auto-x w/ blitz throttle cont.?

[drifto]

anyone here using the blitz throttle controller at the track? looking for some feedback into whether or not it would aid in an auto-x style environment. i understand it speeds up throttle response based on its settings, but does it reduce any of the initial drive-by-wire lag we all know so well? obviously driving technique is key, im looking to see if it will eat up some up that delay. any input appreciated:thumbsup:

[Tamago]

hit the gas sooner.

[drifto]

hit the gas sooner.

yeah...

[Tamago]

yeah...

advice is free, the blitz throttle controller is not.

[drifto]

thus my interest in feedback from someone who has used it at the track...:wink:

[cali yaris]

The throttle controller does cut drive-by-wire lag, but if your foot is aggressive enough (meaning off the pedal or to the floor), you don't really need it.

[kurokoma-kun]

IMO what you want on the auto-x course is to get launched quicker, maintain momentum and revs easier, and get better results from feathering the throttle--what did do this for me was an NST crank pulley. The engine spun up and down so much faster, really made a difference in every part of the course. Drifto if you haven't installed one yet I can attest you will see a huge difference

[drifto]

IMO what you want on the auto-x course is to get launched quicker, maintain momentum and revs easier, and get better results from feathering the throttle--what did do this for me was an NST crank pulley. The engine spun up and down so much faster, really made a difference in every part of the course. Drifto if you haven't installed one yet I can attest you will see a huge difference

yes i have the nst pully installed, and the pully definitly makes a difference. i just had my first auto-x and found the gap in response slightly distracting when negotiating the sweeping turns and slaloms. i have a long way to go experience wise as well as car set-up wise. im just looking for where to begin at attacking this concern.

[kurokoma-kun]

ah ok, I was trying to think of things you didn't have yet, you need to update your garage! :wink:

afaik all the throttle controller does is make your throttle open more than it normally would at a given pedal position. As the others have said you can get the same effect much cheaper with your own foot :biggrin:

[cleong]

Given that there's so many turns in a typical autocross course you might actually be increasing wheelspin on your unloaded front tire unless you had an LSD, since you're basically intending to get the throttle to "snap" open quicker.

[808_Yaris]

throttle controller in my opinion helps...i think it enhances your shifting accounting for a smoother acceleration and ride. it's not the same as just giving more pedal to the metal. i like my blitz controller and i think it's worth it.

[Klink10]

I like mine also, I have an AT and it feels alot better...almost like it has changed the shifting points the AT goes through. Quite happy with it in the ECO mode for city type driving. My fuel mileage has pretty much remained the same...at about 39-42 a gallon.

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

i like the feedback on this so far but with my first autocross next weekend im anxious to what drifto is experiencing. how much is this blitz unit and can we get a group buy on this from someone?

[AlexNet0]

PM Garm, he is a blitz dealer

[cali yaris]

It's listed on my website, and I have one in stock. If you want to start a Group Buy and get five people to commit, I can get you a better price. Currently, MSRP $430. My price: $329 shipped.

[Tamago]

wow, that costs as much as an AEM F/IC lol

[Russelt3hPirate]

wow, that costs as much as an AEM F/IC lol

this has easy to use buttons.

:)

I'm curious on the autox classing of this unit.

any thoughts?

[cali yaris]

that costs as much as an AEM F/IC lol

More, actually. I have a used FI-C I'd like to get $200 for. It did less for me than the throttle controller would. LOL

[drifto]

thanks for the input everyone. i will consider adding this in the near future as my experience gets better. for now however i think that learning my cars characteristics without the throttle controller first, will make adding it in the future much more benificial as i will know my cars limits and weaknesses fully by that point. for now im going to focus on picking up some decent tires (star specs), and possibly those nifty little adjustable camber bolts Garm is selling...:wink:

[drifto]

ah ok, I was trying to think of things you didn't have yet, you need to update your garage! :wink:

damn i totally forgot about my garage! lol:redface:
its updated now thanks :thumbup:

[Klink10]

Thanks Garm...that is a decent price for this plug and play unit.

[Tamago]

this has easy to use buttons.

:)
any thoughts?

It did less for me than the throttle controller would. LOL

should have had easy-to-use-buttons on the FIC?

[cali yaris]

should have had easy-to-use-buttons on the FIC?

That would be nice -- LOL, good one.

[ozmdd]

FYI -if you are AutoX-ing under SCCA classing, this would put you into either a Prepared or Modified category, much like adding forced induction or CF body panels. the perfromance gain is not worth the class jump, as you'll be up against vehicles with drastically greater levels of preparedeness (IE: swapped motors, turbos, etc). The same is true for the NST and other underdrive pulleys. If you are an honest autocrosser who wants to race/win on skill and not cheating, then you have to disclose these mods, or ask the other in your desired class to grant you an exception to run with them. Generally, they will do so if its not performance-enhancing (non-standard rims, add-on spoiler, etc.), but will probably ask you to register in your proper class if you've done any of the mods listed above.
There are many clubs out there that use a much less-stringent classing system, and they are perfect for cars that have been modded for street performance (BMWSCCA, PCA, NASA), and you can register in exhibition classes to compete without winnign trophies or points.
If you really want to compete seriously and earn points, plan your mods around the class in which you think you'll be competitive (H-stock or ST are probably the only 2 classes the Yaris has much chance in untill you go full-bore and swap-in a 2.4L or a massive turbo kit and go full Modified class.)

There is a Street Touring (ST) class that is intended to allow many of the most common handling mods found on "tuner" cars, but it still will not allow a change to the engine management system (throttle controller). Not sure about the pulley swap. SCCA.com has a full classign checklist on its site if you want to see where you'd end-up.
Remember: either be honest and ask for a "waiver" fromt he competition, ragister in your correct class, or don't show up. Its all about being the best driver!

[drifto]

FYI -if you are AutoX-ing under SCCA classing, this would put you into either a Prepared or Modified category, much like adding forced induction or CF body panels. the perfromance gain is not worth the class jump, as you'll be up against vehicles with drastically greater levels of preparedeness (IE: swapped motors, turbos, etc). The same is true for the NST and other underdrive pulleys. If you are an honest autocrosser who wants to race/win on skill and not cheating, then you have to disclose these mods, or ask the other in your desired class to grant you an exception to run with them. Generally, they will do so if its not performance-enhancing (non-standard rims, add-on spoiler, etc.), but will probably ask you to register in your proper class if you've done any of the mods listed above.
There are many clubs out there that use a much less-stringent classing system, and they are perfect for cars that have been modded for street performance (BMWSCCA, PCA, NASA), and you can register in exhibition classes to compete without winnign trophies or points.
If you really want to compete seriously and earn points, plan your mods around the class in which you think you'll be competitive (H-stock or ST are probably the only 2 classes the Yaris has much chance in untill you go full-bore and swap-in a 2.4L or a massive turbo kit and go full Modified class.)

There is a Street Touring (ST) class that is intended to allow many of the most common handling mods found on "tuner" cars, but it still will not allow a change to the engine management system (throttle controller). Not sure about the pulley swap. SCCA.com has a full classign checklist on its site if you want to see where you'd end-up.
Remember: either be honest and ask for a "waiver" fromt he competition, ragister in your correct class, or don't show up. Its all about being the best driver!

i agree, and im an SCCA member.

[Russelt3hPirate]

the Yaris can hang in FSP with the right setup and the right driver. :D

[drifto]

im planning on attending every auto-x event i can this season. my main reason is to have fun, but at the same time i take it very seriously, i want to learn and advance my driving technique and capabilities.
basically, ive always wanted to do this, and ive always made excuses in the past to put it off.
but life as they say is too short, so im starting to change my way of thinking about certain things.
to do this involves a lot of sacrifice, as with work and expenses, spare time etc. but its worth it. for me it is not just a hobby, more rather of a way of living. i find myself thinking as im driving... about throttle control, braking technique, looking for new lines on the roads i take to and from work. trying to apply what ive learned from the track to everyday driving. and to be honest out of all the dumb teenage days of street racing and thinking i know how to drive, i realized i didn't know much at all about how to truly drive my car. i learned quite a few things after only one day of auto-x, but most importantly that ive got alot to learn. and im looking forward to it.
just wanted to share these thoughts, crazy as they may be...and hopefully this weekend some more of you ny/nj peeps will show up to our little microimage auto-x meet this saturday than did a few weeks ago.:mad::wink:
lol

[Tamago]

i have this sneaking feeling a good set of R comps will make 20X more difference and cost about the same as you're going to pay for a plastic box with buttons..

[kurokoma-kun]

Drifto, looked in your garage again, good job! :biggrin: Did not see a rear sway bar though... if you are wanting to to get better you really need to be able to push it in the corners, and the sway bar will help you ton!


You know how in the slalom it feels like your car is rolling around like a boat on the water? The rear sway stiffens up the suspension so you can get through parts of the course involving shifts in direction like that faster.

Also, you know how bad the Yaris understeers--you turn the steering wheel but the car keeps going straight? The rear sway helps with too.

As a beginner you might tear the crap out of a set of pricey R comps just by overdriving the course. Lots of people prefer to learn with something cheap, especially if you have the habit of scrubbing off speed with your tires.

[drifto]

Drifto, looked in your garage again, good job! :biggrin: Did not see a rear sway bar though... if you are wanting to to get better you really need to be able to push it in the corners, and the sway bar will help you ton!


You know how in the slalom it feels like your car is rolling around like a boat on the water? The rear sway stiffens up the suspension so you can get through parts of the course involving shifts in direction like that faster.

Also, you know how bad the Yaris understeers--you turn the steering wheel but the car keeps going straight? The rear sway helps with too.

As a beginner you might tear the crap out of a set of pricey R comps just by overdriving the course. Lots of people prefer to learn with something cheap, especially if you have the habit of scrubbing off speed with your tires.

yeah, the rear sway bar is a must... :biggrin: i was looking into the dunlop star specs as well. a few people here have recomended them. as far a r-comp, im gonna stick with street tires until im a little more proficient at the track. :wink: plus i dont wanna jump to another class due to tires yet.
... and yes i do have a little concern with the slalom, my car feels unsure of itself, kinda sloppy like you said. during the sweeping turns or hairpins it feels good, i just need to develop my lines better.

[Lazerdot]

Autocross with my Yaris has been a lot of fun. Suspension is all TRD with sway bar. YARSTAR sold me his spring stiffeners which made a noticable difference! Thanks again!!! They may have nullified the need for a bigger sway bar...for now. I bought some camber bolts from Garm and will try those out next.
I am in ST class which allows some mods including underdrive pulley, but still street tires. I'm using my Kumo MXs to their max. I found that I have to keep the front pressure pretty high.
You guys are right about using expensive tires when learning, can't wait till I know when I've learned enough to get better tires though!
I'll have a load of fun getting there for sure.

[cali yaris]

^ NICE! :drool:

[AlainMikli]

It's listed on my website, and I have one in stock. If you want to start a Group Buy and get five people to commit, I can get you a better price. Currently, MSRP $430. My price: $329 shipped.

:headbang::headbang:
Awesome price, a way cheaper than all ebay seller:w00t:

[drifto]

kurokoma-kun i looked at your garage, and i see you have a domo-kun power-up mod like me. very nice:biggrin:
also, very nice ride i like the engine cover nuts...:thumbup:

[Tamago]

Autocross with my Yaris has been a lot of fun. Suspension is all TRD with sway bar. YARSTAR sold me his spring stiffeners which made a noticable difference! Thanks again!!! They may have nullified the need for a bigger sway bar...for now. I bought some camber bolts from Garm and will try those out next.
I am in ST class which allows some mods including underdrive pulley, but still street tires. I'm using my Kumo MXs to their max. I found that I have to keep the front pressure pretty high.
You guys are right about using expensive tires when learning, can't wait till I know when I've learned enough to get better tires though!
I'll have a load of fun getting there for sure.

you have a VERY lax crew if they'll let you run a carbon fiber hood in STS :)

[kurokoma-kun]

...i see you have a domo-kun power-up mod like me.

Domo-kun for President! :biggrin::tongue:

Autocross with my Yaris
:coolpics:

[mojoyaris]

I thought the same thing too. ST class with CF hood? Wellllll,,,,,ummmmm my last event I was registered in FSP, but.....They mixed me up with DNGZ and they ended up putting him in ST class with R-comps........Hmmmmmm. Maybe they really don't think the Yaris is worthy...I'm supposed to be in SM.

Speaking of which. Talking about launches with or without the Blitz Throttle thing.
I was thinking of getting one, but then decided not to and spent the money elsewhere.
I feather the throttle more on launch as you can see with DNGZ behind the wheel he launches the car pretty good.
DNGZ launching the NCP91 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzGAtbsihl4&feature=related)