EFI for senior project. Where to begin?

[David Doddek]

>
>I'd like to do a project on EFI because it encompasses my 
>automotive/motorcycling hobby and my EE/Computer profession.  Besides walking
>into my professor's office and saying "I want to do an EFI project.", where
>should I begin as far as how to structure the project, what goals to set,
>documentation to plan for, time constraints, etc.   This next semester will
>be my last, so it'll have to fit into a single semester, which I think is
>reasonable.  I have a couple of possibilities for target vehicles, one being
>my Honda XR600R dirt bike and the other being my 
>'89 GMC truck.  In general, what are the requirements for a successful 
>project?  I'd appreciate some feedback from people who have been there 
>before, and maybe some advice on how to approach a professor with a such 
>a project.  
>
>Any help is greatly appreciated!
>Regards,
>Dixon Cole
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Dixon Cole - dcole at austin.ibm.com     IBM RISC/System 6000 Division, Austin, TX
>(512) 838-8971, T.L. 678-8971         Level 3 Support
>
>
Probably one of the best controllers to use is the HC11.  Not necessarly
because of power, but for the availibity of ready built boards with memory
and such and quantity of suppport software ie assemblers, compilers,
debuggers, etc.  Try to do some research on what the requirements of
controlling the fuel going to an engine is.  Some research on the dynamics
of an engine may be called for.  Also give serious thought to how a
carburator works, remember your system will have to something very similar,
but more effeciently.  Find out what type of sensing and output controlls
are necessary to perform the task.  Take a written proposal to your prof
with the basic requirements and possibly some chosen hardware and I have
confidence that the project will be approved.  By the way the truck will
probibly easier to do since the basic hardware is there.  Remember though
that the truck computer most likely controls timing and requires  the
sensors to function, so paralleling may be necessary.  All this depends on
the 89 chevy having efi to start with, I can't remember when they started.
Also remember that it is against the law to tamper with an emisions
controlled vehicle although many people break this law daily.  good luck.

David J. Doddek                                          |pantera at dris.com
Owner SGD Electronics & Development Engr for Caterpillar |h 309 685-7965
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89 T-bird SC,  69 Fairlane w/SGD EFI                     |fx 217 428-4686
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