idle issues (dies at idle with AC, etc) on 331

Discussion in 'Fox 5.0 Tuning' started by makoto, Jun 15, 2008.

  1. makoto Founding Member

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    Hello,

    I just have a few questions regarding my 93 coupe. The car has a few idle problems, noticeably hunting around at idle (which is set at probably 800 or 900), sometimes dropping to say 400 rpm, then surging back up, and sometimes flat out dying. And when I'm running the AC in town, I can get it to die almost consistently when I stop at a light, when the motor gets back down to idle. Which is terribly annoying, as it means I don't use the AC much in town (in Houston).

    Now, perhaps it's my meter that's the problem (as I hear the C&L's hunt around due to the design), in which case Id like to hear opinions. Or maybe I need a better tune for Houston (car was tuned in NM before I came down here).

    My combo:
    CHP 331 with AFR 185's, TFS Stage 2 cam, Edelbrock Performer RPMII, 30lb injectors, C&L 76mm MAF, Accufab 70mm TB, using stock airbox with K&N filter (is this too restrictive?), 130amp alt, stock ignition...

    Perhaps the C&L is the culprit, however Ive had more success with it than an 80mm Pro Mass Air (which throws a code, saying it doesn't have enough air). Is this something that will be resolved with a tune, or adjusting my idle? I need to get the car dynoed here, but I was hoping to resolve any simple issues before I took the car in, as that will undoubtedly increase my shop time.

    Any ideas? Let me know if more info would help...

    Thanks...
  2. makoto Founding Member

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    Okay, anyone else?
  3. 2BADSTANGS New Member

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    Your maf is calibrated for your injectors right?
  4. makoto Founding Member

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    Yep, the C&L is set for 30#'ers.

    I decided to get a 75mm PMAS to test out. Unfortunately, PMAS seems to take about a century to send anything once its ordered, so its been 2 weeks already. Ill update if that seems to clear up a lot of the issues...If it runs better with that on, Ill take it and have it tuned for it. Basically, Im just swapping out MAFs to see what it likes best. An expensive chore.
  5. tonyjr9108 New Member

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    Has anyone else heard of the C&L having a hunting idle? I will be buying a new MAF (80mm) and I want to buy right the first time around. Any suggestions?
  6. strider New Member

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    The problem may not be the MAF. I have a 92 convertible with AFR165s, Cobra intake, 65mm TB and a custom cam (224/228 duration @ .050, .547/.533 lift and 112 lobe separation). Originally I had 30lb injectors and a Pro-M 80mm MAF. I had a hunting/surging idle and it would also die with the AC on and coming to a stop (or even just pushing the clutch in). I changed to a C&L 76mm with the stock air box and paper filter and had the same problem. I even put in the stock MAF and 19lb injectors and had the same problem. I had some friends help dial in the cam and we even verified it a couple of additional times later while troubleshooting. I never figured out what the problem is. Right now the AC is not charged and the convertible is not my daily driver, so I live with it. I'm contemplating putting the stock cam back in to see if that corrects the idle problem.
  7. matador91 Member

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    I was having the same problem with my combo 331 edelbrock performer heads F cam 76 C&L with 24lb. I adjusted the TPS and it hasn't died on me since. try that out
  8. chargedpony New Member

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    idle

    I can tell you right part of the problem is your maf. I have two new c&l meters on my bench. Are you using the stock sensor with the c&l body. That was my problem. Guy at the dyno told me the stock sensor cant read far enough. Went with pro-m sensor and body. Problem fixed instantly. My car is a N/A 347. Wifes car was finished last week. 331 N/A.Wont stay running with c&l body. Bougtht pro-m fixed instatly. Not saying its your whole problem just maybe something to consider...

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