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External EFI Controllers
Modern EFI engines can often be adjusted even without actually remapping the PCM. There are a
wide range of devices designed to modify PCM inputs and outputs to adjust actual performance.
Some of these modify electrical signals and others mechanically change operating conditions.
When used properly, these devices can be useful and cost effective tools, but it is important to
understand exactly what they are doing and what their limits are.
Electronic Ignition Boxes      
Ignition amplifiers are probably the most common aftermarket addition to engine electronics. These
boxes amplify the primary 12-v signal to the ignition coil to upwards of 50,000 v. The result is higher
spark energy and the ability to bridge either a wider spark gap or a gap through a denser charge.
These are used to successfully overcome ignition blowout and misfires at WOT in most cases.
Although electrical in design, their function is largely mechanical since the major impact is upon
actual combustion initiation.
MSD Digital 7 ignition amplifier
The MSD Digital 7 acts not
only as an ignition amplifier,
but also allows a degree of
programmable ignition
advance adjustment. (Nate
Tovey)
More modern versions of these ignition boxes have added functions to shift ignition timing. The
ignition box knows engine speed simply by counting input pulses. Any changes made to delivered
ignition timing are unknown to the PCM. This means that the PCM may be commanding 30 degrees
of advance even if the ignition box is retarding delivered timing to 25 degrees. This should be kept
in mind when datalogging directly from the PCM, as actual advance needs to be calculated. A MAP
sensor can be added to adjust according to manifold pressure in supercharged applications,
allowing for spark retard relative to boost. This boost timing retard is usually adjusted in degrees of
spark retard per pound of boost. This allows for full timing at partial load and retardation even when
exceeding the maximum load calculated by the PCM. While spark advance may be optimized under
boost, fueling needs to be increased by some method as well.
MSD boost timing master
The MSD BTM works in conjunction
with a typical ignition amplifier. These
units have a built-in two bar MAP
sensor and can be adjusted for a
certain number of degrees of retard for
each pound of boost present. The port
for the sensor can be seen in the
middle here. (Nate Tovey)
Much like the boost timing retard, other boxes allow the activation of an external trigger (such as a
nitrous oxide circuit) to retard timing as well. These circuits allow for the engine to be tuned for ideal
operation in naturally aspirated trim while still ensuring proper retardation during nitrous oxide
injection.
VAFC / MAF Adjusters
Other devices adjust actual OEM sensor inputs to the PCM. The APEXi VAFC is one such item that
intercepts and modifies the MAP sensor signal before relaying it to the PCM. By shifting actual MAP
input, calculated engine load changes and the PCM makes what it considers normal adjustments.
Increasing this signal causes a net increase in fuel delivery and slight drop in timing to
accommodate the larger theoretical load. There are also several versions that do almost the same
thing with MAF sensor signals. Since the PCM does not know that these devices are active, any
adjustment to them should typically be made before mapping airflow in a full calibration to the PCM.

The MAF Translator and Diablosport MAFia converter act as voltage reduction boxes to extend the
range of a given MAF sensor. Since the factory MAF reaches its 5 v maximum relatively early on
GT Mustangs, the MAFia allows the sensor to feed it a higher voltage signal that is then scaled
down before relaying this voltage to the PCM. This global MAF voltage reduction requires a shift in
the MAF transfer function values as well as matching reductions to injector size and engine
displacement to keep fueling and load calculations correct. The Diablosport ChipMaster Revolution
software has a handy tool built in to speed these changes when using the MAFia. If employed
correctly, a 3% change to the MAF transfer function in the editor should still result in a 3% change
in delivered lambda as measured with a wideband O2 sensor on the vehicle.
More advanced MAF adjusters allow the user to completely eliminate the MAF sensor, replacing it
with a generated signal. This signal is created based on inputs from engine RPM, air temperature,
MAP, and stored tables for VE. This arrangement effectively converts the engine to speed density
with the calculated air mass being delivered to the stock MAF routine in the stock PCM. This serves
as a helpful method of exceeding a maximum measurement range of an undersized or restrictive
OEM MAF sensor. However, one must remember that it is simply generating a simulated MAF value
and all of the PCM’s original strategies are still in effect. This means that scaling the simulated MAF
signal down (to accommodate larger injectors) still leads to errors in calculated engine load. This
can have the detrimental effect of inadvertently increasing spark advance due to a lower calculated
load even when more fuel is actually being injected to match the increased airflow. Proper use of
these devices on engines that are modified (especially with forced induction) almost certainly still
requires changes to the PCM’s calibration to perform optimally.
APEXi ECU Diablosport MAFia
This APEXi ECU completely replaced the
factory module on this Toyota MR2. It even
retains the use of a MAF sensor, making the
calibration for the engine swap in this
vehicle much easier.
The DiabloSport MAFia acts as a scaling
device on the factory MAF sensor.  The
meter itself is capable of outputs in excess
of the PCM’s 5 volt maximum. This device
scales the signal down to a level that the
factory PCM can still recognize. Use of this
type of device requires careful recalibration
of the PCM.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you should have a good understanding of the inner workings of most
engines. Calibration is merely an exercise in giving the engine what it wants at any given time. The
entire tuning process helps the PCM predict engine needs based on the inputs it sees. When done
correctly, the driver is unaware that the engine’s needs are changing, as the output is smooth and
responsive to his or her commands. The more precise the calibrator is, the less the driver notices.
OEM engineers spend several years sweating the details on their calibrations before releasing a
new vehicle or engine to the public, but the procedure is the same for any successful endeavor.
A logical approach to calibration can
often save hours of dyno time and
aggravation on the street. When done
correctly, the results of a good tune
are both good drivability and excellent
power. (Nate Tovey)
Previous


This has been a sample page from

Engine Management Advanced Tuning Engine Management: Advanced Tuning
by Greg Banish
As tools for tuning modern engines have become more powerful
and sophisticated in recent years, the need for in-depth
knowledge of engine management systems and tuning techniques
has grown. Tuning engines can be a mysterious art, as all
engines need a precise balance of fuel, air, and timing in order to
reach their true performance potential.

Engine Management: Advanced Tuning explains how the EFI
system determines engine operation and how the calibrator can
change the controlling parameters to optimize actual engine
performance. This book takes engine-tuning techniques to the
next level. It is a must-have for tuners and calibrators and a
valuable resource for anyone who wants to make horsepower with
a fuel-injected, electronically controlled engine.
Click below to view sample
pages from each chapter
Author Greg Banish is a calibration engineer with extensive
aftermarket performance calibration experience. With over a
thousand unique calibrations performed over five years, he has
worked with enthusiasts and OEMs alike to improve the
performance and driving behavior of a wide range of vehicles.

The book contains detailed equations, graphs, and illustrations.
Also included are valuable and practical examples, including real-
world examples based upon the author’s experience that will help
more advanced readers apply this new information to situations
that are commonly seen during calibration.
1 - Introduction to EFI
2 - Basics of Fuel Injection
3 - Carbureted Engines
4 - EFI System Inputs
5 - Fuel Injectors
6 - EFI System Fuel Control
7 - Ignition Systems with EFI
8 - Data Logging
9 - EFI System Calibration
10 - Idle Calibration
11 - Tuning for More Power
12 - Fine Tuning EFI
13 - Tuning EFI with Blowers
14 - Tuning Ford EFI Systems
15 - Aftermarket EFI Systems
16 - INCA OEM Calibration
17 - External EFI Controllers
8-1/2 x 11"
Soft
bound
128 p
ages
200 color photos
Item # SA135
Price: $22.95
Click here to buy now!


 
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Performance Ignition Systems
Performance Ignition Systems is a comprehensive guide to
significant increases in power, mileage and overall engine
performance by custom tuning electronic or breaker point
ignition systems. Sections include increasing engine power,
efficiency, mileage and longevity using upgraded ignition
equipment, judging and troubleshooting ignition components,
including diagnosis and reading spark plugs, electrical wiring
problems and solutions, tech tips and custom wiring for the
ultimate performance ignition and much, much more.
Performance Ignition Systems
Price:
$18.95

Building & Tuning High-Performance Electronic Fuel Injection
Provides specific, detailed info on what fuel injection is & how it works.
Covers buying and installing the proper system for your performance
application. After a description of what programmable EFI offers its
users, author Ben Strader (founder and senior instructor of EFI
University) gives a detailed account of what you want to accomplish with
your EFI system, then shows you how to get there.
Building and Tuning High Performance Electronic Fuel Injection Price:
$18.95
How To Install and Use Nitrous Oxide
Injection Systems For Maximum Horsepower
Nitrous oxide injection is one of the easiest and fastest ways to
substantially increase engine horsepower. This new title
provides the
latest technical information available regarding the proper installation
and use of this high performance equipment.
How To Install and Use Nitrous Oxide Price:
$18.95
Turbochargers
How to select and install the correct turbo for big or small
horsepower gains. Discusses turbocharger design, sizing,
matching, controls, carburetion, exhaust, ignition,
intercooling, marine and high altitude applications. The most
comprehensive book available. Turbo suppliers and kit
maker addresses are included. “Everything you could possibly
need to know about turbochargers for automotive applications
is in this book.  
Turbochargers Price:
$18.95


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MRE
PO Box 47
Grinnell, IA 50112


THE RANGER AND BRONCO II V8 CONVERSION
THE RANGER &
BRONCO II
V-8 CONVERSION

HIGH PERFORMANCE FORD ENGINE PARTS INTERCHANGE
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PARTS
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1969 FORD SHOP MANUAL SET
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PERFORMANCE

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BIG-INCH FORD

SMALL BLOCKS
HOW TO BUILD MAX PERFORMANCE FORD V-8S ON A BUDGET
HOW TO BUILD MAX
PERFORMANCE
FORD V-8s ON A
BUDGET

HOW TO BUILD MAX PERFORMANCE 4.6-LITER FORD ENGINES
HOW TO BUILD MAX
PERFORMANCE
4.6-LITER
FORD ENGINES

1966 Ford Shop Manual CD
1966 FORD SHOP
MANUAL CD
HOW TO REBUILD THE SMALL BLOCK FORD
HOW TO
REBUILD THE
SMALL BLOCK
FORD

1965 Ford Shop Manual CD
1965 FORD SHOP
MANUAL CD

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