Backfire - tuning recommendations

[Deadfast]

I have my V8S back on the road now, shiny new ACT manifolds, new fuel pump, new AFM to plenum hose and big clips, etc. What it hasn't had though is a proper tune. As a consequence of all the changes I assume, when I shift up and let off the accelerator, the engine obviously runs rich and I get a backfire in the exhaust system. It's more than the usual pop and crackle so a bit disconcerting, although I believe it's unlikely that damage is being done at present. Fuel economy has suffered bigtime though!

I have been considering what would be the best way to sort out timing and fuelling for some time. I've read a lot on this forum and it seems that a MA tornado chip with RR is the way to go. However, I've also seen mention of Canems, Emerald and Megasquirt, but can't work out whether they woulf fit/suit the V8S. I'm wondering if someone could explain in numpty language what it all means (or point me in the right direction). I don't want big power, more smooth running, so it may be I don't need a lot!

Cheers.

[v8s4me]

I had this problem after fitting ACT manifolds. The cause was a blown manifold to Y-piece gasket. Check this first and if that is the cause, fit better quality gaskets. I’ve got an MA chip in mine. Mark mapped it on a rolling road and made it a lot smoother. He solved the over-fueling in the mid-range and tweaked a little bit more bhp & torque out of it as well but the smoothness and tractability are the biggest gains. MPG on long motorway runs is better too if you’re interested in that sort of thing.

I already had the chip but if you haven't then this route isn’t cheap. I’m very pleased with the outcome, although if I'd had to buy the chip as well the cost per bhp gained doesn’t really make economic sense. I’d recommend you get it running as best you can with the standard set up and see how it feels before you shell out any more petrol vouchers.

In any event, the engine will need to be fault free before you install the MA chip and put it on the RR. If it’s not you’ll be paying a lot of additional labour to have the faults fixed during the mapping process because Mark (or any other technician) won’t be able to map it successfully if there are any pre-existing faults.

[Deadfast]

OK, so MA is the way to go. The ACT y piece and Tim's gaskets were fitted with the manifolds but no guarantee that they were fitted correctly I suppose. Where would be a good place to have the standard setup checked off the M5 corridor between Bristol and Birmingham do you think? TVR Power?

Thanks.

[v8s4me]

Power have a great set up and are great to deal with but give MA a call and have a chat. In my experience you've got to get it runing spot on before you'll see any gain from chipping.

Move your hand around the mainifold/Y-piece flanges; you'll soon feel if there is a leak.