Aftermarket EFI Options

I wrote the following article in the hopes that those few people interested in installing aftermarket EFI in their ACVWs won't make the same mistakes I did. The info here is far from complete, and I will try to update this page as time goes by. The eleven systems covered control electronic fuel injection systems only.  There used to be a website dedicated to something called "Miller FI" that dealt with mechanical fuel injection installations, but pretty much all of the Google references I have tracked down are no longer operational.

You have many choices regarding what type of aftermarket EFI you can install on your ACVW (most of which require the purchase of additional components like throttle bodies, injectors, etc.):

CB Performance EFI

This is probably the #1 choice for most people that own an ACVW who wish to install an aftermarket electronic fuel injection system. Why? Because CB Performance is one of only two (three, if you include John Maher Racing) of the eleven companies above that caters specifically to the ACVW crowd. They advertise heavily in the various Volkswagen magazines like VW Trends and Hot VWs.

PROS: Their various EFI kits are surprisingly complete and come ready to bolt on to most engines during the course of a weekend. These kits benefit from the most testing specifically for an air-cooled VW engine application. Components are primarily GM, making acquiring replacement parts relatively easy.

CONS: The computer is not programmable by any means. While a box featuring three or four knobs allows some tweaking, there is no feedback to help you along the way. I've heard far more complaints about this kit than praises.

Turbo City EFI

This is quite possibly the #2 choice for most people interested in aftermarket EFI for their ACVWs. Turbo City has been around for quite some time and their ACVW turbo kits are still quite popular. Don't let the company name fool you. They seem to know their EFI stuff. They too advertise in the various VW magazines, although they are usually limited to a quarter page or less.

PROS: Like the CB kits, the Turbo City EFI systems are pretty much complete kits. The TBI version features closed loop operation and an IAC (Idle Air Control) motor to provide low emissions and high idle warm ups.

CONS: Like the CB kits, the Turbo City EFI systems are not programmable. The kits are also available in TBI form only, so fans hoping for the dual Dellorto look are out of luck.

Haltech

Haltech has been in the business of aftermarket EFI for almost twenty years. They are an Australian company that originally started out in the field of EFI diagnostic equipment. They were the first to develop a real-time programmable engine management system.

PROS: Haltech has been around for a very long time, and used units are relatively easy to find. The last time I checked, Gene Berg Enterprises sells both the F9 and E6S series. Prices start at $900 for base systems, and that price does not include throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pump, etc. (which are available from GBE). Considering the legendary nature of GBE, I'm positive that their staff is fully capable of handling any problems or concerns you might have. Programming is performed via laptop computer.

CONS: Not many that I have been able to find. The system still requires injectors, fuel pump, etc. but GBE should be able to set you up with everything necessary (actual EFI "kits" are not listed in the GBE catalogue, however).

RaceTech (Simple Digital Systems)

A Canadian company based out of Calgary, Alberta, RaceTech designed their first programmable EFI system back in 1992. Their system is somewhat unique, in that it uses a hand-held programmer (included with the kit) to program the system instead of a laptop computer. RaceTech fully admits that they rely heavily on the Internet and word-of-mouth to sell their systems. A nice honest webpage, with on-line pricing (what a novel concept!).

PROS: Good bang-for-the-buck. $1,134 US currently buys you a crank-fire 4 cylinder system complete with coilpacks and ignitors. If you add up just the EFI stuff for the CB Performance kit from their website (computer, dial box, wiring harness, sensors, and computer controlled ignition), you actually break even! Their website is easy to navigate and very informative, and it is frequently updated with new tech articles, tips, etc. Oh yeah, and this system is programmable too (via the hand controller, which means no laptop to buy).

CONS: Not many that I can think of. Some of the pricing is a little odd, like +$50 US for a programmer featuring the "illuminated display" option. You also must do all the programming with the hand controller, which can become tedious if you want to switch maps or otherwise make a lot of changes all at the same time. Not as advanced as the more expensives systems, with fewer programmable perameters.

Advanced Engine Management Systems (Wolf 2D & 3D, CDI)

An Australian company that came into being around the time RaceTech was selling its first generation SDS systems. Like the RaceTech SDS system, the AEM Wolf 3D features a hand controller for easy programming (the Wolf 2D incorporates the keypad and display into the top of the actual computer itself). Unlike the SDS system, the Wolf 3D hand controller is meant to remain connected to the main computer all the time and can display up to a dozen different engine parameters at the same time (via a large backlit display). The older v3.0 system could be programmed either via the hand controller or by unplugging the memory cartridge from the ECM and connecting it to your computer's parallel port using a special data cable. The newer v4.0 system no longer allows you to program via memory cartridge, but instead allows for direct live connection to a laptop computer.

A Wolf 3D v3.0 EMS replaced Sharkey's old CB performance EFI system in June of 2000. The computer was later upgraded to a new v4.0 model in December of 2003.  Click here for more detailed info.

PROS: Programmable via the hand controller (for tweaking) and via software (for initial map construction and 3D visualization). Both the Wolf 2D and v3.0 3D use memory cartridges to transfer maps between your home computer and the system itself, while the v4.0 3D uses a direct serial link to a laptop. The v3.0 system is about the same price as the SDS system mentioned above, although you will have to provide your own distributor or coilpacks. The v4.0 offers much, much more programmability at the expense of a higher price tag. A small price to pay for the cleaner design and easier programmability.

CONS: The v3.0 system is not as advanced as the more expensives systems, with fewer programmable perameters. This is not true of the new v4.0 ECUs.  The Wolf 2D handles fuel injection only (no ignition control) and has been discontinued. Upgrading to the v4.0 requires a laptop computer for programming. Still lacks any real useful data logging features and the upgrade from v3.0 to v4.0 has temporarily stripped the programming software of its visual 3D fuel and ignition mapping views. Tech support could be improved.

Electromotive

Electromotive has been around since 1987 and the name is one of the biggest in the industry. They were the first to make the jump to DIS coilpacks and is based out of Manassas, Virginia. Electromotive has long since used DOS-based calibration software for programming, until updating to Windows-based software in the last few years.

PROS: Loads of features— some of which you may never use. Their TEC-II system (including a custom crank-fire system that even comes with a special crank pulley) can be installed on a Type 1 VW motor with minimal fuss. Very compact design. Programming is performed via laptop computer. Fast tech support (even for someone like me who's only Electromotive component is a discontinued crank sensor).

CONS: More expensive than most systems. Not the best choice for a street car.

MoTeC Systems

Headquartered on four different continents, MoTeC has been around for quite some time. MoTeC began in Australia back in 1989 and hasn't looked back since. Their systems really are second to none, with some really wild capabilities. Programming is performed via laptop computer (and the software is nothing short of amazing). Of course, there's the big price tag...

PROS: Loads of features — some of which you may never use. You can even buy MoTeC-modified Momo and Sparco steering wheels that feature LCD displays and programmable lights and buttons — all for a mere $2,900 US (starting price!).

CONS: More expensive than most systems. Not the best choice for a street car. Software is apparently still DOS-based.

Autronic

Yet another Australian company (surprise, surprise) who's founding father came from MoTeC. This system is cool, featuring "Auto Tune" technology that requires the driver to simply operate the vehicle at the various load and RPM points while special software does everything else. Very sophisticated, including controlling traction control and even turbocharger wastegates! Also features "limp mode" in case of a MAP or TPS failure. Programming is performed via laptop computer.

PROS: Loads of features— some of which you may never use. Reasonably priced too.

CONS: None that I am aware of, although the "Auto Tune" option isn't cheap.

DTA (Competition Engine Management Systems)

This company is based in Britian. The software appears to be top notch (from the small screen shots, anyway), but little is actually known about how the system is programmed. This product may be the best option for anyone living in the UK, as far as tech support goes (their site does mention that they have dealers in a large number of companies, but no direct information on the dealers themselves).

PROS: Unknown, although a UK shop called John Maher Racing in Manchester has had a good deal of success mating this system to our beloved flat-four VW engine (probably the best choice for someone that wants EFI, programmability, and tech support for an ACVW application).

CONS: Unknown.

Perfect Power

This tiny company is based in South Africa. Perfect Power started out as an individual effort by one man back in 1984 who found out how truly primitive factory automobile computers were in those days— so he built his own from scratch. Programming is performed via laptop computer.

PROS: Not very expensive the last time I checked (they have since removed their pricing from their website). Their distribution net seems pretty wide spread, especially for a company that has their roots in the unlikely country of South Africa. If German is your native language, you're in luck here too.

CONS: I searched and searched, but I couldn't find any screen shots of the software used to program the computer on their website. Also, the website has a page that they claim pits their system against the competitions', yet they do not actually say who their competitors are (which makes the comparison more or less useless).

MegaSquirt

This is perhaps the most unusual of options should you be looking to convert your ACVW over to modern EFI. The MegaSquirt system is not a true system, but rather an set of plans so that you can build your own computer brain.  The system is more or less "open source", meaning that much of the information for building your own MegaSquirt is available for free.  The MegaSquirt isn't quite mainstream yet and finding users that have successfully constructed their own MegaSquirt is still a little difficult.  I do know of one person in town that is building one and will attempt to learn more about this economical design.

PROS: Except for component costs and construction time, this system is essentially free.

CONS: Those lacking basic high school electronics skills may have to steer clear of this design.  Component availability can vary depending on your proximity to an electronics supply store (Radio Shack does not count).


Other EFI Links (non-commercial, VW and non-VW):



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