Thinking about a Fi Tech unit on my 70' 455.
Any thoughts from experience with this unit would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Ideal would be a long-runner coil manifold cast for this series engine. Unfortunately, lack of demand makes production of these unfeasable.
Bolt-on to stock manifolds units are better than nothing, though

 

I'm running Fi Tech Go EFI 8. Was one of the best upgrades I've ever done. Expensive and hard to get dialed in but the end results are incredible. Some details and pics in my updates link starting with post #168 here: https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...e-97684/page2/


oqlldQY.jpg
MM6smYz.jpg
ZurBA0Y.jpg
wTUboKO.jpg

5mRmLhY.jpg
M9hAw4r.jpg

rytpWgc.jpg

 

Thanks for the feed back 71 Olds.
I read your build thread and WOW. Your car looks and sounds awesome. I admire your determination.
I have read a lot of bad rap on the Fi Tech unit and I'm starting to think most is human install error.
I have a couple of ?'s
First, your install was over 2 years ago. How is she still running ? Any problems along the way. Problems with hand held or programs dropping off. Can this be a " set it and forget it " unit once dialed in ?
Also, I see that you used an in tank fuel delivery set up. Unless I missed it, I see that you didn't use their Fuel Command Center. I don't see a need for it and intend on an in tank set up also without FCC. Can you expand on your fuel delivery system ?
Thanks for the feedback
Rick
​​​​​​
​

 

Very nice write up 71 Olds. Did you notice a difference in MPG?
Thanks.

 

Thanks guys. I'll try to provide as much info as possible here. First I have the HUGE benefit that my builder Frank is what I would call a Fi Tech expert. I think he's done over a dozen installs now (many on Olds motors like mine) and has dialed them all in. He had to learn by trial and error with each customer's car because unfortunately Fi Tech support (besides basic setup) was not very helpful. Everyone suggests going with the Holley setup instead since supposedly it's an easier install with better support. The improvements are incredible. Instant cold start ups, never having to pump the gas peddle to start the car, having the perfect air/fuel ratio at every RPM point at all times, having the idle change to the perfect RPM for start up, cold weather, hot weather, basically all weather conditions, and importantly for me when the heat/defrost/AC are on and off. Since I'm running AC with my old carb setup I had to get a solenoid with a flip switch on the carb to push up the RPMs before I could turn on the AC. Plus my base idle would change with the different seasons, temps, humidity etc. All of that is resolved now. I have a larger cam and the system really tamed the idle. The throttle response it amazing. I have a 6 speed manual trans and just cruising let's say in parking lot in 1st or 2nd gear, the car would "buck" sometimes so I would find myself playing with/riding the clutch to get around at low RPMs. Now it's glassy smooth even at the low RPMs. I'm SURE the gas mileage is improved but I can't go more then a few minutes without going wide open throttle and honestly I don't care about that. I've done some longer trips and in 6th gear I'm guessing I could get in the high teens or maybe even low 20s but I even get on it and downshift on long trips when I start to get bored. I just can't stay out of the gas and why would you want to? Let's see another benefit is the car, me, and my garage smell less like gas. My wife says the smell is still there but it's MUCH less so that was one thing that made her happy.

To answer some of the other questions - my full setup = Go EFI 8 Fitech – w/Aeromotive Phantom Stealth 340 in-tank electric pump & Aeromotive 13305 regulator. Not using the FCC at all. I've had no issues with the hand held unit and love that it's hidden away in the ash tray area now. Frank mounted it there for me and the wire goes behind the dash so it stretches all the way out so I can hold it or put on the console or velcro it back in to the ash tray with the ash tray door open for viewing. Close the ash tray door and you can't tell it's there. It does take a while to get everything dialed in but it's self learning. As you work through the setup, the more you drive the car through different conditions and all the RPM ranges, the more you can get it dialed in perfectly. Again I have Frank so I can call him anytime and pick his brain about certain things I want to adjust and he tells me exactly how to change or set it. If you are anywhere near Maryland, I would strongly encourage you to have Frank help or even do the entire install and initial setup. If you are too far I would even suggest you pay him for support over the phone. I don't know of anyone else that knows what he knows for this system especially as it applies to an Olds motor - just say'n. One side note if you have a 70 - 72 Cutlass/442 with a ram air hood and breather. As you can see from my pics it all fits but that required massive mods and work welding in a drop base which is all detailed in my upgrades thread. Just wanted to make sure you knew it won't "fit" without all that work done.

-Joe

 

Could you post the name of Franks shop ?

 

sure here you go:
TR Performance
Frank Trimble
6796 Mid Cities Ave
Beltsville MD 20705
Frank's cell = 301 437-2243

One of the nicest guys you will ever meet. He's an Olds expert but works on all muscle cars. He's been around forever and his Dad use to race Oldsmobiles back in the day (in case you recognize the Trimble last name). His work is incredible and pricing is fair. You can see all the work he's done on my updates link on my 442. He built the motor for my 442 (or had to rebuild/fix the first build = BBO 468 528hp/568ft lbs) and the motor for my son's Cutlass (SBO 373ci 375hp/386ft lbs) both have 5k+ miles and I drive them to 6k RPM at WOT over and over and over again. He also does all the crazy custom projects I want done including this Fi Tech upgrade, my 6 speed trans, and anything else you can think of. It's a 4 hour drive for me from Virginia Beach to Beltsville, MD and I wouldn't use anyone else for my big projects or upgrades. I know there are a few other guys on this site who he's done work for and I'm sure they would have nothing but good things to say too.

-Joe

 

thanks for the info

 

Purchased a FiTech unit for my 66 442 W/ a mild build 455. I spent a year trying to dial it in Played with it until I would wake up at night with nightmares. Just dumped it about a month age installed a Sniper and have been driving it with " no ".problems " A true bolt on. I am a retired tech with 49 years in the trade but I never seen something like beat me BUT now I sleep at night. And it run's like a bear.

 

Running fitech go efi4 on my 69 442 (455) and it's the best thing since toilet paper. 2+ years and flawless.

Full disclosure: I was having noise issues when I changed over to the fitech timing control. Fixed it with an 9 dollar part from Amazon.com that prevented electrical noise feedback through the dummy lights. Hooks to the alternator.

 

I am ripping one out of a 68 98 right now the thing has been a nightmare for my customer. I just fired it up today on a new holley 4150 sniper system and oh my what a difference. You couldn't give me a fitech after all the crap they put us through. I have had not one hiccup with the holley. I am glad you guys are having good luck with yours but I will never install another one of their systems ever. After 2 bad fuel pumps, 1 ecm ,3 injectors and 2 handhelds then finally a new replacement unit which finally got it on the road after months of going back and forth with them the new unit quit after about 860 miles. The customer and me where both done with it. I have been turning wrenches for a living for 33 years and never seen such a piece of junk.

 

I feel your pain. But I do sleep well now.

 

My pain left with the FITECH. The Holley fired right up. I just need to adjust the timing , install wire loom and tie everything up. Test drive and done.