How much can the computer handle. . ?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 89
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From: Currently, Portsmouth, RI
How much can the computer handle. . ?
Hello All,
I am building an '88 F-250 4x4 for a tow vehicle for all my Galaxies ('65-'67). I'm starting with an EFI 351W. I have built all kinds of motors, and many strokers, but this will be the 1st with EFI (if I keep it that way). I am aware of all of the benifits of EFI over a carb, but if I have to spend ~$600 for a Mass Air conversion kit, then I'll go to a carb. . .
Anyway, what I am asking is, just how far can one go and retain the "stock" computer. I am not opposed to a $200-$300 chip, but not much more. I realize I'm being sketchy here, so how does a "chipped" computer deal with:
*compression upgrades
*different rod lengths
*bore & stroke changes
*ported heads
Please do take a little time and help educate me. Also, it it conceivably possible to get the mass air stuff from a junk yard and adapt it, or is there simply too much "electronic stuff" to deal with.
Thanks,
Nathan
I am building an '88 F-250 4x4 for a tow vehicle for all my Galaxies ('65-'67). I'm starting with an EFI 351W. I have built all kinds of motors, and many strokers, but this will be the 1st with EFI (if I keep it that way). I am aware of all of the benifits of EFI over a carb, but if I have to spend ~$600 for a Mass Air conversion kit, then I'll go to a carb. . .
Anyway, what I am asking is, just how far can one go and retain the "stock" computer. I am not opposed to a $200-$300 chip, but not much more. I realize I'm being sketchy here, so how does a "chipped" computer deal with:
*compression upgrades
*different rod lengths
*bore & stroke changes
*ported heads
Please do take a little time and help educate me. Also, it it conceivably possible to get the mass air stuff from a junk yard and adapt it, or is there simply too much "electronic stuff" to deal with.
Thanks,
Nathan
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
How much can the computer handle. . ?
I think a late-model MAF swap would be less work than what I did to mine (1-bbl to EFI), so if you want MAF, I say: go for it! 
You'd probably get better responses asking this question in the computer forum. Look a little higher ^.
You'd probably get better responses asking this question in the computer forum. Look a little higher ^.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
How much can the computer handle. . ?
You can't go anywhere with those changes on a stock speed density computer because it cannot compensate for air flow changes. You'd need to get a custom tune.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 89
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From: Currently, Portsmouth, RI
How much can the computer handle. . ?
Originally posted by webmaster
You can't go anywhere with those changes on a stock speed density computer because it cannot compensate for air flow changes. You'd need to get a custom tune.
You can't go anywhere with those changes on a stock speed density computer because it cannot compensate for air flow changes. You'd need to get a custom tune.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
How much can the computer handle. . ?
A custom built computer. The computer controls the fuel to the engine by reading a map. This is programmed into the computer at the factory, and bases fuel needs by manifold vacuum, throttle angle, and rpm. A few other parameters refine the mix, but those are the basics of a speed-density system. A mass-air system reads the total weight of the air going in, as well as the throttle angle, manifold vacuum, and rpm. This gives the computer added info to go beyond the factory map, and compensate for heavier mods. Of course, if you are build a 427w or something really radical, you will still need a custom computer. I would try to find a 92-94(?) F-series with a 351 and mass-air, and use the control system from that. You may also want to contact the Diablo chip company you see advertised here (be sure to say you saw them on FTE), and ask if they can make what you need. You will need all of your buildup specs for that, though.
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