The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post

**Gregski** · 03-07-2020, 12:45 PM

Idle Tuning - RPM

We start tuning idle by expecting or dictating at what Engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) our engine will sit there in our garage or driveway and purr like a kitten. So what should that be? A wise old timer once told me, "let her idle at the lowest RPM she will stay running at." that advice has stayed with me for over 20 years, cause otherwise you are just sending dollar bills out your tailpipe sort of speak. Now there's more to it then that, she needs to stay running at all conditions so in Drive aka in gear as well as in Park/Neutral. So just cause we can get our engines to idle at 450 RPM in Park doesn't mean they will like that when we are stopped at a red light in gear.

So let's add our first channel for idle tuning, Engine RPM and see where she idles at.

A nice analog Tach is highly recommended for idle tuning, anyone who calls themselves a Hot Rodder ought to have a tachometer installed in their rig.

Please Note: we also assume your build is complete, in other words the Air Filter housing is on, the air intake is on, you have complete exhaust system bolted up, etc.

03-07-2020, 12:45 PM	#313
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,810	Re: HP Tuners Tutorials - Idle Tuning Idle Tuning - RPM We start tuning idle by expecting or dictating at what Engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) our engine will sit there in our garage or driveway and purr like a kitten. So what should that be? A wise old timer once told me, "let her idle at the lowest RPM she will stay running at." that advice has stayed with me for over 20 years, cause otherwise you are just sending dollar bills out your tailpipe sort of speak. Now there's more to it then that, she needs to stay running at all conditions so in Drive aka in gear as well as in Park/Neutral. So just cause we can get our engines to idle at 450 RPM in Park doesn't mean they will like that when we are stopped at a red light in gear. So let's add our first channel for idle tuning, Engine RPM and see where she idles at. A nice analog Tach is highly recommended for idle tuning, anyone who calls themselves a Hot Rodder ought to have a tachometer installed in their rig. Please Note: we also assume your build is complete, in other words the Air Filter housing is on, the air intake is on, you have complete exhaust system bolted up, etc. Attached Images Last edited by Gregski; 03-08-2020 at 11:27 AM.