Check out this site http://www.racelogic.co.uk/traction.htm
I found it by accident but it's pretty interesting. Supposedly they're sell aftermarket traction control systems. Looks like they're pretty big in the UK. It's a good site and if it works like they say I think I might order one for driving my s2K on rainy days. What do you guys think? I can usually smell BS a mile away, but this thing might work........anyone see this before?

 

It's been around for a long time. Works great! But rather pricey for the decent versions... Some aftermarket ECUs such as MOTEC can do the same thing.

Stan

 

Thanks again, do you know how much the MOTEC costs for the S2K or if it's available? By the way what year is your M3...is it the original widebody one. I love those.

 

<<Thanks again, do you know how much the MOTEC costs for the S2K or if it's available? >>

The Motec is a few thousand plus extra for various bits and then you will need lots of rewiring and dyno tuning. But if someone wanted traction control /launch control and also envisioned an aftermarket ECU at some point it would make sense to consider a Motec.

<<By the way what year is your M3...is it the original widebody one. I love those>>

Yeah that's the one. Mine is nicely modified and usually beats all the later M3s (and most other street cars) at local autocrosses. A hard core homologation car. Much more feel than the later car. No oversteer issues. Surprisingly, it's rather torquey compared to an S2k. A fast launch is easily done at about 2500 RPM. Cruisable above about 2000 RPM. Revs to 7800, best "go" above about 4000. Many run to about 200,000 + miles before rebuilds which is pretty good for a revvy motor.

Stan

 

E30M3,

I'm confused about your comments about the RaceLogic system, saying it is very pricey for the better versions - but then quoting the MOPEC unit at a couple grant. According the the RaceLogic website, it looks like the basic unit runs under $800. Am I missing something?

Anyway, I'm very interested in something like this, since I'm not a race-trained driver, and neither is my wife, and we've both going to be driving the S2000 in rain, cold, etc. Are there any other options to make the hanling a little more idiot proof?

Regards, all.


fotch (ixoye)

 

Fotch, I was thinking the same thing. The MOTEC would be a lot better but I believe it envolves extensive tuning to get it to work right. This thing seems more like a plug in that involves splicing a few wires here and there and it'll program itself. E30M3 do you have any experience with this system?

By the way I think an ECU could probably do the job of controlling the ABS and ignition systerm to achieve traction control but so far I haven't seen one made. Most Chip makers are more concerned about raising RPM limits and optimizing air/fuel ratios like the Mugen one does.

So far....if (big IF) this system works as they say it does, I would be very interested. Maybe I'll give them a call to see what they have to say......I think I smell a group buy coming! Thanks guys.

 

<<I'm confused about your comments about the RaceLogic system, saying it is very pricey for the better versions - but then quoting the MOPEC unit at a couple grant. According the the RaceLogic website, it looks like the basic unit runs under $800. Am I missing something? >>

It might be wise to determine your budget and functional needs. They have four versions last time I checked. The cheapest unit is road oriented and is similar to what many cars use for traction control from the factory. Good for slippery conditions but a skilled driver might be faster with it turned off. For exsample at autcrosses, some BMWs are 2 seconds faster with TC turned off. The fancier Racelogic versions are more sport oriented, and if setup right will be faster than a good driver. Launch benefits and powering out of corners benefits. So choosing one depends upon what you are trying to accomplish. Optimal settings vary depending upon road conditions and driving intent. The road version has the least flexibility.

Stan

 

Thanks again E30M3, but all I really want traction control for are rainy days. I believe you can just shut it off when the weather is good. Do you think this thing is difficult to install......do you know anyone with one?

 

>>Thanks again E30M3, but all I really want traction control for are rainy days. I believe you can just shut it off when the weather is good. Do you think this thing is difficult to install......do you know anyone with one? <<

It doesn't appear to be hard to install. A wiring diagram for the car would help, obviously. Basically it needs power and ground, signals from the wheels sensors and patching into the injector wires. Dunno anyone with it installed but I understand the technology and have read the testimonials. For rain saftey purposes, you can get a good idea of the effect by driving a car with OEM traction control. When it kicks in there is a slight stuttering or rev imiting effect. You can even hear this on the M roadster video they have on their site. The entry level version perhaps little if any slip so it would tend to slow you down on dry roads driven hard. The uprated versions allow you to floor it out of turns with zero drama and controlled drifts since they can allow a small amount of slip to occur. Better than normal, skilled humans can do it. Look at the pictures of different slip % while cornering to get the idea.

Stan

 

Thanks Stan.

I'm a little hesistant to let just anyone install this thing on my S2K. Misfires and spark cuts seem a little dangerous to me to fool around with. If something goes wrong I wouldn't want to think about the damage that it would do to the engine.

I'm going to ask around to see which speedshops are the best in my area and let a pro put the thing in. Problem is, I don't think this thing has been installed by to many tuners around here. I live in NJ. Do you know any reliable installers around here or NY/CT?

Dave