by the time UMS comes out I'll be quite the experienced lad with all the various MS hacks and ready for something new. I'm stepping away from MSAVS, info too all over the place to be able to rely on. My latest jag is trying to figure out how to use/install the MSnEDIS and still get the cam to turn the oil pump, I have visions of a dist shaft chopped and sealed at the top that sits in the dist hole. The fact that you can implement MSnEDIS without any additional boxes, etc right off the MS unit with minor mods is pretty nice. Seems like the hardest part is finding the 36-1 ring gear and getting the sensor. If that won't fly, then I'll go SquirtnSpark using the GM HEI. Its nice to be able to have all these options to mull while the parts are coming in. I've seen info stating the UMS won't be fully implemented till '06, other info in q4 '04. either way its bound to be nice stuff anybody have a GM 454 TBI sitting around?
454 TBI is junk If your engine puts off about 250 hp and 340lbs of torque it should be fine, anymore and you want a 4barrel. Sometimes you can find old holley 4 barrel TBI units off ebay for about the same as you would pay for a 454 TBI.
I am looking at an EFI for my Trans AM. Check this site www.customEFI.com He Quoted $2400 to build an EFI for my TA using an Edelbrock Torker II manifold with GM ECM and sensors using a billet throttle valve with a Holly bolt spacing that will flow 1000 cfm. For anyone wondering about spark control. if you have the HEI dist. The ignition module for any 1985 GM computer controled distributor can be modified to work, If you have the points type distributor a Camaro module can be modified to work.
I guess what I don't understand is why one can't take an ECM and harness out of a stock EFI vehicle, transplant it onto any other car (Buick 455), and have a chip tuner/burner modify the tables to suit that particular engine's fueling needs. I know it would involve a lot of trial and error, but it could seem the most cost effective of all options. Just a quick thought.
Mr. Buick (John D. Himself?), You certainly could do that. Factory ECMs have a lot of tuning parameters that make a lot of nice drivability. However aftermarket ECMs have a lot of great advantages. For example, the FAST controller has a closed-loop control for whatever A/F ratio you choose (not just 14.7). You can also make tuning changes on the fly- while you are driving, etc. And, you can make datalogs so you can record a run, then go back to the pit and make adjustments. And if you want to change injector sizes, you can just plug in the new value and drive away. On the other hand, you can learn the software and learn how to burn your own chips- if you have the courage to tackle that, it is also possible. Don't forget that the best way to tune the car is to drive it. And some chip tuner a few states away won't be able to tune your engine as well as you will while driving it. -Bob Cunningham
