Clint Cannon: Owner, ATS Diesel

Clint Cannon was first introduced to the Banks iDash DataMonster and 4-channel sensor modules at last year’s Diesel Power Challenge. Every vehicle taking part in the event was equipped with Banks instrumentation to read and record who had the most density in their intake manifolds. To say that Clint was really Impressed with the iDash and modules would be an understatement. “Data Acquisition is incredibly important”, Clint stated, “You can’t do real engineering without data.”

Recently Clint made the change from using other means of data acquisition in favor of the iDash DataMonster, and he had some good reasons for making the switch. “A lot of problems that we had with other data recorders was that the format was funky, they didn’t have enough inputs, they could only do all analog or only digital, or they didn’t do CAN very well. When we discovered the iDash, we pretty much moved everything over to that platform. All race vehicles, all test vehicles, and even the dyno… pretty much everything that we need to strap data recorders to gets a DataMonster. It does such a great job of being able to record information and extract it into a method that works easily for us. It was so easy and convenient that it was a no brainer to make the switch. The DataMonster is so capable that we use it as a stand-alone a lot of the time, but we also use the sensor modules when the application calls for it. It all just makes our job that much easier.”

Recently Clint made the change from using other means of data acquisition in favor of the iDash DataMonster, and he had some good reasons for making the switch. “A lot of problems that we had with other data recorders was that the format was funky, they didn’t have enough inputs, they could only do all analog or only digital, or they didn’t do CAN very well. When we discovered the iDash, we pretty much moved everything over to that platform. All race vehicles, all test vehicles, and even the dyno… pretty much everything that we need to strap data recorders to gets a DataMonster. It does such a great job of being able to record information and extract it into a method that works easily for us. It was so easy and convenient that it was a no brainer to make the switch. The DataMonster is so capable that we use it as a stand-alone a lot of the time, but we also use the sensor modules when the application calls for it. It all just makes our job that much easier.”

Clint had a chance to chat with Gale at the Diesel power Challenge, and the two hit it off. “One of the greatest things about Gale is that he talks about density, and the importance of it to making true power. Customers call in and one of the first questions that they ask is how much boost will something add? It’s not about the boost, guys! That brings up a huge conversation talking about air density, intercoolers and turbo efficiency. The DataMonster is a tool that gives us the information to graph things out and show customers what they need to know about choosing the right turbocharger and air density, and not just about boost. Having a tool that we can display all that and show customers what they need versus what they want not only alleviates headaches and heartache, but proves to be an extremely educational experience.”

Since Clint’s shop is in Colorado and the higher elevation robs power, he knows that it’s not boost that is important, it’s density that is the key to making power. “What works at sea-level just doesn’t work up here. We start at 5,000 ft above sea level and go up from there. Drivability is just terrible, and drivability has everything to do with torque and torque has everything to do with how much oxygen you have to burn. Working to increase the density of what oxygen we have is the key to making power. With the iDash DataMonster there’s enough information there, if configured right, that you can get the efficiency off of different turbine wheels and compressor configurations.”

Clint closed by saying “The DataMonster is going to accelerate how we once developed products in the past. Calculating and comparing airflow and air temperature, before an intercooler and after… and on the turbo development. We are doing so many different things on the turbine side and the iDash DataMonster and modules basically allow us a shortcut to development. It’ll do the math for you and spit out the related data, so it kind of gives you the answers in real-time. The sample rate is also pretty quick! It really is fun to use.”

Clint Cannon knows performance, and that’s what helps make his company ATS a formidable player in diesel aftermarket power. His understanding that proper testing and data are the main ingredients when engineering a great product really shines through and his appreciation for the Banks iDash DataMonster shows his commitment to providing the best products ATS can make for their customers.