Sim Racing, Harmonic Dampers & Tuning Your Exhaust Upgrade | Today At HPA [UPDATE 220]

We talk sim racing, PDU/PDMs, harmonics, cast vs billet and more. This is Andres update that came right before your members-only webinar lesson ‘220 | How to Construct Ignition Leads’. Details on membership below.

SIM RACING: HPA Labs has a pretty basic sim setup mostly for a bit of fun on break times, but recently Andre and Ben utilized it to get familiar with a local track that they had not visited before in person. While the 2016 Audi R8 LMS GT3 car is probably not a direct match for the wee 1uz powered HPA86, it was still a valuable experience to tinker with different lines and start to get familiar with some of the braking points.

Right now we’re on using Highland Motorsport Park (not the Highlands track that comes with the game) on the GT layout and an unmodified BMW M3 GT2 car (comes with game).

Further to just learning the track, we’ve started having a look at some of the data it can relay back into MoTeC i2 data analysis software. While you can tell it is computer-generated (it’s a little too linear) it is still really impressive and with the comparison feature we discussed in the previous update will help you dial in your lap times and/or pick up on bad habits just the same.

HARMONICS - FB post update: Andre responds to a few of the comments that discount engine harmonics as at existing at all, or shift the blame elsewhere. He explains what they are, why balancing your pistons and rods won’t remove them and the difference between a race car and street car when it comes to the removal of harmonic dampers.

HPA86: Just a quick update this week and small modification. The exhaust on the 86 was originally set to meet road legal standards here in New Zealand, and while it is at the upper edge of those, when surrounded by dedicated race cars it was hard to hear even from inside the car itself at race pace. While not the biggest issue in the world, it is one that was easily fixed and we have a stainless end piece to make the exhaust straight through while retaining the old exhaust part for use on the road or at track days that have noise limits (which are common).

The big question here though was...does the car need a retune? Andre explains how the answer is maybe, and why it’s safer just to check to be sure.

PMU/PDM: Another topic touched on last week was the installing of out EcuMaster PMU-16 (aka a PDM). The full advantages of this unit won’t be looked at until next season, however, we do talk about some of the advantages you can get with the use of a PMU and exactly what we plan to make the most of on the 86 build here.

WEBINAR INFO: One of the common tasks you’ll be completing when making changes to a distributor or coil-near-plug ignition system is to make up custom ignition leads. Doing this yourself instead of relying on off the shelf leads that may not be exactly the right length will result in a neater installation and it’s not difficult to achieve. In this webinar, we’ll find out what you’ll need to know and what tools are required to make your own quality ignition leads.

Want to watch the members-only webinar on ignition leads along with over 220 other lessons on engine building, tuning, and wiring topics? Sign up here for only $19 USD a month, start and stop at any time (unlike your gym membership!).

SIM RACING LINKS:
We’re just testing the waters with this to see if anyone is actually keen, so let us know your thoughts.
This is the track, using the GT layout 
And this is the car (already in the game)
Post your results here
And see how others are doing here.