Temp gun

Can't afford a in car computter[data recorder]so need to get a temp gun so can watch engine temp and exhaust temp in pit..what range do i need and would the $25 and $40 ones on e bay work?

 

IR guns should work, but they will not be 'exact'. You certainly need one with adjustable reflection coefficient if you're going to use it on bare metal (alu / chrome etc). Just painting a spot with heat resistant paint will also work of course.
I know Raytek/Fluke has a number of models with adjustable coefficient, but probably not all models. Make sure you can get the manual of any used items on ebay.
Another option is to get a couple of K-thermocouple probes (EGT or other) and hook up a meter to those. Some guys just use a 2 channel meter with a max hold on it so they will get a max reading from their passes as well. Decide which exhaust to take based on plug readings and you'll have a limited, but very decent setup.
Most datalogger EGT probes are K-thermocouples, so you could get a Racepak (or other) EGT and connect it to a meter suitable for K-type thermocouples. The open tip EGT's are the ones you need for a proper response in exhaust gases.


HTH,
Marcel

 

i have a very nice autometer datalogger i would sell $800.00 or...obo. Dave

 

I bought several temp guns from (I hate to say it but) at Harbor Freight. Seems to work well, backlit display, laser pointer, hold reading, reasonably accurate for what I use it for and CHEAP.
If I remember correctly, they can usually can be bought on sale at HF for $29 up to about $49 regular price. I bought 6 or so the last time they were on sale. You might want to at least try one of them.

 

just check the dot size (read area) to the distance away.
The more expensive have a smaller dot to allow you to read from a distance.

No point pointing at slicks from 3 meters if you are reading the slick, rear car and track all at the same time.

 

all i want it for is to read my exhaust temp in pit to hope catch a lean cylinder before i run down track and to read block and heads so i know how long to run engine for warm up in pits..won't use for anything else.i'm only doing grudge and exibition races so track and slicks i won't need to know temp of..