Should I Stack It?

Should I Stack It?

Author
Discussion

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Thursday 19th September 2002
quotequote all
I've noticed several builders have used the Stack 8130 System. Being a pilot, I like to see lots of dials, and not caring for the Ultima gauges my initial intention was to load up the panel with the Nordskog digital gauges in my CanAm. However, have seen a few photos of the Stack System installed and I'm impressed with the appearance. I've contacted the Stack distributor in my area for more info, but have not heard from him as yet.
Would appreciate any feedback on Stack vs. conventional instruments. I have a data system in my Formula Continental(not Stack), and have found the sensors to be very delicate and fragile.
Thanks
Jack

G Man

4,053 posts

262 months

Thursday 19th September 2002
quotequote all
A deeply personnel choice I am on my 2nd Stack system first in a Caterham and now my GTR, it is excellant.
PI systems do a system that fits in the steering wheel, I almost crumbled for that.

jedi

197 posts

266 months

Thursday 19th September 2002
quotequote all

Ive just ordered one of these.
1/2 the price of the stack and PI stuff.

take a look at www.customautotech.co.uk and their DIGIDASH. Does everything you need, plus data logging and is only 495+VAT.

Rgds
JC

stig

11,818 posts

286 months

Thursday 19th September 2002
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Urgh - hate to say it, but it also looks 1/2 price too

d3vine

699 posts

270 months

Thursday 19th September 2002
quotequote all
The steering wheel dash by PI Research looks very sweet. But can it used on the streets?

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Thursday 19th September 2002
quotequote all
Jedi
Your Digidash looks interesting. Are you mounting it in an Ultima?
The unit that I put in my FC was bought because the price was low. Big mistake. On paper and on their website everything was great, in my car, it hasn't worked right all year. In auto electronics, I think you get what you pay for.
However, having said that, and not needing to order my panel for a few months, I'd be interested in hearing how your unit works.
Thanks
Jack

G Man

4,053 posts

262 months

Friday 20th September 2002
quotequote all
quote:

The steering wheel dash by PI Research looks very sweet. But can it used on the streets?



Yes !!, I spoke to them at the 2002 Autosport show and it was designed for road aswell !!

jedi

197 posts

266 months

Friday 20th September 2002
quotequote all

Will be installing mine over the next week or two.
Im installing it in a single seater, but there are quite a few 'caterfields' running around with them installed. Not sure about any Ultima's though. Phone Alistair (Director) as he is very open and honest (bit like the guys up at Ultima).

I would have thought it would be ideal for an Ultima, unless of course you want suspension measurement etc.

The PI stuff looks great but is a REAL pig to setup. I know many people who spend more time grappling with their PI and Stack kit than they do preparing the race setup of their actual car.

Have fun

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Friday 20th September 2002
quotequote all
quote:




The PI stuff looks great but is a REAL pig to setup. I know many people who spend more time grappling with their PI and Stack kit than they do preparing the race setup of their actual car.


Jedi
I know exactly what you mean. I spent many, many hours installing the Pro Data system in my Van Diemen F2000, even had compliments from the company on the installation. But had constant component failures.
Sometimes you can't beat having the straight dials!!
Jack

GTRCLIVE

4,187 posts

285 months

Saturday 21st September 2002
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Hi, my stack only took about 1 an hour to set up.Mainly the speedo settings and tank calibration. Tank calibration was easyer when i realised that putting equal amounts of fuel in each tank before going on to the next Cal. point. ( Stack can only have one Sendor for the fuel. ) Had no trouble with it so far, looks great but should have ordered it with fuel pressure sensor. Had no trouble with it done 2k miles so far in 10 weeks.( Wanted Motec Dash but 2500 pounds to much considering that loom and sensors are extra. )

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
Thanks for all the input Chaps.
Bought a 8130P today.
Now the fun begins!!
JAck

ultimajohn

87 posts

266 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
I fitted a Stack when I built mine (1996) Its been ideal and many Ultimas are fitted with them now. You will have no problems but it must be fitted in front of the driver. I had to fabriate a mod to the dash but Ultima have provided a binnacle for some time which makes the installation easier. Splicng the Stack wiring into the Ultima loom was tedious but avoided lots of duplicated wires running around the car. I have no idea if the Factory do a special loom - worth asking.




>> Edited by ultimajohn on Saturday 28th September 10:38

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
Thanks Ultima John
I already have my loom, but having disected many looms before, I should be able to use some of the Ultima wiring.
My intension was to mount the unit low as per Javier's installation. My only problem is my steering wheel is flat on the top and the bottom. I'll have to set up the wheel and seat to make sure I can see through the wheel.
Will also check with the factory about the Stack pod.
Appreciate the advice
Jack

Alan 2

162 posts

266 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
I fitted a Stack 8130 when I built my Sports 4 years ago. Had a few problems getting it to work properly (fuel calibration was a pig) but it works OK now. However, digital read outs are not as easy to take in as needles on dials, particularly in bright sunlight, and I shall be installing conventional instruments in my next car but not the way Ultima do it. Speaking of my next car, the chassis and a big chunk of the kit should be arriving in a couple of weeks. Incidentally, if you decide to go the Stack route and have any sort of problem, ask to speak to Andrew English, he knows everything.

ultimaandy

1,225 posts

266 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
quote:

However, digital read outs are not as easy to take in as needles on dials, particularly in bright sunlight,


This is the reason I decided not to use the standard Ultima Stack pinacle.

I therfore avoided this by mounting it were the sun don't shine.............errrr I made the pinacle with a sun visor sort of afair and with the steering wheel the thing is always shaded and therefore visable.

Incidentally I found the setting up of the Stack system easy. I was wrned it would be a pig to set both the speed and the fuel, only problems I had was faulty (non Stack) sensors. Fuel took 30mins and has proved acurate and the speed took about 30seconds and passed SVA!

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
.

I therfore avoided this by mounting it were the sun don't shine.............errrr I made the pinacle with a sun visor sort of afair and with the steering wheel the thing is always shaded and therefore visable.


Good idea UltimaAndy. I'll check that out

ultimajohn

87 posts

266 months

Saturday 28th September 2002
quotequote all
I had no problems with calibration and have never had a problem with sunlight. I guess i`m just lucky

bigmack

553 posts

262 months

Sunday 29th September 2002
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I doubt it's just luck UltimaJohn!

bigmack

553 posts

262 months

Sunday 29th September 2002
quotequote all
Jack,
Have you inquired about purchasing a stack with inverted tach dial? Just a thought.
-Mack

quote:

Thanks Ultima John
I already have my loom...
My only problem is my steering wheel is flat on the top and the bottom. I'll have to set up the wheel and seat to make sure I can see through the wheel....
Appreciate the advice
Jack

USCANAM

Original Poster:

514 posts

261 months

Sunday 29th September 2002
quotequote all
quote:

Jack,
Have you inquired about purchasing a stack with inverted tach dial? Just a thought.
-Mack



Mack
I looked at the inverted dial in the catalogue. That might be a thought after I have a chance to sit in the car with seats and steering wheel. Right now the frame is inverted getting it's bottom.
Having the dealer only about an hour's drive away it would be no problem exchanging the unit.
Thanks for the hint.
Jack