FuelTech, a company based in Rio Grande do Sul specializing in electronics for modified vehicles, has introduced the FT470, a new engine management unit available for R$ 4,990.
This control unit functions as the engine's nervous system, responsible for interpreting sensor data and determining, in real time, the amount of fuel to be injected and the exact timing of the spark plug ignition. Although all vehicles come from the factory with a control unit, it is configured for the original engine; however, those who perform modifications, such as installing turbos, replacing old engines, or building drag cars, require a unit that allows reprogramming.
According to the manufacturer itself, the FT470 has the capacity to manage everything from motorcycle engines to V8 engines with up to sixteen cylinders. A notable feature is the integrated wideband probe conditioner. This probe, positioned in the exhaust, monitors whether combustion is occurring with the correct air-to-fuel ratio.
This monitoring is crucial because a lean mixture (with little gasoline) can lead to overheating and failure of a turbo engine, while an excessively rich mixture results in fuel waste and loss of performance. Previously, this probe required an additional module, the conditioner, to convert its signal to the control unit. In the FT470, the probe is connected directly to the equipment, simplifying the system with fewer components and cables, allowing the unit to correct the mixture autonomously.
The FT470 operates without its own screen, communicating via Wi-Fi with mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets, or computers, using the free FuelTech Vision 3.0 application. Through this software, the owner can adjust the engine programming and configure instrument panels. Furthermore, the unit includes a datalogger, functioning like an onboard recorder, capable of logging engine operation throughout an entire day on the track, according to FuelTech.
For drag racing competitions, the system offers traction control, preventing wheel spin at startup, and a shift cut function, which allows gear changes without the driver taking their foot off the accelerator. The FT470 is designed to replace the original control unit, and the specific wiring harnesses for each car model are sold separately. All functionalities are unlocked without the need for paid licenses.
The brand also announced the future launch of FT Pilot, an AI-based assistant that will analyze datalogger data and suggest adjustments, which will only be implemented upon user approval. Currently, the FT470 is available for purchase at authorized resellers and on the FuelTech website, and can be acquired in 12 interest-free installments of R$ 415.83, and comes with a one-year warranty.