Fuel Delivery Questions

[AleroSS]

Im currently in the process of parting together and researching a turbo kit for my ecotec alero (with auto tranny). It should be goin under the knife in January, and Im just trying to find some answers here. Im gonna be runnin a T3/T4 (a/r of 60/61) at likely 6 psi, non intercooled for now (will add in future), and was wondering what I should be doing for fuel delivery on a relatively stock setup (aside from an intake). I was told by a local dyno tuner, that if I could get my hands on an SAFC II that he could tune it really easily. However, Im still unsure as to whether the ecotec would be compatible with the Apex'I SAFC II unit. Im finding it very difficult to find a knowledgeable answer on jbody.org as to what I can use (short of a stand alone system) for fuel, and I havent been on the board long enough to be able to tell who knows what theyre talkin about and who doesnt, nevermind filtering though all the drama queens over there. What alternatives to a stand alone system do I have(as a stand alone is way beyond my price range), and what will I need for a decent and reliable setup right now? Also, will units like the HKS Super AFR work, or perhaps an EIC unit? Im hoping some of my ecotec bretheren, and GM guru's can help me on this one please.

[bigd6983]

first i would make sure your fuel system is working to its potential........id look for things such as an upgraded fuel pressure regulator, something to increase fuel flow top end wise when your running under full boost.....next thing i would look at is ur fuel pump, make sure its working properly, ive heard the stock one will flow more than enough so as along as its working properly no worries......

id check the o-rings on the injectors, change out the fuel filter......

i think along with some kind of controller 6 psi requires minor fuel mods.........

[wy3134]

ive kind of put a halt to my research on the turbo i plan to add, mainly cause im not throwing it on till the warranty is up which is another 44,000 miles or basically another 2 years, so im focusing on other things, but when i throw a turbo on im going all out and not just doing a basic turbo, im doing the whole 9 yards and getting the stand alone fuel management, upgrading the pistons and rods, as well as heads and gaskets, probably get the 2.0L crankshaft, the blank camshafts to have custom grinds done to specifically match the power band i will need, upgraded fuel injectors to at least 440, intercooler, relocate battery to the trunk or somewhere else in the engine bay for a more direct intake, probably try to have a custom CAI built for larger intake (3", probably bigger), throttle body upgrade, with what the ecotec engines are going for right now on ebay, im half minded to grab one of those, and build off it, then just do a straight swap out, but i need to get storage or something first before i can do that, or a garage where i can work. im also looking into possibly getting a 5 speed ecotec and upgrading to 6 speed custom job down the road as a second option with buying an ecotec engine off ebay or out of a junkyard. Id look into a second engine that way u can perhaps spend more time doing a few more upgrades and dont have to worry about down time on your car, and from what ive looked at so far around the engine, seems like an easy swap, especially if you have everything hooked up to the spare engine., hell i see all you would have to do is make a couple plugs and screw down the engine mounts with how accessible the engine mounts are....although i just found out last week i have unlimited access to a 2 pole lift so thats a benefit.

[wy3134]

also a second option i may run is with the nitrous kit i just recently purchased, im considering setting up a second fuel cell, a small one like 5 gallon size, sort of a stand alone system but only when i use the nitrous, and that way i could run some 102-105 and really kick the ponies in....but that would require a few upgrades still...which would put less of a strain on the main fuel system and probably keep the car more streetable....something to consider....although im not sure how setting up a second fuel cell works....

[AleroSS]

Can I get away with just upgrading the injectors, and using a SAFC II or HKS Super AFR unit, or any other piggyback?

[bigd6983]

along with injectors id still say go with an upgraded fuel pressure regulator.........especially under fool boost and high rpm id feel a lot more comfortable knowing i wont lean out.........but thats up to you....

[Oldsman]

upgrade to 310 injectors and get a cartech FMU, FPR at least

[wy3134]

on a strickly bolted on turbo kit that isnt running intercooler, im sure u could get by without a fuel management thing, but id go ahead and take the extra time to do the stand alone, just so u dont lean out and its easier to control...my 2 cents.

[AleroSS]

Stand alone is currently out of the question due to costs. I was under the impression that the Ecotec would not be compatible with a cartech FMU due to something involving fuel returns or something... I'll get more details tomorrow

[wy3134]

my question is, why do you need to install the turbo now? id wait till spring, which would also give you time to save a little more money and maybe be able to get some upgrades for the engine or something...

[AleroSS]

My fabrication, install, etc can be done for free currently, plus I also currently will have access to a secondary vehicle in January (which wont likely be avail. in spring or later) plus, my schedule allows it. PLEASE, does anyone have any info on my options short of standalone???

[bigd6983]

injectors, and fpr, its already been said man......thats all you can afford for the time being and it will be sufficient until u wanna upgrade......

[BigJon34]

Originally posted by wy3134@Dec 19 2004, 10:45 PM
ive kind of put a halt to my research on the turbo i plan to add, mainly cause im not throwing it on till the warranty is up which is another 44,000 miles or basically another 2 years, so im focusing on other things, but when i throw a turbo on im going all out and not just doing a basic turbo, im doing the whole 9 yards and getting the stand alone fuel management, upgrading the pistons and rods, as well as heads and gaskets, probably get the 2.0L crankshaft, the blank camshafts to have custom grinds done to specifically match the power band i will need, upgraded fuel injectors to at least 440, intercooler, relocate battery to the trunk or somewhere else in the engine bay for a more direct intake, probably try to have a custom CAI built for larger intake (3", probably bigger), throttle body upgrade, with what the ecotec engines are going for right now on ebay, im half minded to grab one of those, and build off it, then just do a straight swap out, but i need to get storage or something first before i can do that, or a garage where i can work. im also looking into possibly getting a 5 speed ecotec and upgrading to 6 speed custom job down the road as a second option with buying an ecotec engine off ebay or out of a junkyard. Id look into a second engine that way u can perhaps spend more time doing a few more upgrades and dont have to worry about down time on your car, and from what ive looked at so far around the engine, seems like an easy swap, especially if you have everything hooked up to the spare engine., hell i see all you would have to do is make a couple plugs and screw down the engine mounts with how accessible the engine mounts are....although i just found out last week i have unlimited access to a 2 pole lift so thats a benefit.
I have no idea what any of that means but im sure its gonna rock! :huh: ;)

[AleroSS]

Three cheers for Constructive/Productive Posts! :P