Thread: Next step for reducing KR?

So here's the story... Vacation to Nova Scotia was cheaper than i thought, and i needed less credits to graduate than i thought so i'll be having a few more $$ to work on the car than i had budgeted.

My main goal right now is to completely eliminate any KR i've been getting. So far my car is mostly stock with the excpetion of a HAI, MSD coils, and now a 3in cat'd DP.

I really want to get into the HPtuner aspect or any other similar tool, it just seems so... daunting. My tool used for scanning is a Scangauge II, which shows me some statistics like IAT, Knock, MAF etc, but has no way to record or analyze this info. Not sure if i should splurge and go this route, or spend some money on a pre-fabbed PCM from an aftermarket company.

also considering adding a colder stat and some colder plugs, but those are cheap and i can do them any weekend. also thinking about a PLOG, a true CAI, and maybe rockers? hell even a SS intercooler perhaps.

I'm def not in any hurry to throw a smaller puller on it any time soon, i just want here running as proficient as possible.

what would you all suggest as a route to go with?

- For reference, after installing the downpipe, i now get a reading of about 3-4 degrees of KR on my scangauge, which is a decrease in what it was, but i still am not comfortable with this. also engine water temps seemed to decrease about 10 degrees even on hot and humid days.

Ya im going out today to pick up some plugs and the thermo. Probably ordering the Plog within next week (does stainless steel need ceramic coating? will it help?)

The KR is pretty consistant at higher RPM so i dont think im getting any false knock, though i do notice some when the trans decides to shift into 4th when it should stay in 2nd (ie: i'll be lightly accelerating up a hill and my DIC will show im producing some boost, but the trans will still be in 4th- and i'll showsome KR before it decides to downshift)

I've always debated on wheter to buy a aftermarket intake - I just cant really see how much better a enclosed system is going to work. my intake temps normally read at most 10 degrees higher than ambient temps when im crusing around over 30 mph. any lower than that, they raise substantially, but will an enclosed box prevent this?

I do have an "performance" auto shop near me that does car tuning - esp of the 3800 motor, but i think they cost of purchasing the tuner myself is nearly the same.