How Much Info Is Needed

reknapp52 · 11-13-2021, 03:53 PM

Until recently I have used a hand held weather station, and paper graphs to make TS predictions. I'm retired now and want to step up my game if I can. For those of you who have onboard computers, what info do you track that you feel is most necessary for consistent tuning?

Tom Goldman · 11-13-2021, 07:15 PM

With a data recorder you need to look at what is necessary for performance and what is nice to have for peace of mind .
Voltage, tach and G-meters are standard with the RacePak Sportsman .
Oil pressure ,water temp fall into the peace of mind category, nice to have but not a tuning aid .
Fuel pressure and Vacuum fall somewhere in between , both can show performance related symptoms .
A 8 magnet driveshaft collar & pickup is in the necessary category to determine tire slippage on the line and down track.
O2 sensors are invaluable in determining tuning changes due to weather and for confirming results from changes . ... at least one channel is necessary ,preferably two.
EGT is nice to have as well if you're on alcohol .

Keith 944 · 11-13-2021, 08:02 PM

All you need is Matty box, mine works great!

Charlie Yannetti · 11-14-2021, 10:07 AM

Many people, like myself, have installed a RacePak Sportsman onboard data recorder, AND, use the Crew Chief Pro weather station and software.. I think this may have actually answered your question..

Tom has hit on the important sensors, and which ones assist in tuning, and thus, consistency..

NOTE: it is a weeeeeee bit different from a hand-held, but definitely worth it..

reknapp52 · 11-16-2021, 03:41 PM

Thanks guys--

Charlie, I did purchase a Computech weather station at the beginning of this season, but have experienced some difficulties with it and will be sending it back to see if they can straighten it out. Biggest issue I had was it would show a 294 degree wind direction and therefore a non-existent tailwind when wind was actually a 270 degree direct crosswind. I set it up with a fan in the garage and the 90, 180, and 0 degree info seemed to be acceptable. So, been reverting to the old Tag that I've been carrying for the past 17 years.

Keith 944 · 11-16-2021, 09:42 PM

What the others have said here is very good info. And of course I was kidding around.
But now I do have to add some insight on your wind issues. Forget about using it!
You probably don’t get the reading from the racing surface anyway. A basic average speed and direction are what you need but only at the track surface itself. Go stand at the 1000 ft and look for a flag or wind sock. Personally I have a good idea in the lanes
Then make my final adjustments after watching my own burnout smoke. Hope this helps, I really don’t like giving away hard learned tips

11-13-2021, 03:53 PM	#1
reknapp52 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cascade, CO Posts: 48 Likes: 22 Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts	How Much Info Is Needed Until recently I have used a hand held weather station, and paper graphs to make TS predictions. I'm retired now and want to step up my game if I can. For those of you who have onboard computers, what info do you track that you feel is most necessary for consistent tuning?

11-13-2021, 07:15 PM	#2
Tom Goldman VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 2,453 Likes: 819 Liked 772 Times in 220 Posts	Re: How Much Info Is Needed With a data recorder you need to look at what is necessary for performance and what is nice to have for peace of mind . Voltage, tach and G-meters are standard with the RacePak Sportsman . Oil pressure ,water temp fall into the peace of mind category, nice to have but not a tuning aid . Fuel pressure and Vacuum fall somewhere in between , both can show performance related symptoms . A 8 magnet driveshaft collar & pickup is in the necessary category to determine tire slippage on the line and down track. O2 sensors are invaluable in determining tuning changes due to weather and for confirming results from changes . ... at least one channel is necessary ,preferably two. EGT is nice to have as well if you're on alcohol . __________________ Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK

11-13-2021, 08:02 PM	#3
Keith 944 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dela-where? Posts: 2,158 Likes: 1,076 Liked 1,754 Times in 554 Posts	Re: How Much Info Is Needed All you need is Matty box, mine works great! __________________ KEITH MAYERS 2 X somebody many X nobody

11-14-2021, 10:07 AM	#4
Charlie Yannetti Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alpine, NJ Posts: 564 Likes: 184 Liked 185 Times in 81 Posts	Re: How Much Info Is Needed Many people, like myself, have installed a RacePak Sportsman onboard data recorder, AND, use the Crew Chief Pro weather station and software.. I think this may have actually answered your question.. Tom has hit on the important sensors, and which ones assist in tuning, and thus, consistency.. NOTE: it is a weeeeeee bit different from a hand-held, but definitely worth it..

11-16-2021, 03:41 PM	#5
reknapp52 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cascade, CO Posts: 48 Likes: 22 Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Re: How Much Info Is Needed Thanks guys-- Charlie, I did purchase a Computech weather station at the beginning of this season, but have experienced some difficulties with it and will be sending it back to see if they can straighten it out. Biggest issue I had was it would show a 294 degree wind direction and therefore a non-existent tailwind when wind was actually a 270 degree direct crosswind. I set it up with a fan in the garage and the 90, 180, and 0 degree info seemed to be acceptable. So, been reverting to the old Tag that I've been carrying for the past 17 years.

11-16-2021, 09:42 PM	#6
Keith 944 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dela-where? Posts: 2,158 Likes: 1,076 Liked 1,754 Times in 554 Posts	Re: How Much Info Is Needed What the others have said here is very good info. And of course I was kidding around. But now I do have to add some insight on your wind issues. Forget about using it! You probably don’t get the reading from the racing surface anyway. A basic average speed and direction are what you need but only at the track surface itself. Go stand at the 1000 ft and look for a flag or wind sock. Personally I have a good idea in the lanes Then make my final adjustments after watching my own burnout smoke. Hope this helps, I really don’t like giving away hard learned tips __________________ KEITH MAYERS 2 X somebody many X nobody