Looking for Input: 370 Motorsport Data Logger

MotorvateDIY

I'm thinking of developing a low cost (< $200?) data logger for the 370.
Current size is about 2.5" x 1.5"

In this version, it has 4 analog inputs for items like oil pressure, fuel pressure, differential oil temp, etc.

It also supports CAN bus to get data items like individual wheel speed, vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces, front brake line pressure, engine oil temp, engine coolant temp, engine RPM, throttle position, accelerator pedal position, individual tire pressure and about 15+ more less important items.

All data (CAN bus and analog inputs) can be saved on a micro SD card in an easy to read CSV format and downloaded via WiFi from any phone/tablet/computer.

My question is:
Other than oil pressure, what other items would you like to be data logged?

Thanks in advance!

(PS - The GTR gauges winter testing has gone very well! I'm ramping up for a spring launch!)

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Spooler

Being as I am on a standalone I can tell you what I find very helpful.

Oil Pressure
Fuel Pressure
Coolant Pressure
Coolant Temp
IAT's via a fast reacting sensor.

Spooler

You could do 6 individual EGT's on a canbus module from Emtron. That is very helpful.

MotorvateDIY

Thanks for your input on this.

Coolant pressure is very interesting!
If boosted, it can tell you if a head is lifting and for NA it can tell you if have a coolant leak (slow drop in pressure) or coolant at all (no pressure).

Sooo.... I've ordered some parts to research this more.

As for AIT, the ECU uses the built in sensor in the bank 1 MAF, so I could use the one in bank 2... I'll look into that.

MotorvateDIY

Hmmm, exhaust gas temps?
I can see it being good for tuning, but not sure of the value after that.
Plus the thermocouple install would not be quick or easy.

For now, I'll put that on the back burner.

Spooler

When you have a coil pack acting stupid it is invaluable. I had that happen to me at 16psi of boost. Knew instantly which one was the culprit.

MotorvateDIY

Is there any value to data logging the battery voltage?

Spooler

The hard part about coolant pressure is figure out what is normal and what is not. Then, what causes the pressure to be higher. There is a kit out there for it for Ecutek but if you had something better where you didn't have to steal an input, it may be better.

Spooler

For a car using twin fuel pumps, Yes. Voltage drops some when both are singing along.

Spooler

Oh crap, I almost forgot. Logging EMAP is also very useful to ensure you don't have a drive pressure issue. I do use the EGT sensors to keep an eye on my Fast Intentions exhaust manifolds for a restriction. If EGT's start spiking in the higher RPM's I know that the exhaust manifolds are starting to become a restriction. You need to know the normal baseline of what the EGT's are at 7500-8000 rpm in your lower boost settings to able to determine when you start to hit a bottle neck.

Drive pressure= From the cylinder head to the turbine of the turbo.
Back Pressure = From the outlet of the turbo, out the exhaust.

MotorvateDIY

Got it, I'll add that.
I've also just expanded the analog inputs from 4 to 8. It is always best to have unused inputs than not having enough.



With a current sensor and a some signal processing, fuel pump RPM can be determined. I'll look into that in the spring, as it would be interesting to see how much the fuel pump speed changed with engine load/RPM.

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MotorvateDIY

My understanding is the EcuTek will be adding CAN bus inputs to the VHR tune soon. If/when that happens, this board has CAN bus support ready to go.

Here is where having a stock VHR is helpful, as I can determine a baseline. (well, my baseline, but that should be close to all others)

Once my parts arrive, I'll be able to plot cooling system pressure by cooling system temperature and engine RPM.

Spooler

I needed an add on box for my Emtron Standalone. The EGT Can Bus has a box to itself and communicates with the KV12 over can.

MotorvateDIY

Isn't what you are talking about mostly a testing set up/tuning issue?
Once the exhaust manifold and turbo has been selected, won't the drive pressure be the same for the same engine operating conditions?

I would like to know the absolute exhaust pressure before and after my catalytic converter, but not enough to drill holes and weld bungs in my Stillen exhaust

Spooler

No, it won't always be the same. Turbo cars can add boost easy. You need the sensors to tell you when you are getting close to a limit and to stop before you hurt your engine. IF you spend a little more money on the front end, it will save you money over the long run. Less mistakes causing engine damage. I should have gone to a standalone back in 2020 after I had issues with my first engine.