| [GMCnet] More on FiTech questions [message #301220] |
Sat, 28 May 2016 00:03  |
glwgmc
Messages: 1014
Registered: June 2004
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Hi Larry and others. We are currently in a part of AK with good internet so will comment on several of your questions.
The principals of the company are experienced veteran OEM and after market EFI designers and suppliers so this is hardly their first rodeo. Their web site or a direct call is the best way to determine for yourself the details of components used. What I have observed is that the units are very nicely pressure cast and machined with no manufacturing shortcuts or amateur hour design choices evident to me. Everything in the package appears to be current generation OEM quality stuff from the wire harness to connectors to the linkage, fittings, high pressure hose, etc. The packaging also shows a very professional approach so I doubt if there are any shortcuts or cheap seat stuff on the inside either.
I found nothing that would cause me any concern about quality or longevity. I don't remember whether there is a software update provision or not but I think I recall something about that in the instructions. As to the underlying question about what happens if something goes south while you are out in the boonies, I found it easy to install in such a way that I could revert back to a carb on the side of the road in less than 20 or 30 minutes without ever crawling under the coach. I just pitched the carb up in the pod. To date I have had no question about reliability or longevity.
One thing that reinforces that feeling is the absence of external stuff interconnected with wires running all over the place. There are only two external sensors - the O2 sensor and the water temp sensor. Everything else is built into the throttle body itself.
The advantage of this and others of these new generation of self learning EFI units is they can employ the very latest off the shelf things like the newest Bosch wide band O2 sensor, injectors, throttle position sensors, microprocessors, etc. that are far faster and more heat resistant than their predecessors. I will have more detailed info at the presentation at the four club rally in October in Coos Bay, OR, so for now would direct anyone interested to study the info published on their web site and read the large number of mag reviews on the net for component details.
They do not to my knowledge offer or include knock sensors with any of their kits. Most kits do include spark control over a standard distributor with the mechanical advance blocked off, but the staff there I spoke with and the reviews I have read indicate most people use their stock HEI distributors. If our 455s had ever been designed with a factory knock sensor I would be all over using more sophisticated spark control, but I don't know enough about the intricacies of where or how to mount an after market knock sensor to be willing to try and squeeze another mpg so I will forego that for now.
This trip to AK in the Royale with a carb has reinforced my desire to upgrade this coach also when we get back. While this Royale with a strong S&J engine, Patterson carb and HEI, and proper 3.67 gearing is a joy to drive and performs like a champ up hill and down (other than something - likely leaky bowl plug - which makes for rich starting) the advantages to EFI that we enjoyed in our Mexico trip in the Clasco last winter are just too great not to enjoy on the Royale as well. Both the FiTech 600 hp unit and the somewhat less expensive 400 hp unit (no spark control and I think smaller injectors) are a no brainier if you drive as much each year as we do in both our coaches.
More in October.
Jerry
Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed & hand crafted
in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building
in historic Kerby, OR
http://jerrywork.com
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Jerry & Sharon Work
78 Royale
Kerby, OR
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