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TBI on the Spitfire - Getting Close

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:14 pm
by loren
The story so far... MS is installed in the car and presently running EDIS ignition. All is well there.

I'm getting close to ready to install the TBI. I've acquired a unit from a 1986 Ford Tempo, and am using a 64 lb/hr injector from an early Ford Taurus.

Checklist:
Coolant Temp - Done.
Air Intake Temp - Have it, will put it in the intake tract.
Throttle Position - on the TBI, ready to go.
MAP - no problem.
WBO2 - Installed and tested.
Throttle Cable Bracket - On the "to do" list.
Fuel Pump - have a salvage Audi pump ready to install.
Intake Manifold - Nearly ready to accept the TBI.

What am I missing?

And a couple questions:

Anybody know of an "inline" PCV valve? Just a simple piece that connects with 3/8" hose barbs on BOTH ends? Do I need to use a separate vacuum port for the MAP input, or can I share a port with the PCV?

The Tempo TBI has the fuel regulator built in. It has two fuel connections on it. Anybody know which is which? If not, will it hurt anything if I get it wrong?

Anybody want to look at my MSQ file and see if I'm anywhere near correct to get the car to start? Once it's started, I can run autotune on it... but I've got to get it started without blowing it or myself up!

I'm getting pretty excited about this! Unfortunately, I won't have much time to work on it this weekend. :(

Re: TBI on the Spitfire - Getting Close

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:49 pm
by FixItAgainTony
Loren,
Check out figure 2 in the link. It should clarify the fuel line question.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/09 ... oPages.htm
On the initial tune, use the fuel table calculator to generate a table and the instructions concerning req'd fuel. Given that you already have it running with EDIS, a lot of the problems with a solid tach signal, understanding the software, etc are taken care of. I would not be surprised if you get it to light off [run, not burn] on the first try.

Did you have to do much to get the throttle body to mount where your weber carb was?

Good luck -
- Charles.

Re: TBI on the Spitfire - Getting Close

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 6:09 pm
by loren
Aye, Charles, that clears up the fuel line dilemma. Thanks! (and I'm gonna engrave "IN" and "OUT" on them right now!)

When I found this two-bolt Ford TBI unit, I decided to use it with a stock Spitfire manifold instead of the Webber manifold. It's a pretty easy fit, but I learned today that it's not quite as "stupid simple" as I expected. The bolt spacing on the TBI puts the bolt hole centers right on the edge of the mating flange. (meaning that only half of each bolt hole is present... kinda hard to tap that!) If I had the means to weld aluminum, it would be a piece of cake to put an extra half inch of "meat" on each side of that flange to tap into. Of course, I don't have that ability, nor do I want to sink a bunch of money into having someone else do it. Another option would be a simple 3/8" adapter plate, which would be great if I had a piece of 3/8" aluminum. (of course, then I'd have to bore a 42mm hole through it... not fun) So, I went with plan C, which would make any good engineer cringe. I made what are essentially steel "nut plates" to go on the back side of the aluminum flange. They seem to be capable of holding together just fine, but it looks hokey as heck. If I decide that the TBI isn't going to be a temporary solution, I'll do up a proper adapter plate someday, but this will work for now. I'll have photos of it up on my blog tonight, btw. (lots of fun reading and photos if you're bored: http://invisiblesun.org/blog/)

So, if I'm reading you right... I should have enough information at my fingertips that if I take the time to RTFM, I shouldn't have any trouble starting the car. Good!