So I got this Power Commander and wondering if I should put it on my Cali 1100i.

[rjamesohio]

I bought a bike a couple months ago and paid extra for the PC unit he had since I wanted to play with it. The 'new' bike was a 2003 Stone, and since it runs pretty sweetly I'm actually thinking about putting the PC on the '96 1100i Cali.

But before I go burn a bunch of time - thoughts on running a Power Commander on these early fuelies? I just did a throttle body sync and got her running fairly sweetly, but she's still not nearly as smooth as the 2003 Hydro Motor and I'm wondering if the Power Commander might sweeten her out a bit.

Mileage on my Canada trip ranged from 37 at High Speed (on 10% Ethanol, which sucks) to nearly 50 MPG when we cruised the two lanes at a leisurely 60 MPH).  I don't expect HUGE improvements in MPG, and certainly don't want to lean it out so much it endangers the motor, BUT - I wonder if a slight re-map would smooth that 1100i a bit more.

Hoping to hear some sage advice from the esteemed knowledge base known as Wild Guzzi.

Rocket

[John Croucher]

The PC needs to be pre tuned to the bike based on mods.  Then adjusted based on changes in riding conditions as needed.  Find someone that can dyna tune the bike on a dyno with the PC installed.  You will not break anything installing and riding pre tuned.  Give it a try if you want.  You may spend money on replacing fouled plugs. 

[oldbike54]

 Expecting an early fuelie to run as smooth as a well set up hydro isn't realistic .

 Dusty

[Wayne Orwig]

Are you saying that you want to put a PC from a 15M ECU on a bike with a P8 ECU?

That will be a wiring nightmare, IF it can even be done.

[John Croucher]

I would address the cam chain before attempting to make fueling adjustments.

[Huzo]

I'd be asking Beetle...

[Idontwantapickle]

Friends don't let friends install power commanders.

[rjamesohio]

Are you saying that you want to put a PC from a 15M ECU on a bike with a P8 ECU?

That will be a wiring nightmare, IF it can even be done.

Wayne-

I think so, and I’m afraid you’re right. See you saved me lots of time- lol.

And when I dugnitnout this afternoon it specifically stated “for 2000 to 2003 Moto Guzzi”.

I guess I could plug it into the Stone and play with it, but it’s not like I need something else to do in the shop.

Back to that cam chain thought I DO think it’s a bit noisy, like the tensioner May need replacing. Or the whole mess swapped out for a timing gear set. But again - is this a known issue in 1100is? Just got back from a little jaunt to Canada and it did OK, I just think it could be smoother.


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[beetle]

I'd be asking Beetle...

Beetle says "no". But beetle hates Power Commanders.   


I don't think it would be a wiring nightmare. I believe the injectors are the same on the 96 & 2003. The only other connection is the TPS. Should you go ahead, I strongly recommend you run a 30k resistor in series with the PC connection. The poxy PC loads down the TPS and you will never get the ECU to see the correct throttle position*. The resistor will reduce the affect.


John is right. You should get a dyno run, or at least the AFR readings in the areas you want to change, otherwise it's a waste of time if you use guesswork.








* one reason beetle hates Power Commanders

[rjamesohio]

I may postpone the experiment unless I plug it into the Stone. And the. Would only use the buttons to tweak a pre-existing map. I think I have access to a factory built map for the stone


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[Kiwi Dave]

Even only 3 buttons is 3 too many.  Very easy to f#&k things up.  At least, this is what happened to me.

[rjamesohio]

Actually tweaking the fuel map is similar to re-jetting, without the mechanical changing of the jets.

I would agree that changing timing curves could be a bit dangerous.

I’m thinking there may be a different harness for the 1100i computer that would still enable the use of the PCIII. Will see when  I talk with Dyna on Monday


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[PeteS]

Does your 15M PC have a connector for the computer or connectors for the injectors? When Todd Eagan made his custom PC for the P8 computers he made connectors for the injectors. You had to splice in a wire to the big connector for the computer to get the signal for the spark for timing purposes. The timing itself was not alterted, only the mixture.
Not sure how you will get this to work with a P8 computer unless you can find male and female connectors for it. I think that was the issue for Todd which made him go the route of the injector connectors.
The 15M came pretty close to being right. All of the bikes from the '90s that use the P8 style were terrible, almost unridable like Centauro. The EV wasn't much better. If you can get this work it will be worth the effort. You might want to contact Todd and see if you have a chance. Not sure Dyna will help much here but worth a call.

Pete

[rjamesohio]

Thanks for the replies, some excellent info on the difference between those two computers. I’m having fun with these two new to me Guzzis; the Cali is a great road tripper.

My goal is to get the Cali to the point where it is as smooth as my carbureted LeMans and SP 1000 were after fettling them over a couple seasons.

But - as many here know - the hydro motors were really smooth and I’ve been quite surprised at the improvements Guzzi made in the transition from the early fuelies and the early 2000 models even if there was a detour with the recalls. Not just the engine either - I feel like the gearbox was a quantum leap as well!

I’ll post what Dyna tells me and that may lead to a review of the info Todd Eagan developed.

In the end - Dusty may be right. You accept what each of these Guzzi eras gives you as best it can and smile on down the road.


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[Zoom Zoom]

Fodder for campfire discussion in Ohio.

John Henry

[Wayne Orwig]

Personally, I would prefer burning a new eprom in the P8.

[twowings]

Power Commanders belong in a museum, along with other ideas whose time has come and gone...