Mounted to the throttle body...
Mounted to the throttle body are the throttle position sensor (TPS) and the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors.
Think about it-with only the processor in control of the timing and fuel delivery, each can be continually "tuned" to the engines' requirements under a particular instant's operating conditions. The ECU's processor takes in information from the various systems' sensors, relaying the engine's operating parameters. It then responds according to a schedule depicted by programmed "maps" of the required fuel and spark settings. While that sounds pretty trick, one of the greatest difficulties in producing an aftermarket EFI system is in the development of the ECU and its software.
Pro-Flow To Go
In developing the electronic controls for OE engine applications, the manufacturers have the luxury of programming the ECU to operate a specific engine combination, since each engine is identical in specifications. One of the difficulties in creating a control unit for aftermarket retrofits is that each customer's engine varies in its specific combination. The ECU must provide a baseline map to allow it to run, and have the flexibility to be fine-tuned to an individual's engine requirements. Edelbrock provides for these needs by preprogramming the ECU with fuel and spark maps that are developed in real-world testing, and then allowing the maps to be adjusted or custom-tailored to the application. The idea is to provide a product similar to one as-delivered from Edelbrock. This will allow the customer to optimize the control maps for his or her engine's requirements. Fine-tuning is done by a hand-held, plug-in calibration module.
An idle air controller, which...
An idle air controller, which is mounted to the back of the throttle body, provides bypass air for the idle-speed adjustment via the ECU.
The calibration module provides for the adjustment of both the fuel and spark functions of the ECU. On the fuel side, intuitive menus go through adjustments of idle speed and mixture, cold-start enrichment, closed-loop fuel, transitional and global fuel modifiers, as well as a map based upon an rpm/vacuum matrix. On the ignition side, there are controls for altering the timing on a global or overall setting, or in an rpm/vacuum matrix. There is quite a bit of tuning flexibility designed into the system. Really, as complicated as it may sound, the tuning procedure is straightforward, and Edelbrock provides detailed instruction on the tuning aspects of the system.
Mechanically, the Pro-Flow system is a comprehensive retrofit EFI system based on a high-flow, single-plane intake manifold, which mounts the injectors, fuel rails, bypass-style regulator, and a high-flow 1,000-cfm throttle body. The standard injectors are rated at 22-lb/hr fuel flow for applications up to 475 hp, with optional 44-lb/hr injectors available to handle up to 700 hp. The MAP sensor, TPS, and idle air control are mounted to the throttle body.
The final sensor input is...
The final sensor input is an oxygen sensor, which provides a direct feedback of the A/F mixture, allowing the ECU to read and adjust fuel metering to the desired air/fuel ratio. A bung must be welded to the exhaust pipe to accept the sensor.
The only additional sensors to install are the air and coolant temperature sensors and an oxygen sensor, which screws into a bung welded to the exhaust headpipe or header collector. On the ignition side, a distributor designed to work in conjunction with the ECU is provided, as well as an ignition amplifier. An E-core coil is required with this ignition. To provide for the required fuel pressure, Edelbrock supplies a Walbro external fuel pump, which must be plumbed to the fuel system, with a return line from the fuel-pressure regulator to the fuel tank.
To put its system to the test, Edelbrock fitted the new big-block Pro-Flow system to the 440 in a '70 Plymouth GTX. This vehicle was used as the engineering mule to work out the base calibration setting for the system in two levels of tune-Edelbrock's Performer and Performer RPM packages. Edelbrock's facility is equipped with a SuperFlow eddy-current dyno, which can simulate load and road operating conditions.
An air-temperature sensor...
An air-temperature sensor relays the intake air charge temperature. It should be mounted to the inside of the air cleaner to gauge the temperature of the air going into the engine.
The coolant temperature sensor...
The coolant temperature sensor can be conveniently installed in the water-pump housing.
A high-pressure, continuous-duty...
A high-pressure, continuous-duty fuel pump is required for EFI. Edelbrock supplies this Walbro pump with its kit. OEM applications have proven the durability of these types of pumps, which can be mounted safely, tucked against the inner framerail.
A distributor that is set...
A distributor that is set up to work with the ECU in order to control the timing is part of the Edelbrock injection system.
In addition to the distributor,...
In addition to the distributor, an ignition amplifier box is included. It upgrades the spark.
A stock-style coil will not...
A stock-style coil will not work with the Pro-Flow system, so an E-core coil is supplied. It mounts tidily at the front of the injection manifold.