First time back at the track...

[Phil1320]

Ha, yeah i was hopping there would be a link at the end of that page going more in depth on it. A good write up on the basics of water and meth injection.

Just a thought...have you checked your knock sensor in the Laser?

 

[Gooberlog]

It acts normal. Only reads knock under WOT conditions at boost above 17psi or so. How do you check them, just tightness at the block?

 

[Phil1320]

It acts normal. Only reads knock under WOT conditions at boost above 17psi or so. How do you check them, just tightness at the block?

Oh, ok, that's right, you actually log your car

I've always been told if the mold where the wire goes in is no longer hard that the sensor is bad. I changed mine in 2007 just as a precaution.

 

[talontd92tsi]

Oh, ok, that's right, you actually log your car

I've always been told if the mold where the wire goes in is no longer hard that the sensor is bad. I changed mine in 2007 just as a precaution.

You are exactly right. If the "epoxy" in the back of the sensor feels like goop, rubber cement, or is just gone the sensor is going to be too sensitive and pick up knock all day. Generally though you will feel the timing being pulled and you will log random knock all over the place.

 

[Gooberlog]

Yeah i haven't checked that before, nor can i check now as the car is buried still. But yeah i have dsmlink set up so that the check engine light comes on and the factory boost gauge goes up to read any knock over 4 or 5 counts. So instead of a shift light, my CEL is kinda like a warning, lift the accelerator light.

 

[Phil1320]

You are exactly right. If the "epoxy" in the back of the sensor feels like goop, rubber cement, or is just gone the sensor is going to be too sensitive and pick up knock all day. Generally though you will feel the timing being pulled and you will log random knock all over the place.

I'm pretty sure this is one reason my VR4 is so sluggish, original motor mounts, original knock sensor, 192,000 miles, 20 years old.

Yeah i haven't checked that before, nor can i check now as the car is buried still. But yeah i have dsmlink set up so that the check engine light comes on and the factory boost gauge goes up to read any knock over 4 or 5 counts. So instead of a shift light, my CEL is kinda like a warning, lift the accelerator light.

It just seems you're getting quite a bit of knock especially for what you're running, but, every car does act a bit differently. Anyway, it's worth checking out before you go adding meth injection or something like that......

 

[Gooberlog]

Yeah i'll definitely look at it first.

 

[Phil1320]

Yeah i'll definitely look at it first.

Anything to help.....

 

[Gooberlog]

Thanks,
My buddy borrowed a snow blower and got most of the driveway cleared so digging out my car shouldn't be quite as bad now.

 

[Gooberlog]

So i got a new cigarette lighter wired up in the car so i have a power source for my lap top. Since i wired in the laptop car charger and the new lighter the week before it snowed a total of 4'+ today was my first time getting out there and doing some logs and adjustments. I was seeing knock at first any where from 3800 rpm to redline. The boost was going to around 17 but sometimes creeping to 21 or so. This is on 93oct pum gas.

I'm not sure how to save the logs yet, so i would start it, do a 3rd gear pull and stop it and pull over and look at it. I ended up adding a decent bit of fuel and pulling a few degrees of timing but i got the knock down below 3 counts and the car was pulling nicely!

The exhaust started rubbing my driveshaft (does this from time to time as it is really close) and i tried adding in a little bit of timing and pulling some fuel back out, but on my next pull the exhaust was rubbing and the knock went back to 6-7 counts so i put the settings back. A lot more playing around to do and i haven't even messed with the race gas yet. I still have 2.5gallons left for when the track opens. Hells yeah.

 

[Gooberlog]

First day at the track for the 2010 season. On a positive note i got a new best (by 0.02) running 12.67 @ 109 with a 1.75 60'. I made about 7 passes but that was my best 60' time. I was hopping for much better, but i'm still glad that i managed to run that with so much room for improvement. I still have to set up my alignment with the new suspension as well.

My hood pins didn't make it in time for race day so i had to pull the CF hood back off and re-install the heavy stock hood. I didn't have time to install my AEM wide band that just came in either. Although i do feel i was able to get the car running pretty good with a top knock count of 2 on 19psi with C-16.

I raced with my passenger headlight out as usual, but i kept both front seats in. This should put my car at about 2,740 based on my past weigh ins and i'm another 220 pounds. With the passenger seat out and the CF hood on next trip the car should be well under the 2700 pound mark. I only had 1/8 tank of fuel by the time i was racing. I put more details of my e/ts and 60' struggles in the 14b drag discussion thread, but wanted to touch base on whats going on with the cars upgrades in here. So if the hood pins come this week, the CF hood will be going back on for good, i'll work on installing the wide band if my LICP will allow the fitment, and i'll be trying to hook up with Matt sometime this week to try to set up a street/strip alignment which i'm hoping will be the ticket for some good 60' times. If not i still would like to do suspension polly bushings and maybe some toe eliminators. I can't wait for the next trip back, but before that is our get together meet on Saturday.

 

[Phil1320]

First day at the track for the 2010 season. On a positive note i got a new best (by 0.02) running 12.67 @ 109 with a 1.75 60'. I made about 7 passes but that was my best 60' time. I was hopping for much better, but i'm still glad that i managed to run that with so much room for improvement. I still have to set up my alignment with the new suspension as well.

My hood pins didn't make it in time for race day so i had to pull the CF hood back off and re-install the heavy stock hood. I didn't have time to install my AEM wide band that just came in either. Although i do feel i was able to get the car running pretty good with a top knock count of 2 on 19psi with C-16.

I raced with my passenger headlight out as usual, but i kept both front seats in. This should put my car at about 2,740 based on my past weigh ins and i'm another 220 pounds. With the passenger seat out and the CF hood on next trip the car should be well under the 2700 pound mark. I only had 1/8 tank of fuel by the time i was racing. I put more details of my e/ts and 60' struggles in the 14b drag discussion thread, but wanted to touch base on whats going on with the cars upgrades in here. So if the hood pins come this week, the CF hood will be going back on for good, i'll work on installing the wide band if my LICP will allow the fitment, and i'll be trying to hook up with Matt sometime this week to try to set up a street/strip alignment which i'm hoping will be the ticket for some good 60' times. If not i still would like to do suspension polly bushings and maybe some toe eliminators. I can't wait for the next trip back, but before that is our get together meet on Saturday.

Again, cool man! I think you should be able to hit 1.62-1.68 60's pretty consistently once you're dialed in. Maybe some tire pressure adjustments per the outside temp and track prep---racing at night vs. day etc. But, of course, the tranny needs to shift properly and not hold you up, that will be key.

 

[Gooberlog]

So a small update, i got the carbon fiber hood on and hood pins so a few more pounds have been shaved from the car. I also hooked up with Matt and got the car aligned which i'm hoping (wishful thinking) will help my 60' times a bit. We'll see once this rain passes and i hit the next available test and tune. Oh yeah, my drum of race gas just came in too

 

[Phil1320]

So a small update, i got the carbon fiber hood on and hood pins so a few more pounds have been shaved from the car. I also hooked up with Matt and got the car aligned which i'm hoping (wishful thinking) will help my 60' times a bit. We'll see once this rain passes and i hit the next available test and tune. Oh yeah, my drum of race gas just came in too

Nice! So the goal for the next outing is? 12.3X or better right?

 

[SBstar]

Get it done! I can sense that's going to be a great feeling of accomplishment when you hit those 12.3's or lower! It's going to happen, it's just a matter of seat time at the track.

 

[Gooberlog]

Yeah i want to do a 12.3 next trip out and kill my old 14b time. I just hope the trans is up for it as well. Thanks for the good words guys. I'll have a shit eating grin once i get there.

 

[Gooberlog]

So i went to the track on Sunday and had an eventful day. I made about 6 passes. Four of which i missed second or fourth gear. The last one was one of 2 decent passes, but i went through the traps and it wouldn't go in to fifth gear. I pull over to find my shift cable bracket was loose from the trans, apparently i had the washers in wrong so I'm hoping my shifting will improve next outing. When i was reinstalling the shift cables i noticed i had multiple holes in my timing cover! I shat a brick and saw that my timing belt was still ok, my buddy picks up a screw from my valve cover and asks, "Where did this come from?", and i point to the broken timing cover.

Yesterday i tore in to the covers and found that the bolt had come loose from behind the timing cover where the dust shield that the left side timing covers bolt to just above the water pump. I put red locktite on that bolt and got it back in. So my buddy was saying how this would be a good opportunity to pull the timing belt and water pump off to remove the 7.5lbs bracket from the power steering pump. I didn't want to jinx a good thing, my buddy then says, take it off or you're not working in my garage any more . I couldn't argue with that!

Today i got a after market water pump to replace what appeared to be the original. Pull the belt off for further inspection, looked ok and pulled off the old water pump. Got the heavy bracket out of the way and threw her back together partially. Started her up tonight to check for leaks as she burned the last of the race gas in the tank. All seemed well so tomorrow morning I'd like to throw the timing covers on, put the side engine mount in and take it for a ride. Also while Bob was there he helped get that bracket off of the intake manifold off that i've fought with multiple times and he also suggested ditching the power steering pulley behind the water pump pulley as well, which i hadn't though of.

So what could have been a day at the track ending with bent valves, ended up being a day at the track driving home, spending $60 on a new water pump for cheap insurance and taking off about 10+ pounds that wasn't doing anything any way. Oh did i mention i got a new best, not quite at my goal yet though. I did a best of 12.51 @112 with a 1.7 60' and decent shifting that run. I think a couple more good passes and it's there. I'd like a 12.3* just for the sake. Pics to come.

 

[SBstar]

Nice! Congrats on the new best first of all. And I'm glad you got some issues figured out! Definately will save you in the long run.

 

[Gooberlog]

Thanks, yeah i lucked out once again from trashing my engine at the track. Once again it lead to a some decent weight savings as well. I almost want to call the water pump and upgrade based on how old the other one looked, but it checked out fine. I might try again on Sunday if all is well.

 

[RACESTAR4G63]

That my boy.all way moving. I will see u at the track THIS WEEK.I got the two 255s back in.

 

[Gooberlog]

That my boy.all way moving. I will see u at the track THIS WEEK.I got the two 255s back in.

Thanks Charles, you keep me motivated too!



So the front power steering pump bracket, intake to rear block bracket and the power steering pulley that mounts on the waterpump all together weigh in at 8 pounds. Here are the pics as promised...

I'm now working on the car getting the f'ed up timing covers back on for some protection for that lucky a$$ timing belt for when i street drive the thing.

 

[DzMiniz]

Nice times.

I hope to see it out this year

 

[SBstar]

Nice weight savings. I have my power steering bracket cut in half, just enough left to hold the actualy bracket it mounts into. I really want to get rid of it but I have a tiny steering wheel in the car and it'd be a pain to get that thing to turn without upgrading to the manual rack. Couple pounds is a couple pounds! Get this thing back to the track asap!

 

[Phil1320]

I did a best of 12.51 @112 with a 1.7 60' and decent shifting that run. I think a couple more good passes and it's there.

Awesome Trav!

Love the progress on the weight reduction!

It's still damn early in the season. Excellent start, seriously. Especially with some of the issues you've been having.

I say, forget beating 12.42 because that number is going to fall easily, stay on the 14b until you beat your best 16g time of 12.0.....in other words, hit 11's on the 14b before the big turbo....that's my vote.

Can you post the slip or be more specific with your numbers= 1.7X....112.XX.....and toss the 1/8 mile up for good measure? Thanks!

 

[Gooberlog]

Nice times.

I hope to see it out this year

I hope you get too as well. I plan on racing it some more in my area and i would like to drive it to the Skyline Drive meet and greet and also the 3rd annual tri-state dsm meet. Depending on the how the car is running this fall i would also like to take it up to the E-town Mitsu day shoot out this year. Thanks for the compliments and good words!

Nice weight savings. I have my power steering bracket cut in half, just enough left to hold the actually bracket it mounts into. I really want to get rid of it but I have a tiny steering wheel in the car and it'd be a pain to get that thing to turn without upgrading to the manual rack. Couple pounds is a couple pounds! Get this thing back to the track asap!

Yeah you figure the whole PS bracket on the front of the block weighs in around 5lbs or so, so if it's already hacked and you don't want to swap to a manual steering rack, I'd leave it running the power steering. The manual steering isn't too bad, but i wouldn't want to drive a de-powered PS rack WITH a smaller steering wheel as well. If you did that, you mine as well cancel your gym membership cause that will be plenty of an upper body work out.

I wasn't even planning on removing that stuff until the bolt backed out and i had to remove the timing covers to investigate and make sure all is well. It was good t-belt/water pump removal practice as well. I got the car back to the track this past Friday which i'll talk about below.

Awesome Trav!

Love the progress on the weight reduction!

It's still damn early in the season. Excellent start, seriously. Especially with some of the issues you've been having.

I say, forget beating 12.42 because that number is going to fall easily, stay on the 14b until you beat your best 16g time of 12.0.....in other words, hit 11's on the 14b before the big turbo....that's my vote.

Can you post the slip or be more specific with your numbers= 1.7X....112.XX.....and toss the 1/8 mile up for good measure? Thanks!

Phil, The weight reduction has more to come. As the wallet stays empty, it's my only solution to go faster. Thanks as always Phil, I also agree that that the car is performing great for this early in the season.

Speaking of good results very early on in the season, I went back to the track Friday since my buddy was looking for a new best (high 11's) in his '94 Z28 and he mentioned that the DA level was excellent and that there was no one at the track. I think the rain early in the day scared away a lot of people and the rest didn't know that the track was open for Friday night T&T.

I got there around 6 with my race gas in tank and ran out of fuel by 9 pm and stopped racing then. My buddy wasn't kidding, there was never more than 5 cars including me in the 10 staging lanes TOTAL. I had a chance to do some serious hot lapping, but the car was running great so i kept it up. I had a total of 19 passes! Nine of them i spun really bad and lifted before i got past the 60' mark and i didn't get my time slips for those passes.

I will post up pics of my 2 best passes for the night which were also 2 new bests for the car. I was also able to beat my previous best of 12.51 with a 12.50 and i even missed fourth gear . I wasn't happy with the 60' times and honestly this suspension (the springs i'm thinking) haven't netted me a 1.6 60' or quicker yet. I also think that my 2 step is building too much boost off the line so i'm forced to slip the clutch which is tricky while trying to utilize the 2 step. I could have adjusted the shocks some more and played with tire pressure some more, but I didn't bring the lap top to adjust the 2 step launch RPM so i wasn't able to disengage it either and try the old school method to launch the car in to a great 60'. Well I matched the time and i'm pretty content for now, but i don't think i'll be pulling the 14b off quite yet. An 11 sec 14b pass would be excellent and a true dsm testament for the guys who've been peeking under my hood lately. By the way i had my passenger seat still in the car since i was rushing off to the track after work. Thanks again everyone and the air quality was pretty good as my buddy nailed him his first 11 sec pass after fighting low 12's for 2 years. He got a 11.967 @ 115 in his Cam only LT1 camaro full weight 6speed.