Opinions on Powerjection III from professional products

[g356gear]

Has anyone had any experience with this system? They claim to have some better options than the FAST EZ-EFI at a lesser cost.

http://www.professional-products.com/new.html

[camcojb]

I am always wary of Professional Products stuff. They made their business by copying existing manifolds, etc. and having them cast in China. That does not mean this system doesn't work, just that I won't buy anything from them out of principle.

Jody

[ProdigyCustoms]

I also am very leary of a company that made its name copying products. That is a pretty cheesy way to do things and it makes you aware of the mind set of the management. They bought a running system in Retrotec, but I have a hard time looking past their knocking off products.

[GregWeld]

I talked with these guys at SEMA -- for maybe an hour.... the two in the booth were actually pretty knowledgeable -- and were quite "convincing" with their pitch. BUT - BIG butt... their real sales pitch is all about PRICE...

If price is your 'thing' = then this might be for you... but it isn't going on anything I own. There's probably also a good reason you don't see it anywhere else either... and I don't think that is just "momentum". You're going to drop a couple grand -- and let's say one system is 2195 and the other brand is 2495 -- My thinking is it's the FIRST 2 GRAND that is the expensive part and I'm not gambling with the last couple of hundred.

[waynieZ]

Well put Greg .My buddy always says only ten cents more to go first class, an exageration but the same idea.

[ken67]

With regard to the powerjection 3 the feature list is definatly greater than the FAST unit and its made in the USA. As far as the copy cat post FAST is the one ripping off the idea. Why pay more for less? I can understand the protest on the manifolds but the EFI is just plain better. I have tuned almost every system on the market and this is by far the easiest EFI on the out there. I am putting 750 at the wheels with one of these.(twin turbo 438W)Believe what you want about the company but you are selling yourself short overlooking this product.

[ken67]

This is one time where 10cents less is first class!!

[BonzoHansen]

So you work for them or what?

[Vegas69]

Come on Ken, disclose your interest. Let's cut the chase.

[zcrz]

^^^what he said^^^

[GregWeld]

Ken -- I will absolutely agree with you on your statement of "you get more stuff" (not those words). They have included in the system their fuel pump management which is what took me so long to discuss with them (we had just had a thread about burning thru pumps on here - so I was very interested to hear their "story")....

This system of fuel pump management seemed to be spot on - as it was vacuum / fuel pressure management rather than RPM based... and appeared to be well engineered.

But - what we're all really saying here is ---- THE BRAND NAME is mud. Like marketing professors will teach you. It takes only one event to ruin a name that took years to build up. Just ask Tiger Woods.... :rofl:

In this case -- all the CRAP PARTS that has their name on it - ruins (perhaps) the one good thing they have going.

I'm not trying to be mean - or product bashing - etc here.... I'm just saying it like TODD meant to. :rofl:

[camcojb]

With regard to the powerjection 3 the feature list is definatly greater than the FAST unit and its made in the USA. As far as the copy cat post FAST is the one ripping off the idea. Why pay more for less? I can understand the protest on the manifolds but the EFI is just plain better. I have tuned almost every system on the market and this is by far the easiest EFI on the out there. I am putting 750 at the wheels with one of these.(twin turbo 438W)Believe what you want about the company but you are selling yourself short overlooking this product.
really........ what injectors are you running? One of those couldn't get a big enough injector to support that much power. Never mind, I see in a previous post where you're running two units on your car to make the power and be able to get enough fuel. At that point there's not much cost savings........................ ;)


Jody

[gearheads78]

I refuse to buy anything from them out of principle until they finish putting all the made in USA stuff out of business. I then may have to :(

[g356gear]

really........ what injectors are you running? One of those couldn't get a big enough injector to support that much power. Never mind, I see in a previous post where you're running two units on your car to make the power and be able to get enough fuel. At that point there's not much cost savings........................ ;)


Jody

Maybe they just need the dual quad option like FAST...then it's only $800 more :)

[ken67]

I used the product on my mustang and have followed along with the development. When i got a chance to do an install on my new 438 twin turbo i jumped at it and was extremly impressed. 11 psi and 750 hp. Virtually no tuning. I do not work for them (anymore!!)haha, but still believe in the product and would stand behind it. Most EFI works well when you know its ins and outs but this is a great system and I believe most can handle the install without profrssional help

[ken67]

I do not work for them "anymore!" The immage of the company may be questionable but the product works well and is worth its weight. I would recommend it to anyone as would anybody who used it. I admire brand loyalty but it seems there are shops pushing one product over another without knowing a true comparison. Seems like they are selling parts not relaying the best advice possible. Try it before you bash it is my only point OR just buy the hype and settle for less. Its easier that way

[Mike Norris]

I talked to a couple folks today and as far as they know, this unit is still foreign made. It does look like a lot of promise for the unit, but I would like to see a lot more real world unbiased use before jumping that way.

If you can tell me where they are made I would love to make a visit to the operation.

Mike Norris

[Smitty67]

If the units are still made by Retrotek, and I think they are, the information is on the Retrotek web site. I was looking at these before we spoke..

We have just moved to our new shop with a new phone number. The 951-737-2006 number will only be good through the end of January. Please make note of our new address and number.

Professional Products
C/O RetroTek Speed
12705 S. Van Ness Ave.
Hawthorne, Ca 90250

Phone: 323-599-5032
Fax: 323-754-1207

[ken67]

All electronics are made in the us as well as the full assembly and testing. The casting for the TB is made in China.

[GregWeld]

I do not work for them "anymore!" The immage of the company may be questionable but the product works well and is worth its weight. I would recommend it to anyone as would anybody who used it. I admire brand loyalty but it seems there are shops pushing one product over another without knowing a true comparison. Seems like they are selling parts not relaying the best advice possible. Try it before you bash it is my only point OR just buy the hype and settle for less. Its easier that way


Great advice -- for something that might cost $50 or $100 -- but these systems don't fall in that "try it" category...

Where's the magazine articles with side by side comparisons -- or product testing - data - etc? That kind of stuff is what SELLS products... real world uses and testing and comparisons of comparable parts. That just might explain why people buy FAST... it's out there - it's been tested - it's been tuned - it works - and the more of them that are out there - the more they sell themselves...

Not trying to argue - just trying to "explain" the issue. So far - to date - YOU are the ONLY person I've ever talked to that uses the Professional Products/Retrotek system. I know probably 50 people or more that have FAST products installed.

[g356gear]

Any input on their new powerfire distributors?


Easy 3-wire install with no external spark box necessary.
Precision CNC machining and hand assembled production.
Patent pending positive lock manual advance/retard knob. Distributor can be accurately advanced or retarded in 1/2-degree increments on the flyby turning the external adjustment knob. Each click of the knob provides a 1/2-degree change in total ignition timing. This makes getting an accurate setting very easy.
Accurate super hot spark all the way through 10,000 RPM.
Hardened steel .50" diameter steel shaft with sealed roller bearing upper support and bronze bushed lower support for extreme stability at maximum RPM.
Powerful magnetic pickup and CNC machined reluctor pickup.
Fully adjustable advance mechanism with easy to use spring and bushing design for a nearly infinite advance curve.
POWERFIRE module built in for drop-in reliability from 50 to 10,000 RPM.
Hot cranking spark as low as 50 RPM.
Black anodized base with laser etched timing marks for easy visibility.
High quality injection molded caps with brass terminals for long life and conductivity.
Both male and female caps provided in kit so you know your wires will work.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h183/foxcrf450rider/30000.jpg

http://www.retrotekspeed.com/products/powerfire-ignition-systems/powerfire-distributor-adjustable-ready-to-run.html

[Warpath Pontiac]

Where's the magazine articles with side by side comparisons -- or product testing - data - etc? That kind of stuff is what SELLS products... real world uses and testing and comparisons of comparable parts. That just might explain why people buy FAST... it's out there - it's been tested - it's been tuned - it works - and the more of them that are out there - the more they sell themselves...

I remember HOT ROD did a big EFI comparison about a year ago this system was in it. I remember them saying it was a pretty easy to setup and ran really well, they seemed to love it. The thing that caught my eye about this system was the fact that it could pass at first glance as a holley/demon carb. But since i'm cheap and refuse to change i'm sticking with my working carb.

I'll see if I can dig up the magazine for the dates of it.

Edit: I found the article on thier website. Its the same thing that was in thier magazine.
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hrdp_0811_1967_ford_ranchero/index.html

[ken67]

We have over 600 happy users this year!

[Josh69]

This system of fuel pump management seemed to be spot on - as it was vacuum / fuel pressure management rather than RPM based... and appeared to be well engineered.



Ken, since you worked for Retrotek, and Greg spoke to the reps on the returnless fuel management system I have a few questions. If it is vacuum based, does the engine need a certain amount of vacuum to operate the system? I have very low vacuum due to my cam choice, but haven't worried about it before due to manual brakes/trans and a double pumper carb. I'm moving to EFI, trying to decide between FAST and the PJIII. The returnless option seems like a simpler set-up for me. I have no factory return line, or vented/baffled tank. I could install this without removing my tank which would be a plus. Except I left the sock off my pick-up, will a simple 100 micron pre-filter cover that need?

[Rod P]

We have over 600 happy users this year!

I thought you didn't work for them :question: ummm?

[camcojb]

I do not work for them "anymore!"

We have over 600 happy users this year!
so, do you work for them or not? Not a huge deal, but it'd be nice for people to know if they're talking to someone that works for the manufacturer of a product they're pushing................ ;) Nothing wrong with that, we have many manufacturers and reps that post on the site, just want to get the story straight.

Jody

[Josh69]

so, do you work for them or not? Not a huge deal, but it'd be nice for people to know if they're talking to someone that works for the manufacturer of a product they're pushing................ ;) Nothing wrong with that, we have many manufacturers and reps that post on the site, just want to get the story straight.

Jody

I agree, give us the scoop on what your situation is so at a minimum, people can use you as a resource and you can help build positive images of the product.

I have a lot of questions. Several magazines have installed them and seem quite happy with the product. Yet, hardly anybody on the street or online seems to be running the system. I'm buying one or the other in the very near future. The PJIII seems like a better unit for what I need. My car is a PT style car, but all of the styling elements are retro from the finned valve covers to the TTII's, the pearl white OEM vinyl, etc. The looks of the PJIII and the returnless fuel delivery fits the bill.

FWIW, I have a Professional products intake manifold since I bought it from Ace at PPR where I got my stroker kit and he helped develop it, it's a nice piece, and I have their harmonic balancer, again from Ace.

[MarkM66]

Any input on their new powerfire distributors?


Easy 3-wire install with no external spark box necessary.
Precision CNC machining and hand assembled production.
Patent pending positive lock manual advance/retard knob. Distributor can be accurately advanced or retarded in 1/2-degree increments on the flyby turning the external adjustment knob. Each click of the knob provides a 1/2-degree change in total ignition timing. This makes getting an accurate setting very easy.
Accurate super hot spark all the way through 10,000 RPM.
Hardened steel .50" diameter steel shaft with sealed roller bearing upper support and bronze bushed lower support for extreme stability at maximum RPM.
Powerful magnetic pickup and CNC machined reluctor pickup.
Fully adjustable advance mechanism with easy to use spring and bushing design for a nearly infinite advance curve.
POWERFIRE module built in for drop-in reliability from 50 to 10,000 RPM.
Hot cranking spark as low as 50 RPM.
Black anodized base with laser etched timing marks for easy visibility.
High quality injection molded caps with brass terminals for long life and conductivity.
Both male and female caps provided in kit so you know your wires will work.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h183/foxcrf450rider/30000.jpg

http://www.retrotekspeed.com/products/powerfire-ignition-systems/powerfire-distributor-adjustable-ready-to-run.html

I tried one. It was junk. Would loose spark.

Sent it back, got an MSD, same everything else, worked fine.

[Milehigh69]

I own a previous version of this system. (Boss EFI) Basically the same except the EMS is separate. I have found the system to be simple to install, runs well, and is reliable. I just upgraded it with my Procharger install by adding 92 lbs injectors, a larger capacity pump and a new load from Retrotek and off it went. I brought it to the dyno tuner and he said the computer is doing a great job of adjusting the Fuel/Air ratio and he had to do little to it. Retrotek Speed makes the system and they were bought by Professional products. I sell electronics and it is impossible to find anything without foreign content anymore. I would guess the components in my MSD box are Chinese. I buy American whenever I can.

[TurboNova]

The thing that bothers me is at the beginning of this thread it was said that this unit does more than the Fast computer? Are we talking about EZ EFI or XFI because if it is XFI then that is really not true.

Like everything... you get what you pay for. I took off a retrotek off of a merc last year that had their individual runner intake and it wouldn't even run. Over the passes it would run horrible. Put an XFI in it and was running great in 2hrs. Then drove it to Goodguys.