Data Logger Worth it or Not?

[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?

[AveryMcLawhorn]

So what data logger system is recommended? Additional what extra benefit does the MSD Grid offer?

[Stan Weiss]

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?

You can see what is happening before, during and after a gear change.

You can see what your torque convertor slippage is as the car goes down the strip.

For similar weather conditions you can overlap Accelerometer / G-Meter data and see where in the run a change helped or hurt.

Engine acceleration rate will vary not only for from one gear to another but also within each gear. One reason I like an inertia dyno fixed load variable acceleration rate engine test.

Stan

[Dragsinger]

to the above list, add fuel pressure, and you are well on your way to a consistent package

[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...