TWIN TURBO HEMI

One of the hottest segments right now is the Pro Modified category with dozens of big dollar shootouts and backing from major drag racing series, including the NHRA. Recently, Wayne McLoad brought his Pro Modified 1968 Pontiac Firebird to FuelTech to learn more about his engine management system and get a baseline tune-up for his foray into the Mid-West Drag Racing Series. FuelTech offers unparalleled tech support and dyno time on its in-house Mainline Hub Dyno is available for scheduling to all customers.

The Jerry Bickel Race Cars Firebird features an all-billet Brad Anderson Enterprises HEMI engine and a pair of Precision turbochargers provides abnormal atmospheric conditions. Operating a top-level Pro Modified team requires the top-of-the-line ECU so it is no surprise that the group selected an FT600 engine management system with its incredible capabilities. All PowerFT engine management systems—FT600, FT550, FT550LITE, and FT450—offer sequential injection and ignition, Data Logger, Delay Box, Boost Controller, and Nitrous Controller as standard features. All ECUs also include a closed loop option for advanced and efficient fuel function, aiding in engine safety. The FT450, FT550, and FT600 ECU units house an LCD display and touchscreen on the actual unit, showing real-time data and allowing the user to make adjustments without a PC connection. Not only does the ECU display the real-time information from the assortment of sensors wired into the engine management system, all PowerFT ECUs can data log each sensor and that eliminates the need for an additional system to be built into the vehicle. In the case of the FT600, it is capable of recording up to 256 channels of data if configured properly. Another useful option is the GearController that is available in the FT600 and FT550 ECUs; in McLoad’s application the PowerFT unit activates the auto-shifter of a TH400 transmission. The low impedance fuel injectors, which are used on big power combinations like this one, are controlled through a Peak and Hold 8A/2A box. Applications that run eight injectors utilize two Peak and Hold 8A/2A boxes while combinations that run 16 injectors will need four boxes. FuelTech recently unveiled its latest injector driver box dubbed the Peak and Hold PRO. This new unit is programmable, allowing the user to adjust the amperage as per the fuel injector requirements as well as run diagnostics and set fail-safe thresholds to prevent faulty injectors from causing catastrophic engine failure. The new Peak and Hold PRO is a dual-channel box, meaning it can run up to eight fuel injectors and two boxes are needed to run up to 16 injectors. McLoad’s twin turbo package didn’t disappoint as it cranked out 3,662 WHP after the team made a few baseline pulls, in addition to reviewing the inner workings of the FTManager software. Other FuelTech products featured on this powerful ride include FTSPARK, CDI Racing Ignition Coils, EGT-4 CAN, and SWITCHPANEL-8. From powering unique street cars and muscle cars to the top door slammers in the world making over 3,000 WHP, there is a reason you’re seeing #FuelTechEverywhere