A young Electrical Engineer in Kenya is revitalizing old model vehicles by replacing their carburetors with a modern fuel injection system to enhance the cars’ performance and reduce carbon emissions.
Peter Mbiria, a 34-year-old from Miti Kenda, off the Eastern Bypass in Kiambu County, has designed and developed a cutting-edge standalone Voltarent Engine Control Unit (ECU).
“The ECU is helping me replace the outdated K-Jetronic system, giving these vehicles a new lease on life with exceptional performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability,” said Mbiria.
He explained that vehicles equipped with the Voltarent ECU achieve an excellent balance between power and economy.
“The standalone ECU meticulously manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and airflow, optimizing performance at every level,” he added.
With advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring, the ECU ensures seamless integration with the engine, leading to improved power delivery, enhanced throttle response, and increased reliability.
Currently, Mbiria is working on transforming Mercedes Benz models, but the ECU can be installed in a wide range of carbureted vehicles.
“Whether it’s a classic car, a vintage beauty, or a performance-oriented machine that originally relied on a carburetor, the Voltarent ECU ushers in a new era of performance, efficiency, and reliability,” he said.
Carburetors, developed in the 1880s, were designed to mix fuel and air for spark-ignition engines. They include components like a storage chamber for liquid fuel, a choke, idling and main jets, a venturi-shaped airflow restriction, and an accelerator pump.
However, carburetors fell out of favor in the 1990s due to their contribution to higher carbon emissions.
“Classic and older cars were made before stringent environmental regulations were introduced. Manufacturers phased out carburetors in new engines because they can lead to increased carbon emissions,” Mbiria noted.
Greener future
With the Voltarent ECU, it drives the vehicle towards a greener future. By introducing precise fuel control and combustion optimization, it maximizes fuel efficiency, reducing overall consumption and minimizing harmful emissions,” he said.
Mbiria says the technological advancements of the Voltarent ECU not only enhance the driving experience but also align with environmentally conscious values.
Carburetors have been largely replaced by fuel injection for cars and trucks.
Though new model cars are using fuel injection systems, Kenyans are still using old model vehicles using carburetors, some expressing their frustrations over their malfunctioning.
