RE: DFI

["Peterson, Lew [Cont]" <lew.peterson@cdott.com>]

Arizona Speed and Marine has a system that allows programming of the ECM on
the fly---if you are that brave. As I recall they want around a grand for
the system.
Lew
Calgary

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Sheridan [mailto:tsheridan@xetel.com]
Sent: September 30, 1998 8:57 PM
To: syty@syty.org
Subject: Re: DFI



     
     
        I've had a DFI(s) in my '74 Corvette(TPI retrofit) for about 5 
     years.  I don't know if they've updated their software since I 
     purchased mine, but it's quite primitive. The documentation wasn't 
     that great either(boringly redundant). The DFI is MUCH simpler in it's 
     approach to controlling a FI system. This is the systems biggest 
     advantage AND disadvantage.
        The first DFI system that I purchased was a unit that "piggy backs" 
     the GM computer. It plugged directly into the GM computer. The GM 
     computer then plugged into it. It would only control wide open 
     throttle/ignition, the GM computer still controlled all other areas. 
     This system worked pretty well. I'm not sure if it is still in 
     production.
        I wanted more control over idle/drivability, so I moved up to the 
     stand alone system with wiring harness(required). The harness was 
     pretty generic. I had to completely disassemble it and reroute the 
     wiring to accommodate my 74 Corvette's rear mount battery as well as 
     other things.
        The beauty of these systems is the ability to reprogram while 
     driving down the road. You have the ability to edit whole tables by a 
     single percentage/numeric value. You can also edit a single value in a 
     table. You cannot however, edit a portion of a table. To do this I 
     used Excel to convert the data files(ASCII) to a spread sheet for 
     faster, more robust editing.
        The DFI only allows 6 perameters(of your choice) to be 
     monitored/collected at once.
        DFI has no boost control, so you'll need one of those as well. Each 
     system does have the ability to use a 1, 2, or 3 bar MAP.
        Once dialed in, the DFI is very good to the hard core racer. 
     Because of it's simplicity it is VERY good for a bracket car. It is 
     possible to run very consistent ET's, and as an added bonus, really 
     intimidates your opponents! This system paid for itself in wins!
        For 99.9% of us, I recommend sticking to the GM computer(but still 
     consider the separate boost controller), especially with all of the 
     folks on this list programming chips. GM's computer is far more 
     sophisticated than many people give it credit for.
     
     There are also other systems out there that may be worth looking into. 
     T.E.C. for instance, comes with an awesome ignition system!
     
     Tony Sheridan
     93 ty #2166
     92 ty #2415(mashed)
     74 Corvette(conv.)
     75 Hurst/Olds