I'm thinking about instrumenting my engine. Advice?
 

Hi, all. Lately, I've been thinking that it would be fun to add some extra "gauges" (virtual ones, probably) to my MCS. I was mostly interested in getting a wide band A/F sensor, but once you go to the trouble of setting that up, with a logging system, it makes sense to add a few more sensors. (I think. Perhaps it makes no sense at all!) :)

The only time I've had my car on a dyno, (several runs over a couple days) it ran very rich. That's why I've "always" wanted my very own A/F sensor: So I could keep an eye on things, and more easily check to see what, if anything, affected those readings.)

Okay, so besides the A/F mix, what other measurements would you recommend, and why? Here's what I was thinking/wondering:

• RPM. You pretty much have to plot that, just to give some context to the rest of your readings.
• Boost (MAP) is always popular, but is it really useful info in an SC'd car?
• Exhaust gas temps? I thought this was useful for detecting over-lean conditions. Redundant if you already have an A/F sensor?
• Intake air temps. Pre-SC? Post-SC? Both?
• Oil and water temps?
• Accelerometer(s)? Not something I would have thought of myself, but one of the products I was looking at throws a couple in "for free". Certainly better than a butt-dyno.
• Knock sensor? (Difficult to log, I hear.)
• Ignition timing advance?

Finally, can you guys recommend some products/vendors? The Innovate Motorsports stuff looks nice to me. Is there better stuff out there?

If I do this, I'll probably also install a computer into the car permanately. It will be used for .mp3 playing, navigation, and the afore mentioned displaying of "gauges". (Those gauges are from Digimoto, an OBD-II reader. I've already ordered that, and it should allow me to log a few of the things from the list above, but certainly not all. And usually not with the precision that dedicated sensors will allow.)

Anyway, I'm still in the mulling-over phase, and was hoping that one of you "old hands" would have some thoughts on the matter. :)

-Dave

I'm lusting after a G-Tech/Pro RR Performance Meter. I may never get one, but I'm drooling.

http://www.gtechpro.com/rr.html

-- VBG

http://www.stackltd.com/st8130.html#max

http://www.design-unit-zone.com/mini/img/carbon2.jpg

Now for the coolest thing you ever seen....:thumbsup:

http://www.plxdevices.com/Tour_iMFD0.htm

We will have some as soon as they come available to us.

peter
Team M7
562-608-8123

Looks like I'll be checking that website in mid July! Seems to be pretty well thought-out... These guys are only a few minutes away from Dr. O so I would expect him to be quite interested...