Any experience with FiTech throttle body injection? (Pace Performance)

[john h]

I spent some time chatting with one of the companies that rep the FItech units.  Called Pace Performance.  He was telling me I should buy an MSD style distributor.  he said even though they say the unit shoudl work with a 2 wire OE distributor, they are finding the tach signal isn't very strong and the unit has trouble picking it up. I asked what issues that causes and he said the fuel stops pumping because it thinks the engine has shut off or is sputtering.  He said the Mopar OE distributor and ignition has been causing issues even in the fuel only mode.  The more they get out there, the more issues they are starting to have.  He said if I want to run fuel only, no timing control I can run the OE distributor with a CDI box.  If I want timing control too, I should eliminate the OE wiring box and resistor and the MSD style distributor must be used. 
I'm not very ignition savvy so I need to do more research.  I thought if you used an MSD style distributor, you had to use a CDI box for spark, in that case, whats the point in allowing the computer to control the spark?   he aslo did say the timing control has a 16 box matrix for choosing various timing settings and curves if you go that route.  I'm now totally confused now.  Does the CDI box give hotter spark or just a better signal than the orange ECU box?  can you really run a CDI with a standard distributor?

John

[Strawdawg]

you can get an MSD distributor that will work on a stand alone basis or with an additional box that provides multi-spark capability at lower rpm as well as a hotter potential spark at high rpm. 

The multi-spark may help fire an overly rich  or lean mixture at low rpm particularly if there is a lot of overlap in the cam that kicks a lot of exhaust gases back into the cylinder contaminating the combustion process.

The hotter spark can help if you have combustion pressures so high that a normal ignition system cannot muster enuf voltage to jump the plug gap.

In practice, on a street engine, I have never seen an aftermarket ignition that will provide more power on a dyno as compared to a properly working modern factory ignition in a true apples to apples comparison.  Properly working is the key phrase.  Magazine ads/articles and butt dynos excluded...

So, yes, you can run an MSD distributor with nothing other than a good coil needed.

What I like about the MSD distributors, and others similar, is the ability to easily tailor the advance curve to meet the engine combo's needs.

[dakota]

I asked what issues that causes and he said the fuel stops pumping because it thinks the engine has shut off or is sputtering.  He said the Mopar OE distributor and ignition has been causing issues even in the fuel only mode. 

One of the listed features of the FiTech unit is having variable voltage for an electric fuel pump to limit noise and heat build up in lower fuel demand situations like idle.   I'm curious if the variable voltage is typical of the higher cost throttle body injection units.   I'm still very much a newbie to this stuff but I would wonder if using a steady voltage supply to the pump would be enough to avoid the stumble that some are encountering.   If I end up having to change out the distributor to make this system work the lower cost of the FITech won't be so rosey.   Guess I'm going to find out. 

[john h]

One of the listed features of the FiTech unit is having variable voltage for an electric fuel pump to limit noise and heat build up in lower fuel demand situations like idle.   I'm curious if the variable voltage is typical of the higher cost throttle body injection units.   I'm still very much a newbie to this stuff but I would wonder if using a steady voltage supply to the pump would be enough to avoid the stumble that some are encountering.   If I end up having to change out the distributor to make this system work the lower cost of the FITech won't be so rosey.   Guess I'm going to find out.

i AGREE.  The lower cost just went up by $250 at least.  I sent an e-mail to the actual FItech support person I was talking to about the unit when I was planign the install etc.  He claims to not have heard of any Mopar specific issues that the person from Pace was talking about.  I'm not sure exactly where I stand on this right now.  another reason for the new MSD style distributor is for it's "phasing" ability.

[john h]

I finally just ordered.   it's back ordered for 2-3 weeks but I knew that when I placed the order. I went with the model that can feed 600HP and the fuel command center (sump system). I don't need to feed that much HP but I want to use the timing control.  The base 400HP unit does not control timing.  I added a pro billet distributor that will plug into the EFI unit just like it would into a control module. (6AL or equal). Pace started carrying a TSP model ($166) that was cheaper than the MSD Distributor by about $80. it's also lockable internally with the twist of 2 plates.  you can revert back to a mechanical curve at any time if you wanted to for some reason.   I also added the MSD race rotor ($36) because you can easily phase the rotor. my understanding is that with the EFI controlling the timing, part throttle cruise, it could throw  50* timing and the rotor needs to be spot on so it does  not fire a different cylinder.  Of course, you can tell it not to add so much timing but I hope to let the computer figure out what is best.   The tach signal will be very strong and I won't have any issues with the stock Distributor.  all good in theory I guess.  I will take pictures of the command center install.  I hope to replace the charcoal canister.    The guy at Pace performance that I dealt with was Johnny McDevitt.  he answered 3 calls and probably 30 e-mails worth of questions before I purchased it from him.  he was very knowledgeable and a good guy to talk to.  Also, there is a $100 rebate from Fitech going on until the end of May.

John

[john h]

I'm still impatiently waiting for my tracking number......
I'm not sure if I should tackle the conversion until I get the differential rebuild issues sorted out though.  This was all supposed to be done and ready for Summer cruising. My fault I guess for waiting too long to grow a set and order.

John

[wantone]

Too bad i'm kinda broke... their HQ is an hour away from me.  I'd love to have them install one on my car and post the video.

[ragtopdodge]

Is is returnless w/that build-in fuel reg?

[john h]

Is is returnless w/that build-in fuel reg?

return less for sure if f you use their fuel sump. 

[73440]

Engine Powers last show used this system ,
http://www.powernationtv.com/episode/EP2016-09/512-cube-big-block-mopar

[1 Wild R/T]

Johnny @ Pace sez there have been problems, But honestly lots of people experience issues with Chrysler Electronic Ignitions, ofter it's the control box but many times I've heard of someone swapping the control box 4-5 times over a few year period... I've fixed a few of those cars by either just setting the reluctor air gap or replacing the pick up coil & properly setting the air gap..... 

The rotor phasing is a non-issue, Ehrenberg sells a modified reluctor that allows you to correct the rotor phasing....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOPAR-Electronic-Ignition-MISFIRE-FIX-Modd-Distributor-Reluctor-440-340-Hemi-/322094969564?vxp=mtr

FWIW I've read of quite a few people having issues with the fuel sump/command center....

I ordered the 600HP unit again because I want to let the computer control timing.... I've got a Lean Burn distributor & I ordered a Tanks Inc EFI tank & Walbro pump...

[dakota]

I'm still impatiently waiting for my tracking number......
John

John - I just received a notice that my unit has been shipped. I think I ordered mine about a week ahead of you, so hopefully you won't be waiting much longer. 

[john h]

John - I just received a notice that my unit has been shipped. I think I ordered mine about a week ahead of you, so hopefully you won't be waiting much longer.

Thanks for the heads up.  Today marks 3 weeks since I ordered.  I'm a little annoyed because they told me FiTech was telling Pace they were 2 weeks out.  it will take another week once they ship because they gave free shipping so I'm sure they won't pay for overnight.  oh well, it is what it is.  Funny thing thing about it is my car is running better than it ever has with the carb.  I chased it for a few years trying to get it dialed in and I finally have it with the help of people on this board.   

[john h]

John - I just received a notice that my unit has been shipped. I think I ordered mine about a week ahead of you, so hopefully you won't be waiting much longer.

I just looked at the calendar.  That's a 5 week back order for you.   looking back at your post on April 7th when you ordered.  I contacted Pace and they said they are still waiting on a shipment.  He did say that I'm his oldest order at this point, so hopefully I get one in the next batch.

[dakota]

It's finally here.   Pace shipped it 2 day delivery via FedEx.   It will be a couple of months before it's installed, but I'll go ahead and submit the rebate stuff now.