Dark's posts are a riot.
How does one improve performance tuning a completely factory 3800?
#1 - Improve the very inconsistent AFR targets at WOT that create KR. Midrange is typically too lean, redline is typically too rich. This is by design in the factory calibration.
#2 - Fix the fueling commands that create burst KR
#3 - Fix the timing commands that drop the spark advance way down then back up just before entering Power Enrichment mode
#4 - Improve the spark knock recovery rates, which from factory pull timing out at about 1/2 degree of spark advance per second, or in other words 10 seconds is required to bring timing back to full after a burst KR occurance of 5*
#5 - Fix the factory MAF calibration. Anyone who's tuned lots of 3800s knows the common LT fuel trim errors in both the 97-98 and 99+ Series II style MAFs, or the horrendous 2004 Series III MAF calibration. Dark says the factory MAF calibration is best, FYI.
#6 - Fix the abuse mode commands and traction control commands that can blow up the engine while in boost
#7 - Fix the boost cut issue at full throttle (isn't so much a Grand Prix issue but other 3800 S2 vehicles)
#8 - Remove the speed limiter
#9 - Fix the 2-3 gear short shift at WOT
#10 - Allow downshifting to 1st and 2nd gear at higher road speeds
#11 - Improve the fluid pressure management that causes TCC oscillation issues, inconsistent shift quality based on fluid temp
#12 - Improve the transmission shift pattern at part throttle and remove the TCC bog
#13 - Allow the cooling fans to run below the hot factory 220-230*F settings
And that's not an inclusive list of everything that I do, that's simply all I can pull off the top of my head at 10pm at night, I don't really want to spend a lot of time on this post, know what I mean?
I'd challenge Dark's claim that he's been tuning the 3800 years before me, or that he wrote any of the software that any of us use to tune with. I could talk out of my ass as well and make such claims, I wonder who'd know the difference. Certainly if he's the one tuning 3800s for GM, it would explain a lot.
I'd also challenge anyone who ASSumes tuning through a wideband in the tailpipe doesn't work to prove it. I've verified the readings pre and post cat many multiple times including very purposefully before I started using this method to tune other people's vehicles roughly 7-8 years ago. Frankly I know what I'm doing.
BTW I can see the title of this thread causing its own issues, it's a bit much, but thanks anyway!