Plea for tuning help.



So very true Speedy.
I grew up modifying, tuning and repairing the 70's British Bikes so I know them well.
A good example of "Experience with the particular engine family" I would sync the idle on Norton Commando's by the sound of the rattle of the push rods, these are a big long alloy rod that would make a heck of a racket when the carbs were out, as the sync came in the push rods would become quiet.
Obviously I was listening to the Engine note as well.

Re "and then how to isolate them sufficiently to adjust one without impacting others without knowing you are doing so."
One of my big engine builds when I was still learning, I built a six plug head, fitted flat top Hi-Com pistons, Mega Cycle Cams and different Carbs all in the one build.



I didn't have a clue which bit was causing the problems. Major head ache !
From that I learnt to make one change at a time, I then started to learn about "Engine Dynamics" as you have said and tuning the Engine as a whole.
 
I think that’s why it’s a dying skill/art/trade.

You need a nexus of someone who understands the mechanics of engines, paired with someone who is computer literate, understands EFI systems and then finally understands how that all interacts.

It’s not rocket science but it’s certainly more nuanced and esoteric than most young people these days are willing to learn.
 
I think that to be a good mechanic it takes a lot of time and u have to work on the problems till u have it solved now that takes a lot of time and a lot of hours with out being paid for your effort. i know i have worked a week trying to fix a transmission and lucky if i get a thank you. however when that problem comes up again and 4 or 5 mechanics don't know what to do and i know whats wrong it works out well and then they think u r the greatest.
 
Plus in 10 years - All they'll really need to know is how an electric motor works, so why learn. I may be a dinosaur, but I can see the ruddy asteroid now.

When did you last see a mechanic put a long screwdriver against the engine, put his ear to it, close his eyes, listen and smile ever so gently?. Lost art.
 
I saw that last year. It was my brother at his Hotrod Shop.