More Horsepower. More Torque!!

[Dave Hempstead]

Hi everyone,
    A question.

   Given a stock GM engine (let's say, a '95  5.7 liter  LT-1, since
that's what I have :-), what kind of differences in torque and
horsepower can we get by modifying the computer??

   Now, I know there are alot of different assumptions that need to be
made to answer this question, and that there are a number of companies
already doing this, but let me change the assumptions somewhat.

   First, I'll assume I want more torque and HP, and I am willing to
give up gas economy and willing to give up meeting pollution standards.
I don't know if the tuning companies are able/willing to give up on the
pollution standards.
   I will NOT assume that I will give up engine reliability and, in
general, longevity (I believe that the tuning companies are decreasing
the reliability, in general, although that may be an old rumor).


   OK, given my assumptions, how much more can I get?

   Here is one way I'd implement it.  For me, I can take one of the
PCM's inputs, let's say the A/C input and wire it to a switch.  Then
let's assume I can modify the software.  I use the switch to select
either 'standard' operation or 'yee haw' operation.  I can switch modes
whenever I want.

   OK, so what can be changed in the software?  Here I don't know enough
about tuning our engines.  Could it be as simple as telling the engine
it is running in WOT mode, going open-loop, richening up the injectors,
etc????  What do you experts think?

Food for thought,
Dave Hempstead
dave_hempstead at hp.com