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| Instead of using something as finicky and sometimes inconsistent as boost pressure, the Lucas Oil/Tap It rail uses compressed air. This ensure consistent, predictable performance every time Brian needs it. |
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| Using air solenoids, boost pressure is built up in stages and the Motec ECU controls these solenoids. Boost starts off at 30 PSI, then reaches 40, then full boost as Brian engages each gear in the transmission. |
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| Speaking of, the compressed air also controls the shifting of the transmission, which I'll cover in a little bit. Just know that compressed air does a lot on this car. |
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| By using a combination of waste gate control and blow off valve controls, boost pressure is very precisely controlled and applied as each stage of boost is hit. |
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| For boost pressure before take off, the Fitzpatricks use a two-step ignition box. When this box is engaged, it will retard the ignition timing, hold RPM to a pre-set limit, and allow the car to make 10 to 15 PSI of boost on the line. While you'll hear the car pop, crackle, and whistle, the engine is actually not under much stress. Even in this Sportsman Class, other drivers will try to play games and make the other overheat. The low boost and methanol fuel just mean that Brian can hold the two-step all day and never really overheat. |
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| You'll notice that I haven't mentioned one thing yet, the suspension. You're probably thinking it has to have some very advanced suspension system that allows the car to anti-squat for launch and adjust as he drives down the track. Nope. This is known as a rigid chassis and it has no suspension. Much like a go-kart, the chassis absorbs the flex of the engine and the twist of the drivetrain. There is anti-squat because it can't squat, period. |
