By Bernard Gitau
In a small workshop located in Miti Kenda, off the Eastern Bypass in Kiambu County, 34-year-old Peter Mbiria is breathing new life into aging cars by replacing their outdated carburetor systems with cutting-edge fuel injection technology. Mbiria, an electrical engineer, has designed and developed a revolutionary standalone Engine Control Unit (ECU) known as the Voltarent ECU, which is changing the performance and efficiency of older vehicles.
“The ECU is helping me replace the outdated K-Jetronic system (also known as FD), giving vehicles a rebirth with unparalleled performance, unrivaled fuel economy, and unmatched reliability,” Mbiria explains.
The Voltarent ECU brings remarkable improvements to classic cars, balancing power and economy through precise control of fuel injection, ignition timing, and airflow. “The standalone ECU meticulously manages these elements, optimizing performance on every level,” Mbiria adds.
With advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring, the ECU ensures seamless integration with the engine, resulting in improved power delivery, enhanced throttle response, and greater reliability. Mbiria’s initial focus has been on transforming the Mercedes Benz model, but the Voltarent ECU can be adapted to a wide range of carbureted vehicles.
“Whether it’s a classic car, a vintage beauty, or a performance-oriented machine that relies on a carburetor, the Voltarent ECU brings forth a new era of performance, efficiency, and reliability,” he says.
The Evolution of Carburetors
Carburetors, first developed in the 1880s, were designed to mix fuel and air for spark-ignition engines. However, they have several components that can fail over time, such as fuel storage chambers, chokes, idling jets, and accelerator pumps. By the 1990s, carburetors began to be phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly fuel injection systems due to their tendency to increase carbon emissions.
“Classic and older cars were made before strict environmental guidelines were introduced to the auto industry. Manufacturers have phased out carburetors in new engines because they can lead to higher carbon emissions,” Mbiria explains.
With the introduction of the Voltarent ECU, Mbiria is driving older vehicles toward a greener future. “By introducing precise fuel control and combustion optimization, it maximizes fuel efficiency, reducing overall consumption and minimizing harmful emissions,” he notes.
A Solution for Frustrated Drivers
Many Kenyan drivers still rely on older vehicles with carburetor systems, and for some, the outdated technology has become a source of frustration. One such driver is Stephen Mbugua, a local tourist who had struggled with carburetor-related issues.
“For the past year, my vehicle has stalled repeatedly due to carburetor problems. But after I met Mbiria through a mutual friend, I breathed a sigh of relief,” Mbugua shares.
Mbugua had spent a significant amount on fuel, including Sh 13,000 for a one-way trip from Nanyuki to Nairobi. However, with Mbiria’s new system, he is confident it will consume less fuel.
Apart from improved fuel efficiency, Mbiria’s innovation has introduced additional drive modes to Mbugua’s vehicle. “The system has four drive modes: Eco Plus, which uses less fuel and is ideal for cruising, Economy, Comfort, and Sport mode,” Mbugua adds.
Precision and Future-Proofing
One of the main upgrades Mbiria made to the vehicle was eliminating the outdated sparking system, which included the ignition control module, main coil, spark distributor, and spark plug wires. “In order to increase fuel efficiency and performance, the fuel and sparking need to be controlled precisely. In my case, being able to control the sparking is a huge advantage, as I can deploy multiple sparks per combustion, making the engine run leaner, which increases mileage and low-rev torque,” Mbiria explains.
The Voltarent ECU also allows drivers to keep mechanics at bay by enabling real-time vehicle diagnostics. “The ECU has a port where the owner can connect a laptop and monitor the vehicle’s performance, detecting any potential issues,” he says.
Drivers can start the engine and monitor fuel usage, engine RPM, drive mode, air intake, ignition timing, and emission cleanliness through this system. This future-proofs the vehicle, ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies and allowing for easy integration of future upgrades.
Mbiria’s innovation is not just giving old cars a new lease on life—it’s driving them toward a more efficient, environmentally conscious future, all while enhancing the driving experience.
