Recommendations for going EFI

[neoxman]

I'm thinking about going EFI. I like the SUs and think they're great for performance but I'm a young-enough guy still and enjoy the precision of EFI. I also like to tinker with data and computers.

I was wondering if any of you guys have converted to EFI and what challenges you may have faced along the way.

Some goals of mine would be to:

1. keep costs down (2500 for a kit and 2500 for TEC-II ECU is a little much - is this thinking realistic?)

2. Convert the L24 now but plan to go L28 later (maybe stroker)

3. plan to use a custom made surge tank

4. plan to daily drive the car and track moderately on the weekends

Can i put the kit together with all aftermarket stuff or is there some junkyard items that are worth getting.

[zbane]

I imagine others will chip in with more thoughts on this, but let me start.

I would think about starting with an engine that is already set up with FI-this means finding a junker z/zx, pulling its engine and ECU wiring mess, fuel damper and fuel pump. Next, you're going to need to run a return fuel line through the car, from engine bay to tank. I imagine that you'll need to upgrade the entire electrical system, but I may be wrong on this thought.

Perhaps (and this is just a thought) you should consider just getting an FI Z model (either 280Z or 280ZX), and convert it into your DD/track car. That way, you've got TWO Z cars to fiddle with...and what could be wrong with that?

Once you have the transplanted FI system running, then you could start looking for the upgrade items, such as the ECU you mentioned. The key would be just getting the base setup in place, as that would be your largest hurdle to leap.

These things I mentioned are just rough guesses/thoughts-I'm sure there is more to be considered, some things may be easy, other much less so.

[Arne]

My yellow '71 had an injected L28 out of an '83 ZX in it when I got it. Frankly, it was a nightmare and I was very happy to get rid of it. Wires going everywhere, with nothing to connect them to. Everything cobbled together, it was a mess. Maybe if you go all aftermarket it might be cleaner, but I don't know if you can do that for the budget you mention.

One thing to think about if you want to pursue this, is that you'll probably need to use a head from an injected motor to get the injector notches in the intake ports. And since the injection heads all have big valves, you'll need to notch the cylinders for valve clearance. So if you're going to do it, I'd skip trying it on the L24, and go straight to the L28 from the start.

[JimmyZ]

Here is a nice "cheap" in car progamable batch fire system...

http://www.sdsefi.com/

A few plane building friends have used it and loved it. It's a batch fire system but the flexibility of the system is very appealing.

[Mr Camouflage]

Hmm, that sds system says:

does not use RS232 communication protocol and is not laptop compatible.

is not compatible with OE crank sensor systems.

Not compatible with OE air idle control systems.

Go to hybrid z and read the threads on the MegaSquirt. It can be used with stock nissan parts I believe. I have no experiance with them myself, but it seems like lots of guys over there are using it.

If you link tinkering you can build the ECU yourself, or I think there are people that sell pre-built kits.

http://forums.hybridz.org/forumdisplay.php?f=88

http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

[DatsunZsRule]

This business of installing the guts of a 280Z into a 240Z is rediculous and just not worth it In my opinion.

Couldn't help noticing it says "Classic Z noob" under your name. This is something you should have thought long and hard about before purchasing your Z. I'm not trying to sound like a dink but It would have made a lot more sence for you to just get a F.I. 280Z instead

Thats my 2 cents worth Good luck with whatever path you decide to take.

[zeiss150]

Mr. Camouflage is right... HybridZ.org is a great site for after market FI info. AS far as FI for L28 engines goes you can use the stock bosh jettronic system which is about as good as a 1978 colleco video game. Or you can use the 300ZX (A.K.A Z31) FI computer (which is about as good as a 1987 nintendo video game), they are a dime a dozen at the junk yard. If you get the right year Z31 computer they can be "reprogramed" for a performance L28.

The best is "megasquirt" Do a search on Ebay and you'll find that the computer and harness is about 3 - 500 bucks

you can customize your you FI to the kind of performance that you're looking for. hybridz.org has a great thread about getting started with megasquirt.

If you have SU's right now then you will need to get a head and intake that can use FI. E31 and E88 heads that came on the 240Z's don't have injector ports. you can have the head modified to take FI but there are better heads that you can just bolt ... like the P79 and P90 heads or even the N42. those three heads are all FI ready. Don't forget to take the Intake manifold with the head. The fuel injectors can be replaced with larger injectors (which you will need when you go turbo :devious: ) You can do a killer FI set up for 5-800 bucks. Good luck and let us know what you do.

[jmortensen]

AS far as FI for L28 engines goes you can use the stock bosh jettronic system which is about as good as a 1978 colleco video game. Or you can use the 300ZX (A.K.A Z31) FI computer (which is about as good as a 1987 nintendo video game), they are a dime a dozen at the junk yard. If you get the right year Z31 computer they can be "reprogramed" for a performance L28.

That's the best way I've seen this put into words. I still can't believe it when I see FI "purists" talk about "upgrading" from carbs to that craptastic early Z injection.

[Curtis240Z]

I just finished installing the triple TWM setup with a Megasquirt controller. The throttle response versus the triple 44 mm Mikunis is much better. This system rocks!

Check my photo gallery for photos.