OK, my friend got my new engine running today, but the exhaust manifold is glowing cherry red and there are occasional flames out of the exhaust (!). Is this just because the timing is off and because the engine is running lean? Spec: 1989 Mk2, p&p digi head, 2l bottom end, GS2H cam + vernier, 4-branch manifold + supersprint system. No mods to fuelling yet. I have considered fitting a power boost valve to richen up the mixture. Which is least bad - running rich or running lean? I will be getting a tune-up next week so want to know what to do in advance, i.e. do i need a PBV because PB fuelling must otherwise be altered via the chip?? Advice / suggestions most welcome!!!! Edited by: 2golfs
It's safer to set an engine up slightly on the rich side. Rather than potential detonation problems you'll get potential bore washing problems and high fuel consumption. Neither's ideal though so you'd be best to get it tuned as soon as you can. I'm sure TSC will give you advice on how to get the Digifant to handle the fuelling but I'd have thought a good setup by most garages would sort it out.
I use a remapped chip & a 3.5bar FPR to handle the fuelling.... If the head is only a P&P with no change to valve sizes then the fuelling wont need drastically altering..as it wont be breathing a massive amount better. Id have it set up a tad rich to keep it all safe (2% CO at idle), & have the ignition timing set around stock (6-8 degrees BTDC @ 2000-2500rpm with blue temp sender disconnected) Edited by: chrismc
