I figure that my car is running a bit rich. I have a '95 VTEC that is pretty much stock. It has only a Thermal exhaust and AEM CAI right now. I plan to do the header thing eventually and probably pullies too. Anyway, I've had people tell me that my car smokes black, especially when I accelerate hard. I know that a A/F gauge isn't the most precise instrument for judging how rich or lean a car runs but I have a dual gauge pod that right now only has a oil pressure gauge in it, so I have the open spot for another. Would this gauge do much to help answer my question? I don't think spending money at the dyno would be worthwhile right now since there isn't anything in my mods to tweak like cam gears or a VAFC.

If I am running rich what is the best method to help correct that? I was planning on getting a VAFC at some point, but didn't know if an adjustable FPR would do what I need instead, or if I might benefit from both. If I did both I'd benefit most from dyno tuning them right?

 

oil pressure gauge? I guess it'll help if you forget to put the oil plug back in. Just pulll your plugs after you car has cooled down. If they are a nice even gray color then you are running fine. If they are dark brown or black then you are running rich. I'd go with a VAFC and some dyno tuning.

 

the oil pressure gauge was more out of boredom than to satisfy any real need for one. I figured that it was a bit nicer than the dummy light but it didn't add any hp

So the VAFC will eliminate any need for a adjustable FPR? Would there be much benefit to the VAFC with the mods I have and those I plan if I am running rich?

 

I live by my oil pressure gauge, it tells me when I'm low or something is whack. I know what it idles at cold, and hot, and where it should be at 5,000 RPM's.

As for the running rich, it should smoke black when you stand on it and hit VTEC. Mine always did, and I ran 14.70's when stock. When I modified it and was in the 13's, I could throw flames if I wanted... and often did.

I wouldn't worry about it unless like Laughin said, you're plugs are just way black. slightly rich = good...
lean = BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD

 

Yes a VAFC will eliminate the need for an fpr.
If you are running rich you'll be able to make more power by leaning the mixture out. I can't tell you how much power you'll make without seeeing your dyno plot. A VAFC is one of the best tuning tools that we have, so it will give you an edge over the guy next to you who has the same mods but is untuned.

 

Thanks for all the help... That pretty much got me straightened out.

 

something simpler you can do is to reset the ecu to compensate for all your parts. Really simple quick and free.

 

if you have alot of miles on your motor it is going to smoke. You could be burning oil since 2.2's like to go through pistons rings.