Fuel Nirvana! perfect fuel distribution
osxuser said:
I don't know George, the Cardinal RG guys do it all the time, running the IO-360A1B6 (and A1B6D). Doesn't seem to be a big deal to balance injectors anymore either, GAMI will do it for you (they even provide a Lean Test on their website to see if you need Gaminjectors at all). Airflow Performance will also do it for you. Also, Power flow claims that using their exhaust allows Carb'd engines to run LOP, and apparently proved it on GAMI's dyno, but I obviously haven't seen it personally. I don't think it's as big a deal as your making out.
Many good points, lets see.....
I agree. I think the (200HP) fuel injected angle valve, counter weighted engine is a better candidate than say the (180HP) parallel non-counter weight engine. I am sure the 180HP could be tuned to do LOP ops as well, however the 200HP seems to be more suited. I am sure I did not say it can't be done, Dan C. does it all the time on his 200HP Lyc. We know how picky he is, which is good. He can get 40F LOP. He also says just a HAIR leaner the power drops radically. Like he said that is good. I am guessing but if his engine is that close to the "stochimetric" edge any little change, even turbulence would affect that delicate balance. Possible yes but its got to be right. The engine needs to be well tuned, adjusted, balanced and healthy, that is all.
I agree balancing injectors with Performance Airflow is pretty cheap verse the GAMI for Contenentals. I think he will do a data eval of you engine monitors output.
GAMI injectors are way too much. I understand the who, how and why of fuel balancing, and it is not big deal. However it is something that needs to be done on many engines to get LOP ops. It may need "re-tuning" from time to time to keep that tight tolerance in fuel balance. I agree it's not a big deal to you and I, but most GA pilots just want it good enough. However with fuel prices going up the interest will go up on saving fuel.
I did say the typical Cessna pilot is not willing or able to take the effort to run LOP, I stand corrected. Cardinal RG guys are hard core. I am sure there are many more Cessna drivers out there that take the time, but I bet most don't care or are clueless.
Powerflow is nice and I grant their right to Hype and advertise their product all they want. I have 4 into 1's and my pipes are all within an inch on my low tech carbed 360. I am going to experiment with LOP, but will not be heartbroken if I can't achieve perfect fuel Nirvana.
If I can get LOP ops I will be lucky. I have heard a Carb guy say he got LOP ops? Again it's a matter of practical. If mine will not, do I want to spend the time to trace the reason and solve it? I find most say they can't get it to run smooth LOP. If I can get tight EGT's spread (less than 100F) I will be happy LOP or not.
What is practical for the masses on all engines of various "average" tune and condition? What Lycoming suggest.
If you try hard I think you can get any engine to do it, but some are easier than others, like BIG Fuel Injected 6 bangers. Also, bigger 6 cylinders will benifit more for LOP ops. They are burning more fuel, so 4% on 15 gal is way more than 4% on 9 gal. At $3.50 a gal 0.30 gal/hr is a buck five. Five hours you got lunch!
Again to save way more than the 0.30-0.50 gal and hour LOP gives by cranking the RPM back and enjoying the ride. I will try for stochimetric perfection but will be happy with mediocre fuel distribution.
Cheers George