Fireball Outlaw Drag Radial Rebuild Thread
#1201
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This is BS, and I don't mean BigStuff. Microprocessor-based control systems include self-test features. Memory tests are basic. If the table memory spontaneously changes for some reason, such as not being refreshed soon enough, an error should be detected during power-up tests. The way this typically works is as follows: Whenever any table is intentionally altered (written) a number called a checksum is computed that is a function of the entire table. The checksum is stored somewhere in the system. One of the power-up tests recalculates this number and compares it to the stored value. If the numbers differ, as they will if any part of the table changes randomly, the test fails. There are different classes of tests. If a critical test fails, the system will refuse to generate the signals needed to start and run the engine. There is no good reason that any microprocessor-based control system should not include simple self-tests, especially a system designed to control dangerous and/or expensive machinery.
Last edited by Gary Z; 03-31-2011 at 08:08 PM.
#1203
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I should admit that I have no hands-on experience with BigStuff or any of the other systems mentioned by GrahamHill. I think I can state my thoughts more clearly if I try again.
If an engine control system stores critical parameters in a type of memory that is susceptible to spontaneous changes while unpowered, then the system should verify the integrity of those parameters during startup. A checksum is one way (probably the easiest way) to accomplish this verification. Many other tests are possible and I believe necessary, especially for a system that controls large machinery. System self-testing is naturally included during the design process. The exact type of tests used and when and how often they are performed are legitimate design decisions. To not include any self-tests or “sanity checks” in the final product would be incompetent and negligent. My main point is that it is very unlikely that none of the systems GrahamHill mentioned include some such tests. The reason is simple. Control system designers are not necessarily very bright but most are fearful enough, and just smart enough, to play an excellent game of CyA.
If an engine control system stores critical parameters in a type of memory that is susceptible to spontaneous changes while unpowered, then the system should verify the integrity of those parameters during startup. A checksum is one way (probably the easiest way) to accomplish this verification. Many other tests are possible and I believe necessary, especially for a system that controls large machinery. System self-testing is naturally included during the design process. The exact type of tests used and when and how often they are performed are legitimate design decisions. To not include any self-tests or “sanity checks” in the final product would be incompetent and negligent. My main point is that it is very unlikely that none of the systems GrahamHill mentioned include some such tests. The reason is simple. Control system designers are not necessarily very bright but most are fearful enough, and just smart enough, to play an excellent game of CyA.
Last edited by Gary Z; 04-01-2011 at 12:55 PM.
#1204
Race your car!
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A better idea, would be for the program to come up with a list, before you save of the tables edited..... As in "you have edited X tables, do you wish to continue?" that way you are 100% that only what you wanted to change was changed.
There should also be a "view" mode, so that you can look at the file without actually having the ability to change ANYTHING. In the event you want to look it over without making any changes.....
The software is archaic at best. After using the BS3 software, I honestly see a huge opportunity in the marketplace for a system that can do what it can do, with an actual good interface for the user.
There should also be a "view" mode, so that you can look at the file without actually having the ability to change ANYTHING. In the event you want to look it over without making any changes.....
The software is archaic at best. After using the BS3 software, I honestly see a huge opportunity in the marketplace for a system that can do what it can do, with an actual good interface for the user.
#1207
Motec is great, the reliability is second to none plus you can configure it however you want. The only downside is the price. We currently run an m800 is one of our supras and turbo mustangs. Previously we had used aem in the supra and we always had issues, with the motec we never worry about the dependability of the ecu
#1210
Motec is great, the reliability is second to none plus you can configure it however you want. The only downside is the price. We currently run an m800 is one of our supras and turbo mustangs. Previously we had used aem in the supra and we always had issues, with the motec we never worry about the dependability of the ecu
#1211
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I'm going to finish putting the golf cart together, then I'm thinking hard about selling off the whole operation
need to figure out a price for a complete...ready to go race setup less engine.
need to figure out a price for a complete...ready to go race setup less engine.
#1213
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at a bare minimum, I'm out for the year....Just don't have the funds available to fix all the damage. Will probably get the block repaired, but thats just a small piece of the total amount that needs addressed
#1214
Id sit out for the season. Don't just get rid of all of that hard work over one set back (even though it was a big one). Come back better than ever next year and enjoy the car that you spent all of that time building. It is a beautiful car, you need to be the one to enjoy it!
Sean
Sean
#1215
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thats the problem...its been 1 1/2 years since I last enjoyed it....now its going to be 2 1/2 years....kinda hard to sit on something that long when it just takes up garage space
#1216
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I agree, youve come way to far to let her go now. Just my opinion. And like i said in the pm, i wish you the best of luck in the future, but you cant quit now.
You certainly dont want to let that thing beat you! Sometimes its easier, but we wouldnt be competitive people if we didnt get down from time to time. Its whats drives us. You'll get her, and obliterate the 1/4. I have faith!
#1217
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Like I said before Brian it really sucks no one expects or want to see a failure like that let alone on the first outing with a new motor. I think you should just let it sit for a month or 2 before you make a decision to sell or rebuild. In the mean time once Chad and I get up and running you can lend a hand with out low buget operations
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Brian i have a ls3 long block sitting on va. speeds rafter. If it will help you to reduce the overall cost of rebuilding your badass motor i will give it to you.
Check with Shawn.
Ken.
PS, i was just using it as a backup motor.@ 700hp but your welcome to it.
Check with Shawn.
Ken.
PS, i was just using it as a backup motor.@ 700hp but your welcome to it.