Desperately seeking speed where it counts...
but hasn't found it...yet.
by Moto-P
So, it's almost spring time for us in the LA area, my project AE86 has undergone 3 Solo2 autocross events and 2 Buttonwillow Raceway Open track events, and hours of carving canyon roads. My HTS dampers set on Ground Control perch and 40mm cut struts taking shape slowly. HTS has proven to be really tedious to set up as it's adjustment ability is just far greater than any shocks I've installed before. Continuous setting and resetting, I still have yet to find a proper setting for the 2 sets of tires I have and various stages of competition.
New photos which I managed to snap between all the tire changing and supervising some track events, I have posted this time around. Sorry about the lack of action footage as the usual spectator photos are nil during cold winter season...
The Freedom ECU is mapping more sessions and I have 3 complete maps for track, autocross and street. Since there are no internal differences in the engine for all 3 parameters, the main difference is in VVT setting and modes of metering fuel, thus the peak output is rather not much different. But rather characteristics and safety parameters and fuel conservation techniques are different. All maps also have separate idle parameters so idling in any mode is still very smooth and unchanged.
My track and autocross parameters are done in "Throttle Speed Mode" where as the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) feedback is used to map fuel ratio. This mode gives maximum response in much the same feel as using carburetor and fuel mixture is programmed to approach close to 12:1 ratio for power output in safe peak operation. In autocross mode, the VVT is set to on position a bit earlier than in track mode for widest middle range torque and predictability. In track mode, the VVT's on position is normal and the upper off position is later in the revs. The track mode gives me 8500rpm redline for safety measure and autocross mode at 9000rpm for pulling a bit longer in 2nd gear range. Since, the MAP sensor continues to operate for atmospheric pressure and temperature changes, I do not however, have to adjust for those as you would with carburetors.
In the street parameter, the ECU utilizes the "Manifold Pressure Mode (MAP) " for optimum fuel economy. This ECU mode measures the intake manifold pressures to determine the fuel ratio (much like an OEM ECU) and is programmed to operate well in normal driving. Lift throttle backfires are not present in this latter mode and fuel economy I was able to calibrate was at 31 mpg for mainly freeway use, with tender-footed city driving yielding 26 mpg. (humm it's very close to that Civic I used to drive)...and it's not too bad for a engine that pumps 160 hp when tempted. (especially considering it was mapped out by an idiot like me -- well, yes Freedom did most of the fuel part...and I did some of the ignition timing.) Also in street mode, beyond 80% throttle, the ECU will switch to 12:1 fuel ratio for safe full power operation. Up to that 80%, though, it relies on producing 14.7:1, the ideal mixture for max savings. ( so I was told...).
I had added a 22 row, 12 inch Earl's Oil Cooler recently after seeing my oil temp go whopping 133 C* after several laps at 8500 rpm operation. (at the track). The cooler in the second event brought the temperature down to 110C* where it had saturated, a very good temperature indeed...
On the topic of body, I had these pre-painted TRD wing and OEM AE86 side steps sitting in the family room of my home. One day, my wife decided they should go outside in the yard... So, promptly, I got a drill and double sided tape to just throw these things on. I had not stuck it on before because they were pretty ill-fitting from sitting around for a decade (possibly). But, since the track events and winter road debris had managed to destroy my new car's paint so much that I just lost patience for beauty. I even managed to peel off the paint on the door from yanking numbers off while it was too cold outside...That just made my day!
As far as driving, I am sort of improving most in the autocross field... I am approaching times set by Miatas slowly in Solo2. But my primary target has been to get Taka, the Club4AG instructor as we call for his notable finishes in National SCCA events. Every event I get closer and closer to his lap times but every time I'm just within a fraction of a second, he just sniffles and does one more lap to leave me more than a second behind. Awwww! I now sort of know how all the F-1 drivers feel with Schumacher in front ALL the time. (sort of glad I don't try to make a living off this too). It used to be funny too! ##$@&! Yes, folks, the AE86 does not go much faster if you can't drive even with a little hp advantage to your side!
Depressed, I resorted to outdoing Taka by slapping a nice Kenwood CD player...which did not really add to any speed by the way...(oh this sucks!) Maybe I'll just convert my AE86'w windows to power windows! Yeah, that's right... (like extra weight is going to help here...)
Taka's AE86 #888 and my AE86 #380...the white paint came off the door with the #380 at the end of the day...ugh!
enough of complaints... stay tuned for next update....ooooh, coming up in (he has no plans at this point, as he's still buried in work)
Go to part 6, if you care...about low calorie diet and weight reduction.