KitCarlson EMS Poll, How many should I build ??? Options

[KitCarlson]

Hey,

I know this question has a difficult answer. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) I would like to know a ball park number of EMS units to build in the first release. I need to order the mechanical parts and work with a contract manufacturer for the board build. Setup costs can be a significant cost for small orders. Lead time is also a concern.

Why is this question difficult? You are being asked to suggest to me your potential interest without knowing the exact cost or performance of the system.

The beta test unit is not yet in operation due to Brad's move. It was my hope to have un-biased tests in progress at this time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) I have been working on the system full time since the start in October. The next step is to be production ready.

For those wondering what is the EMS. It is an engine management system that provides direct ignition, fuel, idle, and turbo boost control for VW and Porsche engines. It uses a special optical distributor sensor means to avoid the mechanical difficulties in crank/cam sensors. The ignition timing is electronic. The unit provides an easy upgrade for the D-Jetronic or L-Jetronic systems. The system will be sold turn-key with all parts and harness.
For more information please visit: http://home.mindspring.com/~dave.c/kitcarlson/

Please use a personal message to suggest your interest. I will answer questions you may have.

I really appreciate this BB that works to unite all 914 owners, and a means to conduct this poll.

Kit

[Carrera916]

Kit,

After reading this thread and your website a bit, I'm only sorry for myself for not doing something like this, but hell, it's nice to see someone like yourself jump ahead of me...meaning? it sure save me a lot of time (very young family keeps tied me down) and money for development work (I'm too poor!)....I would definately buy yours when it's ready since I personally would rather use the FI over carbs for it's great driveability (but I also realllllly like the looks of good ole Weber sticking its 'finger' upward to the ones looking down)....

As for the cost, I respect your needs to be able to cover your development time and manufacture cost.....I have a suggestion that may give you an idea or a way to build your 'reputation' of great stuff....how about start a basic system that just meet the function/needs to run the engine as much as the current stock set up but far better than the stock set up. Then from there, if someone wants to have more flexiability with your unit, they can buy an upgrade that's DIY installation or have it upgrade done by you/your company, that would give everyone a choice of EMS unit to meet their needs with the according prices right there.

If you could come up with a DIY kit where one can build it for the sake of lower price and maybe a limit warranty VS to a complete kit from you, I would jump at that since I'm very capable to make my own as well for others. It's just an idea for you to see what the market is like. I would have to agree to others that posted above me, you do have a market for it, almost all FI 4 cylinder engines that Porsche and VW have made, would greatly benefit from your unit and from there, if you're good and everything is peachy with the system, you CAN expand to other engine makes (that suffered from crapy factory ignition/FI design) very easily.....so GO FOR IT!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif)

Oh, Kit, hurry up with that so I can actually spend the money toward your unit before I have to buy all the crapy designed FI/ignition parts to get my engine up and running BEFORE June....the 914 gathering! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/MDB2.gif)

jerry