Data Logger Worth it or Not?

[Andy Friar]

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.

[curtis reed]

Originally Posted by 427FE

The rpm DL10 seems to be the most cost effective for those on a budget. Can the 2 o2 package be added to the DL10?

It inputs just like any other sensor though the WegoIII board.

[curtis reed]

Originally Posted by Andy Friar

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..

Happened to me last year. Saw really low oil pressure, put it in the box and went home. Pulled the engine apart and blackened the crank, had some not great looking bearings but saved the engine. New crank, oil pump and bearings and back to racing. Just a bracket engine but the only one I had at the moment.

[StockerStang912]

Avery - we picked up maybe .03-.04 so far with small tweaks in limited runs but the safety factor as others have mentioned is worth the investment X10. We've found lean spots in the tune-up that have slowly been ironed out so the engine is happier everywhere in the run (burnout to stripe). Our tune-up will never be perfect, but a data logger allows us to intentionally "chase hp" with far less guess work.

I think there's likely a benefit with consistency as well as you can slowly improve each aspect of the combo and get it all into a healthier spot. Having ample data really accelerates the development curve since you have empirical visibility to so many more things that are going on during the run.

[Randy Wells]

I just ordered a Sportsman Racepak from Greg at Motorsports Innovations he was very helpful and set me up with what I needed and can add more sensors in the future. With these new clutches it is a must have.

Randy Wells
I/S 5628

[dean ribeiro]

I second the vote for Gregg Kelly @ Motorsports Innovations! He is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and, in my case, patient! His customer service nd responsiveness is 2nd to none!

[Dale Hulquist]

I just recieved a v300sd from motorsports innovation, Gregg Kelly seem very knowledgeable and eager to answer all the questions i had, prompt service and upgraded shipping, when i bought the cobalt it had an old racepak with outdated computer that we have not been able to access the information from. Can't wait to get it installed and figure this car out ...

[AveryMcLawhorn]

Originally Posted by StockerStang912

Avery - we picked up maybe .03-.04 so far with small tweaks in limited runs but the safety factor as others have mentioned is worth the investment X10. We've found lean spots in the tune-up that have slowly been ironed out so the engine is happier everywhere in the run (burnout to stripe). Our tune-up will never be perfect, but a data logger allows us to intentionally "chase hp" with far less guess work.

I think there's likely a benefit with consistency as well as you can slowly improve each aspect of the combo and get it all into a healthier spot. Having ample data really accelerates the development curve since you have empirical visibility to so many more things that are going on during the run.

Those are some really good points. I have to say thanks to everyone that has replied. I have a brand new car and combination so I'm still trying to figure out where money is best spent. With that said I will be looking at data loggers some this off-season as it seems to be a reasonable investment based off all the comments.

Based off everyone's information, what are the recommend bare basic sensors to start with? What was the most valuable sensors added to the car?

Thanks,
Avery

[Troy Henderson]

If you're rewiring your car or at least wanting to do a major update here's what I did and it's been very nice.
1. IQ3 logger dash
2. Smartwire with programable switch panel
3. MSD Grid with CAN bus for O2

The IQ3 logger is more money upfront than the other options but I removed all my gauges to clean the car up and you don't have to run a separate data recorder so it simplifies the setup. The MSD Grid has a VNET to link it with the IQ3 so you can log everything the ignition is doing along with the typical Racepak VNET transducers. The Smart wire and switch panel is programable so no setting up relays and running a bunch of wires everywhere.

To save a few $ I used MSD's O2 package vs Racepacks and bought my sensors from lowdollar motorsports.

Pics
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...92522488271097

[curtis reed]

Originally Posted by AveryMcLawhorn

Those are some really good points. I have to say thanks to everyone that has replied. I have a brand new car and combination so I'm still trying to figure out where money is best spent. With that said I will be looking at data loggers some this off-season as it seems to be a reasonable investment based off all the comments.

Based off everyone's information, what are the recommend bare basic sensors to start with? What was the most valuable sensors added to the car?

Thanks,
Avery

Engine rpm and driveshaft rpm which is in all basic systems and O2 next most valuable for tuning for me.



I log ERPM, DRPM, dual O2, crank case vacuum, oil pressure, fuel pressure, water temp, accelerometer, battery voltage. Am adding trans temperature also. You can check converter slippage using the ERPM and DRPM.



I'm a bracket racer so water temp and trans temp may not matter to you as much.