Installing the FAST EZ-EFI 2.0 Multi-Port Retro Kit in a 1987 Pontiac Fiero V6 (Page 1/8)
82-T/A [At Work] FEB 17, 01:43 PM
Hello Fiero friends... I expect this thread to be contentious, like the Archie V8 versus the other guy (?), or whether or not to use the Crane Cams H262 w/ 1.6:1 roller rockers, or the H272 w/ 1.52:1 roller rockers... or even as contentious and violent as threads get when discussing whether or not to take Social Security early at 62, or wait until 67 (you know how those conversations go!)

This thread will be to discuss my entire process for planning (lack there of), and installation of the FAST EZ-EFI 2.0 Multi-Port Retrofit Kit into my 1987 Pontiac Fiero SE/V6. In its current condition, the Fiero's engine has been rebuilt into a 3.1 or 3.2. Essentially, a 2.8 with 3.1 crank and rods, and a .040 overbore set of pistons. I'll be installing the H272 camshaft (Crane, Comp? I can't remember) along with 1.52:1 roller rockers, basic port-matching and a little bit of hogging in the intake, with the Darrel Morse enlarged throttle body. I also have the hogged exhaust manifolds, and 17# Accel Injectors. This is the kit I will be installing (the 30404 kit):




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FIRST, I want to explain WHY I've decided to go down this path. I want an EZ button. I don't mind paying whatever the cost to get something that is going to WORK. The primary reasons for doing this is:

- WIRING: I no longer want to have to deal with or fiddle with 35+ year old wiring. I want a completely new engine wiring harness. COMPLETELY new. I don't want to deal with old sensors, fiddling with fusible links, or outdated technology.

- RELIABILITY: I want something that is just going to WORK. When I'm done with the car, I want to be able to get in it, and drive it. I don't want nonsense. I don't want to worry about taking it for a long drive. I want something that will JUST WORK.

- COMPATIBILITY: I want something that is going to allow me to use the majority of my existing components, and sensors (even though I will replace them with new)

- TUNING: More important than anything else... I am tired of trying to figure out what options to go with. MegaSquirt, 7730 or whatever, EPROM reflashes, whatever. It's still OLD technology. I don't know about the megasquirt, but the other systems still communicate at what, 180 baud? They require an old DOS laptop, fiddling with numbers, trying to dial it in. I don't want that, I really, really don't want that. I want something which I can simply put on, and it'll figure it out for me.


What I've said before will likely elicit some response... many against, but perhaps also by people who want the same thing as I do. Some thoughts... I made a post several years ago which you can find here. I originally looked at getting the EZ-EFI 1 system, and ultimately decided against it. There was some positive and negative responses... not negative as in mean, but pro/con discussions. There's a lot of information here, and a lot of feedback: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/131288.html


I've done a lot of research over the past couple of years on this, and re-kindled my desire over the past few days to solve this. I've found many reviews, both from people who were VERY happy, and those who were VERY upset. Generally I think people who have problems and are upset are more likely to speak out, where as with people where it "simply works" are less likely to comment. But here's what I more or less gathered in a few simple points:


  • If you have a poorly running engine, chances are, your engine is going to run poorly with this system also.
  • This system works FANTASTIC on V8 engines like GM's TPI motor, or other motors where you're converting to fuel injection, or upgrading the existing fuel injection.
  • This system works really well on stock, or slightly modified motors with good vacuum, and no electrical interference.



For people like us, who have a V6, the system is ABSOLUTELY designed to work with 4 cyls, 6 cyls, and 8 cyls (there's even a setting), but the majority of people who use it have V8s because, "...why would anyone want to upgrade a V6?"

There are some very happy customers who have purchased this system, and adopted them to very "non-standard" vehicles, such as in this example on a Datsun 280Z:




.

Break, first thing I need to do is get my car back to the house (which I will be doing in March), but I'm collecting parts right now for this job. I'll post everything here, so I can detail what I've done, and because it might help others (not just Fiero owners) who are looking to install on a GM-style V6.


Note, this is the kit I purchased: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fst-30404-kit - Total w/ Shipping was $1,578.05
... and here is the generic user manual for the complete kit: https://www.jegs.com/Instal.../244/244-ezefi20.pdf
jdv FEB 17, 05:32 PM
zkhennings did some nice wiring illustrations in his thread that might help with your install.
Spadesluck FEB 17, 09:49 PM
Very interesting. I will be following.
Raydar FEB 18, 12:34 AM
Very cool!
I'll just add that I had the Crane H272 in my 3.4. I really liked it. (Can you still even find those?!)
I used a Cloyes timing set with the cam gear that could be installed advanced, "straight up", or retarded. I installed it "retarded" to help the top end, since the 3.4 already had a bunch of torque, and I wanted something that would wind.
You will need to have your heads machined to allow for valve spring clearance, or maybe come up with different suitable springs. Stock springs will coil bind with that cam.
I would also suggest the "dawg" intake mod, or similar, on your upper intake, to eliminate the restriction in the neck.
That thing oughta scream.
Watching...

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-18-2023).]

Trinten FEB 18, 12:41 AM
Nice!

Glad to see another build using the FAST system. Some folks on here have done some incredible stuff with pushing the limits of various stock GM or the more DIY aftermarket systems (though MegaSquirt has come a long way to a more 'finished product' situation). The points you lay out are great reasons to switch things up, especially on the wiring and reliability stuff.

Subscribed!
MarkS FEB 18, 11:46 AM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

Very cool!

I'll just add that I had the Crane H272 in my 3.4. I really liked it. (Can you still even find those?!)


I would also suggest the "dawg" intake mod, or similar, on your upper intake, to eliminate the restriction in the neck.





Crower still lists a cam I was looking at for my V6: https://crower.com/camshaft...et-camshaft-142.html
Lead time is out there but I think if you order direct & keep on top of them, they'll come through. I scored a beautiful set of USA made Sportsman rods for my Pontiac 428 doing just that. Also, the DAWG mod was on my list. Not sure he does these anymore, but the mod is pretty well documented.
zkhennings FEB 18, 03:29 PM
FWIW, Megasquirt is really easy now, it self tunes also. I bought my Microsquirt for $400 with an 8ft loom. You don’t need to build your own PCBs anymore unless you want to. More DIY than what you got, which is negative in terms of more effort required, but you can tune on the fly, and all you need is the USB to serial dongle computer wise. It is also very GM compatible. Software is free.

I think you will be happy with your choice though.

Another good alternative that is getting bigger and bigger is the Link ECUs, and they offer all their own sensors so you don’t have to worry about getting everything calibrated and working properly, just outfit your engine with their sensors and get tuning.

Definitely do some intake mods, if you’ve ported your exhaust manifolds, then the intake is probably the biggest restriction.
La fiera FEB 20, 10:22 PM

quote
[B]
I want something which I can simply put on, and it'll figure it out for me.




Your reward will be proportional to the effort you put into it.
82-T/A [At Work] FEB 21, 12:55 PM

Thank you everyone who's responded, I really appreciate it! The whole kit comes tomorrow, so I'm very excited. I'm going to cover everything in this thread as I get through it, but I will also be going into a lot of detail on my own website. There's no ads or anything, so I don't make money on that site, it's just something where I organize everything so people with interest in some of the same cars I've had, can follow similar projects. http://www.PontiacPerformance.net (go to Current Cars, and 87 Fiero). I might even make it a separate page on the tech articles section. You'll have to excuse me, I wrote it in notepad, originally back in like 2003, so it's massively outdated looking. I'll probably reskin the entire website at some point, but don't want to focus on that.

The VERY FIRST THING that I'll need to resolve / create a solution for, is the timing. For those who do not know, FAST is now owned by a much larger group that also owns CompCams, Edelbrock, TCI, Russell, etc. When you call their tech support, you are generally linked to one of a handful of people (they respond better by e-mail). These people provide tech support in other areas, and while really intelligent and know their stuff, they often don't get a lot of questions on FAST. When I asked the question briefly before I bought it, the guy I talked to said it does not control timing, but obviously, the EZ-EFI 2.0 does in fact control timing (that's one of the benefits). So, their tech support is good but like with anything, I almost think I need to direct them towards the answer I'm looking for.

There are TWO areas with installing this that I find to be challenging:

1 - Making use of your stock gauges... how? Can these be powered by the existing feeds from the VSS and tach filter? Are there leads from the EZ-EFI?
2 - Getting the timing to work... I've heard a lot of different things, so I'll create a separate response to this when I've compiled all the information I have.



quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

Very cool!
I'll just add that I had the Crane H272 in my 3.4. I really liked it. (Can you still even find those?!)
I used a Cloyes timing set with the cam gear that could be installed advanced, "straight up", or retarded. I installed it "retarded" to help the top end, since the 3.4 already had a bunch of torque, and I wanted something that would wind.
You will need to have your heads machined to allow for valve spring clearance, or maybe come up with different suitable springs. Stock springs will coil bind with that cam.
I would also suggest the "dawg" intake mod, or similar, on your upper intake, to eliminate the restriction in the neck.
That thing oughta scream.
Watching...



Thanks Raydar! To be honest, I don't know... I purchased the H272 over 10 years ago, and before I put it in storage, I slathered it with gear grease so it wouldn't rust. It's in the original box, so I'll have to see. I also have a Cloyes timing set on my engine now, but I assume it's installed to default specifications. What is the DAWG intake mod? Thanks!!!



quote
Originally posted by zkhennings:

FWIW, Megasquirt is really easy now, it self tunes also. I bought my Microsquirt for $400 with an 8ft loom. You don’t need to build your own PCBs anymore unless you want to. More DIY than what you got, which is negative in terms of more effort required, but you can tune on the fly, and all you need is the USB to serial dongle computer wise. It is also very GM compatible. Software is free.

I think you will be happy with your choice though.

Another good alternative that is getting bigger and bigger is the Link ECUs, and they offer all their own sensors so you don’t have to worry about getting everything calibrated and working properly, just outfit your engine with their sensors and get tuning.

Definitely do some intake mods, if you’ve ported your exhaust manifolds, then the intake is probably the biggest restriction.



A lot of people told me to do Megasquirt. I wanted to, I seriously considered it. It wasn't cost, it just seemed like there would be a LOT of effort, and tuning, and configuration. I didn't want to hack together parts. I wanted an entirely new engine harness, which I effectively get with this... and it uses all the existing GM connectors, which is fantastic. Effectively, I can make it look 99% stock, which was part of my goal, while running reliably.

As for intake, when the car was still running and before I put it in storage, I had port-matched the heads to the lower intake manifold, and then port-matched those to the "runners" (or whatever we call the mid-section) and port-matched that to the intake plenum. I also had the throttle body bored out when Darrel Morse was doing it (to 52mm? I can't remember). he also bored out the intake neck to the same diameter, but of course, I realize it's still restricted at the neck itself where it pinches into the larger plenum. I did some porting / polishing... at least as much as I allowed myself to.

I also have the exhaust manifolds hogged out and reinforced. I actually bought them from Ed Parks back in the day. I have the ceramic-coated Y-Pipe, and then the Ocelot exhaust. I have a new catalytic converter which I'll also install, but I may decide to just go with a higher-flowing unit... depending on. I want the increased sound, but I don't want popping.

I'm not really expecting a race-car, haha... but goal for me is high 14s in the quarter on a good day. I'm in the process of doing a 5-Speed swap to it... or at least I was before putting it away. I have a ~30k mile original Getrag from an 87, and I've already rebuilt and installed the pedal assembly, new clutch master cyl, shifter assembly, etc. So we'll see.



quote
Originally posted by La fiera:

Your reward will be proportional to the effort you put into it.



Hah, yes... I just don't want old stuff in the car. I want the system to run as modern as possible, and ideally, I'd like to even get rid of the EGR and cold-start injector if I can.
lou_dias FEB 21, 01:12 PM
I feel for the level of mods that most people on this forum do that the '7730 conversion is enough to handle what you throw at it. Tuner Pro is not difficult to learn. I tune it myself because professional tuners don't touch ODB1 anymore.

I'm at the point now where I expect my 3.4->3.5 build to rev to ~7500 rpm and NOW I will need to go to an aftermarket engine controller...but that's me and La Fiera... We actually race our cars on tracks.