EFI computers

Soop · backyard mechanic Joined: 30 May 2002 Posts: 748

I have a g200 DOHC running the piazza EFI setup with a delco camira computer. I bought the car like this and I have had nothing but probs with it as far as the EFI electrics go. In this post I will tell you the danger that is the delco ECU Smile

I recently spent a fair bit of money having the car fixed up and put right, lots was done dodgy on the car and it needed to be done properly.

The various relays and crap required just to make the delco accept proper signals from the engine and return them just made the whole thing a mess and a recipe for disaster. Even after the superb job that was done on the complete rewiring of the new system it was still very messy. There was nothing that could be done really, everything in there was a neccessity.

The car was running again. However the guys fixing it ran into another problem, the car was not revving hard enough under load. A small drive produced a glowing red exhaust! Later it was found out that an idle air switch was on there and it was not needed. It was blocked off and the engine was revving and running well.

I drove the car for a week or so a few times. It was going pretty well but the delco was still not working properly. Mainly due to it probably running a 2litre camira fuel map. Remapping it is a pretty major task and hardly worthwhile I don't think.

A week later the car ceases to start again, that brings me to my current situtation. I've started saving for a decent aftermarket reprogrammable computer. Steve from just geminis in SA has recommended a microtech digi 2 ( ithink) fuel only. He's just installed one and said the car went great. At $795 for the computer it seems like a decent solution.

Could anyone provide me with some experiences of using various aftermarket computers on the isuzu g200 dohc motor. I would like to know what is my best option so I'm not wasting anymore money Smile

Also is it worth running a fuel and ignition computer or just fuel ?

In short, those thinking about using a delco. Don't bother, just get a decent aftermarket computer. It will actually work out cheaper and easier !

I hope these questions are ok, since I have explained my previous experiences and lessons learnt.

Ben Wight · backyard mechanic Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 946

As soon as I started reading your post, I got to the second paragraph and though to myself, I be you would have spent less money on a fully programable mirotech!

The microtech you are talking about is an F4, it is fuel only, retail for $795 new, but I know where you should be able to get them for cheaper.

If running a NA engine, I would not go for a fuel only computer, you need all the help you can get (power wise), and a fully programmable ignition curve will help out. I think a microtech MT4 is fuel and ignition, costs about $1000 new.

If I was you, I would be looking in the trading post for a cheap but good compueter, something like a second hand Wolf 3D can be had for $500 and over.

Ben Wight

Soop · backyard mechanic Joined: 30 May 2002 Posts: 748

The guy who will be installing it recommended a microtech mc4 (i think).

It comes with a premade fuel map for the twincam and apparently runs great.

He recently installed one in a coupe with a 2l twincam and extractors and he said he was able to chip the wheels in 3rd just by accelerating.

I got my delco setup running again. Plugs were all fouled due to rich mixture. Still it runs like crap.

I started it after a couple of hours of not being started and it hesitates to start then *knock* *knock* *knock* and sounded like a VW bug when revving. After a couple of splutters and pops it levelled out and revved better and the knock dissapeared. Hopefully not too much damaged occured.

Loz · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 943

MT4 is fuel only. Need to go the next step to MT8.

Loz

gem · tinkerer Joined: 23 Dec 2001 Posts: 152

I have ran my Gemini G200 twin cam on a Delco computer and have had great results.I had to run all of the Delco sensors including MAP,MAT,TPS,02 AND DISSY.I modified the original gemini dissy and bolted on a Camira dissy. I also had a G180 twin cam with the same setup and the car worked perfect.Let me know if you need some help before you go and spend more money on a programable setup.I change the delco system for a Haltech and there was no great power gain.My new car runs an Autronic SMC. you can email me at gem@alphalink.com.au
Paul.

Soop · backyard mechanic Joined: 30 May 2002 Posts: 748

I believe the problem for me was that the computer is not mapped properly, I'm still running the normal g200w dizzy I think too.

I mean the car runs and goes pretty well but it idles fairly rough and rich and is very up and down. If you squirt the revs a bit it and let it off the accel it will drop down and nearly stall out before coming back to normal revs.

The aftermarket setup is a lot cleaner in the engine bay and its reprogrammable so I could use it in other situations so for me I think its a worthwhile decision.

Just gotta find the $800 for the computer Smile

TurboGem · tinkerer Joined: 31 May 2002 Posts: 87

Have you really looked at a price for getting the Delco re-mapped. It will probably cost arond the $500 mark and the Delco will have a higher resolution than any other after market computer. I have run a Camira Delco unit on a 2lt Escort and had very good results and it only cost me $500 to setup in total. I will see if I can still find the program that I used to change the maps. You just save them to disk and take it to your local EFI place with a Rom Burner and you are away.

Cheers
Paul