EGTs

Has any one used EGTs to check air fule ratio? I went on the dyno with O2s and adjusted the fuel pressure to get the right ratio. But after installing the egts and going to the track my egts read 1500 degs. I was told any thing over 1200 could damage the pistons. I know the car should run leaner at the track than on the dyno but I just wonder wear the egts should be running. I guess the 1500 may be alright. It also depends were they are, mine are 2" from the heads. I was told buy an engine builder to keep leaning out to get the best et and that is wear they run.

Thanks for any help, Rick

I use an EGT Meter for tuning, my car goes thru the traps at about 1350, which is about as lean as I want to go with Stock Pistons. Maybe a Forged Piston will hold up to that 1500 degree heat, but in my opinion it's to hot, I would add some fuel.

mine are also in the 1300 range.... 1500 seams a little high.

what type of O2 did you use to adjust a/f ratio?

Personally I don't feel EGTs are a solid way of tuning A/F ratio. Every engine requires a different Exhaust temp, due to different Combustion chamber and cam dynamics.

EGTs are definetly good to watch changes in the engine. If you normally have 1300*, and it changes w/o any change in the tuneup, it can tip you in on it. Also they are extremely handy when used in full suite, one per cylinder, to key in on Cylinder to cylinder variations. This can help tell you at a glance when a cylinder has a problem, beit in Fuel/Ignition delivery, or in the hardware (Piston, rings, springs, etc) In an EFI engine w/ Individual Fuel and Timing control variances in what fuel/timing needed by each cylinder can be compensated for (Freeing up Power).

When it comes down to it, tuning needs to be done w/ sparkplugs. Wideband O2s work pretty well, and can be trusted to an extent, but nothing is better then checking the plugs.

Good luck!