Last week I had the opportunity to spend an INTENSE day of learning things about FAST's XFI engine-management system (standalone EFI), out at Westech Performance in Alta Loma, California.
Thanks to Comp Cams's Chris Douglas and Trent Goodwin, and Lance Ward of FAST, for giving me an invite to take the course, and props to Brian Macy for conducting a well-run and informative seminar.
Why did I take the class? I'll let you know why, after the jump...
I've had XFI in my 1986 T-top Mustang LX coupe for almost 5 years. I chose XFI as the car's engine-management system because it seemed to be a bit easier to understand than some of the other "advanced" EFI systems, and I knew that it could support the type of horsepower I hoped the coupe would make--and give me ability to manage that power for street driving.
As the saying goes, I know "just enough to be dangerous" with tuning EFI. Yes, I can find my way through the keyboard and most EFI programs to establish safe air/fuel for naturally aspirated and power-addered 'Stangs. However, since tuning is not something I do regularly, I usually defer such tasks to those who are on the dyno every day, and know more about how to use various tuning softwares to make 'Stangs strong and run well.
Our one-day session with Brian was off the hook! I learned a LOT more about the XFI system (than I have taught myself over the years) by attending the course, and I'm really glad I made the move, and I suggest you check the Web site (www.efi101.com) and find a class that you can attend.
As we're now in the process of setting the coupe up with some exciting, new upgrades, it feels good to have a better concept of how to calibrate its ECU. Hopefully, with what I learned, as well as with the expertise of Josh Deeds of Deeds Performance, and EFI University's Brian Macy (who told me to "feel free" to contact him if I ever have questions), we just might be able to get the coupe over the 1,000 rear-wheel-horsepower mark, very soon!
Time to start downloading updates for my XFI processor!