Some here know I operate a shop that specializes in work on modernizing musclecars. My Dart is no exception. In my continued quest for better, faster, stronger I installed a FiTech unit after installing several others for customers. Coming from a well tuned carb with a documented fuel curve, a fuel tank I can run on a road course down to 2 gallons and a dead accurate fuel gage I was hesitant.
I'm a tanks inc dealer and installed one of those as well. Once up and running the efi is light years better than any carb, even mine. You will learn a lot depending on your combo. Mine is a 505 hp 410 stroker that makes 13" vacuum. First issue that came up is a blown fuel pump fuse. It seems some fitech systems were packaged with fuses too low in amperage. Mine was one of them. Stuck on the road scratching my head...Once I realized what had happened, I checked another unit we had on the shelf and found 25amp fuses in both locations. Next, tuning was posing some unique challenges as I had a noise code come up, like many people. After checking my ignition very carefully, I found a cracked cap on my MSD E curve. I also decided to replace my old msd wires with Firecore 50s. This was my first time purchasing these wires, and I have to say, they are super nice. Tuning continued and well pretty well until I noticed by 60 amp Nippondenso unit was not keeping up with electrical demands of twin 12" spals, fuel pump, etc. Forget about my air conditioning. Before I could get the electrical sorted, I had a track event at Lime Rock. As long as the fans were not on, I was ok. While the fans run, the voltage ticks downward until they turn off. Lime Rock was great, did 2 sessions and was thrilled. I now burn 2.5 gallons, when I used to burn 4. Mileage is clearly improved even at full boogie. The end of the second session the motor shut off mid track. Luckily, the run off area was safe. I was quickly able to determine I had lost the tach signal from the coil. Incidently, I had this happen on a clients vehicle last year. I send the unit in for repair. Luckily, I had a spare unit was able to get on with life. The new unit has been fine. On to the alternator issue. I have factory style ac brackets (Bouchillon) and edelbrock heads, so the space behind the alternator is limited. After trying the Quality power unit (not even close), and the John Deere Nippondenso (Spider Marine deal) there was only one option and an expensive one. I bit the bullet and purchased the unit from Flaming River. I had to modify one of the mounting ears in a way that was not easily noticeable. Now I can run dual belts again. It fit perfectly otherwise and I am thrilled to have 14v give or take .2v under any circumstances. This thing works.
Now all is good in the world, except the huge electric fans now need a PWM controller. The current draw effects the efi when they turn on. Never a dull moment!!
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