Requesting Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) Kit Information

[19Fordy]

I have read on Fordbarn several posts about the benefits of using an AFR kit when tuning your flathead. Does anyone have an recommendations or suggestions on which kit is suited for use on our flathead engines, like a 1953 Ford V8? Thank you. JIM

[hotrodart]

I use one made by Inovate Motor Sports....wide band exhaust gas analyzer. It has everything but the kitchen sink included. Cost me about $450 10 years ago. I use it primarily for tuning my Rochester FI and my Son's Hilborn mechanical FI.......never used it on a flathead, which may be overkill. i would think a vacuum gauge and tachometer would be better suited for that. You will need to install an oxygen sensor in the exhaust downpipe, or have a tailpipe sensor (not as accurate).

[19Fordy]

THANK YOU Art: I hope more folks chime in. I see where Ol'Ron uses an AFR. Hope he and others offer up additional suggestions.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by hotrodart

I use one made by Inovate Motor Sports....wide band exhaust gas analyzer. It has everything but the kitchen sink included. Cost me about $450 10 years ago. I use it primarily for tuning my Rochester FI and my Son's Hilborn mechanical FI.......never used it on a flathead, which may be overkill. i would think a vacuum gauge and tachometer would be better suited for that. You will need to install an oxygen sensor in the exhaust downpipe, or have a tailpipe sensor (not as accurate).

https://www.innovatemotorsports.com/...tio-gauge.html


MTX-AL: Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge


$271.99
P/N 38550



Key Features

• 100 pct. Digital Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Technology
• Ability To Calibrate O2 Sensor For Maximum Accuracy
• Bosch LSU 4.9 Wideband O2 Sensor
• High performance; High Torque; 270 Deg. Stepper Motor
• Incl. 8 ft. Sensor Cable; Exhaust Bung
• Incl. Program Cable and Manual
• Innovate MTS Serial In/Out
• Interchangeable Bezels: Black and Silver Bezel Incl.
• Kit Incl. Gauge; Black Faceplate; LSU 4.9 Wideband O2 Sensor
• Microprocessor Driven

Range

• 8:1-18:1 AFR

[19Fordy]

I did find an excellent video on how a dual Innovate AFR works. I wonder where the bung would be welded on a flathead with FENTON headers and dual exhaust?
I wonder if it would be ok to somehow just insert the sensor into the end of the tailpipe.
https://www.innovatemotorsports.com/...-kit-8-ft.html

[glennpm]

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Hi Jim,

I bought one from AEM with a wideband sensor recently for tuning on the SBC in my 40 and have been thinking of perhaps doing it on my 32 with 59A flathead. The price is good and they are excellent in replacing defective gauges.

Regarding the bung location for the sensor, from the AEM manual, "A weld-in M18 X 1.5 boss is supplied for sensor installation. Mount the O2 sensor in the exhaust system at least 18 inches downstream from the exhaust port"

https://www.aemelectronics.com/produ...uego-afr-gauge

[glennpm]

Forgot to mention, there is serial port output wires so a running record of the AFRs to a laptop is possible. I did it on mine.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

I did find an excellent video on how a dual Innovate AFR works. I wonder where the bung would be welded on a flathead with FENTON headers and dual exhaust?
I wonder if it would be ok to somehow just insert the sensor into the end of the tailpipe.

The bung is welded in the top half of one (only) tail pipe appox. a foot and a half after the header.
Placing the sensor at the end of the tailpipe can give skewed readings due to
the possibility of pin hole air leaks in the system.

[19Fordy]

Thank you again gentlemen for the info.

[glennpm]

You’re welcome!

Check out AutoMeter too. They’re about $350 but very nice. I like their gauges.

[1948F-1Pickup]

Didn't read the AEM instructions specifically but I can say from experience that the location of that sensor bung is pretty critical....... on some of them the clocking of the
sensor is even specific. Language such as "approximately 10° above horizontal and
within reach of the O2 sensor harness connector" and as close to the engine as
possible are commonplace in the aftermarket for FI installations.

For idle I use an old Heathkit exhaust gas analyzer. Can be used to check fuel curve underway as well, if you're creative.

[glennpm]

I found the AEM manual to be excellent.
There is a drawing showing the minimum inclination angle of 10 degrees.
I was very tempted by the AutoMeter though except for almost $200 more.

[tubman]

I also have the Innovate setup on my engine test stand.

In my opinion, it is a quality product.

[flatjack9]

I also use the Innovate

[Ol' Ron]

I have several, but they are about 20 years old. Thry are packed away somewhere when I moved my shop back in 06. One came from Richard Kunc who did all the tuning work on the flathead and developed the adjustable SBC dist.. When I road in his car from the airport to his home the 276 /L-100 engine ran at high as 15.5 in cruise and around 13 in acceloration. gave 22 MPG. I was impressed. The engine had very few modifications other than the displacement the block was stock. intake was an Edelbrock 500cfm carbe. Car was a 53 Ford HT/
Gramps

[19Fordy]

All the above contributions to my AFR info. request are very much appreciated.
THANKS so much. Not sure I will buy one but, at least, now I know about them. Right now, I don't want to have to take my exhaust apart to weld in a bung. JIM

[tubman]

There is a device called a "sniffer tube" that you can insert into your exhaust pipe that uses a small "C"-clamp to keep it in place that can be used on a temporary basis.

[Bored&Stroked]

It is very important that the O2 bung be somewhat close to the engine - mine are about 2' back from the rear port. One of the reasons is that the hotter exhaust temps do help clean the sensor (carbon) and also there are less changed of an oxygen leak upstream. It is very important that your exhaust flanges are completely sealed - such that no O2 can get into the system and pollute the readings.

Most sensor bungs are installed at about a 10:00 to 11:00 oClock angle (or 1:00 to 2:00).

Another consideration in voltage. For my 6V car, I made a voltage converter to kick out 12V for the AEM module that communicates to my old iPhone. I found/chose the bluetooth setup as I didn't need to mount a gauge. This is an older AEM system - I think they stopped making them (phone issues --> OS versions, bluetooth versions, etc)

Side Note: I have dual innovate systems in one of our race-cars - they have worked just fine as well.

[glennpm]

There are also no weld brackets for mounting the sensor without welding and it is good down to 1 3/4" exhaust pipes.

https://www.aemelectronics.com/produ...-sensor-mounts

[19Fordy]

THANK YOU Glenn for posting that "No Weld Sensor Mount" info.
Looks like a great idea.