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"Bubba" joins the stable; sorting out EFI issues
I recently bought an interesting project car, which I have learned the original owner named "Bubba." It is a Petrol Blue 1980 911SC targa that was purchased new by a physician in the southeast, who soon after that relocated here to the Las Vegas area. I am the third owner.
Here is a pic of when the second owner bought it, dusty from having been stored for a while before that: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571830013.jpg Here is how it looks in my hands, when cleaned up a bit; the main difference now it that the second owner reupholstered the targa top: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571831268.jpg I was able to locate the OO and talk to him a bit about his Bubba. He says he lovingly owned and maintained the car, the latter of which appears certainly true based also on the stack of service receipts I received. He also apparently had a good time with the car in club racing. He says he racked up a number of podium finishes throughout the southwest during the 80s. Here he is racing at Willow Springs circa 1989, exiting turn 6: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571830174.jpg To support his weekend racing fun, the OO equipped the car with a number of functional upgrades, including a through-body sway bar, Bremtek brakes and 930 body modifications. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571830420.jpg Perhaps the most interesting mod is this extremely large AC condenser, located under the front passenger compartment. From talking to the OO, I understand he was very serious about keeping it cool in the Vegas heat! It shows: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571830501.jpg The car then changed hands in October 2015 to another Vegas resident, a muscle car enthusiast with a restoration shop full of projects. During 2015-16, he removed the CIS system and put together an EFI setup consisting of mechanical items from Tbitz, a custom-fabricated aluminum intake manifold, and a "FAST" brand EFI system. Here is a pic of the system. I have a video of the car running (which is very smoothly once warm – more to come on that), but am not sure how to best post it, as it is too big. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571831084.jpg My plan for this car revolves around the fact that, while I am not a club (or any other sort of) real racer, I do want enhanced street performance and generally like a light, nimble car. As the car is rust-free and complete, including the original CIS components (which will NOT be going back on the car, but will be preserved), a lot of body work is not in the cards. So, as this will be primarily a weekend toy for me, my approach to the car will involve: (1) Optimize the running state without doing any major mods per se for now, although PMO/Jenvey/whatever ITBs or maybe even carbs might be on order later. I respect what was done to create this EFI set-up, but it's not exactly pretty, and I do like the PMO-type look; (2) Lighten the car without destroying its practicality as a street driver. In particular, I am not a big whale tail fan for either the high-rear weight involved, or the look on a narrow-body car, so that has to go in favor of a ducktail, which is my favorite look. And then, (3) Address cosmetic items. The car has minor dings and scratches all over, and needs fresh paint. I'll address all of that once 1 & 2 are done. |
So, to the items needing attention. I need to get the EFI tuned, as it starts and runs but is rich. I may need to just take it to a tuner, as it is a highly custom installation combining FAST and a few Bitz Racing components. There is so much I want to do to get the car up to snuff that I need to decide.
Here are some pics of the current EFI system: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571833351.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571833351.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571833351.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571833351.jpghttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571833351.jpg |
I love this color! Interesting brake and AC upgrades. There are a couple good threads with AFR tables and Bitz kit diagnosing. Since it's such a custom setup, it's going to take some time to understand and tune. Might be too much fuel at cold start if you are getting that fuel smell. What's the AFR at startup? Happy to see another custom air cooled in Vegas. Feel free to reach out, though my tuning knowledge on EFI is extremely limited.
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I will post some pics of what the AFR monitor shows when I tackle the project again later today. Hoping to have this beast at a Cars und Kaffee soon, if I can at least get through plan item (2)... |
Overall, it looks like a tidy install. You are correct that FAST is not a commonly installed EFI system in the Porsche world. But, like all the others it is perfectly capable of controlling fuel requirements.
The FAST system uses a GM TPI plunger style intake Air Controller (IAC) valve. This should be PWM controlled and require 2 different signals. The IAC should have 4 wires going to it to power coil 1 and coil 2 that operate the position of the plunger. Think of it like Coil 1 pushed down to close the valve; coil 2 pulls up to open the valve and they compete against each other to control position. The FAST system does not allow for individual target AFR and cold idle speeds. HOwver, I suspect that the valve is not opening to allow for extra air during cold operation. So, When the ECU detects cold start it squirts extra fuel without the extra air and the car runs rich and sputters. You will need to find the wires for the IAC and then remove the IAC from the car. Verify that the plunger pulls up into the IAC when the car is cold. If it doesn't move then the wiring is wrong or the IAC is bad. Next steps depend on what you find from this test. Step 1 - remove the IAC from the airbox. It will unscrew. The IAC will unscrew from the filter element. You can test the sensor with 12V power supply. YOu will have to Ohm out (measure resistance) to first determine which pins go to the 2 separate coils. Then make sure they have resistance and are not open indicating a burned coil. From there, apply 12V to the coil wire and the plunger should move in different directions depending on Coil 1 or Coil 2. If no movement or only movement in one direction then replace the IAC. To test the wiring, you should have a scope but a DMM (Digital Multi meter) will also work. Matching the wiring position to your coil assignments above you should see some voltage when the car is cold on each side. This is PWM controlled so it will be "less than 12V" depending on how much duty cycle is applied to achieve a desired IAC position. Can't help much more than this without being at the car. If you go to a shop make sure they are familiar with the FAST system. Shouldn't matter what kind of car it is on. |
Thanks much, Jamie - will explore as you suggest and report back...
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Don't see it mentioned, but first thing I would do is install a wideband sensor, that way you can see what is going on.
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Oil feed from tank will lag engine temps considerably. Oil return from motor could actually work fairly well - but would tend to mostly reflect internal thermostat opening. The more common sensor in the chain case also lags engine temps considerably. Methods that lag the "real" engine temps can leave the ECU providing warm-up compensation long after the motor has ceased to want/need it. And crude "delay after start" enrichments aren't great either - consider stopping for gas and a hot restart. Fitting a CHT is the probably the best way. TurboKraft and Clewett both provide a kit, with a slightly different approach. In my experience, once the CHT is reading 60C and over, warmup enrichment is unnecessary and should be out - chaincase oil sensor would show only a tiny amount higher than ambient at that point, BTW. Without good sensor information, it's very hard to tune properly for warmup... |
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I have a mountain of receipts I am sifting through to see what components went into this system - at least I have good documentation. I recall seeing a Clewett receipt, will see what that was. I had to work late last night, and had no time to explore further...hoping to find time today. |
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Get a copy of Engine Management by Greg Banish to help get started.
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Small progress during the workday: so the PO had just purchased a new IAC and provided it with the boxes of parts and documents that came with the car. It tests out for resistance (about 50 ohms on each of the two circuits, if I read my meter right).
Will also remove the IAC in the system, and test both of them including for operation with 12V tonight... http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571942934.jpg |
Made it into the garage tonight - progress (or lack thereof):
Testing IACs: both IACs test out at around 50 ohms on all circuits. However, it doesn't appear these can be tested for function by applying juice. I understand from web searches that these are pulse activated and won't function for constant current. Neither moves when 12V is applied off of a good car battery. Checking AFRs: Can't do this yet, as the IAC circuit needs to be sorted out before I hook it back up. I suspect the PO is right and he has it miswired - the new IAC was already in the manifold, so I bet he tested it. The issue appears to be that while the wiring diagram for the IAC from FAST is color-coded (from his writing, it looks like he tried some trial and error): http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571974234.jpg ...the four-wire GM-type connector has all black wires, and I find no diagram for this plug online or in the paperwork with the car: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1571974457.jpg So it is very possible this is miswired. I will keep searching to find a pin-out diagram for this connector online. Basically, I need to discover the equivalents between the four pins on this connector and the FAST color-coded wires. The closest thing I found was another guy with essentially the same problem (https://www.supraforums.com/threads/using-gm-style-4-wire-iac-to-wire-into-aem.522797/). I may just call FAST tomorrow. Once I have that info, I can verify the wiring, fix if needed, and THEN start the car up again with the IAC connected to see what the idling AFR looks like. |
You have everything you need...
Using the diagram for the IAC stepper. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8...0cf5c8~mv2.jpg You will not the following looking down at the IAC connector. There is a tab that notes orientation. Position A - Coil 1 Low goes to FAST C - Blue Position B - Coil 1 High goes to FAST D - Red Position C - Coil 2 Low goes to FAST A - BLK Position D - Coil 2 High goes to FAST B - YEL Funny that I don't see this in his combinitorial notes. From your picture you need to swap the black and blue wires going into the connector. |
Thanks again, Jamie - couldn't find that diagram online myself last night. Will see what I can accomplish tonight.
Other follow-up: eastbay: It looks like this system uses a wideband O2 sensor. tirwin: Thanks, will check out that resource. |
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Bottom line, there is nowhere on a dry sumped motor you can read the oil temperature and treat it the same way as head coolant temperature on a liquid-cooled motor; they behave very differently. Oil feed is useless; the overall oil system takes 10, 15 minutes to heat up. The oil return is not useful because the internal engine thermostat opens after 10, 20 seconds after engine start (very obvious on a car with a 10 bar gauge). So that return temperature stabilises around thermostat opening threshold very soon after starting, and rises slowly over a much longer period of time - eg as the entire system comes up and input oil temps rise too. A chaincase sensor is also not useful; initial lag is far too long to use for warmup. So, CHT. It's the information you need to control warmup, don't fight it, just fit a sensor that reads it :D TK's approach for the CHT uses a plate between the head and the top fin; minor mod to the engine tin, (also need to trim a corner of the plate for twin-plugged). Clewett suggests a drilled/tapped hole (in the cam tower, IIRC). Apparently there's a void, so the shavings can't go anywhere that matter. I used the TK setup with a liberal smear of Arctic Silver. You can remove/refit the tin with the motor in the car - although one of those jobs where you have to know it can be done otherwise you'd probably give up... Cylinder head temperatures climb immediately/linearly after start (and reach eye-opening #'s - like over 200C - if you leave the motor hot idling for 5-10 minutes). Once warmed up/moving, 105-110C is typical even under boost - smidge higher in town. Regardless of where/how the ECU is getting temperature information, if it runs rough and smells too rich, it almost certainly is. In my opinion, get an accurate temperature reference (preferably) and adjust (lean) the warmup compensation until it runs better - making sure that it is not so lean that it objects to throttle tip-in. IIRC, I use warmup comp fuel trims of 40% @ 20C, and 0% @ 60C, based on CHT. Perhaps still a little overrich on initial start - but you only get to play with this once per day, and it warms up fast... When CHT reads 60C, the block is still cold and so is the oil - but motor responds normally and doesn't seem to need/want any extra rich. YMMV. Almost all of the warmup comp on an air-cooled motor will happen before the wideband is up to temperature, unless you use "fast heat" mode - which heats the current pump (to 780C) as soon/as long as the ECU has power. This is useful for dyno runs or initial setup, as you can heat up the sensor beforehand and get lambda readings immediately - LSU 4.2s don't seem to care. But this isn't a good long-term practice; the Bosch data sheet explicitly says not to do this; and LSU 4.9s don't like it much (it can kill them, and will decrease service life if it doesn't). In "normal" mode, at least some ECUs won't heat the sensor until the motor has been running for at least 10 seconds (and kill the heater as soon as it stops). The ICV has no real effect on cold running other than idle speed, you don't strictly even need an ICV at all. I don't have one fitted right now (although I plan to), right now I just don't let the motor idle at 800 RPM cold - where it wants to, even with some extra advance. I just start and drive. Literally 3-4 blocks and warmup comps are all out and idle is a solid 1050 (which seems to be the sweet spot for my car/cams). Still slightly too soon for a wideband reading (which seems to take somewhere around 2-4 minutes), so it's best guess based on other cues... |
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It's a lot of reading/understanding out of the gate. But most all the concepts are transferable to any programmable ECU - and understanding how it's working is priceless, as is the flexibility. Quote:
Because the fuel map is based on load or VE or kPA or something (in my case, MAP/BARO) against RPM, with whatever warmup trim it thinks the temp sensor indicates it needs added on top. Add more air via the ICV and it'll idle faster. And then it'll just be sitting in a different load cell in the map, with (almost certainly) exactly the same warmup comp added. And will still be too rich. |
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Seriously, it seems very approachable with the great support in this community. |
Update: I found time to try to make some progress last night.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572198680.jpg Since the IAC wiring harness had multiple splices from the PO's trial and error, I removed the connector entirely in order to test it and solder fresh connections with colored heat shrink markers on the connector end: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572198819.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572198864.jpg I got the IAC reinstalled and hooked up as the FAST wiring diagram + the pinout scheme Jamie provided altogether suggested. Here are some shots of the AFR as it warms up: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572199180.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572199277.jpg I don't feel like the AFR changed much over time, other than transiently increasing when I revved the engine. I just need to get it tuned. I still need to figure out the temperature sensor situation. |
:)
I know you are heavily involved in setting this EFI system up to run well, but before you get much further down the road, may I suggest you do something about the hose clamps used with your fuel lines.... http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572200837.jpg I make E-85 Rated "Factory Level" Fuel Hoses for most Porsche models including 911SCs with EFI conversions.... http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572201093.jpg ...or at least bring along a fire extinguisher. I am happy to help with this. Please email me. Len.Cummings at verizon.net :) |
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The IAC will only function to bleed extra air for warmup rpm when cold. It will not regulate mixture. Did you calibrate the IAC in the panel? There are settings for target rpm as well as correction by the IAC.
You need to look for a cold (warmup) enrichment factor and turn it down. The car is way too rich when cold. This should be under the "enrichment fuel" tab in the advanced section. I assume you have a manual. If not, here is a ilnk. https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/fst-30400-kit.pdf Does the AFR change once the car is warm? |
If you're showing 84 mumbles 1 minute after starting and 106 a minute after that, I'm going to go out on a limb and say temp sensing isn't your problem.
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Otherwise, $50 could improve that for the time being: https://www.amazon.com/Oetiker-2000-Compound-Action-Pincer/dp/B01IBA4SS0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2IYU60IRN3OFO&keywords=oetiker+cla mps&qid=1572210521&sprefix=oet%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-3 https://www.amazon.com/LOKMAN-Stainless-6-23-6mm-Assortment-Stepless/dp/B07H3Q76QD/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2IYU60IRN3OFO&keywords=oetiker+cla mps&qid=1572210521&sprefix=oet%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-2 |
I'm getting ready to take another turn at it in the garage in a moment - responses:
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The wife cut my fun short with a surprise "honey-do" item, but I was able to determine a couple of things:
1) Since the TB on this car is not from FAST, but has an idle screw, the IAC calibration process should work. interesting, the FAST EZ EFI 2.0 systems I see online appear to mainly feature the following setup with an integral IAC, for installing EFI on previously carbureted cars: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572219464.jpg The manual says to adjust the idle screw to get the box on the monitor into the indicated range - here is what it looks like with the engine cold and off: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572219697.jpg My TB looks like this; looks like stock Porsche perhaps other than the TPS: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572219573.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572219573.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572219573.jpg I ran out of time to explore more... 2) Here is the engine temperature sensor position, which the FAST system sees as a coolant sensor (and which may or may not be a limiting factor as we discussed above): it is located on the driver's side rear of the engine as pictured below: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572220048.jpg |
I was able to talk to the PO further, and have confirmed that the TB is the original one from the car's CIS system. He says he adapted it to this custom setup only by installing the GM-type TPS, which had to be wired backward to match the plate opening direction, otherwise the TB should be as stock.
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Per this thread here on Pelican...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/336661-2-7-cis-wur-dizzy-vacuum-lines-routing.html ...it looks like the factory idle adjustment screw controls a port in the upper barrel of the TB, above the pivoting throttle plate. Here is a snip from that thread: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572345767.jpg The IAC the PO installed is located down on the main body of the intake manifold, as seen here (black upright component with the mini air filter in the lower right foreground): http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572345984.jpg Unfortunately, I had to work late tonight, so no garage time. Will have time tomorrow to play with this more directly. Hard to find time for projects lately! |
Time to backup a few steps...
yes, the IAC will run a separate air path compared to the throttle valve. There are 3 main paths controlling the airflow. 1) The throttle plate: It opens when you move the gas pedal. It has the most effect on airflow. 2) the idle bypass screw. This is the large screw behind the throttle body that is accessed from the DS of the engine bay. It controls the amount of air for idle when the throttle is closed. and 3) the IAC. The IAC allows air to pass the throttle plate and idle bypass screw and is also an electronically actuated valve. It should be somewhat open when cold and typically closed when warm. IMO you don't need to make any changes to the mechanical setup. It is the correct valve for your EFI system and can be properly driven using the 4 wire setup. Now EFI systems are adjustable but you have to follow a methodical process to get them to work right. Your setup is mechanically different than the manual but you have all the parts. The small idle bypass screw in the bottom of the 4 barrel injection system is the same as the idle bypass screw on the back of the throttle body. The plunger type GM IAC has a moveable plunger with a nub in the middle. This plunger moves up and down while the nub seats on an opening and acts as a valve. When retracted (cold) the nub opens the valve and allows air to pass through. When extended (hot) the nub closes the valve and prevents air from going through. When in between (warm) the valve moves back and forth to maintain a target idle rpm. The next step is to determine if the valve actually moves. power on the ECU with the IAC removed from its housing. What does the plunger do? When cold It should retract to allow additional air through. Measure the length of the plunger. Now warm up the car until it runs correctly. Pull out the IAC and see if it is fully extended. The length should change. Now you have confirmed that the IAC is working or not. If not, replace or fix it. Don't move forward until you have successfully passes this test. Now, Once you pass, you need to see if it affects idle speed properly. In the software configuration you should change your target idle speed. Does the engine speed change. It doesn't have to be perfect yet because you have not calibrated it. If your idle speed changes in the appropriate way (higher when target idle speed is increased and vice versa) then you can calibrate. Set the desired idle speed in the software panel. Then use the idle adjustment screw behind the throttle body and the moving box dialog panel to make them match. It is very possible that you are allowing too much/little air through the throttle and the IAC can not control the speed. Once you bring it into range you can go do the next step. Now you have to tune the mixture. First you have to make sure your WBO2 sensor is working properly. Now, warm up the car until it is running properly. You said that it runs and idles well when warm. This is your baseline condition. you should be able to lean the fuel trim and watch the AFR increase. I would expect that as you lean it out you will see the idle speed increase. Once you verify the mixture can be adjusted you are done for the moment. Next morning or when the engine is cold start the car. YOu have to TUNE the cold start. The idle speed for cold idle can now be adjusted in the FW. Don't touch the idle bypass screw. Let the IAC do the work. Once idle speed is set then move ahead to the cold mixture enrichment. Use the "+/-" adder in cold enrichment to bring the AFR in the 13.1 - 13.5 range. Best of luck fixing the setup. |
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Did you check out the rest of the weird looking IAC fitting? Does it bottom or seat (shut off) on the the other fitting going into the manifold?
You have the original CIS idle air bypass completely seated? (shut off) |
After tinkering with things for a while, I think I am going to go in a different direction. I have the AFR improved and this system will likely work with a bit more tuning. However, dyne shop time is expensive, and I would like to start fresh with a cleaner appearance and a simpler setup overall, using a system that is specifically set up for 911s. I'd like to go with ITBs but can't justify the cost.
So, I am planning to remove the FAST EFI components and try using the tbitz MS system, while closing up some of the ports on the aluminum airbox that won't be needed for MS, giving a cleaner look. Will likely have it powder coated, fix the sketchy fuel lines, and do about 1000 other things this project needs. I'm talking to Tony to see how I can move to MS in a cost-effective manner. Stay tuned - no pun intended... ;) |
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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/422414-bremtek-racing-calipers.html |
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Was too quick; found it. thanks
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For anyone who might be interested in fabbing up an intake manifold junction box for the runners when going EFI on a CIS car (instead of cutting down or using the stock airbox), here is what the box looks like as created by the PO. It's a pretty cool piece, actually; looks similar to a couple of others I have seen in my online research on this.
There were a lot of ports tapped into the piece by the PO due to various connections for the FAST setup that I am removing. Once I figure out the minimum number of ports needed to run the Bitz Racing Megasquirt setup (in a conversation with Tony at present), and have the rest of the holes welded up, my plan is to have the box powdercoated before reinstalling. If you want to see more pics/info, let me know and I will post. For example, in the mountain of records on the car, I recall seeing the templates the PO drew up before cutting and welding the box together. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1573233794.jpg |
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