Engine Computers

From: JT McBride (James.McBride@GDEsystems.COM)
Date: Tue May 07 1996 - 19:27:08 EDT


Dave Hornback <hornback@qualcomm.com> writes:
>Hi-Po computer? Sounds interesting. Is that an aftermarket computer that
>gives better performance? Would it still pass a California smog test? Are
>there any memory chips (eprom's) that can be swapped on the Dakota's?

Sam's refering to the Mopar Performance computer. Several list members own,
or have used these (Larry Elliott, Chris Siano (I think), and Bill Countie).
You can ask them, but I believe it costs you about 2 mpg, and demands ONLY
Premium (91 octane test) fuel. I guess it's worth it (or was before gas prices
climbed). according to Bill Countie, they're completely different computers.

I'd be interested to learn whether both are based on Motorola MC68HC11 chips,
or whether the MP computer uses a more generic (say MC68008) processor, in
which case it would be fairly easy to burn custom EPROMs (as opposed to
swapping the microcomputer). God help us if they used an Intel chip!

BTW, I read an interview with the head of Jeep development, who indicated
Chysler thinks they can make do with 8-bit u-computers thru the end of the
decade, at least. Since they (like Ford, and now GM) are Motorola customers,
they'll then have a decision to make: increment to 68332 (like GM now), or
leapfrog to Power-PC (was 88K-family) u-computers like Ford's ECCM-V (or is
it -VI) will be.

Here's the ultimate: build an engine controller with parallel processors, one
for each cylinder, getting global commands, but each monitoring their own O2
sensor (one per exhaust tube) and responsible for that cylinder's mixture and
ignition timing with a real-time control loop and algorithmic control laws
(no look-up tables). Oooooouuaaahhh! Cost no object, of course.

[Why bother with such a pedestrian engine - that would go on the Viper II -
five little solenoid-actuated valves per cylinder (times 10) -- valves also
under u-computer control -- no cams, no distributor, maybe even TURBOCHARGED.
Ahhhh, I'm better now...]

Pre-programmed,

Jim
P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P-PP-P--P
   I love lush forests, running streams, naked women, and motorcycles.
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