DeTomaso Mailing List: April 98, Message #240

Mad Dog wrote:

Mike Trusty build his own system. It's beautiful and it works. Care to share
with
us Mike?
MD

Well Dennis, you really know how to put a lurker on the spot.

I am a firm believer in the benefits of fuel injection if applied as a
complete engine management system.  In my opinion the fuel and ignition must
be controlled by the same source and sensors.  I realize that there are as
many opinions on this as there are Clinton affairs, so take my description
for what it is worth.  Also understand that this system was built several
years ago and there are many pieces on the market today that would make it
much easier to apply to the Pantera.

1. My goal was to have a system that would match or better the performance
of the best induction system that was currently available for the Pantera.
All of this with the driveability of a small carburetor system.
2. I can already see that this description can run on forever.  So I am
going to shift gears in midstream.  I am going to give a brief description
of the system.  If anyone has a particular question, please direct it to me.

a. Utilized a Weber manifold with 50 mm throttle bodies.
b. What appears to be a manifold plumbed for nitrous is actually two
different vacuum lines to each port.  One is for the combined reference for
the manifold pressure sensor.  The other is for the idle air control motor.
c. Knock sensor mounted on head (modifies three dimensional spark table).
d. Crank mounted timing pickup.
e. Closed loop(O2 sensor controlled) only during cruse.  Open loop(speed
density) during load.
f. Distributorless ignition with one coil per cylinder.  Coils are mounted
next to each cylinder.  I have found that the dual plug coils(keep in mind
that with these type coils that one spark plug is negative ground and the
other is positive ground.  You old time hot rodders will remember what
hooking a coil up backward means) like most systems use can not handle a
high output application without problems. (another discussion).
g. All coils are enhanced with MSD multispark inputs.
h. Fully addressable and programmable from computer.  Box is a modified
Electromotive ECU.
i. Complete data logging capable.  Limited only by hard disk space.
j. Motor is pretty strung out.
k. Very driveable with good throttle response.
l. The system is not unlike systems that several people have and is
available from some of the vendors.

Again, I could talk forever on each component, but.

I look forward to meeting many on this list at my first visit to the Vegas
meeting.  It will be interesting to have a face to relate to these different
sounding keystrokes.