k14 swap on NA tuning questions

[FrankenDiesel]

Hey vwdiesel.net

I just swapped a k14 with td mani on my hydra na. It's a lot of fun and I've missed it so much (the kit was staring at Me in my kitchen every morning as I ate breakfast).

I do not have a pyro, I do not have fmic, but I do understand a bit of vw diesel performance. I just wanted to keep the car reliable. <10psi.

Without a pyro would the best method be adjust idle/fuel so it basically doesn't /minor black smoke under wot?

As of now the fuel screw is about a turn in but idle unchanged. There is no haze or soot. It does idle a little high. what I was thinkING was fatten fuel and lower idle a bit, and keep fuel so it doesn't soot (or minimal) at wot. Would this be a fair justification just for a non ic low boost setup?

[vanbcguy]

10 PSI on an NA is totally reasonable. A light haze (as in LIGHT, like you don't see headlights disappear at night) will be totally safe. Throw $2 a day in a jar and in 2 months you'll have enough cash for a really good EGT gauge, then you can start having more fun.

I wouldn't hesitate to turn a K14 up to about 14 PSI without an intercooler or EGT gauge myself, but I also don't lose my job if my car isn't available. NA engines are cheap, people almost can't give them away. Perfect platform to learn and play on.

[manehfr]

sorry but im taking baby steps over here i have been aware of diesel engine tune ups from about  years i might know a few things... but i dont know everything... but what is an EGT gauge?

[vanbcguy]

EGT = Exhaust Gas Temperature.  Tells you how hot the burn in the engine is and whether or not you're cooking things.  Most folks have recommended keeping NA converted engines below 1200F as their pistons aren't as strongly built nor do they have the oil cooling jets at the bottom of the block.