We spend a lot of time tuning cars at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, and have learned a few things to help make dyno shop tuning sessions go smoothly.    If you need help with a custom tune for you car, be it fuel injected or carbureted, feel free to contact our shop at 314.783.8325 or at http://www.v8speedshop.com/tune and we’ll be happy to discuss having our technicians tune your car on the chassis dyno.   

 

Overlooked Tips For A Successful Dyno Session

  • Make sure the car runs!

  • Is the car and the dyno shop insured?

  • Have a transportation “plan B” in place just in case something goes wrong!

  • Make sure the car doesn’t leak fluids, exhaust, etc.  

  • Make sure the car is safe to drive, brakes don’t drag, driveshaft good & u-joints, etc.

  • If using your gear, make sure the computer / device can communicate with the car before you take it to the dyno shop.    This can be a tremendous time waster if you have problems.    

  • Check simple things.. Does your car achieve full throttle without the linkage binding?  Is the battery and charging system working properly?   Does the car’s cooling system work properly?

  • Have a goal… are you trying to get a power number, a driving tune, or working on something else?

  • If carbureted, bring jets, squirters, power valves, gaskets, etc., so you don’t have to buy or order new ones halting your mission.

  • Install o2 sensor bungs in pipes for better tune.

  • Bring distributor springs and bushings if tuning ignition.

  • Bring a second set of spark plugs, just in case.   

  • If EFI, be sure charging system and battery are up to par.

  • Bring oil change materials if doing major tuning… you don’t want to run rich and pollute the oil.

  • A friend with a car at the dyno shop is a good idea, in case you need to make a parts store run to get something.

  • Be sure to have the phone number of the tech support department for your EFI system or tuning software should you have a question.   Often times a personal extension or technician’s name will help save time waiting on hold should you need help.

  • If you are planning a full day, have a lunch plan in place!  

Mopar High Impact Colors of 1970 – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 337

Buying a new Dodge or Plymouth Muscle Car wasn’t an easy task in 1970, as you Continue reading “Mopar High Impact Colors of 1970 – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 337”

Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode #332 – Muscle Cars in Saudi Arabia

We took a trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and learned about the Muscle Car Culture in Saudi Continue reading “Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode #332 – Muscle Cars in Saudi Arabia”

The Brothers Collection Team Viewer Mail Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 315 V8TV

There is a full team of people that manage The Brothers Collection, and this week, we’re Continue reading “The Brothers Collection Team Viewer Mail Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 315 V8TV”

Horizon Hobby Radio Controlled Trucks at 2019 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Bloomsburg, PA V8TV Video

Horizon Hobby brought out a variety of radio controlled vehicles ranging from off road trucks, on Continue reading “Horizon Hobby Radio Controlled Trucks at 2019 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Bloomsburg, PA V8TV Video”

2007 Shelby Super Snake Prototype: Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 287

Shelby cars have various levels of significance to collectors and enthusiasts. Many like ‘em for the Continue reading “2007 Shelby Super Snake Prototype: Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 287”

NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car Driver Matt Hagan and Mopar Motorsports Eddie Olsen 2018 PRI Show

Catching up with NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car Driver Matt Hagan and Mopar Motorsports Manager Continue reading “NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car Driver Matt Hagan and Mopar Motorsports Eddie Olsen 2018 PRI Show”

We recently did some work on this clean 1969 Chevelle for a cool customer who’s become a good friend over the years.     The car came to us with most of the pieces in place, but just not playing that well together.    In fact, it’s been a repeat visitor over the years getting better upgrades each time. 

Round One

The first time, we did some driveline repairs, but the fun project was creating and installing a custom contoured firewall we made in our fabrication shop.  It was made from 18 gauge cold rolled steel, and the design added strength and a style that didn’t look out of place on the Chevelle.  Once that was body worked and painted, we moved on to the engine.   

It originally arrived sporting a crate big block Chevy, but we eventually installed a Fast Times Motorworks built 460 cube torque monster for more laughs from the right pedal.   This one started as a 454 with a 4-bolt block, but was bored and stroked to 460 cubes with Scat I-beam rods, Keith Black pistons, and ARP hardware throughout.    The top end relies on a Howard’s roller cam and Edelbrock heads and intake inhaling the mix from an MSD Atomic EFI system.   

Stirring The Gears

It’s bolted to a Tremec TKO-600 6-speed manual transmission shifted by a Hurst stick and a hydraulic clutch for smooth action.   We installed 3.55:1 Motive gears in the 12-bolt housing along with a Detroit TruTrac differential for better grip.    We love the sound of a rumbling big block through the stainless x-pipe Borla mufflers.  

Handling is improved with a QA1 tubular coil-over suspension system up front for adjustability, a nice ride, and a lowered stance.   The upsized QA1 sway bar resists body roll when you whip the Grant steering wheel and Delphi quick-ratio steering box around.    The rear is hung with more QA1 coil-overs, tubular arms, and sway bar.  We added Wilwood disc brakes all the easy around, which hide behind 17” Rocket Racing Booster wheels.   The calipers are squeezed by a Hydratech hydraulic brake assist unit.  

Inside, you’ll find Dakota Digital Gauges, a tilt steering column, Scat seats, and a Vintage Air A/C unit with it’s compressor and belt held in place by a Vintage Air Frontrunner serpentine accessory drive system.  

Stripes For This Star

The Chevelle wears a handsome shade of metallic charcoal gray, but it really came to life when we added some custom-made silver SS396 stripes to the sides.    It’s a sharp car that drives like a champ.  

You can see more photos of the work on this one by clicking on the link in the description, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if your muscle car needs some upgrades, tuning, or a complete do-over… we’re happy to help!

Contact The V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for all your restoration and performance needs!

314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com

The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications.    Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help.   Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you.      Transport services are available.

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

 

How To Install A Pertronix Igniter Electronic Ignition on 1970 Buick Riviera Video V8TV

314.783.8325 – Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop today! http://www.v8speedshop.com

Our 1970 Buick Riviera is an all-stock and original ride, and we don’t plan on restoring this car anytime soon. However, we do like driving it, so we elected to install a Pertronix Igniter electronic ignition module and Flame Thrower ignition coil our original distributor to eliminate the mechanical breaker points and enjoy smoother starts and better performance. Read more for the video!

Continue reading “How To Install A Pertronix Igniter Electronic Ignition on 1970 Buick Riviera Video V8TV”