Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2020 08:38:36 -0800
Reply-To: turbotransporter <ramblinvan@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: turbotransporter <ramblinvan@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: GoWesty Engine Management system
In-Reply-To: <CAGXMUqPKyAc-t-MCfO4assKedR7umv+uu8=io9SAkQoL4fgmvQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
THIS! Is what makes the original Vanagon List rock. Thank you.
Sent from my way cool iPhone.
> On Nov 6, 2020, at 7:48 AM, Kenneth O'Connor <kenneth.oconnor@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Thank you Dennis for this well-written and easy to understand summary. I,
> too, would be interested to see the benefit on a stock 2.1.
>
>> On Thu, Nov 5, 2020 at 6:34 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Eric's is the 4th GW EFI that I have installed and a 5th is scheduled to
>> be installed soon. So here are some of my thoughts.
>>
>> Value: To me the cost of admission is high. For many the VW or Vanagon
>> concept was originally based on a low cost van, commuter, travel solution.
>> Some of us now go all out but for most of my customers this is a tough
>> sell. In addition to the cost of the system you will most likely want the
>> add on scan gauge. Since you are looking for some type of improvement it
>> also makes sense to add a new set of injectors, (maybe theirs). For
>> installation budget an experienced installer to need a full day for this
>> especially with engine in. If you have a 86+ camper plan on removing at
>> least the bench seat to get the harness in, another ½ day. Add time if you
>> really want a neat installation. You could be looking at 2 full days here.
>> Especially with set up. Also consider that some parts of the original
>> system get reused such as the idle control valve and fuel pump. If
>> converting a 1.9 you will need the idle valve, intake manifold, and
>> connecting bits from a 2.1L You will also need to drill the harness hose
>> for mounting the ECU under the back seat. If you need a harness and also
>> suffering from worn throttle body and/or air flow sensor those costs do
>> help a lot with the down payment. The system does offer some nice features
>> including CARB approval, coil on plug ignition, sequential injection, O2
>> sensor that works, Knock Sensor,OBD2 diagnostics, and the GW modified scan
>> gauge lets you read most any sensor and output. With the speedometer
>> feedback you also get trip computer functions such MPG and other stuff. The
>> vehicle speed can also be offset to compensate for tire size changes. Most
>> of the parts are GM based so spares are readily available.
>>
>> Installation: Instructions are good and most anyone can do this. The first
>> time is a bit overwhelming. You will need to remove the crank pulley and
>> oil breather tower to install the crank trigger wheel and sensor. Get a
>> gasket from the oil tower on a type 1 to place under the bracket. It slides
>> a bit for adjustment. Carefully check the crank end play. The sensor gets
>> set close and if not set correctly or there is excessive play the trigger
>> wheel can hit it. For wiring pay attention to the connectors for the crank
>> trigger and can position sensor, they are interchangeable and it won't
>> start with these connections swapped. Note that both the coil and injector
>> wires are now cylinder dependent. The injectors are now sequential, not
>> batch fired. The wiring to the vehicle is straight forward if you are
>> Vanagon savy. The kit includes an upgraded alternator harness which also
>> improves the power supply to the system. The fuel pump/relay/ecu are all
>> fused. The power connections and fuses can all fit inside the splice box in
>> the corner of the engine compartment. The 2 relays and tach adapter can
>> easily mount on the left side of the engine compartment. For the scan gauge
>> the provided network cable is long enough to go from the ECU mounting
>> through the grommet and run under the van and enter the dash area near the
>> left headlight, and then still make it to the center of the dash.
>>
>> Troubleshooting: So far the not starts have been the result of a wiring
>> error on my part except for Erics with a defective fuse! And I crossed the
>> ignition connectors for cylinders 3 and 4.
>>
>> Performance: Of the 4 systems I installed 3 were for a 2.3L and one was
>> for the GW 2.7L. One of the 2.3L was installed using the OEM fuel injection
>> a year earlier. This installation also had the 4th gear changed from the
>> .85 to a .78. The customer was a bit disappointed in highway-hill climbing
>> capability especially at 70 mph plus. After the GoWesty EFI that power
>> curve was back and the before-after was "obvious". For the 2.7L all I can
>> say is wow. Still no rocket! The customer allowed me to test drive to/from
>> work and I also took it on a short trip. The van had a 5speed with 5th gear
>> and final drive changed out along with the 225/55-17 tires, 3200 RPM at GPS
>> 70 mph. It was great. Local fuel economy was disappointing to say the
>> least. For the 75 mile trip I did ~18 mpg. This included 70-75 run along
>> with some city traffic. Monitoring the engine parameters it is a bit
>> interesting to watch the igniton timing retard as the throttle is pushed
>> further. I guess NOx reduction and anti knock was part of the plan. Idle
>> speed control is a bit on the lazy side.
>>
>> Quirks: For all the systems sometimes it won't start immediately, release
>> key, try again and instant go. I had a 92 motorhome, Ford 460 that did the
>> same thing.Go figure. Sometimes going off idle there is a hesitation or
>> stumble and under 2,000 rpm and light throttle feels a bit off. Over 2,000
>> rpm things are great.
>>
>> Reliability: Really need years and miles to get this. The wiring harness
>> and connectors are no doubt first class. The parts that are used from the
>> original system are those that typically last forever. Service parts are
>> readily available. Time will tell.
>>
>> Conclusion: I would really like to try a system on a stock 2.1L to see
>> what the real performance difference would be from the EFI itself. If doing
>> a 2.3L or above I strongly recommend this to ge the best of the engine and
>> not melt a piston. Being in NY I also like the fact that it has the CARB
>> approval.
>>
>> Dennis
>>