DIY_EFI Digest V1 #256

talltom talltom at teleport.com
Mon Sep 2 16:36:22 GMT 1996



>I know this is an "E"FI list, but since my interest stems from
>aviation/reliability, I'd like to know all I can about the mechanical FI
>systems also. Is it still used widely in automotive. Are pieces
>available to build a system commercially? Sources (besides car parts
>depts, of course)? Finally, is the assumption that the mechanical
>systems are more reliable, a "reliable" assumption? Neophyte questions
>from a neophyte.
>
>Garfield

Well most europeeon cars used them from in the early 70's thru mid-late 80's.
Can't say about the availability of commercial parts, but can tell you that 
you'd better be able to find a distributor head/air cone combo that can 
approximate your supply needs else you have to do redesign that's not
worthwhile.
There may be aviation systems similar out there, but I'd bet price is 
ridicoulous. I don't think mechanical systems are more reliable in the 
whole picture. They need proper care and maintenance and are very
unforgiving to abuse. Bad fuel, setting unused, and wear on finely machined
parts all will
do them in. With proper use and maintenance they are dependable though.
Just higher in maintenance. Naturally aspirated I'd rather have a carburetor,
as I don't like high maintenance anything.
   I still believe that the efi concept is the best, just getting one to work
in configurations other than stock, or in the case of some even stock.(Bosch
d-jetronic brain-$1400, Cadillac $800) The way I understand it I'm one of 
probably 12 people on the face of the earth with a bosch d-jetronic that
doesn't work!(everything I own that's electronic has something wrong with 
it)     




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