Is this "engine performance meter" for real?

[Gary04GT]

This "performance monitoring device" was advertised in the "DRIVEBUYS" gift guide for dads and grads, June, 2003 issue of Motor Trend magazine. The company (http://www.gtechpro.com) claims it provides you with useful information about your engine/car's performance and there are no wires to connect. What do you think, at $249.95???

"The new G-TECH/Pro Performance Meter COMPETITION is a very sophisticated, cutting edge automotive tuning instrument. Weather you want simple RPM recording or complete Data-Acquisition. As an automotive enthusiast you will find recording acceleration runs and analyzing shift points, delivered horsepower and reaction times extremely valuable. Just imagine, having all that power of knowledge right there under your fingertips any time you want it, that's the new G-TECH/Pro COMPETITION. So, no more confusion after making modifications now simply get the results "before and after"."

Measurements:
Reaction-Time
0-60ft time
0-330ft time
0-60mph time
1/8mile E.T and speed
1000ft time
1/4 mile E.T. and speed
Horsepower
Torque
RPMs
Braking distance
Handling G's
Accelerating and Braking Gs
RPM vs Time Graph
HP & Torque vs RPM Graph
Speed vs Time Graph
Speed vs Distance
Gs vs Time Graph

[Cal Cruzer]

GTechs are acutally really accurate. They don't acutally report anything about what is going on in your engine, but they are really good at "calulating" HP & torque so you can use this info to judge effectivensess of your mods. You input your data and do a run, make your changes and to it again. You have to know how much your car weighs and other specific info.

[MichaelDay]

Don't remember the link, but I saw a post a couple of months ago by a gentleman who used one, then took his car to the track and got very close results. Seems to be a reasonably priced way to avoid the "well it seems faster" trap.

[flashbk2]

I think one of the Saturday/Sunday TNN car shows tested it ,too !

[Gary04GT]

Thanks for the feedback. From what I have read on this and other forums this piece of equipment is accurate and does what the company claims. It appears to be worthy of consideration especially by those who plan on adding lots of performance mods and/or spend time at the race track. [8)]

[Alini]

I had a friend with a mustang that raced frequently. He would race with it on his dash and the times almost mirrored his slip times.

[dgc333]

The only thing that is not accurate about the G-Tech is the trap speed that is reported with the 1/4 miles times (at least with the older version). That is because of the way the G-Tech reports it compared to the drag strip. You trap speed at the drag strip is an average of the last 60 feet. The G-Tech reports the speed at the end of the 1/4. The G-Tech will give you a higher speed. The horse power calculations are approximations. It requires you to provide an accurate weight of the car and driver at the time of the run and does not take into effect wind resistance. That is a very aerodynamic car and a barn door weight the same and run identical times. The barn door will require more power to match the aerodynamic car but the G-Tech will report they are the same.

The new ones have tach functions that will require some sort of connection to the engine.

[MichaelDay]

Actually, G-Tech sells two models. The less expensive model does not have the tach function (GTech Pro). The more expensive model does(GTech Pro Competition). According to their website, the Competition senses engine rpm through the cigarette lighter voltage and does not need a direct connection to the engine.

Through their website the Pro is $139.95 and the Competition is $249.95 (both plus shipping and handling). Website is www.gtechpro.com.

[teves09]

It looks like a great buy for a weekend warrior. If you are a pro it may not be as useful. I will put one on my x-mas list.

[Rolo]

I am ordering the competition model...a place I saw on eBay was supposed to call me today; they had the best price.

I will keep you guys posted...perhaps a group buy?

Ya, the competition model reads your RPM through the power outlet. Remember the RPM buzz on old AM car radios? Same concept.