the fee rather than an opendended liability to go on paying $100 per hour - if they are not busy there must be a temptation take more time than strictly neccessary.

Safety Fast

Nigel
Nigel Steward

That seems a bit high to me.. Chassis dyno service is expensive, but the way that is set-up is asking for trouble. Call around. I seem to remember a place here saying the same $500, but they said "$500, full day to get it dailed in." None of this $300, then $100/hr...

If it is as easy as they claim, they should know exatcly what it will take (or close to it) and be more than willing to give you an exact price. Say $550, sure some will take more time, others will take less, long run they make good $$ and their customers are happy knowing exactly what they will pay when they walk in.
Larry Embrey

Dale-
I have to agree with Larry. They should know what it will take to get the car spot-on perfect, so a flat fee is reasonable. An hourly rate sounds suspicious to me. As for the question of "is it worth it?", you'll have to decide that for yourself. Getting the engine to peak performance can answer a lot of questions about just how good it really can be.
Steve S.

here there are places that let you use their dyno. You can then adjust your carburetor yourself. Typical cost is $50-75 setup and $15-20 a pull. You've got to be quick and porficient in changing jets though as the bill goes up quickly. Perhaps you could give out the specs on your engine and someone can give you good jets sizes and timing curves?
Joaquin

Dale,
You might first try tuning your engine on your own. It all depends on what kind of carburetor you have installed. Ask Glen Towery for some advice before spending the big money. He knows what he is doing , has tons of experience with these engines and sells good quality products. I got my Carter AFB from him. Installed it and got it running. Never tuned it in. I assumed it was right on and it did! Power galore!!!
I installed Lumenition ignition in the original Lucas distributor and just set the timing right by turning rotating the distributor. That was all I did to it!
Werner
Werner Van Clapdurp

Dale, Seems a bit expensive (even to me) and I've been up to the Hackettstown NJ area to get Joe Sulpy to do my hood scoop ($1000.00, but to me it was worth it). Let us all know the name of the place, perhaps some of us locals all getting together could bring down the price with some sort of package deal.
My MSD distributor and ignition box just arrived yesterday and I'd like to be sure I dial her in right and see what I'm putting to the rear wheels, before I pursue additional modifications.
Michael S. Domanowski

Dale-
Werner has a good idea about contacting Glenn Towery in Dover, Delaware. He's a very competent MG professional. If anyone can advise you via the Internet on how to dial the engine in prior to putting it on a dynomometer, it's him. He's friendly and is free with his advice. His Email address is mgv8glen@bellatlantic.net
Steve S.

This thread was discussed between 16/03/2001 and 17/03/2001

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