Quote:
Originally Posted by eschaider
I don't necessarily disagree with the find the issue and fix it approach, Tony. In this situation one of the components is old and its function (which may be the source of the whoops) could easily be compromised. The diagnostic tools other than a remove and replace approach are pretty thin for that generation of EFI system
I normally only encourage replacing an EFI system for a more current system if it was antiquated or severely damaged. 169mph appears to be wrestling with either an early (antiquated) Accel DFI system or an early FAST system. The replacement rationale looks like this ...
Irrespective of the manufacturer, the diagnostic and tuning tools available are more limited because it is an early-generation EFI system that is misbehaving. The probability of a compromised 'successful ending' that would result in a replacement purchase after the fact is high. The monies spent following that solution path would be more, and the result would be the same as abandoning the antiquated system at the front end and using a current technology replacement..
I am attempting to encourage 160mph to pursue a solution that will provide a similar (likely better) result with less frustration, less time and less money spent.
|
If it were the Accel system I'd be 100% behind ditching that POS. In many ways that system was an early predecessor to the MoTeC. Highly advanced, knobs for every possible thing, "don't try this at home" complexity.
But the simple FAST system he has is ADEQUATE if the external problems can be solved. And for the way he most likely uses it, spending 3K-5K for a new one will not add to the enjoyment of the car.
There are plenty of cars out there with 80's and earlier factory fuel injection systems and you'd probably not advise them to replace their fuel injection controller for fouled plugs...
Maybe I'm just too chincy, but I got over the "throw parts at a problem until it goes away" method coupled with "don't fix it if it ain't broke".
And I'll go back to part of my original advice: For old-style 60's/70's Windsors in cars like this fuel injection rarely gains anything over carbs. I liked it for my altitude. Other examples , for example there was the guy with the original Cobra that did autocross with his and in that application it made a difference. But for the street and even occasional track use by an amateur in most cases a properly adjusted carb will fill the bill nicely. And if I were ditching the EFI system in this case I'd go back to carbs for under a grand vs all the expense of a new EFI system that will ultimately run 4K+. I just don't think it adds enough value.
There is only one reason for staying with EFI in this case. He'd have to ditch the 8-stack. Which I had to admit looked cool and was a factor when I bought it but wasn't so important that had I not been able to whip it into submission. Going to a carb'd 8-stack is perhaps as evil as a malfunctioning EFI 8-stack. Although there were lots of them in the day, all the people with the technical expertise - talent - to keep it adjust properly are old enough to be your great grandfather. And I'll still assert that once the root cause is found the existing system will be ADEQUATE.
Just my opinion.