Topic: Shift lights - options and installation questions

[kennysabarese]

I got mine in today. Will post a detailed writeup soon.

[Uranium-238]

Where did you mount it? With a full-face helmet I'm wishing I'd mounted it above the gauges.

[kennysabarese]

I haven't permanently mounted it yet. Right now it's just laying on top of the steering wheel jammed under the guage pod to hold in place. But I have enough slack in the wires to move it.

I always try to hold off on installing stuff like that permanently until I am sure it is the right spot. 

[Uranium-238]

I could move mine easily enough, but it would be a pain. I HATE pulling the interior apart, always feel like I'm going to break something...

[kennysabarese]

I feel your pain. Things never go back the same with interiors.

That's why i love that spot on top of the steering column, you can route the wires without needing to take anything apart.

[Uranium-238]

I still have to remove the bottom stuff to get at my wiring though. It's one of those things that can wait till the next time I have to take everything apart.

[kennysabarese]

First post is updated with install procedure.

Here are pics if you don't like to read

http://gallery.me.com/kennysabarese#100364

[Uranium-238]

I wish I could remember the cal setting I ended up using. I've got mine set so it starts at 4k and ends at 5.5k. Keeps things solidly in the powerband. 

After the autocross school I'm thinking about moving the end to 6k. The course they setup for us at the end of the day was really fast, and knowing exactly where redline was in second would have been nice. Hard to decide whether or not to shift into third when all you know is you're close to redline.   

[kennysabarese]

When you get an aftermarket tune you'll have a larger powerband allegedly

[kennysabarese]

So I configured my shift light to go between 4k and 6,250 so It'll blink when it's time to do a no lift shift. Haven't driven with it yet though, so I might adjust it.

If I can adjust the NLS to be activated sooner I might move it down. I really wanna use the NLS feature, mostly cuz it's fun

I'm pissed I wasn't able to go to Lime Rock and put the thing to use, I busted my ass to get it installed by then.

[Gentleman Jack]

Kenny,
Can you video a run that show you in action?  Not looking to do this mod, but interested to see how well it works.

GJ

[kennysabarese]

So I decided to relocate my lights to the top of the shroud in order to see it better. When it was on top of the steering column it was difficult to see.

The only issue is now that it reflects on the windshield, so I'll have to give it a visor.

The ugly white double stick tape is temporary

[attachment=1]

[Uranium-238]

If you change the angle it's sitting at that may be enough to keep it from reflecting in the windshield.

[kennysabarese]

Yeah to change the angle I'd have to shim it or something. That was the only spot that was flat. If I like the position, I will probably re-route the wires to not show on the dash and make a nicer mount. For now i'll just tape on a piece of paper to block it

[kennysabarese]

So I found a great solution to the reflection problem....

[attachment=1]

[kennysabarese]

On a more serious note, I had a problem with this on the track.

The light would be working fine, then after a few laps it would just stop working and show all bizarre lights so unplugged it for the day. The next day it started working fine again and again halfway through my session, freaking out.

So I think maybe the RPM wire is getting hot and making it freak out.

I have some thin aluminum tape. Will that actually make a difference, or do I need something thicker?

[Uranium-238]

I wrapped mine with aluminum tape, however unless the rubber insulator melts heat shouldn't affect a wire. I've never had any issues with mine.

[kennysabarese]

All the other electronics are wrapped for heat....