FC Zach's '87 Sport

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by jacobcartmill

you didn't simply "go efi," which I would consider installing a stock T2 longblock and haltech into your car.
you went "very complex custom EFI harness via mail order to mate several different custom parts together" and you're seeing the product of the multiplied risk biting you in the ass.

To elaborate on the components more:
-The TPS, it's an off-the-shelf GM part.

-The FFE trigger wheel sensor is a readily available part from any auto parts store as well. .

-(Mentioned earlier) "a custom LS1 coil-on-plug setup" is really just coils with short wire leads to the plugs, I got rid of the COP adapters.


-Like already mentioned, the injectors are Bosch and to my knowledge widely used. .


All parts mentioned are compatible with the SprintRE, I did my best to make sure of that.

The only roadblock I hit along the way when it came to compatibility was the idle air control. . My TB accepts a GM stepper motor design and a SprintRE will only control a two wire design. I knew this up front but it wasn't until recently that I got the idea to modify an OE 2nd gen BAC to use on my TB.

[Johnny_K]

nice summary, I know it sucks.

I've considered going efi on the truck. I think i will keep it carbed for now.

[FC Zach]

Furthermore, I want it to be known that I do enjoy the car fuel injected (don't think I don't) but only when it works obviously. It's not until I get over all these damn hurdles and can really enjoy the car when I'll be happy. I've owned this car since high school (13 years ago) when I literally saved it from the scrap yard and have put blood and sweat into the damn thing to get it to where it is today. . So it upsets me when my now wife asks me why I don't just sell it. . Because she thinks I would be happier without it. Truth is, she's probably right but lets be honest here. . It's a 2nd and will never sell for what I think it's worth so I'm stuck with this one. I just hope the last hurdle is near.

[djmtsu]

Carb life yo.

It's the new hotness. I turn the key, witchcraft happens, and it runs. And those 5 wires in the engine bay were a hassle to sort out.....

Ahhhhh

[diabolical1]

Wow! It's been quite a journey.

Glad to see everything sorted out now though. Did you ever get a actual mode of failure for the Sprint RE?

Your car is gorgeous! I'm not a huge fan of red (and keep in mind, mine is red), but I must say your car is definitely worth a second, and third look.

Originally Posted by djmtsu

Carb life yo.

It's the new hotness. I turn the key, witchcraft happens, and it runs. And those 5 wires in the engine bay were a hassle to sort out.....

Ahhhhh

Far and away, the best post of the thread!

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by diabolical1

Wow! It's been quite a journey.

Glad to see everything sorted out now though. Did you ever get a actual mode of failure for the Sprint RE?

YES! yes it has! I'm not sure what came first or what the cause was but there was also damage to the pin on the backside of the ECU connector, literally burned like a blown fuse. It had to be sent off to Haltech for repair (and on my dime, which I thought was dumb but oh well. . . I just wanted this over). The harness was returned with no problem found. Ludwig's prediction was that it was ground related.

Originally Posted by diabolical1

Your car is gorgeous! I'm not a huge fan of red (and keep in mind, mine is red), but I must say your car is definitely worth a second, and third look.

Ha Ha, thanks

Originally Posted by diabolical1

Far and away, the best post of the thread!

Originally Posted by djmtsu

Carb life yo.

It's the new hotness. I turn the key, witchcraft happens, and it runs. And those 5 wires in the engine bay were a hassle to sort out.....

Ahhhhh

DJ really knows how to lighten the mood with his smart-ass comments

[FC Zach]

The latest addition to the car is a hard to find Draw-Tite trailer hitch which has a removable ball mount unlike the Curt that was on it previously. I'm really liking the discreet look of this one.

Here's the Curt I had for the longest time:


and the Draw-Tite:


Now to find a ball mount for it. . I got Reece branded one from DJ but unfortunately it's a loose fit. They are similar in design but I think the Draw-Tite version is slightly wider. I'm actually considering modifying this one to accept a 1-1/4" square mount which is mush easier to find.

[djmtsu]

Originally Posted by FC Zach

Now to find a ball mount for it. . I got Reece branded one from DJ but unfortunately it's a loose fit. They are similar in design but I think the Draw-Tite version is slightly wider. I'm actually considering modifying this one to accept a 1-1/4" square mount which is mush easier to find.

Damn. Oh well, we tried!

[infernosg]

Damn, sorry to hear about the ECU. Hopefully the issue isn't related to something I may have done - it sat in a box for most of its life with me and never actually received power. You're the second person I know of recently with harness issues...

I somewhat agree with the sentiment above but not for "because EFI" reasons. Like me, you changed a bunch of stuff, not necessarily uncommon or unique, but all at once, which opens up a ton of opportunities for failure.

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by djmtsu

Carb life yo.

It's the new hotness. I turn the key, witchcraft happens, and it runs. And those 5 wires in the engine bay were a hassle to sort out.....

Ahhhhh

LOL, rub it in asshole

Originally Posted by infernosg

Damn, sorry to hear about the ECU. Hopefully the issue isn't related to something I may have done - it sat in a box for most of its life with me and never actually received power. You're the second person I know of recently with harness issues...

I somewhat agree with the sentiment above but not for "because EFI" reasons. Like me, you changed a bunch of stuff, not necessarily uncommon or unique, but all at once, which opens up a ton of opportunities for failure.

This issue wasn't from you. . I looked the ECU all over when it arrived and the heat/smoke mark wasn't there.

Understand that I'm not so naive as to think that there wouldn't be any issue/s, but that I would have never expected these issues to be to the extent that I have dealt with. Granted, to give me some credit. . all these issues I have dealt with were out of my control.

[djmtsu]

Originally Posted by FC Zach

LOL, rub it in asshole

PS- you really can't ever sell that FC. It's like Charles' red REPU, it's been around so long it's like family.

[FC Zach]

I know.

[t_g_farrell]

Good to see you have things sorting out now Zach. I remember the fuel belching, pig of a
carb you had on those B3R meets.

You know, a hogged out Nikki with an SA intake and converter plate could probably feed
that engine really well. Just something to think about.

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

Good to see you have things sorting out now Zach.

Well not completely, making a phone call today to check the status of things.

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

I remember the fuel belching, pig of a carb you had on those B3R meets.

I'm happy those days are over!

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

You know, a hogged out Nikki with an SA intake and converter plate could probably feed that engine really well. Just something to think about.

Not even considering it anymore. Not because I'm too far in this project but because I want to get this issue resolved. I know once all is said and done I'll be happy with the decision. . again LOL

[Whizbang]

can you still get the parts for Nikki carbs? like for servicing them?