Data Logger Worth it or Not?

[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

[L.Fite]

If you run a clutch, I'd consider it a must have.
JMO

[AveryMcLawhorn]

So question for everyone that got a data logger. How much ET did you pick up from the data logger alone from identify the optimal configuration?

[Jeff Stout]

Originally Posted by AveryMcLawhorn

So question for everyone that got a data logger. How much ET did you pick up from the data logger alone from identify the optimal configuration?

Mine is in a bracket look alike super stocker. It should me converter to tight. Motor going rich on top end. Played around and gained a solid .12

[Stan Weiss]

How about we ask a different question. How many feel that the data supplied from runs and about changes saved you both a nice amount of both time and money?

Stan

[moparpilot]

i have a racepak sportsman with a o2 you don"t know what your missing without one great tool wouldn't be without one

[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?