plug indexing

[beretta5]

I have read about it and done it on my drag car (347) for the last 10 years and I am planning to do it on the 3.1.......is it worth the hassle?

[Chazzman]

For a NA car its prolly not gonna show much of a diff. For FI cars it might be a diff. story.

[beretta5]

not looking to gain .50 a lap  
All things being equal and most of the cars in my division are "fairly" even, if you take the fact that there are better drivers than others and some can get more out of the same car than someone else. The cars are suppose to be STOCK, so
here is my thinking:

If I can do 5-10 little things that each will pick me up .10-.30 over the course of a 20 lap race, then the little things have suddenly added up to a big thing. I am not one to cheat and I am very leary about "bending" the rules   so I am trying every little trick (secret) I can think of to give me a little more out of the car.  
Thanks again.

[Chazzman]

What  motor are you runnning ? 3.1 I assume.... Is you racing on dirt or asphalt?

[beretta5]

yes 3.1 asphalt.

[Chazzman]

Well, If the motor is to stay stock heres what i'd recommend.
2.5" exhaust will help especially if you do it from the rear exhuast manifold back
CAI with the filter mounted up in behind the grille
AC Delco rapidfire plugs
synthetic fluids in the whole drivetrain

you might want to also play around with FDR's. I've heard of ratios as high as 3.73 for the autos and 3.91 for 5spd cars.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else.

[beretta5]

thanks!
I am running open exhaust (no cat/muffler)
Been thinking about the synthetic.



Here is what I have done or is on the list for this winter:
1) Lexan windshield
2) Hypertech 160* thermostat
3) TAYLOR Thunderbolt 8.2 wires
4) NKG V's (went with them after searching this site)
5) Cambered all 4 wheels
6) Strut brace (front)
7) rear brace
Front lower crossmember
9) A/C eliminator pulley
10) wiper motor, blower motor and other odd things to save weight (right at 52 pounds so far off the front of the car)

*things still to do:
1) rear sway bar
2) Cold Air intake
3) Fluids (synthetic?)


**and anything else that comes up that might help

[Chazzman]

Actually, I just thought of something. How big is the track? What speed are you going? RPM?  These engines really lose power once you start getting even close to the rev limiter. Theres no power past about 5000 rpm.

Another thing. check to make sure your throttlebody opens 100%. I had  this happen on my Ranger and the cable had stretched. I put a couple zipties around the wire part of the cable under the dash and it help a ton.


Do the brakes get hot and fade on you? If so I'd swap to '92+ front knuckles,rotors and calipers.  I did this for someone once on a '91 and the diff. is night and day on a roadcourse and auto-x track.

Glad to help. I like to see Berettas racing and winning.

[1988GTU]

(beretta5 @ Dec. 31 2007,11:23)QUOTEHere is what I have done or is on the list for this winter:

9) A/C eliminator pulley


**and anything else that comes up that might help
The 3.1 doesn't require the need for the bypass pulley.
Just run a shorter belt.  The parts stores actually carry the shorter belt for that purpose.
Look into an UDP (If rules permit) .  Those add about 5whp.
I found the 180 T stat works the best for all conditions.
You have the smaller or plastic fuel tank?  If not, look into it for more lbs shaved off.
You poly fill your engine mounts yet?  
HTH  

[beretta5]

excellent excellent....this is the stuff I need!

I have not filled my mounts yet. I was/have been looking at the "dog bone" from MRZ.
I ordered urethane bushings for my sway bar.
I have read the post about filling the mounts....guess I should re-read and do some work  

I will check the cable to make sure I am getting WOT.
Brakes are good. I run a 1/4 mile flat and 1/2 mile banked 30* track. (sometimes I go run a 1/4 banked 17*. The car on the flat track (last year) hit right at 5,000rpm on 1/4 mile flat track in 2nd gear) it ran about the same, around 5500, on the 1/2 mile track in drive. At any of the tracks a really do not use the brakes other than to set the car in the turns.
Thanks again!

[beretta5]

I also read a post about an ADDCO 1" rear sway bar......were can I get one of these. Been talking to MANTAPARTS and they seem alright, but I have read some negative stuff about them.

[Chazzman]

(beretta5 @ Dec. 30 2007,11:12)QUOTEI also read a post about an ADDCO 1" rear sway bar......were can I get one of these. Been talking to MANTAPARTS and they seem alright, but I have read some negative stuff about them.
I'd steer clear of them. My racing buddy ordered parts from them and it took theatening legal action for him to get his parts.

[beretta5]

thats what I have been reading....was gonna use them to get a get rear sway bar....thats why I was asking about the ADDCO.


FYI, I got the plugs and wires changed today. I did index  them; if I would have just put them in, everyone would have been upside down. Sure its not much, but it has to be worth something and its not that time consuming, took about 35 minutes.......not that I was timing myself or anything ÂÂÂ

still easier than changing plugs on my maverick ÂÂÂ

[Chazzman]

What did you use? diff. thickness washers to index them?

[beretta5]

(Chazzman @ Jan. 02 2008,19:59)QUOTEWhat did you use? diff. thickness washers to index them?
yep....I only know them as "index washers" I always buy them from my local speed shop.