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How can I test how much horsepower I have?


graygoose
05-08-2006, 07:11 PM
How can I test how much horsepower I have and test to see if my mods are working......my dad says a dyno will test it but it cost like 100 bucks. and I'm putting on a 3.4 ich pulley when it comes in the mail do I need to test it on a dyno or something to make sure it runs ok?and im also getting better spark plugs and sprak plugs wires that should reduce knock right?

96riviera18
05-08-2006, 08:42 PM
the new wires wont reduce knock and unless they havent been changed in awhile (past 40k mi?) new ones dont do much. you say better spark plugs i assume you mean colder, copper plugs? yes dyno's do cost about 100 and the only other way to know if you car is taking to the mods well or not is to get a scaner that shows KR. my auterra scan tool shows hp and tq as well as 0-60 and 1/4 mi runs.
you really should read all of this if you havent already, it will answer alot of your questions
http://www.regalgs.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26380&sid=1ca8979ef514f330ee43cb8374bb3a30

graygoose
05-08-2006, 09:17 PM
What about acdelco iradieum spark plugs they are 6.99 a peaice and are suppose to be really good and increase accleration heres a site on them http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_plugs_irid_main.htm are these cooler sparks?

96riviera18
05-09-2006, 08:04 AM
iridiums are good plugs but so are platnums (sp) and coppers. the difference between the material used is how long it lasts and how hot it burns. with supercharged/high compression engines it is better to use copper plugs. NGK is about the best IMO but autolite works well too. our cars originaly came from the factory with platnum and they will last about 80k mi(this is great for economy but not for performance) coppers will last about 20-30k mi(they cost 1/3 of platnums but have the best performance in our engines) iridium plugs are like the inbetween point (they performe well, last almost as long as platniums but cost the most) it is up to you which ones you chose but if you are going to race or mod your engine be prepared to change plugs more often due to fouling. its a little to high priced to change plugs every 30k at $7 a piece. almost all or the regal and riviera performance guys i know run copper plugs not just b/c they are cheaper but b/c they have the best performance( the name breand doesnt matter much but NGK plugs are about as good as the autolites only the latter is a bit cheaper) i have 605's in my car and most riviera owners i know have 605's or 104's (605= 1 range colder, 104= 2 range colder) mine are autolite and they are yet to foul or cause performance problems on the track after almost 10k mi, if they do mess up or one gets damages b/c i wasnt carefull when i pulled it out to check it after a race then i can go to any store and buy another one for under $2.

96riviera18
05-09-2006, 08:16 AM
this has some good info to help clarify some things too http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=240

graygoose
05-09-2006, 11:22 AM
Hey Thanks alot man, how do you know so much your smart haha.

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