Data Logger Worth it or Not?

[Jeff Stout]

Originally Posted by Dean Feiock

The Racepak Sportsman appears to be the entry level unit. Their website states that out of the box it will record:

Engine RPM
Drive Shaft RPM (Requires Driveshaft Collar Sold Separately)
Accelerometer G-Meter
Lateral G-Meter
Battery Voltage
12 volt event
Record Button

What information would you gain from these inputs? Wheel slip, acceleration rate, missed shift RPM?

What else would need to be added to that system when used on a carbureted stocker?

Vacuum, oil pressure, fuel pressure, water temp, nitrous(I know) then ditch the gauges. With these data logged you will be amazed at what's going on when making a pass

[Glenn Briglio]

Originally Posted by Dean Feiock

The Racepak Sportsman appears to be the entry level unit. Their website states that out of the box it will record:

Engine RPM
Drive Shaft RPM (Requires Driveshaft Collar Sold Separately)
Accelerometer G-Meter
Lateral G-Meter
Battery Voltage
12 volt event
Record Button

What information would you gain from these inputs? Wheel slip, acceleration rate, missed shift RPM?

What else would need to be added to that system when used on a carbureted stocker?

O2 sensor would help

[Matt S]

If you're going to buy Racepak, buy it from Greg Kelley at Motorsports Innovations.

If I could do it over, I would have went straight to the V300SD instead of the Sportsman. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the Sportsman, but by the time you add extra channels (and you probably will), the initial price difference between the two basically disappears.

The support you'll get from Greg is top notch. The support I've gotten from Holley isn't worth the time I spent waiting on the phone to get it.

[FireSale]

One thing I can add is that don't try to piece a data logging system system together on a budget as it just won't work well. Also keep in mind that you need a laptop (preferably with a second screen) and a secure place for a mobile data lab. An open trailer and a pickup truck won't really cut it.

[SDT1DYI]

If your trying to go fast, yes they are a must have. If one is not, then the 2 K plus cost, by the time you get O2s, lap top etc, could be put to better use with a limited budget..

Steve Teeter Stk/SS 620

[Dean Feiock]

Originally Posted by SDT1DYI

If your trying to go fast, yes they are a must have. If one is not, then the 2 K plus cost, by the time you get O2s, lap top etc, could be put to better use with a limited budget..

Steve Teeter Stk/SS 620

True cost against the value added was the original thought with my previous post.

So use my combo as an example. I've had this car for over 20 years. Let's say I can run 1.00 under without to much effort. Lets say the new engine makes 20 HP more than the old one. Let's say the new transmission is worth a little more as well. So let's say that I believe I can go faster in the near future.

Is a $1000 Sportsman system worth the money for the limited data gained?

Is $1500 for the Sportsman system with single channel add on O2 sensor worth the money?

Would a $1700 V300 system be a better choice? Or would I also need the add on single channel O2 sensor ( bringing that system to $2200)?

And I think these options would still be considered "entry level". I could see a full system hitting $3000 to $4000.

All opinions welcome...

[SSGT Mustang]

I never had one. Then I got one. Now I'll never not have one.

Not only does it help you understand where to pick up, it shows you when you're running into trouble. Oil temperature comes to mind. Same with oil, fuel and transmission pressure.

People will spend $1500 on a weather station and not even think to buy a basic racepak. It makes no sense. If I had to choose between one or the other, without a second thought I'd choose the racepak.

[Sean Marconette]

Dean,
When I built my car for Stock, I purchased a Computech DataMaxx, it is a built up system and still in the car. Originally it was engine and clutch monitoring. Oil press, water temp, O2 in both collectors, input shaft, driveshaft, accel. I mainly monitored what the clutch was doing, and that is all it does now since switching to SS and EFI. The EFI now logs the engine vitals. I will say this as someone else pointed out. I discovered why I was having oiling issues with the EFI combo by the data logs. Seeing oil press fluctuating as the engine accelerated and would recover. Adding an additional quart of oil and the problem went away.

Its an investment, and more info to validate what you think just happened on a pass, if everything is healthy, or setup as efficient as possible. If someone is not into looking at data it is not a worthwhile investment.

Sean

[SDT1DYI]

Originally Posted by Dean Feiock

True cost against the value added was the original thought with my previous post.

So use my combo as an example. I've had this car for over 20 years. Let's say I can run 1.00 under without to much effort. Lets say the new engine makes 20 HP more than the old one. Let's say the new transmission is worth a little more as well. So let's say that I believe I can go faster in the near future.

Is a $1000 Sportsman system worth the money for the limited data gained?

Is $1500 for the Sportsman system with single channel add on O2 sensor worth the money?

Would a $1700 V300 system be a better choice? Or would I also need the add on single channel O2 sensor ( bringing that system to $2200)?

And I think these options would still be considered "entry level". I could see a full system hitting $3000 to $4000.

All opinions welcome...

Dean, I put a used Sportsman in. O2's in the collectors. Found a racer upgrading to V300. 600.00 (I have only 2 jets ). Auto 1-2 shift. Got a lot of information on shift points and learned, leaner was a little faster. All good data.
If there was a lot of fast cars in ones class, yes it then should be very helpfully.
I know guys that have 6-7K invested in the F, G and H stockers data systems. 25K in Comp cars!
Some of the " Dime Rocket" cars that can run 1.30-1.40 plus under, I would think investing in a Data recorder is unnecessary and not cost effective.
So I see it as fewer the cars in your class and slower the class, Data recorders become a fun tool but are not going to provide a return on your investment to win rounds.
Just my view.

Steve Teeter STK/SS 620

[AveryMcLawhorn]

Very interesting point. Obviously I have a slower class car and trying to weigh were the money is best invested as I am on a budget. I know I will never have a 1.00 under car but I'm shooting for .4 - .5 under.

Originally Posted by SDT1DYI

Dean, I put a used Sportsman in. O2's in the collectors. Found a racer upgrading to V300. 600.00 (I have only 2 jets ). Auto 1-2 shift. Got a lot of information on shift points and learned, leaner was a little faster. All good data.
If there was a lot of fast cars in ones class, yes it then should be very helpfully.
I know guys that have 6-7K invested in the F, G and H stockers data systems. 25K in Comp cars!
Some of the " Dime Rocket" cars that can run 1.30-1.40 plus under, I would think investing in a Data recorder is unnecessary and not cost effective.
So I see it as fewer the cars in your class and slower the class, Data recorders become a fun tool but are not going to provide a return on your investment to win rounds.
Just my view.

Steve Teeter STK/SS 620