Data Logger Worth it or Not?

Andy Friar · 08-15-2021, 09:03 AM

This is our 1st racing season with one. (Racepak Sportsman) Here are the ways it helped us, above better dial-ins. So far it has helped us to fine tune the A/F since we have the 02 sensors in the collectors. Shift points, launch rpm's and tire pressure based on driveshaft rpm vs engine rpm and the acceleration G's. It helped us diagnose a voltage drop on the run when we were .05 slow to our dial. Tracked it to a loose alternator plug. Then further dug in and found a voltage sucking on-off master switch. Yesterday we went out to do some bracket racing. Car was just as fast as it should be in the air on the 1st pass and we thought we had zero issues. On the run the data showed we dropped from ~45psi Oil pressure on our SBC to ~7psi. Packed up and headed home after watching our friend go a few rounds. Don't know the damage yet, but ZERO indications otherwise we had an issue. We are saving $$ and possible my hide with that data logger. If we made another time trial and the motor let go and shot oil everywhere who knows what happens. Never thought a data logger was a safety purchase too, but it could be. I wouldn't race without one. That is just me. I tent camp when I race multiple days and shower with a modified weed sprayer. I am not a baller. The $2500 we have in our data logger was NOT an insignificant purchase to us.

08-15-2021, 09:03 AM	#16
Andy Friar Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Howell, MI Posts: 250 Likes: 699 Liked 226 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Data Logger Worth it or Not? This is our 1st racing season with one. (Racepak Sportsman) Here are the ways it helped us, above better dial-ins. So far it has helped us to fine tune the A/F since we have the 02 sensors in the collectors. Shift points, launch rpm's and tire pressure based on driveshaft rpm vs engine rpm and the acceleration G's. It helped us diagnose a voltage drop on the run when we were .05 slow to our dial. Tracked it to a loose alternator plug. Then further dug in and found a voltage sucking on-off master switch. Yesterday we went out to do some bracket racing. Car was just as fast as it should be in the air on the 1st pass and we thought we had zero issues. On the run the data showed we dropped from ~45psi Oil pressure on our SBC to ~7psi. Packed up and headed home after watching our friend go a few rounds. Don't know the damage yet, but ZERO indications otherwise we had an issue. We are saving $$ and possible my hide with that data logger. If we made another time trial and the motor let go and shot oil everywhere who knows what happens. Never thought a data logger was a safety purchase too, but it could be. I wouldn't race without one. That is just me. I tent camp when I race multiple days and shower with a modified weed sprayer. I am not a baller. The $2500 we have in our data logger was NOT an insignificant purchase to us. __________________ Andy Friar