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Old 04-28-2008, 11:25 AM
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patrickt patrickt is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 22,011
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Default I love my Pyrometer

My little Extech Pyrometer from Lowes cost me about $75. Instant, accurate temps on the fly, and in real time (or with max and min) with a pull of the trigger and it has a little red laser pointer so I know where I'm shooting. I take the temps in the middle of the tire and about an inch in from each side. If the center of the tread is hotter than edges, the pressure is too high. If the edges of the tread are hotter than the center, pressure is too low. You can also see the effects of camber. For instance, if the inner edge is hotter than the outer edge, the suspension has negative camber. I adjust the tire pressure so that the middle of my tire has a temperature that is mid way between the two outer temperatures. Other fun things to do with a pyrometer on your Cobra: Check the efficiency of your radiator, check when your thermostat is opening, check the efficiency of your oil cooler, check the temps of each one of your header tubes, see what temp your brake pads are running, and so on, and so on. You can also use it to check the temperature of the stove, refrigerator, the kids when they come down with a fever, etc.
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