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[GMCnet] FiTech EFI is the real deal [message #297938]

Wed, 23 March 2016 21:34

glwgmc

Messages: 1014
Registered: June 2004

Karma: 10

Senior Member

4000 mile report -

We are just back from snow birding in the SW and Mexico in the Clasco with its new FiTech EFI and Fuel Control system. It performed perfectly with nary a hiccup. The improvement in drivability, starting and altitude compensation is dramatic. I have no hesitation to recommend this upgrade to any of you. It is one of those all gain and no pain things. Installation of the throttle body is simple and fast with only two external sensors (O2 and water temp) and everything else built into the well machined throttle body. The Fuel Management system (AKA surge tank), also well machined, can be installed anywhere as the high pressure fuel pump is fully submerged inside and the low pressure inlet features a valve that mimics the float valve in the Rochester Qjet allowing it to be fed from any low pressure pump - your existing mechanical pump or a low pressure electric pusher pump. No need for return lines or special orientation. It is easy to install in a manner that will allow you to revert to the carb on the side of the road in less than 30 minutes without ever going under the coach. But, based on our experience in this first 4000 miles, I think it unlikely that this modern self-learining EFI will fail on the road, but if it does and you have a functioning carb with you, it is no more of an issue than a filed module.

I will be giving a detailed installation and experience report at the multi-GMC club rally at Coos Bay, OR, in early October. I urge all of you who can to attend as this may well be one of the larger GMC rallies in recent times since all of the west coast GMC clubs plus the CO bunch are all sponsoring and participating in putting on one event. Good stuff.

The oft asked question is whether you will reduce fuel consumption. The short answer is no. It takes a certain number of BTUs (amount of gas/alcohol) to move 12,000 pounds from place A to place B no matter how you introduce the fuel. If you have a properly functioning carb (are you really sure???) you will likely use the same amount of what passes for fuel today. Maybe a bit less because it is so much fun to drive a GMC like a modern car. Want to merge quickly onto a freeway? No problem, just put your foot down and be amazed. Want to go up a mountain grade at the same pace as the cars passing all the trucks? No problem, just put your foot down and be amazed. If you really want to reduce fuel usage, slow down. For every five miles an hour you reduce speed, expect to see a 0.5 MPG increase in fuel consumption. But, you won’t and neither do I……

Turn the key without even getting close to the accelerator pedal and the engine will start hot or cold. From there it just gets better. On this Clasco with its new S&J engine installed by Jim Hupy, I was surprised to find that it seems to run cooler. I know fuel plays an important and often forgotten role in keeping the internal engine temps in check, but have never seen such a dramatic example until this trip. From sea level to well over 4000 feet on slight grades and steep grades we never saw 200 degrees of water temp - and only shifted into second gear once, Oh, and remember, the FiTech unit is half the cost of any of the other alternatives and I personally would not install any of them without first installing the well engineered and constructed FiTech Fuel Management system. Usual disclosures, I am not paid, I own no stock, I have no dog in this hunt, etc., just a well satisfied customer.

There are those who claim to be able to increase mileage by up to 1 MPG by installing a knock sensor and running the distributor advance right up against it. I elected to have Dick P. curve a distributor for my needs and this FiTech EFI rather than rely on an aftermarket placement of a knock sensor. The FiTech unit can control spark, but I saw no great reason to have it do so.

Bottom line, if you have a known good, properly functioning Qjet that runs neither lean nor rich (again, are you really sure???) and a properly curved HEI distributor designed for our 12,000 pound coaches that you are sure never nuns retarded (are you really sure???), then keep what you have. If you have any questions then the FiTech EFI and Fuel Management system may be a good alternative. $1500 well spent from my POV. Hope to see you in Coos Bay, OR in early October.

Jerry
Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed and hand crafted in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building in historic Kerby, OR

glwork@mac.com
http://jerrywork.com

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Jerry & Sharon Work
78 Royale
Kerby, OR