Originally Posted by troy_cryer
Well...let me try to give a few more details so you know where I have been and where I am coming from.
First of all, the TPI from S&P looks cool. It was very expensive ($5K with everything because in 1998 this was the latest and greatest...or so they told me. And dont take this as a slam on these guys. They are about the nicest guys in the business, but I believe they have been learning FI on the customer's money. Otherwise we would have solved this in the 5 live attempts, and several mail order adjustments).
They sent me a chip which was designed for my original cam (which again, they specified). When the local speed shop dynoed the engine, we had to have the prom changed several times. Once it was on the road, it ran extremely rich and toasted the coated headers due to the timing/fuel causing detonation in the headers. Leaning out the fuel from their chip adjustment (which was done 6 hours away when I took them the car so we could tune while driving) helped, but didnt solve the issues. Timing adjustments never solved the issue either.
So I was bound and determined to make this work...after all I design advanced telecommunications everyday for a living. This seemed to be more of the same...only different. First I called up Comp and asked them for another cam recommendation. I again told them I wanted as much cam as possible so long as it was suitable to the TPI unit from S&P. They stated they knew exactly what I needed and I installed the new cam. I also researched the web, learned about ALDL, and prom burning. I then bought a monitor/burner (another $500) from Craig Moates (who is very knowledgeable and helpful!), but I have yet to get this combination to work.
So understand, I could be simply doing something wrong. I am not above making mistakes. In fact I believe I am simply snakebit on this project and am growing tired of not "smiling" when I jump in the old car for a drive. This shouldnt be this difficult, but for whatever the reasons...it has been very difficult. For the sake of sanity, I will probably hang up the FI idea and go back to something easier...carbs. Your probably right, if I took the car to a chassis dyno, we could probably spend another $1000, several days, and just might solve the problem. But the way I see it, I could use the same money and time and be well on my way towards making this simpler.
Thus the reason for my questions. I am seeking advice between the Barry Grant 6-Shooter or the Edelbrock Quads. Both of these have the hot rod look...I just want to make sure they will perform as good as they look.
Thanks again for your thoughts and time. Who knows???, one of you just might have the right idea for me!