Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth  Thursday, December 13 2001  Volume 01 : Number 698




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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 10:17:29 -0600
From: "xwing" <xwing@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: altitude

Here is my question.
Being an enquiring mind, I checked the weather website for Roswell New
Mexico around the time of Matt's great passes.  The barometric pressure was
30.05".  That is in the range of what we usually run here in Wisconsin, at
about 800ft elevation, but we have alot of humidity that NM doesn't.

So, sure higher altitude means less air pressure (averaged across a year),
but if DUE TO THE ACTUAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, the barometer read 30.05" then
that is actually very close to sea level, or certainly not "3600 feet".  I
guarantee that barometer would not read 30 inches if it kept going higher
and higher, out into space...

So, is barometric pressure not the end product difference and the truer
determinant than simple physical height?  Barometric pressure readings are
absolute, not gauge, so rather than giving "static elevation", wouldn't it
be better to give the weather report (43 F, humidity 45%, barometer 30.05")
etc?  Is that not more closely approximating a correction to a sort of
"standard temperature and pressure" than a gross correction to some STATIC
ELEVATION figure?

This is why I dislike "corrections", "fudge factors", "fantasy/dream wheel
figures" etc.  and like to say what actually HAPPENED, in real life.  If one
makes 8+% less hp/torque, that might also be the critical difference in NOT
BREAKING parts, or breaking them later than might have happened at sea
level, so if you correct from reality in our cases, running at altitude with
correction fudging is actually a pretty big advantage :)

JT
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Lucius" <stealthman92@yahoo.com> (snips)
> Elevation affects turbocharged engines in two ways.
> First, as Geoff Mohler pointed out, the air is thinner the higher you
> go above sea level. Air pressure decreases by 0.5 psi
> for every 1000 feet of elevation.
> For example, at sea level (14.7 psi) and 100ºF  air has an
> average density of 1.1358 g/L.
> At 5500' ASL in Colorado the air pressure is only
> 12.0 psi and at 100ºF weighs 0.9272 g/L.
> At 18 psi boost at sea level, the air
> is compressed a factor of (18+14.7)/14.7 or 2.23 and density
> increases to 0.158 lb/CF. At 18 psi boost (no temp change) at 5500'
> ASL, air is compressed by a factor of (18+12)/12) or 2.5 and density
> increases to 0.145 lb/CF - about 8.3% less dense than at sea level
> (and so about 8% less power).

> From: "Jim Matthews" <jim@the-matthews.com>
> Does elevation have much impact on turbo engines?  Do the same
> correction factors apply for normally aspirated and forced induction
> engines?  Seems to me that thinner air would make it harder to
> achieve boost, but pressure is pressure.  If a turbo engine achieves
> 18 psi at sea level and 18 psi at 3600 feet, what's the difference in
> power?

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 08:52:15 -0800 (PST)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: altitude

Weather stations report a CORRECTED TO SEA LEVEL air pressure. Our
stations here in Colorado also say 30" Hg when the REAL pressure is
actually 24.4" Hg. The corrected number is useless for determining
true air density. Give the station a call to get the REAL air
pressure, or just assume 1" Hg (or 0.5 psi) drop for every 1000 feet
elevation increase. Just climb a 14er out here to experience first
hand the difference in air density. :)

Humidity, BTW, makes the air slightly less dense so slightly less
power. The water displaces the air molecules. It is usually the
cooler temps (and so denser air overall) that cause increase in power
some people notice on cool humid days (not hot humid days).

Jack, I also dislike corrected track numbers. I run about 14 s in the
1/4 up hear taking it easy. I thought for sure the car would be
faster at Norwalk. Nope. Still 14 s taking it easy. Of course my
right IC leaked air like a sieve (now repaired and still running 14
s). :)

But the reality is, NA cars have 18% less air mass up here (5500'
ASL) per combustion stroke than at sea level. They cannot make the
same power. A 300 HP F-body (rated by the factory at sea level) makes
only about 246 HP up here. Turbo cars rule at higher altitudes.

Hmmmm, maybe we should race in Death Valley (below sea level)?

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "xwing" <xwing@wi.rr.com>
To: <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 9:17 AM
Subject: Re: Team3S: altitude

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 11:35:02 -0600
From: "xwing" <xwing@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: altitude

So that explains it!  I didn't know the weather stations adjust barometric
readings to altitude.  I understand.

Still, as you point out, NORMALLY ASPIRATED cars have less intake
pressure...BUT since we have turbochargers, which PACK air in, that clearly
allows less performance LOSS for us.  That's why "turbo cars rule at high
altitude" and why piston engine airplanes with turbo/superchargers do NOT
suffer the massive performance losses of normally aspirated engines.
Therefore, using "commonly accepted" correction factors for NA cars on turbo
cars is FALSE.

With less air pressure on the inlet side, the turbo just spools up to a
higher rpm range against the thinner air, so with higher turbo rpm CAN STILL
give almost equal OUTPUT pressure/volumes.  A turbo maxxed out will not
quite be able to rev so high to completely make up the difference, but if
Matt's car was truly only at 18-22psi on those relatively HUGE turbos (if
they are as great as advertised), they are no where near their limits, so
should be well able to make up the difference due to altitude.

Maybe that's why your car (Jeff L.) did not perform much different at
Norwalk's lower altitude than at your home high altitude--what we always
KNEW to be the case, that turbo cars aren't much affected by altitude, was
demonstrated on the tracks.
JT

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Lucius" <stealthman92@yahoo.com (snips)
> Weather stations report a CORRECTED TO SEA LEVEL air pressure. Our
> stations here in Colorado also say 30" Hg when the REAL pressure is
> actually 24.4" Hg. The corrected number is useless for determining
> true air density.
> Humidity makes the air less dense so less
> power. Water displaces the air molecules. It is the
> cooler temps=denser air that cause increase in power
> on cool humid days (not hot humid days).

> Jack, I also dislike corrected track numbers. I run about 14 s in the
> 1/4 up hear taking it easy. I thought for sure the car would be
> faster at Norwalk. Nope. Still 14 s taking it easy. Of course my
> right IC leaked air like a sieve (now repaired and still running 14's).
> But the reality is, NA cars have 18% less air mass up here (5500'
> ASL) per combustion stroke than at sea level. They cannot make the
> same power. A 300 HP F-body (rated by the factory at sea level) makes
> only about 246 HP up here. Turbo cars rule at higher altitudes.
> Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 08:33:57 -0600
From: "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Drag racing (was Road Racing)

we had five guys at Heartland Park, and I believe there were double that
number at the Sears Point adventure.  I agree that we don't seem to attract
as much attention as the drag racers, but I believe it is because there is a
general level of ignorance about road course events.  people aren't aware
that they can go into the paddock for free at most places and see the cars
up close and personal, as well as talking to the drivers.

Also, if 4 guys don't generate interest then we need a DOZEN!!! (be part of
the solution ) (:>)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff VanOrsdal [SMTP:jeffv@1nce.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2001 9:43 AM
> To: Team3s  Tech List
> Cc: bansheestealth@aol.com
> Subject: RE: Team3S: Drag racing (was Road Racing)
>
> The road racers will chuckle and be content that their racing is more
> "sophisticated", but 4 guys at a road course don't generate publicity and
> aftermarket interest like a guy with a mid 10 second drag car will.

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 16:34:10 -0600
From: "Kent Hacker" <david2002@281.com>
Subject: Team3S: Stealth headlight change?

I just bought my first stealth (93' Base model) at auction and I had a
question concerning the headlamps.  Can you install the second
generation headlamps in place of the popup lights, without much custom
body work?  Has anyone else done this?  What would be the easiest way to
go about replacing them?

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 16:40:49 -0600
From: "cody" <overclck@starband.net>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Stealth headlight change?

The parts list is fairly simple.
What you will need:
'94-'99 Parts -
Hood
Headlights
Turn Signals
Front Bumper Cover
One quick note - the '99 bumper has to be mated with the '99 turn
signals, or '94-'98 mated with its corresponding parts.  All hoods are
the same '94-'99.  The headlights from '94-'96 are glass encased,
whereas '97-'99 are plastic.  The '99 headlights have a different
contour to them, although they are perfectly interchangeable. 

Tools you will need.  This is not for the light of heart.  There was A
LOT more work than I ever imagined.  You will need at minimum:
Metric Socket Set
Jigsaw
Dremel (or other small space cutting tool)
Drill bit set plus Electric Drill (cordless is ok)
Eye Protection

The key here is that there is a lot of metal that needs to be removed.
I will mention that I am in the middle of the conversion, so this is not
completed, but is a good starting point.  My conversion should be done
shortly (am waiting on my bumper cover from Tallahassee Mitsubishi,
which should conveniently arrive today / tomorrow).

- -Cody

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-team3s@team3s.com [mailto:owner-team3s@team3s.com] On Behalf
Of Kent Hacker
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 4:34 PM
To: Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st
Subject: Team3S: Stealth headlight change?

I just bought my first stealth (93' Base model) at auction and I had a
question concerning the headlamps.  Can you install the second
generation headlamps in place of the popup lights, without much custom
body work?  Has anyone else done this?  What would be the easiest way to
go about replacing them?

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 16:26:16 -0800 (PST)
From: glenn amy <glenn_amy@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

Was a trunk optional in '95? ;-)

All kidding aside, since we own hatchbacks you are
moving the battery into the passenger compartment.
That might result in battery acid spilling on the
passengers in the event of a crash.

I'd think twice about that.....

Glenn
'93 vr-4
no trunk

- --- "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com> wrote:
> So I'm relocating my battery [Optima] to my trunk
> in my '95 VR-4.
> Battery box, tie-down, 1/0 gauge wire, inline fuses,
> and associated parts
> are all in the plan. 
>
> However I'm not quite sure what amperage fuse to
> use at the battery.
> For safety reasons, I want a fuse located right at
> the battery in the trunk,
> so this fuse will have to carry all the current used
> to drive the starter
> and charge the battery.  Any idea what the current
> draw of our starters is?
> A 200A fuse seems to be the largest I can find from
> the car-stereo world,
> but is this enough?
>
> I know some people on the list have relocated their
> batteries to the
> trunk and pass tech inspections, so what kind of
> fuse/circuit breaker do you
> use?
>
> --Erik

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 16:52:38 -0800 (PST)
From: Geoff Mohler <gemohler@www.speedtoys.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

Thats what a battery box is for.

On Wed, 12 Dec 2001, glenn amy wrote:

> Was a trunk optional in '95? ;-)
>
> All kidding aside, since we own hatchbacks you are
> moving the battery into the passenger compartment.
> That might result in battery acid spilling on the
> passengers in the event of a crash.
>
> I'd think twice about that.....
>
> Glenn
> '93 vr-4
> no trunk
>
> --- "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com> wrote:
> > So I'm relocating my battery [Optima] to my trunk
> > in my '95 VR-4.
> > Battery box, tie-down, 1/0 gauge wire, inline fuses,
> > and associated parts
> > are all in the plan. 
> >
> > However I'm not quite sure what amperage fuse to
> > use at the battery.
> > For safety reasons, I want a fuse located right at
> > the battery in the trunk,
> > so this fuse will have to carry all the current used
> > to drive the starter
> > and charge the battery.  Any idea what the current
> > draw of our starters is?
> > A 200A fuse seems to be the largest I can find from
> > the car-stereo world,
> > but is this enough?
> >
> > I know some people on the list have relocated their
> > batteries to the
> > trunk and pass tech inspections, so what kind of
> > fuse/circuit breaker do you
> > use?
> >
> > --Erik

Geoff Mohler

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 20:21:35 -0000
From: "Sam Shelat" <sshelat@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: altitude

>This is why I dislike "corrections", "fudge factors", "fantasy/dream wheel
>figures" etc.  and like to say what actually HAPPENED, in real life.  If
one
>makes 8+% less hp/torque, that might also be the critical difference in NOT
>BREAKING parts, or breaking them later than might have happened at sea
>level, so if you correct from reality in our cases, running at altitude
with
>correction fudging is actually a pretty big advantage :)
>
I totally agree.  I was trying to point out that with all the things that
weren't going right for him in his runs (spark blowout-limited boost,
altitude, not being able to run at or shift at the higher rpms), that this
car has 9 second run capabilities if everything stays together.  With his
front diff shredding on him like it did, there may be many more broken parts
to follow before he ever gets there, but I was being optomistic.  There are
street cars that run 9s, but not many production vehicles you can do that
with in full 4000lb (w/ driver) trim without changing gearing, suspension,
and running full slicks.  This is serious stuff.  There are many guys who
claim that those turbos aren't even the best there is for our cars engine
displacement and design.  I am sure about 300lbs can be dropped on that car
without even thinking too hard.

Sam

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 07:32:43 -0600
From: "Curt Gendron" <cgendron@mail.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Stealth headlight change?

Hey Cody,

One quick correction.  Only the 94 headlights are glass on both the Stealth and 3000GT.  95+ cars had the lexan plastic covered headlights.

later,
Curt
http://www.mn3s.org

- -----Original Message-----
From: "cody" <overclck@starband.net>
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 16:40:49 -0600
To: "'Kent Hacker'" <david2002@281.com>,
"'Team3S'" <team3s@mail.speedtoys.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Stealth headlight change?

> the same '94-'99.  The headlights from '94-'96 are glass encased,
> whereas '97-'99 are plastic.  The '99

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 06:31:29 -0800 (PST)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

>> That might result in battery acid spilling ...

> Thats what a battery box is for.

Actually, that's what a dry cell battery is for. :)

Optima is one popular brand. The Dyna-Batt is another choice if you
don't need to use the battery with the engine off. There is no liquid
in these batteries. Deep-cycle attributes are a bonus.

http://www.geocities.com/lutransys/jlucius6/j6-2-dynabatt.htm

Of course, a box or other restraining device could save your life in
a serious accident.

I was planning on moving the battery to the rear storage compartment
until I found the Dyna-Batt in a drag racing magazine (the
advertisement that is). The small size will allow me to add the WI
pump and control units in the remaining space vacated by the
full-size battery. The 13.5-lb weight (vs. ~40 lb for a full-size
battery) is a plus also. Put two in the rear compartment and save on
both space and weight over one full-size battery.

The Dyna-Batt mounts in any position, is truely maintenance free,
contains no liquid or gel, produces no gas, is vibration proof, and
will not develop a memory. Did I mention it weighs only 13.5 pounds?

http://www.performancedistributors.com/batteries.htm

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Geoff Mohler" <gemohler@www.speedtoys.com>
To: "glenn amy" <glenn_amy@yahoo.com>
Cc: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>; "Team3S List (E-mail)"
<team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>; "Starnet 3Si Mailing List (E-mail)"
<stealth@starnet.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 5:52 PM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

Thats what a battery box is for.

On Wed, 12 Dec 2001, glenn amy wrote:

> Was a trunk optional in '95? ;-)
>
> All kidding aside, since we own hatchbacks you are
> moving the battery into the passenger compartment.
> That might result in battery acid spilling on the
> passengers in the event of a crash.
>
> I'd think twice about that.....
>
> Glenn

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 11:57:17 -0500
From: "Zobel, Kurt" <KURT.ZOBEL@ca.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

How would we go about setting up a group buy on these?
I could use two of them, if we can get a price break.

Kurt

- -----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lucius [mailto:stealthman92@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 6:31 AM
To: team3S@stealth-3000gt.st
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

>> That might result in battery acid spilling ...

> Thats what a battery box is for.

Actually, that's what a dry cell battery is for. :)

Optima is one popular brand. The Dyna-Batt is another choice if you
don't need to use the battery with the engine off. There is no liquid
in these batteries. Deep-cycle attributes are a bonus.

http://www.geocities.com/lutransys/jlucius6/j6-2-dynabatt.htm

Of course, a box or other restraining device could save your life in
a serious accident.

I was planning on moving the battery to the rear storage compartment
until I found the Dyna-Batt in a drag racing magazine (the
advertisement that is). The small size will allow me to add the WI
pump and control units in the remaining space vacated by the
full-size battery. The 13.5-lb weight (vs. ~40 lb for a full-size
battery) is a plus also. Put two in the rear compartment and save on
both space and weight over one full-size battery.

The Dyna-Batt mounts in any position, is truely maintenance free,
contains no liquid or gel, produces no gas, is vibration proof, and
will not develop a memory. Did I mention it weighs only 13.5 pounds?

http://www.performancedistributors.com/batteries.htm

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Geoff Mohler" <gemohler@www.speedtoys.com>
To: "glenn amy" <glenn_amy@yahoo.com>
Cc: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>; "Team3S List (E-mail)"
<team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>; "Starnet 3Si Mailing List (E-mail)"
<stealth@starnet.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 5:52 PM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuse size for battery relocated in the trunk?

Thats what a battery box is for.

On Wed, 12 Dec 2001, glenn amy wrote:

> Was a trunk optional in '95? ;-)
>
> All kidding aside, since we own hatchbacks you are
> moving the battery into the passenger compartment.
> That might result in battery acid spilling on the
> passengers in the event of a crash.
>
> I'd think twice about that.....
>
> Glenn

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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End of Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth V1 #698
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