12:05 Garage- ’70 Duster build
The biggest problem I've had with autocross is wheel spin, particularly from the standing start. This was also a big problem at the speed stop and drag race at Moparty. I've decided to let the technology I have already installed in the car take over a little. I'm adding a front and rear wheel speed sensor for traction control. The Megasquirt already has the capability, it just needs the inputs. Basically all it does is retard timing when the wheel speeds deviate from one another. (I could also add fuel) The amount of timing (or fuel) and amount of deviation is 100% customizable. Once the wheels speed gets back within the max allowable slip, the time reverts back to the timing table. I'll will be putting a switch to turn it on or off. I don't want to make it too boring.
My plan is to have it off, data log a run from 0-80ish, the repeat with it on. I'll be able to see the amount of time it takes to get to that speed in the logs. I should be able to dial in the settings using this method. I'll also be able to prove, "spinnin ain't winnin"!
Below is the beginning stages of my bracket for the front wheel speed. This is a $40 hall effect sensor from DIY Autotune. I have it reading the back side of the lug studs. I'll do the same thing on the back. The late TKO500s have an extra hole for a speed sensor besides the speedometer hole. Unfortunately, I have an early one without this provision. There are hall effect sensors that take the place of the speedo, but I want a speedometer! If I was going with a digital dash, it would be a no brainer to use it, but that's not the case here.
So for $80, some scrap metal, and a little bit of time, I'll have traction control. Should be fun...
Having traction control is a building block of what I'd like to do within the coming year. I'm hoping for some fun upgrades before the next Moparty. I may not be the fastest driver around a course, but more horsepower should make me faster, right?