How many here use a data recorder while bracket racing? If so do you feel it is a significant help or is it just data?

Some don’t have/ use DA and do just fine. Others have it and rarely look at it until problems occur. If you’re computer challenged, it’s best avoided imho. Same for digital ignition.

Grid is a great starting point that offers ignition control. Racepak is really nice and Holleys new Pro Dash integrates well with it. If wanting more an ECU is what I’d choose.

quote:

Originally posted by Little Chief:
How many here use a data recorder while bracket racing? If so do you feel it is a significant help or is it just data?

I have my Holley ECU set-up to record every pass automatically. I don't have time between passes to look at, compare the data & analyze it. I choose to use some basic key elements between rounds: weather & split times are a couple examples. The key elements provide the best indicator/predictor for going into the next round. The only reason I would look at a data log while racing is if something major happened during a run. Other than that, I look at the data logs after racing is done if I'm racing the next day; if not I will take up to week before I review them.

I do observe what other racers (mainly friends) do with their data logs. Very few review them between rounds as for the majority I don't see when they review them. I assume they do something similar to me.

IMO, racers pay attention to the wrong things between rounds & reviewing data logs is one of them. Again IMO, to many people are data mongers & the data is not netting them any wins.

I have developed some key basic elements between rounds; to help me win rounds & ultimately win races. Data logs aren't even close to a key element for me.

I must say there's a couple DRR members that I've seen them in action using data logs when fast bracket racing. They use the data to consistently win, but it was under different circumstances. They had a good amount of time between rounds & there was 2 of them. They worked great as a team. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the time at a regular bracket race.

If used properly like anything else, it is an asset but not needed to win. That's my 2 cents worth.

2BKING

Yes, I have had a data logger on all my cars for 15 years. I have always used RPM Performance logger and dash. Never have had a RacePak

I have a Racepak and look after every pass.

I have a data logger and I do download and look at every run. Not really study it per se but look at particular things.

A couple races ago I lost the vacuum pump belt. The car only fell off .01 and it was on a bye run. If I had not looked and saw it lost vacuum down track I would have dialed wrong the next round. I know that it loses .04 without my pump so I dialed up and still won the last 2 rounds to win the race.

Have a run with one of those, "where did that come from" passes? Look at the data. It takes me 30 seconds to download a pass and about a minute to look at the key points so if you can't do that between rounds you need to work on your program. I race alone so I roll into my pit, get out, hook up the data logger and start it downloading, then enter run numbers into my weather/prediction software. It is finished downloading by then so I go out and fuel the car. I glance over the car to make sure nothing is wrong and then I look over the data. Not sure why someone wouldn't have enough time to do that? Just my 2cents.

Always have had data logger or since 1991 . If you have to study every thing on it. You have very little experiance which is understandable or you do not know key points that effect run and can be changed easily.For bracket racing if graphs look right and reading for piece that would be cause of et loss or gain are all needed between rounds. Deep study can be done after race or if have crew members and most do not one guy can identify whats needed to be investigated.
Like Curtis said most download in few seconds. Hell my old Cygnus would take minutes to print out while I was looking at graphs and still tokk 5 minutes max to get needed info. I would look at DS rpm times and temps at times and be able to tell crew what to attack first and tell diver if need to drop pan to read bearing.I know not on bracket but example. Then I would study them during week to find that .01 et and did a lot of the time.

Graphs are your freind IMO. You know well DS spiked twice so spun little or man DS down need more tire speed. Thats why I as off .01 or what ever. Just example. I have readingds for TB,sle, shift solenoid all just see if iossue with one or just driver f--edup. Sure some disagree but all ionfo used correctly is good to have. Is it a must have? Hell no ,millions of bracket racing wins haved been made w/o it. It is a tool and for me a toy. Both can get you into trouble if used incorrect.

I look at it like ionsurance not really need until something goes wrong. It is tool nothing else.

I have ran a Data Logger for many years and it is a huge help in my opinion. It has helped me get my engine tuned perfect and helped make me a better driver to. I typically run mechanical injection with 8 O2 sensors and I can keep each cylinder just right and see if there is any problems such as clogged nozzle. Also most of my racing has been in a class where we can not use timed shifters, all shifting must be driver controlled so the Data Logger tells me if I messed up or something is going on with car.

Does not take long to download and look and I do not study it just look for key things after each pass. Now if I have a problem and can not figure it out then will start looking deeper in the logger and see if it points out my issue.

My last logger has massive amounts of inputs to check everything and once you get it all dialed in many of those things are no longer needed and can just make things confusing.

To me it is just as important as recording the Weather, the better information you get the more accurately you can predict what car will do.

I have had one in all my cars since 2011. FWIW I have always used racepack and usually have one of their dashes as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Little Chief:
How many here use a data recorder while bracket racing? If so do you feel it is a significant help or is it just data?

It looks like you're getting various good opinions on your question.

The way I look at it with my racing program is I have it but don't need/use it till after the racing is done. My program doesn't need validation after winning 6 straight Index wins on 3 different tracks from piss poor to bracket prep conditions. I also was the only door car to finish in the top 10 in S/Pro & did it without a Delay Box.

I have a very sound program & I'm always testing ways to improve it; the data fits in after the racing is done.

2BKING

If going with data acquisition, using a compatible digital display makes sense because the monitoring sensors are already in place. Some racers prefer analog gauges. That’s where programmable dashes excel. Some can be displayed both analog and digital for any channel you monitor and easily customized to your exact desire. Most have multiple page displays that clean up the dash in one organized space.

Programmable Dash