Switching over to the ignition chart, Shawn continued to monitor and adjust the timing to ensure that there was no detonation and that the fuel would burn at just the right level. A great feature of the SMT-6 is the ability to override an aftermarket ignition system like the Crane Cams H-6R that came with the Vortech kit. | 
Several strong pulls later the newly tuned 4.3L was putting out 247 hp to the wheels, an increase of 91 hp. That's an awesome improvement with just a couple of minutes clicking the mouse on a laptop. With the Venom digital nitrous system installed, the truck should make 293 hp based on previous dyno runs and keeping the percentage levels safe. If you're tired of adding new performance bolt-ons and not noticing a difference, contact a tuner near you; because the computer makes all the difference. |
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Your Questions AnsweredTotal Time Spent Working: 5 hours (includes wiring SMT-6, tapping into the fuel line, and installing the new injectors).
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate (basic wrenching ability needed, but tuning expertise is hard to find).
Tools Needed: Wire crimpers, butt-connectors, Schrader valve tool, 1/2-inch wrench, 9/16-inch flare nut wrench, voltage meter, 5mm hex wrench
| Edelbrock Pico-style injectors Part # 3585 | $82.69 (x2) |
| (www.summitracing.com) |
| Custom stainless braided fuel line and fittings | $48.00 |
| Ida Automotive weld-in bung for Vortech hat | $75.00 |
| Ida Automotive Fuel rail and mount for two injectors | $99.00 |
| Ida Automotive/Perfect Power SMT-6 | $390.00 |
| Ida Automotive/Perfect Power S-10 pre-configuration | $75.00 |
| SoCal Tuning custom programming from laptop | $260.00 |
| Superior Automotive dyno time | $180.00 |
| TOTAL COST | $1292.38 |
From The Driver SeatAfter unstrapping the S-10 from the dyno, I finally had a chance to drive the 4.3L with real boost. For too long, the truck would lean out and not make any power. Historically, the 4.3L is not happy when revved to the limit that's required to make real horsepower from the centrifugal blower; so getting proper amounts of fuel at earlier rpms is vital to getting the new air mixture right. The new tune created a good 11.7 to 12.2 AFR (air/fuel ratio) when in boost and, for the first time, a full 9 psi of boost registered on the Autometer gauge. Switching gears provided a new opportunity for more boost and a slam back into the seat. Was it worth the almost $1,300? Yes, every time I smash the throttle.