As I sit here and type I am so frustrated I am ready to go ballistic.
Some of you may be familiar with my restoration thread: http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?65096-Hawk-Rod-The-Restoration
I have tried everything in my power to make this car really nice. I have planned and worked my a$$ off to get this thing ready to do a once in a lifetime trip across the country starting in September. But as I sit here, I am getting close to needing to cancel the trip. Why? Because I have spent 1000s of dollars on a FAST EZ EFI 2.0 system.
I purchased this system and I have taken GREAT CARE to install it exactly per the instructions. I spent the entire winter months integrating together the FAST system, a MSD 6A box, the Classic Air system and an upgraded more powerful alternator with a split power system to safely power stuff under the dash. When I started up my car, NOT ONE electrical connection was wrong! I say that not to brag, but to try and show that I am not some hack that threw this system in there without reading the instructions.
The issue I have is that the computer will not learn. I continue to get IRM (Ignition Reliability Monitor) counts that indicate noisy signals. In numerous calls to FAST tech support, I have been told to do any number of things to reduce noise:
* Keep all ignition wires away from the FAST wiring. Well, I say, the Mopar coil and distributor are in the same area, and the wires all run along the passenger valve cover. Too bad, that's an issue. So I had to reroute the distributor FAST wiring down the driver side valve cover. No change
* I wrap the distributor wires in aluminum foil and ground that. No change
* Power the MSD box off the starter lug. No change
* Ground the MSD box to he engine. No change
* Power the switched FAST control wire from 12 Volts directly. No Change.
* Verify spark plug wires and spark plugs are resistor type. They are
* Then I am told all car wiring needs to be at least 6 inches way from any FAST wiring. REALLY?!?!?! Try THAT under a dashboard after you have built the whole car.
I have gone on-line and tried to research the issue. Unfortunately, I have seen many posts from people with the same problems. Some have finally been so frustrated they tore the system out of the car and put a carb back on it.
Finally, I read a post that newer FAST ECUs (the "brains" of the system) have a noise filter built in. Looks like these might be units built later in 2014? Mine was built Feb 2014 so I'm sure it has no filter. Of course, the techs that I have talked to have never said a word about this. I am constantly told that essentially it is my problem due to wiring noise, and they have sent me on wild goose chases that take lots of time and effort to try; all with no results.
I am FED UP. Basically, if I can't solve this issue by next weekend, I likely have to call off the trip of a lifetime that I have planned and worked so hard to make happen. I've been working on putting this together for over 20 months...
Bottom line is I cannot recommend the FAST system to anyone. Don't do it.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Hawk
Some of you may be familiar with my restoration thread: http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?65096-Hawk-Rod-The-Restoration
I have tried everything in my power to make this car really nice. I have planned and worked my a$$ off to get this thing ready to do a once in a lifetime trip across the country starting in September. But as I sit here, I am getting close to needing to cancel the trip. Why? Because I have spent 1000s of dollars on a FAST EZ EFI 2.0 system.
I purchased this system and I have taken GREAT CARE to install it exactly per the instructions. I spent the entire winter months integrating together the FAST system, a MSD 6A box, the Classic Air system and an upgraded more powerful alternator with a split power system to safely power stuff under the dash. When I started up my car, NOT ONE electrical connection was wrong! I say that not to brag, but to try and show that I am not some hack that threw this system in there without reading the instructions.
The issue I have is that the computer will not learn. I continue to get IRM (Ignition Reliability Monitor) counts that indicate noisy signals. In numerous calls to FAST tech support, I have been told to do any number of things to reduce noise:
* Keep all ignition wires away from the FAST wiring. Well, I say, the Mopar coil and distributor are in the same area, and the wires all run along the passenger valve cover. Too bad, that's an issue. So I had to reroute the distributor FAST wiring down the driver side valve cover. No change
* I wrap the distributor wires in aluminum foil and ground that. No change
* Power the MSD box off the starter lug. No change
* Ground the MSD box to he engine. No change
* Power the switched FAST control wire from 12 Volts directly. No Change.
* Verify spark plug wires and spark plugs are resistor type. They are
* Then I am told all car wiring needs to be at least 6 inches way from any FAST wiring. REALLY?!?!?! Try THAT under a dashboard after you have built the whole car.
I have gone on-line and tried to research the issue. Unfortunately, I have seen many posts from people with the same problems. Some have finally been so frustrated they tore the system out of the car and put a carb back on it.
Finally, I read a post that newer FAST ECUs (the "brains" of the system) have a noise filter built in. Looks like these might be units built later in 2014? Mine was built Feb 2014 so I'm sure it has no filter. Of course, the techs that I have talked to have never said a word about this. I am constantly told that essentially it is my problem due to wiring noise, and they have sent me on wild goose chases that take lots of time and effort to try; all with no results.
I am FED UP. Basically, if I can't solve this issue by next weekend, I likely have to call off the trip of a lifetime that I have planned and worked so hard to make happen. I've been working on putting this together for over 20 months...
Bottom line is I cannot recommend the FAST system to anyone. Don't do it.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Hawk