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Posted by: lagunero Sep 20 2004, 05:38 PM

I need to make a decision soon. Assuming I can afford it, what system would you recommend for someone who doesn't want (nor is capable) to fiddle with fuel management systems? I have a 2.0 long block that I'll be getting to soon. I don't mind changing the internals. My goal is to have a reliable set up. I do not have a harness or injection system other then the one on my 1.7. I've looked at the websites for Megasquirt and KitCarlson but both seem to be for the serious DIY''er. I didn't mind carbs before but I just don't have the time to waste on them anymore.
HP or economy are not the issue, reliability is.
Thanks and.....HELP!

Posted by: lapuwali Sep 20 2004, 05:53 PM

Actually, the Kit Carlson system is likely to be your best bet. The MS requires full assembly (soldering), as well as setting up the fuelling maps. Very much a DIY prospect, and not suited to someone who isn't interested in that. The Kit Carlson system, on the other hand, was developed on the T4 engine, and is supposed to be pretty much a plug-and-play deal. It's not available, yet, so other than Kit and Jake, no one here can really attest to just how plug-and-play it is. If it's everything they say it is, it's going to be the easiest and most cost effective system to live with and convert back to EFI from carbs, assuming one doesn't have a complete, working stock system.

One shouldn't discount the original system, either. The parts for it are available, and there are replacement harnesses available. Some of the items are fairly expensive (rebuilt MPS, for example), but paying someone else to fit any of the aftermarket EFI systems will cost considerably more.

Posted by: TimT Sep 20 2004, 06:03 PM

I have webers on my /6 simple and reliable...whats wrong with carbs?

btw your calipers went out on saturday.. Ill try to get a tracking number

Posted by: lagunero Sep 20 2004, 07:39 PM

Thanks guys. That's pretty much the conclusion I had come to but like they say, you ask advise when you know the answer but want someone to tell you otherwise. I hadn't ruled out the stock FI but I wasn't sure just how wise it would be if a different system was out there and I just wasn't aware of it (seeing that I'm starting from zero).
Nothing wrong with carbs. It comes down to the best investment for 914 owner
I also forgot to mention that time is extremely limited for a while so learning how to DIY is not an option right now. It's either drive the car or work on it I'll take option #1! Thanks again.

Posted by: Mark Henry Sep 20 2004, 08:00 PM

I have the SDS system. The install was straight forward except for the crank trigger (you don't "have" to have crankfire) set-up.

Cam choice is important with PEFI, although my SDS hates the crappy Scat C-25 I have now I got it running real good, least better than carbs. I'm going to hit Jake up for a cam when I do my new engine this winter.

As far as programing goes...that was the easy part with my SDS.

you can see my install at:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=5396

and the update at:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=15552&st=0#entry204559

Posted by: lagunero Sep 20 2004, 09:25 PM

Thanks for the info. It seems that you have worked the bugs out.

Posted by: mike_the_man Sep 20 2004, 09:35 PM

From everything I've heard, the Kit Carlson system will be the way to go. From the sounds of it, it will just plug into the existing system, using the stock sensors and injectors. I'm not too sure on the price, but I know that Jake has been testing it, and he had nothing but positive things to say. It may be worth the wait!

Posted by: Jake Raby Sep 20 2004, 09:37 PM

No serious DIY on the Kit Carlson system..

The way we'll be selling it all you do is hook up the harnass, you can even use stock injectors and etc..

I can attest to how easy it was, even a test system with a test harnass and brain. We installed it in one day on my 912 and did so from carbs.

Still no issues and 4,000 miles on the system so far

Posted by: tommy914 Sep 20 2004, 09:59 PM

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Sep 20 2004, 10:17 PM

It looks like by the time you get a FI system you might have time to wash and wax??
LOL
Cheers, Elliot

Posted by: Jake Raby Sep 20 2004, 11:42 PM

They are being produced in a more mass quantity now. I think Dave has to get some insurance and paperwork things settled before he will sell a system.

I would estimate some time before Christmas to be selling them, but thats all according to testing on some more engines here at the shop...

Posted by: lagunero Sep 21 2004, 12:43 AM

Great news on the expected release! If this is true then I can prep to build my engine for carbs or the Kit. All in time for Xmas!
Elliot, if I wash my car then I'll lose my signature