Performance Box (aka vbox) as a Performance Meter

[dzenno@PTF]

For those of you considering the PerformanceBox from Racelogic, sometimes referred to mistakenly as the "vbox" which is another more expensive product from Racelogic, here's a bit of an overview on what it is/does and some data on who uses it magazine wise, how it calculates 1/4 mile times and its accuracy as well as mention of NHRA 1-foot rollout feature which even more closely matches 1/4 mile ETs...

Personally, I've got one and can't imagine having a performance car without one...its not cheap, about $400-$500 used/new...i've even got it hardwired in the car now

Their software is a bit clunky but after a while you get used to it...if you do get one make sure you update its firmware to the latest...

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PerformanceBox as a Performance Meter

Not only is the new PerformanceBox the most sophisticated Performance meter on the market, but it is also one of the simplest to use, with many features normally found only on professional test equipment. You can quickly measure the acceleration, braking and cornering performance of your car without having to set anything up beforehand, and there is no need to perform any calibration. Because PerformanceBox is based on GPS, you get so much more for your money than just a simple performance meter.PerformanceBox uses a GPS system with an update rate of 10 samples per second, which is the fastest GPS engine in its class. From this you get a very accurate speed (±0.1kmh), cornering g-force, acceleration g-force and a very accurate distance measurement (±10cm in 400m).PerformanceBox is based on VBOX technology, which has been used all round the world by the majority of motor manufacturers for a number of years to measure speed, distance and aceleration.

Sample screens

Using PerformanceBox as a performance meter could not be simpler, you connect it to your cigar lighter socket, wait a few seconds to get GPS lock, put it into 'Performance Mode' and drive!To swap between the 6 different performance meter screens, simply press the up and down arrows.Performance ranges and units are fully user adjustable, which means if you want to measure a specific acceleration or deceleration range, for example 35-65, then this is very easy to do.

Performance meter features Speed kmh or mph Distance metres or feet 4 accel ranges - 2 adjustable 2 decel ranges - 2 adjustable 4 distance ranges (1/4 mile etc) 1 foot rollout option Peak g-force Top speed Average speed SD card logging

Quarter mile testing Using PerformanceBox to measure your 1/4 mile is very easy, simply scroll the screen to the 1/4 mile screen, and then go! The elapsed time and trap speed are then both displayed in real time on the PerformanceBox screen. You can choose to make this measurement either with or without the NHRA 1 foot rollout method. The 1/4 mile times measured by PerformanceBox are accurate to within 0.1s. After an acceleration run, you can download your data from the SD card and overlay a previous run to see where you lost or gained time. To view a test report comparing the quarter mile capabilities of PerformanceBox against a leading competitor click here.
Who uses PerformanceBox?
PerformanceBoxes are now being used by to measure acceleration, braking, and lap times by many car and bike magazines, such as EVO, AutoExpress, Autocar, Redline, Max Power, Banzai, Japanese Performance, Performance BMW, Car & Driver, Performance Bikes, Ride, to name only a few.
For a video demonstration of the performance test capabilities of the PerformanceBox, please click here.
Using the supplied software and an SD flash card, you can download the speed/time/distance/acceleration data from PerformanceBox via USB and analyse it using the PerformanceTools analysis software:
Another very powerful feature is the ability to export your PerformanceBox position files to Google Earth, allowing you to plot your vehicle's path onto a satellite image of the area.
A PerformanceBox file taken around Paul Ricard imported into Google Earth
A PerformanceBox file logged during a journey over a mountain pass in Switzerland

[Forcefed]

Its a must have. I need to get one very badly.

[folgrz]

I want this for Christmas!

[alpinedevil335]

I will def. get one for Christmas!

[themyst]

Dzenno u sound like the poster boy for racelogic lol.

Great tuning tool for sure. Buddy of mine bought one after playing with mine over the weekend.

[dzenno@PTF]

Hehehe I'm sure I sound like that for any product I truly enjoy...I also go pretty hard against the $#@! products as well

[enrita]

Love mine! Agree about the software though, takes time to fully understand it.

[Cn555ic]

Nice post. Might have to find a used one for cheap

[dzenno@PTF]

Even used they don't go for cheaper than 400 anywhere...holds value incredibly well

[enrita]

I laugh at people writing on their sig 8 sec 100-200 taken from a video on stock turbos no meth... For us knowing how expensive and time consuming it is to get there is a joke....

[Cn555ic]

Hell you never know. I just bought a new aquamist flow sensor for 60 bucks shipped. Brand new cost 200 shipped!! Just have to be on the look out for one on the Internet or eBay.

[dzenno@PTF]

Hell you never know. I just bought a new aquamist flow sensor for 60 bucks shipped. Brand new cost 200 shipped!! Just have to be on the look out for one on the Internet or eBay.

i was on the "lookout" for a while but then again i did end up paying full price for the aquamist flow sensor too and you didn't good luck...

[Payam@BMS]

Isnt this called vbox mini lol.Great product. I need to come up on 500 dollars though. Impossible to find this used lol

[themyst]

Good news is these things hold resale value very well. You'll lose a 100 if that.

[dzenno@PTF]

Exactly but no one sells them once they get them

[farbmw]

Got one a couple of months ago for a really good price, it is an excellent tool for tuning!

[KB]

Nice write up...Now I need one of these...like a hole in the head...

[dzenno@PTF]

Got one a couple of months ago for a really good price, it is an excellent tool for tuning!

what was the really good price?

[farbmw]

$325us shipped, a guy in Texas used it twice and then sold his 335i, so he didn't need it anymore.

[dzenno@PTF]

that IS a good price indeed

[Sticky]

Moved to general automotive.