

| Subject: | Re: GoWesty Engine Management system |
| From: | turbotransporter |
| Date: | Fri, 6 Nov 2020 08:38:36 -0800 |
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 >>
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