Drivetrain I'm thinking about instrumenting my engine. Advice?
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:
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

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?
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.gtechpro.com/rr.html
-- VBG
Now for the coolest thing you ever seen....
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
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...
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