To my knowledge though, the original design of the FI injectors themselves haven't changed any more than the nozzles on aerosol spray cans. Granted, solid state controllers take FI to another level. But for example FI injectors still use an electromagnet (solenoid) to raise a needle valve off it's seat to mix gasoline with air. The gist is that nobody has been able yet to radically re-design the *injectors* on a FI system.
Yup. I worked on computerized engine control and fuel injector programs for an American automaker over 35 years ago. Most cars sold in America since the start of the 1973 model year have had all the sophisticated sensors and technology that we see today. Hell, the 1974(?) Gran Torino featured in Clint Eastwood's movie did. Switch if from carb to FI would not have been hard at all *if* there was a throttle-body that would bolt onto the intake manifold.
Have to laugh every time a novice starts raving about the wonders of some "modern" technology. Reminds me of something my father told me many years ago: Every generation gets its first experience with sex then think they're the ones who invented it.
Until the advent of computerized cars there was no way to adjust half a dozen different functions on the fly. Since electrons travel at roughly the speed of light it makes the computers able to actually make real time adjustments depending on input based on several different data points from the transducers.
You know, I've been thinking about that. Since October of 1972 (that's when the first 1973 model year cars were sold), every gasoline powered car or truck sold as new by a major manufacturer has been computerized. Emission regulations mandated it. That's only 42 years, not the 50 I cited. But it's just about EVERY car and truck.
Another factor is the cost. Our father's fuel injection was extremely expensive, required modification to the engine and required a high level of expertise to even make work properly.
Thanks to mass production even economy cars can come with it. That's what makes it modern.
Been thinking about that, too. Do you realize what a 1973 Mercedes 450SE carried for a sticker price? 13 grand -- about the same a the cheapest car available today. Hmmmm.
Adjust for inflation! you cry. Okay. But first do it for gasoline. You'll find that fuel was MUCH more expensive back then than it is today so it would have made more sense to install FI back then. Mass production savings are no different today than back then -- and just as much an illusion poorly understood by almost everyone.
So why now but not then? Legislative mandates (for emissions AND fuel economy) along with the consumers' acceptance of paying significant premiums for mandated equipment.
One more thought: That wonderful FI won't be doing anyone much good if we encounter an EMP of any significance. Not that it wouldn't affect those of us with carbureted Shadows. The folks who will still be driving will be those with carbureted diesel engines -- though gasoline engines that predate solid-state ignition (i.e. ones with distributors) will be running until the supply of points is exhausted. Or the last timing light fails.
