Mike,
Duke and I will be watching with great interest your installation and use of the AEM data recorder. That is the same unit that Nathan Stewart suggested for us, Nathan said that it has 8 analog channels which may be enough for our use but being able to go with the CAN system certainly opens up lots of potential information. (Maybe more than we really need!)
Rex
Always be careful what you ask for Rex!
YES! Be careful of "Information Constipation" ! ! ! Gigabytes of "data" can overwhelm. Make sure you have analysis software, and get familiar with using it. Have a plan to rate data in level of relevance/importance.
Having given my warning, I'll also say this: Data logging is probably the ONLY way you are going to gain insight into the dynamic conditions of the vehicle during a "run". You need to learn how to "Verify & trust" the data from your system.
Datadrivenboy
I am sure that I will have more data than I will know what to do with at first. I three immediate areas that I would like data o. My primary concern is wheel slip at speed. I can't rely on a visual of the tach to know how fast I should be going verses actual speed. The car is light at 2,800 pounds. I hope to find out if I need more weight or more horsepower. I an currently running a stock GM ECU which uses a MAF sensor. I would like to eliminate the drag of the external air filter and plumbing but will need to see if the MAF sensor readings go crazy when I remove the air filter. The engine is supercharged and intercooled. If the intake air temperature gets too high the ECU will be pulling timing and horsepower. Without logging this data I will never know what the ECU is doing.
Mike,
In a word, YES.
Drivers simply have "too much to do", (say . . . self-preservation . . . .), at speed, to be reliable readers of gauges and be expected to report back the readings. Data logging of gauge readings, or even a cheap Go-Pro camera aimed at the gauge panel, can solve that problem.
If the throttle body opening and/or the MAF sensor location is perpendicular (approximately) to the air-stream or so, without the airbox/filter/etc, expect issues with the sensor. Any large fluctuations in pressure or flow at the MAF sensor are going to cause you problems. And you are correct to think you will need data to resolve said problems.
I realize that this is a simplistic answer, but, some sort of low drag ducting to your inlet should resolve your issue. You need to get Woody interested to help you solve this.
F/b