I'd like to throw in a few ideas about this potential test:
-should use the SAME truck for all testing. This eliminates countless
variables due to the subtle differences from one truck to the next. Now
that this piece is in place....
-what truck should we use? I think Jon Smith recommended a 5 speed, and
I agree with that. Also, what combination should we use? Stock
ignition, airbox, IAT location, etc, etc, etc? I would suggest using a
cold air setup (Quick-D, K&N Gen 2, or equivalent) as I think most of us
who want a TB are going to go this route.
-If possible, it would be nice to select a V-6 and a 5.2 V-8 to cover
most of the DML members. Adding an RT would be sweet as well.
-A "driving impression" report should be submitted near the end of the
computer re-learning week on all of the non-quantifiable data (throttle
responsiveness, neat whooshing sounds, aesthetics, etc)
-Not that I don't trust the "Big 4" TB guys, but the units should be one
that was bought off the shelf by one of us guys, not supplied directly
by the manufacturer. This will avoid any special one-off ultra flow
units with additional trickery. There are countless examples of this in
performance tests: an automaker gives a car mag a tweaked example which
proceeds to turn in unreal performance numbers, thereby making the test
a farce.
What I have suggested is going to take a span of 3 weeks to complete per
truck. I know that it's slower, but it is more accurate this way. Sorry
for the long post, and please feel free to disagree with this test
protocol.
Cale Bargen
98cc318sporty, un-keyed.
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