EFI Technology Inc
Encyclopedia
EFI Technology Inc. founded by Graham Western in October 1988 is an independent high-performance automotive electronics engineering company based in Torrance, California
. The company is well recognized for innovative ideas, advanced digital electronics and software for both the aerospace and racing industries.
After earning a masters degree in engineering from Cranfield University
in Bedfordshire, England, Graham Western gained several years experience developing Formula 1 and Indy Car engine management systems while working at Cosworth
Engineering. In 1987 he moved to Torrance, California and worked as an engineer for Michael Andretti's Indy car team prior to founding EFI Technology Inc. in 1988.
in 1988 which was adopted by Pontiac
Motorsports for its IMSA
racing program. The products success led to interest from several other engine manufacturers and the company expanded its product line designing additional systems for the Automotive, Off-road and Marine industries.
In 1990 the company was contracted by TRD to develop an ECU for its 503E engine program. The 503E was one of the most successful Toyota race engines ever built producing amazing results on the track. The All American Racers, Eagle MKIII dominated in GTP setting records, including 21 of 27 races entered and an IMSA record 14 straight victories. The company went on to produce additional products for TRD
for their Toyota Atlantic Series, SCORE
Off-road truck and Stadium truck programs.
In 1991 the company ventured into Indy Cars working with several teams using the Buick Indy Engine. In 1992 Al Unser
, Sr. drove the Team Menard
Buick-powered Lola to a 3rd place finish, the best finish ever for the Buick Indy engine, and the first time the Buick engine had gone the entire 500 miles. In 1993, driving for King Racing, Unser led 15 laps to extend his career laps-led record of any driver in the history of the Indianapolis 500
, at 644.
In 1995 the company diversified and started designing systems for the military. Its first product was an ECU
developed for a high output endurance V8 engine used by NSWDG, the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Its instant success led to further products for the defense industry and continues today working in the Aerospace industry specializing in systems for high altitude UAV's.
In 1996 the company started working with the UK based engine company Neil Brown Engineering who was the European agent for the Mugen-Honda BTCC touring car and F3
engine programs. The F3 engine would dominate the series with 10 championships in a row from 1996 to 2005. The touring car program achieved 13 podium places in 1997.
Nissan entered the IRL in 1997 with its Infiniti 4.0-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine. It was controlled by the companies latest 2.5 series ECU and CD Ignition System. The system featured a unique self learn lambda strategy that simplified engine tuning and enhanced engine performance. The system was later adopted by teams using the competing Aurora
engine.
In 1999 the company continued working with Mugen
developing an engine controller and ignition system for their NSX engine program. The NSX competed successfully in JGTC followed by the introduction of the V8 MF408S engine for Le Mans and ALMS
, also using the company's electronic systems. The debut of the MF408S was in 2002 at the Sebring 12 hour ALMS event.
In 2001 the company introduced its Data Acquisition product line. It initially worked with Team Fernandez in CART
and then later that year it added Ganassi Racing to its customer list. Ganassi went on to finish 2nd in the championship before moving to IRL. Mugen also adopted the company's Data Loggers and Dash Displays for its JGTC sports car program and continues to be a distributor for the company's products.
Since 2007 the company has been manufacturing a range of ECU and Ignition products for the Edelbrock
corporation marketed under the brand name Pro Flo and Pro Flo XT. The success of this product line prompted the expansion into the data acquisition market and in 2009 Edelbrock
introduced the QD2 advanced data logger system.
The company is currently a supplier to Elbit Systems
one of the worlds largest defense contractors. Products include engine controllers and custom software for UAV's. The UK division of Elbit is currently working on developing the Watchkeeper
WK450 for the British Army using a proprietary engine controller designed by EFI Technology.
Torrance, California
Torrance is a city incorporated in 1921 and located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California, United States. Torrance has of shore-front beaches on the Pacific Ocean, quieter and less well-known by tourists than others on the Santa Monica Bay, such as those of neighboring...
. The company is well recognized for innovative ideas, advanced digital electronics and software for both the aerospace and racing industries.
After earning a masters degree in engineering from Cranfield University
Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a British postgraduate university based on two campuses, with a research-oriented focus. The main campus is at Cranfield, Bedfordshire and the second is the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom based at Shrivenham, Oxfordshire. The main campus is unique in the United...
in Bedfordshire, England, Graham Western gained several years experience developing Formula 1 and Indy Car engine management systems while working at Cosworth
Cosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
Engineering. In 1987 he moved to Torrance, California and worked as an engineer for Michael Andretti's Indy car team prior to founding EFI Technology Inc. in 1988.
Corporate history
The company has a strong racing background introducing its first fully user programmable ECUElectronic control unit
In automotive electronics, electronic control unit is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle....
in 1988 which was adopted by Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
Motorsports for its IMSA
International Motor Sports Association
The International Motor Sports Association is an American sports car auto racing sanctioning body based in Braselton, Georgia. It was started by John Bishop, a former employee of SCCA , and his wife Peggy in 1969 with help from Bill France, Sr...
racing program. The products success led to interest from several other engine manufacturers and the company expanded its product line designing additional systems for the Automotive, Off-road and Marine industries.
In 1990 the company was contracted by TRD to develop an ECU for its 503E engine program. The 503E was one of the most successful Toyota race engines ever built producing amazing results on the track. The All American Racers, Eagle MKIII dominated in GTP setting records, including 21 of 27 races entered and an IMSA record 14 straight victories. The company went on to produce additional products for TRD
Toyota Racing Development
Toyota Racing Development or TRD is the in-house tuning shop for all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion cars. TRD is responsible both for improving street cars for more performance and supporting Toyota's racing interests around the world. TRD produces various tuning products and accessories, including...
for their Toyota Atlantic Series, SCORE
SCORE International
SCORE International is an off-road sanctioning body in the sport of desert racing and is famous for its flagship event, the Baja 1000 as well as the Baja 500 and San Felipe 250. SCORE races are held in United States and Mexico...
Off-road truck and Stadium truck programs.
In 1991 the company ventured into Indy Cars working with several teams using the Buick Indy Engine. In 1992 Al Unser
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
, Sr. drove the Team Menard
Team Menard
Team Menard was an auto racing team in the Indianapolis 500 and Indy Racing League owned by John Menard. From 1991 to 1996 they modified their own Buick V6 engines for racing. This combination won pole for the 500 with Scott Brayton in 1995 and 1996; Tony Stewart used this combination for the first...
Buick-powered Lola to a 3rd place finish, the best finish ever for the Buick Indy engine, and the first time the Buick engine had gone the entire 500 miles. In 1993, driving for King Racing, Unser led 15 laps to extend his career laps-led record of any driver in the history of the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
, at 644.
In 1995 the company diversified and started designing systems for the military. Its first product was an ECU
Electronic control unit
In automotive electronics, electronic control unit is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle....
developed for a high output endurance V8 engine used by NSWDG, the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Its instant success led to further products for the defense industry and continues today working in the Aerospace industry specializing in systems for high altitude UAV's.
In 1996 the company started working with the UK based engine company Neil Brown Engineering who was the European agent for the Mugen-Honda BTCC touring car and F3
Formula Three
Formula Three, also called Formula 3 or F3, is a class of open-wheel formula racing. The various championships held in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers...
engine programs. The F3 engine would dominate the series with 10 championships in a row from 1996 to 2005. The touring car program achieved 13 podium places in 1997.
Nissan entered the IRL in 1997 with its Infiniti 4.0-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine. It was controlled by the companies latest 2.5 series ECU and CD Ignition System. The system featured a unique self learn lambda strategy that simplified engine tuning and enhanced engine performance. The system was later adopted by teams using the competing Aurora
Aurora
Aurora most commonly refers to:*Aurora , a glow in the sky seen at polar latitudes*Aurora , the goddess of the dawn in Roman mythologyAurora may also refer to:-Literature:*Aurora , a superheroine in the Marvel Universe...
engine.
In 1999 the company continued working with Mugen
Mugen Motorsports
Mugen Motorsports is a Japanese company formed in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda Motor Company founder Soichiro Honda, and Masao Kimura. Mugen, meaning "Without Limit", or "Unlimited", is an engine tuner and parts manufacturer closely associated with the Honda Motor Company...
developing an engine controller and ignition system for their NSX engine program. The NSX competed successfully in JGTC followed by the introduction of the V8 MF408S engine for Le Mans and ALMS
Alms
Alms or almsgiving is a religious rite which, in general, involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue.It exists in a number of religions. In Philippine Regions, alms are given as charity to benefit the poor. In Buddhism, alms are given by lay people to monks and nuns to...
, also using the company's electronic systems. The debut of the MF408S was in 2002 at the Sebring 12 hour ALMS event.
In 2001 the company introduced its Data Acquisition product line. It initially worked with Team Fernandez in CART
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
and then later that year it added Ganassi Racing to its customer list. Ganassi went on to finish 2nd in the championship before moving to IRL. Mugen also adopted the company's Data Loggers and Dash Displays for its JGTC sports car program and continues to be a distributor for the company's products.
Since 2007 the company has been manufacturing a range of ECU and Ignition products for the Edelbrock
Edelbrock
Edelbrock, LLC is a specialty performance automotive and motorcycle aftermarket parts manufacturer based in Torrance, California. The company has five locations, including four in Torrance: its headquarters, a distribution center and museum, the Russell division , and the exhaust plant...
corporation marketed under the brand name Pro Flo and Pro Flo XT. The success of this product line prompted the expansion into the data acquisition market and in 2009 Edelbrock
Edelbrock
Edelbrock, LLC is a specialty performance automotive and motorcycle aftermarket parts manufacturer based in Torrance, California. The company has five locations, including four in Torrance: its headquarters, a distribution center and museum, the Russell division , and the exhaust plant...
introduced the QD2 advanced data logger system.
The company is currently a supplier to Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is one of the world's largest defense electronics manufacturers and integrators. Established in 1967, and based in Haifa, Israel, Elbit employs 11,000 people worldwide....
one of the worlds largest defense contractors. Products include engine controllers and custom software for UAV's. The UK division of Elbit is currently working on developing the Watchkeeper
Watchkeeper
Watchkeeper WK450 is a £800 million contract awarded in July 2005 to Thales to provide the British Army with an unmanned aerial vehicle for all weather, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance use....
WK450 for the British Army using a proprietary engine controller designed by EFI Technology.
Product history
- 1988 - Race 1.0 ECU, IMSA & Marine
- 1989 - Performance ECU, general purpose
- 1990 - Race 3.0 ECU, IMSA GTP
- 1991 - Buick Indy Car System
- 1994 - Race 2.0 ECU, Naval Warfare Group
- 1995 - Race 1.8 ECU, F3 system
- 1996 - Race 1.9 ECU, Spec Transam
- 1996 - Race 2.1 ECU, BTCC system
- 1997 - Race 2.5 ECU, IRL system
- 1999 - Race 4.0 ECU, Mugen NSX & MF408S
- 2004 - Race 1.2 ECU, Motorcycle
- 2006 - X1 ECU, Midget & Sprint cars
- 2007 - X3 ECU, UAV system
- 2007 - X1e ECU, Edelbrock Pro Flo
- 2008 - XTR ECU, Drag Racing
- 2009 - X5 ECU, 12 cylinder
- 2010 - X2 ECU, Motorcycle
- 2011 - XTs ECU, Edelbrock sportsman