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View Full Version : Modifications vs Performance


Demps
02-25-2006, 09:20 PM
I've had many questions on what modifications yield what. I've come to the conclusion that they all have their tradeoffs.

Here are the contestants:

Veh #1) Stock 95 ZR-1 with Corsa's and hogged out H-pipe, K&N open
Veh #2) Stock 95 ZR-1 with B&B's with resonator, SGC chip, 1 7/8" Watson headers, K&N open, relocated MAT
Veh #3) Haibeck 95 ZR-1 350/500hp package with 4:10 gears, Fidanza flywheel, coilovers, B&B's with x-pipe, roll bar, upside down airbox with K&N, relocated MAT, Ron Davis radiator, 2" headers

Competition:

20 to 80 mph acceleration using a Vericom 2000. Tires are different on all cars so I started at 20 mph assuming it would take the launch out of play (somewhat). Time of the readings is somewhat irrelevant--consistency is the relevant factor in the conditions tested for comparability. The outside air temp was 53 deg F. Water temps will be noted. Elevation is 3,000 feet. Altimeter is 30.14.

Little background:

Veh #2) ran 12.8/116mph on a 80 deg/ 95+% humidity night on a BAD track at 600ft elevation Dyno 390hp/370lb-ft SAE

Veh #3) ran a 12.5/118mhp on a 101 deg/ low humidity 2,700 ft elevation track Dyno 421hp/375lb-ft SAE


Results:

Veh #1) 6.64 sec, 6.76 sec, 7.02 sec, 7.06 sec
170 deg ---- 190 deg

Veh #2) 6.36 sec, 6.44 sec, 6.34 sec
154 deg ---- 181 deg

Veh #3) 6.42 sec, 6.38 sec
188 deg ---- 193 deg


Observations:

Veh #1) is totally stock. As the engine heated up it slowed dramatically--standard for those that have relocated the MAT and have a good aftermarket chip. Also, the rev limiter is a little lower than the other two and/or the tach reads low. Overall, a very good running stock car from my experience.

Veh #2) is my baby. I've had it the longest and the most experience with it. The chip and relocated MAT helped maintain some power in the car as it heated up. Headers are a RIOT!!!

Veh #3) is a rocket ship--BUT I had to shift into 3rd gear to get to 80 mph. 3rd is too tall a gear to start to work in the 5,000 rpm range--it is just getting started. Not truly sold on 4:10 gears (this test could be changed to max their potential but it was the last car out) for other reasons than this acceleration comparison.


Now what does all this show? Just one lucky person with the ability to compare apples to apples. If you have any specific questions, please ask. If this helps, great. If it doesn't, sorry for the 69 secs of your life. Ted

HAWAIIZR-1
02-25-2006, 09:35 PM
Ted,

Thanks, I really appreciate your time to post this thread. It helps with making some decisions about future modications and very non-biased.

Craig

BBBAD94ZR1
02-25-2006, 09:38 PM
Thats some pretty nice information. I have a question in your experiece how long or how many miles are the stock plug wires good for?
RAY:worship:

1990 quasar blue
02-25-2006, 09:49 PM
Ted, great write up. Imagine the numbers on a 50 degree night at a good track. How do you like the Fidanza? I'm hoping to have some times in about six weeks. It's just a 90 with ported plenum, injector housings and a flowmaster. About 355 and 342 sae. Random tech cats are in the living room and headers should be on the way shortly. We'll see what happens.

Z Factor
02-25-2006, 11:40 PM
Nice & informative post Ted. :cool:

Also a :thumbsup: for mentioning OUR forum on the listserver so some of them will drop in to see it.

:cheers:

Demps
02-26-2006, 12:39 AM
Thats some pretty nice information. I have a question in your experiece how long or how many miles are the stock plug wires good for?
RAY:worship:

Oh boy--it depends. One thing I've seen is the boots are very susceptable to pulling out without good care upon removing. Also, the wires get brittle with time. Mine failed around 40,000 miles. I started raising the hood in the garage to allow the engine to vent some of it's heat after driving. They are paired across the coilpacks and show some resistance. If one is higher, I'd suspect a bad wire--how I found it. Ted

Demps
02-26-2006, 12:42 AM
Ted, great write up. Imagine the numbers on a 50 degree night at a good track. How do you like the Fidanza? I'm hoping to have some times in about six weeks. It's just a 90 with ported plenum, injector housings and a flowmaster. About 355 and 342 sae. Random tech cats are in the living room and headers should be on the way shortly. We'll see what happens.

Awesome sounding car! I like the Fidanza alot. Drops revs fast on throttle lift--which takes more getting used to than the more challenging launch and quick acceleration. Mr Haibeck is a magician! The rattle is minor. I've heard some that make you think it's coming apart. Regardless, the benefit is worth it for me. Ride in one first! Ted