Date:         Fri, 15 Feb 2013 06:52:50 -0800
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      "improved" efi?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I'd be wary of swapping to a supposed "better" engine management unless
there's something really un-fixable with your Digi-whatever, or perhaps you
might just want to, for some reasons of your own.
At first glance, it looks like a straight forward task....Read
instructions, do meticulous  careful work, and it should be good, no?
This, regrettably, doesn't often seem to be the case...There are many
systems, and they all seem to have plenty of "issues".  Issues that result
in "no run" .  Then, in order to diagnose why the thing ain't working,
you'll often find two or three other "glitches" as you (or the
brand-specific  Consultant you are finally forced to hire to fix it with
you) work your way through your new improved EMS.
  Small things cause No Run.  Things like incompatible connectors or the
wrong brand of laptop.  Stuff known only to a few and not detailed in the
instructions...When you finally do locate a so called Expert for the
particular system you're trying to get working, their "fix" is often..."Oh,
we  fixed that, you need our newer version....". and then you start over
from square one.
If youre only changing the EMS and nothing else, I wouldn't count on any
big improvement in function.  Aftermarket Engine Controllers do have big
potential, but unless the rest of the engine systems are modified, you'll
not see much of a return on the time and money you'll put into one.
Engines are systems.  Our unsophisticated production vehicles work ok when
running properly.   Add just one expensive  component isn't going to gain
you much of anything, other than possibly improved Frustration Tolerance.
IMHO. Don Hanson