Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

So I saw this on the facebook and thought I would give it a try.

https://gbodyparts.com/product_info....oducts_id=3539

I never write reviews, but as simple as this was to install, and it made such a dramatic difference I figured I would run my mouth about it.

So how simple is the install? If you can change a fuse, or breaker in this situation *and* operate a nut driver to hook up a ground wire then you are good to go. It is really that easy.

Cramming it under the dash on the other hand, a little trickier. I do wish this thing had mounting tabs so it would be easier to zip tie or use some self tapping screws to install it with.

I should preface this with the fact that I've owned several 80's and 90's GM cars and know how slow the windows are. My firebird is my 8th thirdgen and it is the one that has had the slowest windows of all of them. In fact I have an 82 camaro that the windows work great in. I have even replaced the motors to no avail. After adding the 'window racer' my windows are as fast as my wife's toyota 4runner! I did nothing else but install the box. I did not clean or lube the tracks. I can imagine with a little effort that they could be even better!

Yes, it is pricey, but I showed my wife the difference and she said 'totally worth it'. Wish I could get the response on all the parts I have bought over the years......

I will add a video later. It started raining as soon as I got it installed..... go figure.

*edit* video added (finally)

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Interesting... Can't help but wonder how it works. By plugging in place of the circuit breaker, all it can do is alter the power signal to the window circuit. Wonder if it just adjusts the voltage to compensate for a drop.

Noticed recently that the power window wiring on the 86 harness I've got kicking around, is heavier gauge wire than the 91 harness. Can't say that I've ever noticed the earlier windows running faster, but the weak link is probably still the switches and motors.

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

I was thinking along the same lines as you..... maybe its just a gigantic capacitor????? I haven't even tried the windows with the car running yet...... lol

Maybe I'll blow the dust off it today and drive it to work!

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

I was thinking more like an inverter . The motors in our windows being a wound armature with permanent magnet field are strictly a DC motor only . Were they a wound field maybe they could have accepted AC but the PM field precludes that . So , how does one "step up" DC ? Since DC can't be put through a transformer like AC can , the only way would be to employ an inverter that would raise the normal automotive voltage up to maybe 17 or 18 volts or so , plenty enough to make the motor turn faster but not quite enough to burn the motor's windings out . I'd love to see a voltmeter reading on the window motor before and after the installation of the "window racer" and my bet would be that the operating voltage would be considerably higher ....

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

Any progress on the video ? And , If at all possible I'd love to see a voltmeter reading of what it's actually putting out ?

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

I am hopeful on making a video today if I can get home from work before the rain begins.

I really don't have a desire to pull the door panel, but I am curious on the power difference. We shall see how curious I get after work.

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

Thank You for the response , a video of the window racer in operation will be cool , , , BUT !

As to a voltage reading , there is no need to go to the trouble of pulling a door panel ! If you've got a voltmeter all you'd have to do would be to measure between ground and the window racer's output side (what would be the "cold" or "load" side of the original window circuit breaker , rather than the "hot" or "supply" side) while operating either window to get a voltage reading of what it's actually putting out .

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

I can give that a try.... that would save some time.

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

Ok, added the video to the original post. I beat the rain to make the video, but lose internet at the house....

I also checked the voltage and Orangebird is on the right track. Found 18.5v, so it is upping the voltage.

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

Thank You Jay , I figured it had to be raising the voltage to get the faster speed , and on such a limited duty motor I'll bet the increased voltage really won't be much of a detriment to the life of the motor . Window motors are on perhaps 5 or so seconds at a time , not nearly enough time to overheat from an extra 3 or 4 volts . Were this a continuous duty motor , like a fuel pump for example that someone was trying to up the voltage on to increase the output pressure , then oh yea that motor would likely have a shortened service life .

Aaron R.

Thanks for the review. I had no idea a product such as this existed. It looks like a neat idea, and for $150 you get an item that looks well designed and stupid easy to install. My problem is I can't justify spending that kind of money to make my windows move a little faster. I'm not griping at the manufacturer, because there are a lot of costs in running a business and they still need to make enough profit to justify the effort on their part. Being a tight-wad, I did a quick search on the internet and found this adjustable voltage model for $25:
https://www.powerstream.com/Product9.htm

I found various non-adjustable models for $15-$21:

I have long wondered if boosting the voltage to the power door lock actuators would make them work better. I might have to experiment with this a little. I wouldn't mind having the windows move faster too.

scooter

iTrader: (11)

I saw that for sale on Facebook and wondered what it did, I suspected a voltage increase. I am glad it works, but it really doesn't seem too much better than mine. I cleaned the tracks, new motors and I put in an automatic window module, but I also upgraded the wiring to the doors to 10 or 12 gauge, compared to the stock (I think) 16 gauge. I ran a 10 gauge wire from somewhere in the dash, I forget where now, and I ran 12 from the window closer to the doors. I abandoned the rest of the wiring in place so the stock wiring can still be used. I think mine works so well because I am not using the switches except for signal, and the heavier wiring.

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

I really like that their are cheaper options. Might use that on my other car.

Just nice to know the technology is out there for people to build their own.

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

To paraphrase Chief Brody in JAWS ; "Your gonna need a bigger boat !" .......

The first unit you've quoted claims to only be able to handle two amps , and the second unit claims only five amps of available current .

For perspective , the stock circuit breaker feeding the window motors is rated at thirty five amps (My 89 Firebird as reference) .........

91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

Jaysz28, Can you provide a semi-long term review of the Window Racer?

Reddragon88gta

I would be interested as well, it looks like a really good product but would love to see how everything has held up.

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

Still going strong and I really appreciate it since the AC compressor imploded. a great upgrade that addressed one of my pet peeves for cars of this era.

91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

Great to hear as I just received mine, cashed in some work reward points
Curious as to how you mounted the Window Racer, it's not exactly small?

Jaysz28

iTrader: (30)

Just used a zip tie to secure it to some metal structure under the dash.

Reddragon88gta

I just ordered a window racer too, I saw a few places for the ground as well, looks like there is a decent amount of room for it.

Reddragon88gta

I just installed mine and it works great, much faster than before. It was pretty easy to install and I wound up using a few zip ties and secured it it under the hush panel, wish I took a pic but it was hit in the garage and I wanted to wrap it up.

JDMmike85

Just installed my window racer and wanted to say it work great as well.

91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

I guess I need to get off my azz I've had mine for a couple weeks and it's still in the box