Updates and developments...

[Sean Roe]

Hi Everyone,

We've been busy here for the last week and I just got back on the forum for the first time since last Friday. Lots of new developments coming along.

The software engineers are here from Sweden. We've been working on wrapping up several aspects of the VEC2 software. The system now has the ability to dial in timing advance and turn on outputs (turns on a ground for a relay).

We did 15 tests yesterday on the dynojet. We re-baselined the car at 5psi with a wearing motor (she's down about 22 ft/lbs of tq and 15 rwhp due to age). We tested advance, ignition systems (Capacitive Discharge with 0.060" plug gap), different spark plugs, 7 psi boost and 8 psi boost. Took about 4 hours of dyno time in total (to increase the boost takes a 5 minute pulley change and 10 second program card swipe). All in all, it was a very useful day.

The engine has a really nice power curve now with 8 psi (new valve springs) and it doesn't creep up but about 1.5 psi between 5,300 and 6,000 rpm. I will post the dyno graph in the next few days. It makes 672 rwtq and 624 rwhp, which is not bad for an old R&D engine with bolt on's and stock fuel pump / lines at 11.5:1 a/f.

New projects include working on the Gen1 kit, finishing up the user VEC2 software, installing the aftercooler into the manifold, increasing the boost on the R&D car and generally making more power

Things are looking good and we'll do our best to keep everyone posted.

Regards,
Sean

 

[ViperJoe]

One day I'll have a SC on my Viper

 

[RedGTS]

Sean, let's hear some more about that aftercooler. Might be really helpful for us cast piston guys if we want to use the smaller pulley.

 

[HP]

I'm sure there are a lot of GEN-I gawkers that are wondering-
WHERE DID you put the alternator?

 

[Cudaman]

Sean....I am leaving Friday to come up to your "hood" and be ready for Aswin's Viper party blow out. My Roe S/C and myself are looking forward to seeing your and Autorotor's engineers latest updates.

Cudaman

 

[MbnViper]

Congrats Sean ....... aftercooler i want one Mbn

 

[Qualitywires.com]

How many miles Sean?

 

[David]

Great work! Will there a C.A.R.B. EO# issued for the S/C kit sometime soon?

 

[Sean Roe]

The car has about 16,000 miles and has been an R&D car since 2,300 miles in December 2000. The number of dyno, track and street pulls it's done are ridiculously high (note the dyno pull #'s below and remember that this is one of four dynos the car runs at including our load dyno). Though the valve springs helped, it still leaks down 8%.

Regarding the CARB EO, that's a tough one. We spent time and money going in that direction and reached a cross road. It came down to spending a lot more time and money on the possibility of getting certification, or accepting that it probably wouldn't happen. One key in that regard is the fact that the system cannot be adjustable. You basically have to certify a specific kit and changes require a new certification and EO #. In other words, we wouldn't be able to offer customer tuneable engine management system and any bolt on upgrade we added to the kit (pulley, cooler, etc) would legally void the emissions certification of the kit (requiring a new #). So, we're not going to pursue it further at this time.

For the aftercooler, we didn't need to consider one at 5 or 6 psi. 7 is starting to get warmer and 8 could probably benefit from it more. We left room in the design to do something as a retrofit if we wanted to. Once we get an aftercooler setup, we will probably test a little higher boost (9 or 10 psi).

Here are the final two pulls from Wednesday. they are back to back and at full engine temperature. Engine bolt on's, dyno conditions and correction factor listed below graphs. We feel it's pretty healthy. The FJO wideband logged a fairly steady 11.5:1 on the air/fuel ratio. The car is pretty fast right now.

You must be registered for see images

Regards,
Sean

 

[SUN RA KAT]

Sean, what pulley did you use for these dyno runs? Most impressive.