Mixed Ps and Fs
A small thing, but to avoid confusion you may want fix your references to
"DPA" in the Installation section of the article The Digital Fuel Adjuster, Part 2.
As there is a DPA (Digital Pulse Adjuster) this may get confusing....
P.S. You guys are awesome! I bought the Silicon Chip mag on these babies from
Jaycar and can't wait to get stuck into these things. Brilliant little projects
with HUGE potential. Keep 'em comin’!!!
Cameron Shipway
Australia
Well spotted – now fixed. Get stuck
into those kits!
Lexus V8 DFA’d?
I read your article on the DFA and how successful it was on your Lexus
LS400.
As a super moderator on the website www.lextreme.com
I'm intrigued how you got the Lexus to run with the DFA as the Lexus AFM
produces a frequency signal (like all Karman Effect systems) not a voltage.
Any comment would be appreciated so I can pass them onto our 1700+ members.
Most are looking for a viable alternative to aftermarket ECUs.
Rod Garnett
Australia
As shown on Page DI-30 of the factory
workshop manual, and easily able to be measured, the July 1997-onwards
UCF20 series Lexus LS400 uses a voltage-outputting hotwire airflow meter. If
there is enough interest, Silicon Chip will do a frequency output version as the
next Digital Hand Controller project. Write to the magazine at
www.siliconchip.com.au.
DFA for Supercharger?
I have been reading with interest your articles on the Digital Fuel Adjuster
(DFA) and was wondering if it is possible to use this to add a supercharger to a
previously NA engine? Could you use one that switched in under boost, or would
just positioning the AFM before the supercharger see the extra load and allow
you to compensate accordingly? I assume this would be harder to do with a turbo
setup?
Ross Goddard
Australia
Yes, we suggest positioning the AFM
prior to the supercharger and using the DFA to tailor the fuel curve. This
will work regardless of whether a turbo or supercharger is used. In fact, we currently have a supercharger fitted to one of our cars and are using the DFA to set the appropriate mixtures.
DFA for Blown V6?
Can I use the DFA on a car fitted with a MAP sensor? I have a VT Holden
Commodore with the supercharged engine and am keen to lean off the ridiculously
rich mixture.
Scott Goodman
Australia
Yes, the DFA can be used on vehicles
with a voltage output MAP sensor. Go for it – and please let us know how it
turns out.
DFA MAF to MAP Swap?
Is there a way to convert my MAF into a MAP set-up using the DFA? Do you have
or can you recommend a MAP unit that I can use in conjunction with the DFA? Is
there any calibration needed to run MAP?
Jeoff Chen
Taiwan
You won’t be able to convert from a
MAF to MAP sensor system using only a one-dimensional interceptor. The vehicle’s existing ECU
is configured to read only a mass airflow load input – not a manifold pressure
signal. A better approach to eliminating intake restriction is to use an
airflow meter bypass (as detailed at Airflow Meter Bypass, Part 1. The DFA can successfully be
used to maintain driveability and correct mixtures, even when a large diameter bypass is used.
DFA + Ignition Control?
Again, I'd like to thank you all for continuing to provide the best
automotive magazine available!
I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the performance electronic kits for
months, and so was absolutely stoked when I saw the kits available at my local
Jaycar toward the end of 2004.
I've now built the IEBC, DFA and a couple of the gauge products. I'm
absolutely stoked with the performance of the kits. I'm slowly integrating them
into my BG Mazda Familia GT-X.
I am, however, interested to know if you are intending to develop an ignition
interceptor? The obvious shortcoming of the DFA for more serious modification is
the ignition timing issue.
I have seen that Silicon Chip has,
in the past, developed programmable ignition systems. However, there appears to be no
provision for a load based retard function as would be useful in a turbocharged
car. Are there plans for such a kit? Alternatively, would it be possible to
integrate the original programmable ignition kit with one of the new high
performance kits to provide ignition modification?
Adam Seedsman
Australia
Glad you’re happy with the DFA in your
Familia. The existing programmable ignition kit isn’t the perfect solution for
your application. Depending on the success of existing performance kits, Silicon
Chip will be looking at future kit development - and an ignition timing
interceptor is high on the list.
HSV Changes
I have 2 questions to ask AutoSpeed or some of the readers...
1. I am looking for a towbar that will fit my 2000 HSV R8. I would like to
avoid cutting the skirt, or at least make it look okay when the hitch is
removed. Any suggestions for a minimum tow weight of 1500kg?
2. I also need to replace the tyres on the same vehicle and I would like to
know if you have done any recent tyre comparisons?
Daniel Jackson
Australia
Readers - any advice on tow hitches
and tyres to suit this particular vehicle?
Missing a Drive-belt
Tensioner...
Thank God someone has been brutally honest about Holden’s new Alloytec V6 (Holden Acclaim Wagon).
Your words have echoed my thoughts. My current car is a ‘98 TF Mitsubishi Magna
Advance 3.0 litre 5 speed. The one thing that I enjoy about this car is its
engine, which is so full of character it just begs to be driven with enthusiasm.
Not so the Alloytec. What a bland and characterless engine. It sounds like it
has done a drive-belt tensioner - all that whirring and thrashing with not much
result. I hear that Alfa is to be picking up the 3.2 litre version - they must
be able to work miracles!
David Lewis
Australia
Crown Info
I have an imported 1987 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon with a 1G-GZE 2.0 litre
supercharged engine and I am having trouble with the timing - could you possibly
help me with any information? If not, do you know where I could find out? I have
so far been unable to get any manuals.
Mark
Australia
Finding a workshop manual will be very
difficult – and it’s likely anything that you do find will be in Japanese... Do any
readers have some useful links?
Electric Power Steering
Fitment
I have been combing manufacturers worldwide such as
Delphi, Toyoda, NSK, etc for options relating to
retrofitting a column mounted electric power steering into my competition car
(it is a competition-only car, so having to modify the car to fit whatever is
available is not a concern). However, I have come up blank from all of them - it
seems to be almost offensive for them to lower themselves to speak to someone
who is not a vehicle manufacturer. Can you help me find or at least give me some
advice on where I might be able to source such a system and control unit for
it?
Drewe Cantwell
Australia
At a wrecker... Plenty of smaller cars these days come with electric power steering, and some small Japanese cars (eg Daihatsu Mira) have been using it in Japan for at least a decade.