I've completed a custom install of a VDO boost gauge in my 2003 Audi RS-6. There are no pre-fabricated pods for the RS-6 so I had to fabricate and customize one of the dash vents to hold the gauge. The install was time consuming, but it came out well and gives me a real time view of boost levels.
I tapped the boost line into the vacuum hose between the fuel pressure regulator and the intake. I had to get a bit creative on how to route the hoses to keep them from kinking. I also replaced all of the other vacuum lines since most looked pretty old and had visible cracks.
Vacuum Hoses and Boost Line
To install the VDO boost gauge in the vent, it took quite a bit of fabrication to use the factory directional vent vanes. They looked pretty rough during the fabrication, but it turned out fine.
First let me say that the Audi brand and vehicles can be so addictive. First an A4 then a S4 and now the RS6. I wasn't even looking for a new (to me) car until Brandon happen to mention there was an R8 at the import dealership in town. Loretta looked at their Web site and saw they had an 2003 Audi RS6. At first wasn't interested because I had no reason to get sell the Audi S4. When I drove the RS6, that all changed.....
I wasn't sure I would even like the RS6 because it is automatic and a bigger chassis. After learning from the dealer that the owner had a chip and exhaust installed, I was more interested. The stock HP figures were 450hp and he said this one had over 500hp. At that time all I knew it had was a computer chip and a cat-back exhaust. I drove it and the power was amazing and spool up time for the turbos were really quick. The transmission had normal automatic mode (drive), sport mode (automatic downshifts and quicker shifts), and full manual mode with paddle shifters.
After working with the dealership for a while, we came to an acceptable price for purchase. So I bought the car and traded in our 2004 Dodge Durango because we were no longer going to need it to haul the trailer and Formula Ford. I drove it home and every time I stepped on the gas it made me smile. What I love about turbos is if you drive the car normal you don't realize you have more power. Plus when I was easy on the accelerator I was getting 25mpg on the highway.
Here is the list of modifications at the time of purchase:
O.CT engine chip (increased boost and top speed limiter removed)
O.CT transmission chip option (quicker shifts)
PSS9 Coil over and 9-way adjustable dampers and springs (ride height and dampening adjustable)
Please note that I have sold this on December 11, 2009.
For sale is an immaculate condition, restored and updated Citation Formula Ford. The race car was stripped down to a bare chassis in 2001 and everything on the car was either rebuilt or replaced with newer technology. It also has a new engine built by Jim at Justice Racing Engines with a "runoffs" aluminum head and forged pistons with no track time. The car is complete, race-ready with spares and log books are available. Since the restoration the car has not been road raced. The car has competed in two autocross events for final engine and chassis tuning.
Bodywork painted Red and Blue with exact PPG paint codes from a 1990 Nissan GTP ZX-T.
Chassis Specifications:
Powder coated red chassis with no crash damage
Hewland MK9 - smooth shifts
Panasport magnesium wheels
New engineered pushrod rear suspension - created by ICP in 2002
Penske 8100 Double Adjustable shocks with custom valving for chassis and setup
AiM Mychron 3 XG Log - datalogger and digital dash (steering, brake, throttle, G forces, engine rpm, engine oil pressure, engine water temp, o2, lap counter), cables and track side sensor and 8MB of data storage
Hypercoils springs - 1700lbs front, 450lbs rear
Aluminum belly pan - anodized and bonded to chassis with Hysol
Custom fuel cell built by ATL in 2006
Willians 5-point harness - valid till 2011
Momo suede steering wheel with quick release
Fire suppression system with full bottle
New wiring and switch panel
All new aluminum and panels during restoration
LED rain light
New CV joints and boots
Engine Specifications:
Complete engine built, dyno'd and tuned by Justice Race Engines.
711M Cast iron block
Aluminum heads - runoff quality
Jet hot coated headers and collectors with o2 sensor and port
On November 13th, 2008 I presented to a class at Penn State's Information Sciences and Technology college. The IST class is about Data Fusion taught by Dr. David Hall, and my presentation explained how data fusion and analysis happens in racing.
Data acquisition topics Covered:
Note: 23 minutes into the presentation I show a YouTube video to the students for additional background information. The audio and video did not come over well to the recorded video. You can view the video using the link below.
