Tuning - will there ever be a difinitive answer?

[NickM450]

More of a musing really folks,

Lots of threads pop up with questions about what works best and everyone has differing answers - understandably.

Are there just to many variables or is it more about people's personal opinions?

On the other side there seems to be universal thruths, such as smooth bore elbows, de-catting etc.

[ChilliWhizz]

It's probably as much to do with different budgets as it is with opinions... and what results you're looking for, like more top end power, or more mid range torque etc... the basic premise has always been the same, the more air/fuel you can get into (and out of) the engine the more power it'll make... it's not the size of the engine that determines the power it's the size of your wallet

[macdeb]

Chilli is pretty much spot on. Budget. As often with these things one thing leads to another, then another and so on. Best way is to plan and even then it can go out the window, take into account 'real' driving style and requirements. Do you want to be a track day fiend or cruise with attitude? I'm of the latter nowadays as I did my track thing on bikes and preferred that besides, I never seem to have any time! [being a crap driver also].
It can be done in stages over time but remember the plan, say intake mods' then a cam to compliment, exhaust, porting, matching, head skim maybe, etc, and don't forget Brakes suspension and proper set up, it can be endless but if you plan to keep a car, why not? General state of engine at the moment? compression and leak down tests are easy enough. Don't think that fitting a smooth bore elbow on it's own will transform a car, it wont. For me if Eanns turbo conversion was around when I started out on the search for POWWERRRRRR road I'd have fitted that and been very happy with it. Best way to save money though is to STAY OFF PISTONHEADS!!!! It's bad for your wallet. Though there are some very knowledgeable people on here both amateur and professional that can offer some very good and sound advice of which I have taken note of many times and been grateful for that.

Edited by macdeb on Saturday 13th December 12:53

Edited by macdeb on Saturday 13th December 12:55

Edited by macdeb on Saturday 13th December 12:57

Edited by macdeb on Sunday 14th December 11:20

[NickM450]

Good points

I never thought of it from the point of what people want. High reving screamer or low down grunty cruiser.

I love reading the opinions of everybody on here, experts and (expert) hobby mechanics alike. I think the only real truth is indeed that the most expensive thing to do is visit Pistonheads and may I add any TVR garage or TVR enthusiast, my wallet is very sore indeed.