Magnetti Marelli to Delphi Conversion - Harley Forum

gtoracer · #1 08-05-2009, 12:25 PM

I just read "Delphi Explained" in the Sept. 09 issue of American Iron. The article stated it is not possible to convert Magnetti Marelli fuel enjection to Delphi. My question is why not? I own a 2001 Magnetti Electra Glide Classic and a friend of my son has a later model Delphi Road King he converted to a carb. He has everything he removed from his bike and is willing to part with it all, but I don't want it if I can't use it....Is this conversion possible and how...

shovelmike · #2 08-05-2009, 06:40 PM

I'm sure there is a way to do the conversion but be prepared to rewire a good portion of the bike. There are people on this forum who can better guide you but from my point of view you need to study and fully understand the wiring schematics of both bikes and dig in and prepare for a lot of work.
Welcome to the forum, be sure you stick around here because by the time you finish you will be one of the EFI gurus around here and we will want to tap into your knowledge. Ride safe and GOD bless, Sincerely: Shovelmike.

aceharleywrench · #3 08-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Yeah,you're gonna need a large portion of his wiring harness to do the swap.Zippers has a kit that uses the stock harness with their ECM that converts MM to Delphi if you're not afraid to spend a few bucks.

gtoracer · #4 08-13-2009, 01:14 PM

Thanks to Ace and ShovelMike for your response. I have considered aftermarket F/I but the cost of Zippers seems prohibitive, and so much of the other stuff out there seems to be only for Delphi. There are so many riders that have changed from Delphi to Carbs it might be (dollerwise) easier to convert, if I can figure out what is needed and what isn't. I don't know why there isn't more information out there on doing this. Maby it's just a stupid idea or it really isn't possible to do. I am going to purchase a HD electrical manuel for my 2001. I have the HD service book but it is not informative enough. My son has the e/l book for his 2003 Road King and it provides alot of info. about the Delphi. Possibly I can figure this out with the right book.

Thanks again for your responses and God Bless

shovelmike · #5 08-13-2009, 03:57 PM

You're quite welcome, gtoracer, here is a link to a Delphi to carb conversion that may help a little. ALTMANN MICRO MACHINES - MOTORCYCLE IGNITIONS - WEST GERMANY God bless you and yours.

brock5ga · #6 09-16-2009, 09:01 PM

gtoracer, I was wondering if you got any further with this? I acquired a Thundermax Auto Tune from a friend and then realized that even though it listed 01 and up, the Ultra didn't switch to Delphi until 02. I then acquired a throttle body and an engine harness off of an 03 Ultra. Looking at the wiring diagrams, it only seems that a few wires would have to be either moved or re-routed. It also seems that the Delphi bikes are regulated in the tank with no fuel return while the Marelli is regulated on the intake and has a return line. Should be able to find an external pressure regulator either with a return or block off the return. Also curious as to whether there would be any compatibility issues between the PCM and the TSSM for the security system? Was kind of planning this for a winter project. We have the same idea, just wondering if your project has gone any further and if you have run into any issues? Thanks

gtoracer · #7 09-17-2009, 10:20 AM

Brock,
I found Thayer Sales and Services on the net. I contacted Dan Thayer by E-mail and asked him about the conversion. His reply:

"You would need a harness, fuelblock, and my expertise to get everything to work. If your friend converted to carb, was his efi system working right to begin with? You will get his problems with his parts. The ECU would have the wrong speed calibration and would not cancel turn signals, I should be able to correct that, then you still need to have it tuned properly."

Dan's Email address is: dan@vtwinfuelinjection.com

I have not contacted him back so I don't know what the cost might be from him but I feel he can help if I go ahead with this. Also I Accel has a new module available call SLM (Self Learning Module) that they say will work with Magneti. Is has an oxygen sensor that will tune as you ride. Supposed to eliminate Dyno time.

Are you having problems with your Magneti? Mine is working fine and I am not sure I want to mess with mine at this time. I feel that it would be nice to have the Delphi because there is so much more available for it if I ever want to change the tuneup.

Hope this help you some....

brock5ga · #8 09-17-2009, 10:18 PM

I had a friend of a friend lose his tensioner and trash an engine. After that, we pulled my friends 01 down to check the tensioners. Excessive wear on them. Mine about same mileage as his. I decided to install a gear drive, with a Fueling oil pump and cam plate, and Andrews 26G cams. Never was happy with the oil pressure stock either. Also put D&D True Duals and V&H Ovals on the bike. Knew I needed a tuner and doing research, the Thundermax is what I wanted. Didn't realize at the time that the bike was a Marelli. I'm automotive, not bike oriented, and assumed when I did research that when the Thundermax appeared under my application that it would fit. I acquired one from a guy trading a Road King in for a good price. Did all mods over the winter and when I went to swap computers, I realized there was a problem. Very little research revealed the Marelli injection. I have 34K and the Marelli hasn't given me a bit of trouble since I have owned the bike. Know I need to get some more fuel into it. Not many options for the Marelli. I have acquired a factory engine harness, complete intake, and ignition coils off of a salvage 03 Ultra with a good running engine. Know I have good components as I did hear it run before removal. Like you, I just want better options for tuning. We won't even go into the Terminal Velocity story, as I gave it a try also. Wouldn't wish that on anyone. No other feedback systems I could find for the Marelli. I will check out the Accel you mentioned, but would prefer to use the Thundermax I already have. I checked out Dan's website and will probably contact him for the fuelblock issue and pricing and probably make this my winter project.

P.S.: gtoracer, I assume by your username you own a goat. 67 in the stable here. Not restored, but 54K original and a good driver.

gtoracer · #9 09-18-2009, 01:28 AM

Brock,
I have a "64" I have been messing with for a long time. Frame/off, 455, turbo400,373/12bolt, factory air. The body work is mostly done. Need to finish the interior. It's turning into my retirement project.

I think I'll go ahead and get the Delphi as the price is right and I can decide later what I want to do..at least then I'll have it....Good luck on your project and I'll keep you posted if I learn any more here....God Bless....