Horrible Dyno numbers and performance

[Etchhead]

So I bought a used race car without testing so I expect a bit of this but was hoping for a bit more turnkey.

I've had my car out twice now and there aren't many knobs to adjust but I did swap fuel filter, air, plugs, FI cleaner and it still runs bad. The car has a fuel pressure regulator so I added fuel and it helped a bit bit it still acts up over 8000 and the Dyno results were horrible at only 108hp. The mechanic thinks I have an electrical issue. A coil harness had been placed and a few of the wires may have been touching. I'm trying to get replacement parts out of RadicalWest but not clear on what all I need.

Anyone else run into gremlins like this? Suggestions?

[Etchhead]

splitpin said:

Presumably you've checked that the cylinder compressions are all OK?

I've asked for the same but they didn't get to it yesterday. Hoping that can be done prior to the ignition parts swap just to make sure we aren't into a tired/worn engine. I'm told it has about 24 hours on it mostly DE. I've got the old EXU so not sure data can be pulled off...

[Etchhead]

splitpin said:

Presumably you've checked that the cylinder compressions are all OK?

I've asked for the same but they didn't get to it yesterday. Hoping that can be done prior to the ignition parts swap just to make sure we aren't into a tired/worn engine. I'm told it has about 24 hours on it mostly DE. I've got the old EXU so not sure data can be pulled off...

[Etchhead]

Thanks Matt- mine is FI, although the chicken idea isn't a bad one! My mechanic received the coil, harness, wires today and will try to install then test tomorrow given time. Those fail his last options are O2 sensor and cleaning injectors.

Those all fail and I'll pick up car/trailer and tow back home (450miles) and look for close competent mechanic. Wish us luck!

[Etchhead]

BertBert said:

I guess you are over the water (as it were), but what about phoning Radical themselves and getting some ideas on how to diagnose. I know the car is quite old, but there might be someone there with a good memory of how it works!
Bert

Correct- I'm out in Oregon while car is down in California. I've been working with the RadicalWest guys out in Nevada and they have been going with suggestions above. Without getting the car to them or datalogs it's hard for them to get help more. They could get my car straightened out and that may very well be the next stop- but quite the tow (Portland to Las Vegas).

[Etchhead]

FYI- replaced the Coil, wires and a spliced connector in that loom and it responded much better. Made 185 rwhp and freely revved I'm told (not 240 but much better than 108 and an older car 2006). Making a few tweaks to fuel pressure to optimize, but that sounds like the main issue.

Will be running it down at Laguna Seca Monday and I'll report back with how we did.
Thanks to all for the help-
Mark