Building upon the success of its engine machining programs, the School of Automotive Machinists (SAM) made the decision to add a Motorsports EFI Tuning program to the curriculum for 2016.

“As electronic fuel injection, forced induction, and traction control systems continue increasing in popularity, the next generation of engine builders must have an intimate understanding of how to integrate these systems together to maximize performance,” says SAM Director of Education, Judson Massingill. “Even racing series’ that have relied on carburetors for decades, like NASCAR Sprint Cup and NHRA Pro Stock, have made the switch to EFI. Our newly-developed EFI Tuning program will give our students the expertise they need to meet the current and future demands of the industry.

The EFI Tuning program will combine classroom and lab instruction that will start with basic tuning theory, and direction on how to navigate the software. Two different EFI systems will be used — Holley EFI and HPTuners — that will provide students the variety needed to develop their skills. Instruction will consist of many different facets, from creating custom fuel and ignition curves to measuring the results on the engine and chassis dynamometer. Wiring, datalogging and even instruction on how to utilize a weather station in a racing program will be included in the course.

Not only will the basic functions of the various systems be taught, Massingill and his staff will also include instruction on the integration of nitrous, boost, and launch control into the overall tuning strategy.

We had the opportunity to work closely with a number of SAM graduates over the years, and from our perspective Massingill and his staff are on the right track with their courses.