dman535

I am moving closer to putting TPI on my 77. I have all the TPI hardware now I need to focus on the electronics. I want to do a Speed Density system. Which is the better way to go:

1. GM 1227727/1227730 ECM, Tunercat, eeprom burner, WIN ALDL and all the other assocated parts and pieces to modify factroy ECMS

or

2. Something aftermarket like an Accell DFI system that allows monitoring and instant tuning via a laptop on the car.

Would love to hear pro's cons of doing it either way.

Thanks !

Fevre

Try over on the c4 forum for more responces although you should get a fair share here. I have the accel in my Formula and it is fun to play with but if your intentions are to do the Ronco 'set it and forget it' then the Gm stuff will work fine once set up. I have a MAF sytem and am debating on whether to install it or not since I know I want more power then the tpi manifold can flow. Contrary to popular belief the MAf is good to over 500hp if that is a concern, just go track down member skis_down_it, he is running low 11's with a 406 MAF system, ported and no screen stock sensor.

mrvette

I have been running the 7730 Gm computer on two differant engines, with letting someone else do the programming....Ernie at Breathless did the last one....it's fine.....engine does roughly 375-400 hp, and so I"m happy enough...
I think the GM system has that redundancy of parts backup via junkyard that you can't ever find for ANY aftermarket system.....I have had this running for 7 years now....in 7 years will your aftermarket system have any tech support???

MY dime is on the stock-ish GM system....sorry....

GENE

80Xflags

If you're a real Do-It-Yourselfer, you could make your own computer.
http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

Matt

Enad

Good thread. :cool:

I am about where you are on the same project and still haven't decided. I liked the programmable Holley 950 Commander engine management kit. However strictly speaking programmable are not smog approved and I live in Kali where everything is illegal :D

Dane

flynhi

IMHO,
If you plan to kep the car for quite a while and enoy and are capable of tuning, go for an aftermarket unit.

If you plan to sell the car or if you have to rely on others for maintenance, go GM.

mrvette

OH, So Bruce?? Bowling is now making his own computers?? interesting....I ran across him some years ago when I was doing my own DIY-EFI setup....not to the extent HE was though, I just decided to get a generic prom programmed and do my 7730 computer that way....

GENE

Fevre

Although I have never done it, I hear burning your own chips for the GM ECMs is not the difficult, just need to spend a couple hundred bucks on the stuff to do it with.

Cookwithvette

One thing to consider....

If your laptop dies while you are not done tuning you are F-ed. I haven't driven my car in over a month because I can't monitor O2 voltage and there are still some lean spots on my fuel map. :mad :mad :mad

dman535

80Xflags- That system is fuel only. I checked them out and they require you to run a mechanical distributor.

Fevre- Its more like $300 to burn GM chips. By the time you figure programmer,chips, socekts, software, monitoring cable and software.

Cookwithvette- I have enough junk computers around the house that I am sure I could rig something up if the laptop dies. :D

Looks like the answer is the GM based systems. Just need to start stockpiling $$ for the job.

Fevre

Maybe that is why I am single, thought a couple could be 2 or 3. :jester

flynhi

check with Contemporary Corvettes in PA and 20th St. Auto Parts in Phoenix.

markdtn

I vote stock GM. I have a harness and chip from Howell in my Vette and a harness and chip from Fuel Injection Specialties in my truck.