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328 Fast Idle and Altitude

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Mule, Jul 16, 2005.

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  1. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2003
    3,758
    Alaska
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    Mule
    #1 Mule, Jul 16, 2005
    How does altitude affect the idle? I ask because when I had my car in Denver, the idle was very low, around 400-500 RPMs. The dealer said he was going to bump it up a little to 600 - 700.

    Now that I am back at sea level, it idles at 1000 RPMs. Not stuck throttle, not carpets, just a higher idle. Is this due to the altitude change of almost 7000 feet? Will the computer eventually adjust, or will I need to turn it down a little?

    One other thing I noticed is that at a stop, I can really hear the air being sucked into the intake on the passenger side. Partially due to the higher idle, but I think the denser air and my modified intake hose (new ducting, no restrictions) may cause it. Sounds like a fan blowing under the car.
     
  2. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,298
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    Dave
    #2 hardtop, Jul 16, 2005
    DAve,
    Having brought a couple of 328's from sea level to my 6500 elevation, the idle was not affected. You should know that a reading of 1K on your tach is likely less. Hell, they read 500 with the motor off. The only way to really check the idle is with a hand held tach, which is what FOD problably did. I hope your car is enjoying all that extra oxygen in Anchorage!

    Yer buddy,
    DAve
     
  3. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #3 Mule, Jul 16, 2005
    Thanks, Dave. Even though the tach says 1000, it used to say 600. It certainly is reving a little faster. Id there any way to adjust it?

    It loves the sea level. Feels like a new car!
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
    18,054
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    #4 f355spider, Jul 16, 2005
    My tach read very accurately after I had it fixed by Palo Alto Speedometer, for the common "reads low" symptom that all the 3.2 cars eventually suffer. My car was set up for 1,000 rpm by my tech, I think the OM states 900 rpm, +- 100 rpm is the spec. You can easily adjust it by opening the engine lid, checking for the big black hose on the intake plenum....follow that down and you will see a big brass nut on the left side (I think). You should be able to turn it as it is "finger tight" and has a spring to help it hold it's setting.
     
  5. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #5 Mule, Jul 16, 2005
    I guess only "dave's" understand 328 Idle. Thanks Dave Hardtop and Dave Handa.

    I think I will lower it a little after the emissions test. It certainly is higher than what it was 2 months ago (the last time I saw and drove it).

    Speaking of which, do you think the altitude change would help or hurt emission testing?
     
  6. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
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    Orange, Ca
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    Mark Foley
    #6 Mark 328, Jul 17, 2005
    My recommendation would be to leave it at the factory Spec. of 950-1,000 RPM if you lower it there will be less rotating inertia and the result might be more strain on the timing belts? In many cases timing belts fail at idle.
    Also, have not heard of an advantage to such a low idle RPM?

    Mark
     
  7. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #7 Mule, Jul 17, 2005
    Thanks Mark,
    I guess that I am looking at it because it is different than the last time I drove it. I will probably just let it be.
     
  8. Pete Wall

    Pete Wall Formula Junior

    Apr 1, 2005
    361
    Perth, Australia
    #8 Pete Wall, Jul 18, 2005
    My info shows warm idle speed 1,000 ±100 rpm. Sounds like you're doing the right thing.
     

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