94 GMC K2500 with Fi-Tech EFI

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Flextx500

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So my son bought his first vehicle, a 1994 GMC K2500 with 5.7 TBI. The engine is shot and he got a great deal on a lightly used 350 ZZ4 crate engine with Vortec heads. He's purchasing all kinds of parts for it inlcuding a Fi-Tech EFI, 30001. Of course this is his and my first build. We've already installed headers and put the engine in the truck and buttoning things up while waiting for the EFI system to show up.

Now comes the questions. He's trying to keep this somewhat low cost and not sure what we all need to/from the stock computer.

What does the computer need for transmission shifting?

The truck currently has the computer controlled HEI distributor. This Fi-Tech system does have the optional timing control capability. What's the best option for controlling the timing on this thing? I'm completely confused on this one.

Any suggestions or help is very appreciated.
 

Dubs

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So my son bought his first vehicle, a 1994 GMC K2500 with 5.7 TBI. The engine is shot and he got a great deal on a lightly used 350 ZZ4 crate engine with Vortec heads. He's purchasing all kinds of parts for it inlcuding a Fi-Tech EFI, 30001. Of course this is his and my first build. We've already installed headers and put the engine in the truck and buttoning things up while waiting for the EFI system to show up.

Now comes the questions. He's trying to keep this somewhat low cost and not sure what we all need to/from the stock computer.

What does the computer need for transmission shifting?

The truck currently has the computer controlled HEI distributor. This Fi-Tech system does have the optional timing control capability. What's the best option for controlling the timing on this thing? I'm completely confused on this one.

Any suggestions or help is very appreciated.

You can't control timing through the ecu. You need a stand alone hei . I run the same fitech you have. Or the 30002 can't remember but the last number is color choice. Anyway the timing control in the fitech is for a locked hei I don't use it. Go to chevelle.com and do a search for fitech. There is over 300 pages of tips, tricks, and how to. If you need more help pm me. As far as Trans control it'll probably be cheaper and less headache if you just get a hgm controller or something like it.
 

Flextx500

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This engine came with an upgraded Summit 850200 Computer Controlled Billet Distributor. To keep using this distributor I believe I can install the MSD 8861 HEI Bypass module which bypasses the computer control module and allows you to just use the magnetic trigger. Then I could use the Fi-tech to control timing, or is this still not recommended. Just trying to save my son some money by re-using parts.
 

Dubs

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This engine came with an upgraded Summit 850200 Computer Controlled Billet Distributor. To keep using this distributor I believe I can install the MSD 8861 HEI Bypass module which bypasses the computer control module and allows you to just use the magnetic trigger. Then I could use the Fi-tech to control timing, or is this still not recommended. Just trying to save my son some money by re-using parts.

If you can bypass the computer module in the distributor then yes, you are correct, Fi-Tech will control it. Just remember you have to set the timing curve on the Fi-Tech. It's not an automatic type of deal. it's a lot of test and tune but from what I understand very worth it.
 

Flextx500

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I think that was another option for my kid. I'll have to check his parts box, but I thought his replacement motor might have came with a vacuum distributor.
 

7thdarkangel

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This engine came with an upgraded Summit 850200 Computer Controlled Billet Distributor. To keep using this distributor I believe I can install the MSD 8861 HEI Bypass module which bypasses the computer control module and allows you to just use the magnetic trigger. Then I could use the Fi-tech to control timing, or is this still not recommended. Just trying to save my son some money by re-using parts.

If you can get the distributor to work with the fitech timing control, then setting up the timing is really no different then playing with weights and springs. the advantage is that you can change the timing with a click of a button in a parking lot and not have to take the distributor apart to change your timing advance. Just follow the instructions for "phasing" the distributor properly. This will effect how the timing control works or rather if the value you input are actually what the engine is getting.

As far as the transmission, I know they sell a adapter that splits the signals from the sensors on the fitech unit so you can share them with a transmission controller. That way your not splicing into the fitech wiring and voiding your warranty.
 
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Dubs

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If you can get the distributor to work with the fitech timing control, then setting up the timing is really no different then playing with weights and springs. the advantage is that you can change the timing with a click of a button in a parking lot and not have to take the distributor apart to change your timing advance. Just follow the instructions for "phasing" the distributor properly. This will effect how the timing control works or rather if the value you input are actually what the engine is getting.

As far as the transmission, I know they sell a adapter that splits the signals from the sensors on the fitech unit so you can share them with a transmission controller. That way your not splicing into the fitech wiring and voiding your warranty.
Hgm sells the y adapter. I think $12.
 
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