Aftermarket EFI systems question

[Scott Knight]

Hey,

Finally I can contribute rather than merely glean information...

> I am been reading this group for quite a while.  I am about to
> install a efi system (to replace the not easily adjustable stock
> system).   I know there is a Accel/DFI, and I have heard that
> FelPro has a bit more expensive system that is better and
> supposely be fitted with the wide range O2 sensors.   Does anyone
> know anything about this system?   Also does anyone know any
> other systems that might be useable?  I am running in a 93 Chevy
> LT1 350.  I need at least the ability to adjust the fuel curves,
> easily.   My engine is not heavily modified at this time, and
> I know the O2 sensors are reading somewhat lean at higher RPMS,
> and it is only going to get worse after the next round of
> changes.

I have just gotten my feet wet with this system and am still high from
the experience of getting to know it.  We ordered an FP with wideband
and individual cylinder trim for the racecar (normally aspirated
gasoline big block Chevy) to replace the Holley 1050 cfm squirter.  What
we have just found on the dyno is that it is possible to get some extra
power out of the closed loop system with very little effort since it
makes sure the fuel is at the specified mixture all the way through
rather than what a carburetor tries to do with it's limited 'curve'. 
Interestingly, the engines made the most power when the wideband was
reading 12.5 over all other mixtures...just like it should (I was a
little skeptical of just HOW accurate this was going to be).  I don't
know what processor John uses in that controller, but the system is
plenty fast enough to keep the motor happy at 7500 with the map not even
close.  Obviously, the actual mixture data got much more stable once we
had the maps in line (i.e. less wideband compensation), but not enough
to affect engine output.  Early on, we had the system compensating as
much as 30% before we had a clue what we were doing with the map (VE
table not manifold pressure <G>).  I guess this just means that the FP
is fast enough...

The only website that I can seem to find with any info is Lance Ward's
own homepage (lance is the senior programmer) and has a demo of Calcom
available there with data from one of his 9-second GN runs.  The only
thing is that there still isn't much to go on...the documentation for
the controller isn't even available yet.  I had to learn my first EFI
system by the seat of my pants.  Luckily the wideband kept me from
having to replace any engine parts before they were worn out.  Check
out:

http://userdata.acd.net/lance/sefi8lo.html

As far as talking to someone that knows the system, I would suggest
giving Mike Licht at Modern Musclecar (810-777-2299) a call.  He has
known John and Lance for years and was dealer #1.  He has dialed in a
few of these systems on late model cars.  Good luck.

Later dates.
-- 
Scott Knight  mailto:sknight at mich.com
http://www.mich.com/~sknight IRC:SS396man ICQ:8353618
'95 Black Impala SS
'95 Black Impala SS-crashed
'96 Black K3500 Extended Cab Duallie 7.4L Vortec
'94 Ducati 900SS CR