Is anyone running this new FiTech ECU on their TPI?

 

Following

 

I am also curious. I was interested in Edelbrock's Pro Flo XT but decided against it when I found out it wouldn't control torque converter lock up.

The FiTech seems to do it all and use all stock sensor connections. This is a system that I am interested in.

 

Great looking product, very interested to see some results from this.

 

I will add that it is great to see that a company is willing to make a product for the TPI crowd. When this is in stock I plan on purchasing,

 

This one? I'm game if it'll work with my Stealth Ram. Just have to figure out where to put the screen.
https://fitechefi.com/product/38350t...ne-efi-system/

 

I plan to purchase as well when in stock. I've been a long time lurker on this website without posting, I'll post my experience with the FiTech TPI stand alone system. Have a very clean 89' Formula 350 with 55K miles - the TPI drives me nuts at times and is very difficult to diagnose accurately when running poorly. For reference I have a very clean 50K mile 1990 Camaro RS with the 305 L03 that is much easier to keep running well than the TPI IMO. Obviously the L98 is much more fun to drive and the TPI is probably the coolest looking factory NA intake set up out there. I think the addition of a wide band 02 sensor with self learning ecu capability will offer much improved driving characteristics for the average TPI enthusiast that does not have the capability or more importantly time to data log and burn their own chips.
I'm also interested in the 4l60 option as it would be nice to control the trans other than tweaking the TV cable.
The price points of $795-$995 also seem pretty fair. 90% of TPI enthusiast just looking to have a better running 3rd gen would choose the $795 option and wont need or want the dual wide band option of 4l60/80 trans control.

 

This kit is in stock at FiTech. After some research I decided to pull the trigger on the base kit. Will be busy with work in the coming weeks but plan to get this installed in the next month and will post results/thoughts.

Information I found in researching the system:
Base system $795- standalone ECU/Display with one wideband O2 designed to be placed in the stock location on the drivers side collector
Option 2 $895 - base system with additional WB02 and associated harness etc. to add the passenger side oxygen sensor for independent/more precise fueling of the passenger injection bank
Option 3 $995 - includes the dual WB02 hardware and the wiring harness to control a 4l60/4l80
The ECM/handheld is the same for all three kits. If you choose to upgrade to option 2 or 3 at a later date you must purchase the associated wiring sub-harnesses. Cost to upgrade the base system will cost approximately 20% more than if you by the upgraded option on the front end. So if down the road you choose to add the passenger side WBO2 it will cost you $120 as opposed to $100 if you bought the option 2 system initially.

System Positives:
-Uses all existing sensors and distributor. There are no additional components to buy, all wiring harness connections are designed to fit all factory sensors/injectors/distributor.
-Controls 700-r4 lock up and is programmable in doing such. Offers independent control/programming of 4l60/80 if you decide to upgrade from the 700R4
-Offers more precise fueling via feedback from wideband O2. More precise fueling available by using WB02 on driver/passenger side if selected
-System can be completely removed at a later date if originality is needed for a sale, etc. You are not chopping into the OEM harness, it can be cleanly removed and later replaced
-System controls timing w/out swapping to a dual sync distributor- uses stock distributor
-System offers multiple parameters for fine tuning both ignition and fueling. System includes "self learning" capability so you can have a well running car while you figure out the finer points of the available tuning parameters to completely dial in drivability to the systems capability
-Offer a handheld monitor that displays multiple engine parameters, data logs, acts as an independent dashboard if wanted
-System is priced fairly compared to other options on the market

System Negatives:
-Disables most of the emissions parameters in the ECM (hardware can remain in place) - EGR, AIR, Canister Purge, Check Engine Light are all eliminated in function
-Since you are not adding a camshaft position sensor injector firing is not sequential. FiTech basically states that injectors are fired in a sequential but not synchronized to engine position order. There is one injector firing event for every two engine revolutions as opposed to one injector firing event for each engine revolution with the stock TPI system. FiTech tech claims that the injector firing logic and wideband 02 feedback offers much more precise fuel control over the stock TPI
- Per above - this system does not offer the precision tunability that other systems can offer with coil on plug technology and/or true engine positioned sequential injection events
-System is not designed to be compatible with LS Swaps, etc.

Who this system is for and why I bought it:
-Designed to offer a non-invasive, easily removeable, easy to install ecm upgrade for stock/lightly modified factory TPI cars. Should offer much improved fuel/timing control over stock.
-Offers easy/inexpensive upgrade to add electronic transmission control when the 700r4 is replaced with a 4L60. One of my main complaints about third gens is the trans feeling is difficult to fine tune. They either shift generally sloppy or shift too harshly with the addition of shift kits and increased TV pressure
-Allows for user tunability without burning chips, without learning an obsolete method of tuning (BLM counts, etc.)
-Should allow for easier diagnostics when running issues arise

Overall I'm very interested to see how this kit performs.

 

I was also in contact with FiTech the other day and they told me they have the base system but the other 2 are back ordered. I was going to order direct from them but the shipping to Canada was $115 plus whatever the Border tacks on for duty and tax, could be another couple hundred $. Summit ships for free to Canada and any charges are prepaid so I know exactly what it will cost. In this case about $65. So I don't know who I will order from. If I choose FiTech it will be here in a week, but from Summit it is 5 weeks minimum according to their site.

It is too bad the ECM isn't just a direct plug and play into the factory harness. I do understand that they probably feel that the newest factory wiring is 30 years old and could have problems that would be blamed on FiTech.

I am curious about installation. You say uses all factory components and is removable with no cutting of the factory harness. But looking at the diagram it shows things like cooling fan and fuel pump leads, A/C signal, etc. look like they need connected to wires and relays, but if the factory harness is removed, what about the relays and connections?
These particular items in the layout are of question:
#4 Accessory Wires Wires go to Fan Relay, Tachometer, A/C Clutch, Speedometer, Brake Switch
#5 Orange (Fuel Pump) Fuel Pump circuit. Wire provides 12V to fuel pump. Connect to (+) terminal on pump

I am thinking there is more to it than the manual describes, but I could be wrong. I am still interested in the system though.

 

You bring up some fair and valid points. In retrospect I was too enthusiastic and should have stated "minimal splicing into harness". I think if you splice into the necessitated harness wires within the loom you could reverse the splices at a later date without visible detection if that matters to you. I agree that the age of the factory harness represents a challenge in using each cars original factory harness as the backbone of a true plug & play install; however, it would make for an easy install. A few sub harnesses would need to be included for the WBO2's.
The system including the new harness should install relatively easily with the amount of additional time for aesthetics chosen by the individual end user. My plan is to install the system for functionality at first to get it up and running, after everything is dialed in I'm going to take the time to run the harness as OEM as possible while performing several other engine bay detailing functions such as spark plug wire looming, removing the AIR system, removing the MAF and factory air cleaner assy, etc.

Just as an FYI, Jegs shows the base kit as shipping immediately. I don't know if Jeg's offers the same shipping deals to Canada that Summit does.
Thanks for your well thought out reply to my previous post - will be good to get a couple of these systems into cars and get feedback on everyone's experience is with it.

 

Thanks for all this. I’m interested in how well it works and how user friendly. I am looking all port injection options. For me it is between this system with TPI or the Edelbrock Pro Flo XT.

 

I almost went with the Edelbrock Pro Flo XT system but didn't because it didn't control torque converter lock up. That was the only thing I didn't like. I did use the intake and modified it to work with the TPI throttle body.

 

I also ordered direct from FiTech yesterday. They said they are backed up and should ship out tomorrow or Friday.

 

Thanks for the update, I ordered on Saturday and have not received a tracking number, was just about to call them until reading this email.

 

good to hear. Keep us posted. I just got the TPI that I have cleaned and painted. This will determine if it is a shelf piece or not. Thanks

 

Did yours ship out yet? I never got any notifications from them this week.

 

i think I saw where you bought it and cut open to port.

 

I have not seen any tracking yet. Going to call them tomorrow and see what the scoop is..

 

At 8:55am central time, 6:55am pacific time, I emailed the salesman that sold me the kit and didn't received a response back...nice.

 

I spoke with FITech today they said they are "assembling" the kits and they will ship out this week. When I ordered the kits were "on the shelf"... We don't have very many options out there so I'll remain patient and hope the kit is worth the wait.

 

Yikes. I hope that isn't a sign of product quality. I was also told they had it in stock when I ordered.

 

2 days now and no email back from them.

 

Another start to the week with no response from fitech.

Not very encouraging. I'm close to opening a dispute with my credit card company.

 

I am out of the country this week so I asked that tFITech to ship my kit out no earlier than Friday 6/24. I undertand your frustration, maybe try calling them direct for answers before throwing in the towel.

 

I did finally get a email back that said my order was being "fulfilled" and would ship next week. What a joke.

 

After 2 more emails that basically said "your order will be fulfilled as soon as possible. I told them I was told it was in stock on June 7th and since they can't fulfill my order, cancel it and refund my money.

I am very disappointed. But if you Google fitech reviews it is not unexpected. Lots of bad reviews about bad customer service.

I will follow and would be interested to know how the system works. Maybe in the future I will order again during the winter when I don't need it in a timely fashion.

 

thats too bad. I was very interested in this. I want the port injection so I’m going to go with Edelbrock system. I have seen way to many good things and very little bad. I think it will be the best for me to grow my combinations with. Sorry about the Fitech.

 

Has yours shipped out now that you are back?

 

I have not seen anything via email. Will try calling FiTech tomorrow and will update the status.

 

Spoke with Fitech today, they said the harness was being assembled this week and they expected to ship this week. I seriously doubt it ships this week, so I'm on the fence waiting. Unfiortunately the Fitech TPI kit is really what I'm looking for so I will wait it out.

 

I have no doubt you will get it at some point soon hopefully. But that's a joke man. You ordered a day or two before I did and they are still "assembling" the harness. You posted that it was "in stock" when your ordered. Fitech telling people it is in stock then still not shipping it 3 weeks later goes to say a lot about the company.

 

Surprisingly I received a FedEx tracking # today, should arrive Saturday. Not sure exactly when I'll be installing - sometime in the next few weeks. I'll make sure to share my install thoughts and how it performs.

 

I just ordered this kit.
After going well over a dozen rounds of datalogging and mailing Memcals back and forth with my engine tuner, and still not getting my other TPI engine running right, I'm inclined to try something more modern on this next project.
I'm building a "modestly" upgraded 5.7L L98 for my 88 GTA.
Upgrades include:
Bored over .030" (355ci displacement) with new +12cc dished pistons, zero decked & squared block, race balanced rotating assembly
Ported Aluminum Corvette 128 Heads, milled to 57cc chambers (~10.2:1 compression with the dished pistons)
Comp Cams 08-502-8 Cam, 218/224 .495/.503 112 LSA
Edelbrock Hi-Flo Lower Intake with SLP runners, 58mm TB, stock plenum & CAI
Bosch 30lb injectors, & adjustable fuel pressure regulator
Shorty headers
Estimating about 350HP at the Crank

 

I talked to FiTech today about using their relatively new TPI Standalone EFI System on the 1991 Camaro Z28 5.7L 700R4 that I recently purchased.
They said they were still learning more and addressing user questions with the system but at the present time their system did not control Cruise Control.
The gentleman stated that I would have to look for another way to keep the Cruise Control working on my car but did not have any suggestions.

Does anyone know how to keep the Cruise Control system operating if I use their Ultimate POI Standalone ECU?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

Yes you can keep the cruise control. Its been 10 years since I stripped the wiring out of a1991 Trans am and put it in a 1985 Camaro. The cruise control works off the VSS buffer on the back of the speedometer. I know the FiTech system replaces most of the wiring, but I would keep the original dash wiring (which is where the cruise box is), that way it will still function as stock. You might need to slightly merge both harnesses into 1 at some point.

 

91 the vss buffer is through the ecm. I'm not entirely knowledgable with the cruise circuit but I do know the vss on a 91 tbi is through a buffer box and tpi/mpfi doesn't use the box. Part of swapping a tbi to a tpi in a 90-92.

 

I had to use a 4k pulse VSS and the cable driven speedometer from the 1985 I was working on. I am sure there is a way to make the cruise and FiTech work.

But once again to some of my earlier posts. It is embarrassing FiTech doesn't have answers for these questions.

 

I totally agree with that one.

 

Does this setup work with the OE ECU to keep the gauges working or does it completely replace the ECU for all functions?

 

most gauges (minus the later port injected engines) don't use the ecm at all. 2 sending units for the coolant temp, one ecm, one gauge. Ecm doesn't use fuel level nor oil pressure. Tach is a signal from the coil.

 

I assume you received the Fitech? Did you start the swap or what are your plans?

 

Ordered mine on July 16.
Was informed last week that it would be "next month" before it ships. 🤦

 

Wow. And I was just looking at them again thinking, "I might try ordering one again".....

 

Interesting info here.....following.....curious to know how this is going to work out for you guys

 

wow saw this system and figured I would inquire, the customer service seems horrendous , I would hate to have a problem and need a replacement harness sent. Could be years 😂

 

Hey guys I have been looking at this setup and wondering if anyone has any feedback yet? Has anyone actually got this installed and tested it? Thanks.

 

did you ever get it? Install?

 

Someone has got to have this installed by now let's get some feedback!

 

Still waiting ,since august ,for delivery

 

WOW!