What is the hourly rate? How much time was needed to get past the
tampering and then to actual diagnostics? If the O2 sensor was working,
the mixture screw and AFM spring should never need adjustment. You also
need to somehow make sure the injectors can supply enough fuel to
support the engine at full load, wide open throttle. I suggest you save
more money as it is likely your first long, mountain climbing at highway
speeds trip may result in melted pistons. The stock engine is de-tuned
for a reason.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Damon Campbell
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 7:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: effort involved in tuning a non-stock engine?

Well, i just got another surprise from a mechanic
today, which always seems to happen when i take the
van to a mechanic (which is probably a sign saying i
shouldn't be my own wrench).

They were tasked with tuning the FI so i would run
clean and pass the local AirCare (emissions) in a
month.  I know i was running rich (which is why i was
not driving it), that the AFM spring was out of
adjustment, and the idle and CO screws were messed
with.

My question to you all is typically how long would
tuning this take, assuming you had the right
equipment?

It took them 4 hours, an oil change, my spare O2
sensor, and them saying my ECU is bad (not reading the
O2 sensor).  Sum total is $500CDN, and i've supplied
all the parts.  This seems excessive, and is
significantly more than i expected to spend.  Is this
simply the curse of having a non-stock engine, or do
they just think that since my van has nice wheels that
i must be willing to throw money at them?

I am stopping by to pick up the van tomorrow early
afternoon, so i would appreciate any insights you
might have before then...

Thanks, and hopefully i won't be so frustrated
tomorrow.

-Damon

'84 Westy "The Van" w/2.3L WBX
Vancouver, BC

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