The reoccurring head-shaker in the NTSB reports is the pilot who wrecks a perfectly functioning aircraft because of mismanaged fuel burn. But the truth is that eventually even the most conservative gets tempted to push the envelope of fuel endurance. That’s why a fuel computer installation makes sense, and there’s one for every budget. Speaking of budget, fuel computers assist with miserly leaning—a real plus in the world of pricey low lead.
The crowded market for retrofit fuel computers is ruled by budget and panel space. You can choose a basic stand-alone model, add fuel capability to an installed engine monitor or replace all the factory engine and fuel gauges with a big screen monitor that takes fuel computing to the highest level. No matter what route you take to computerized fuel management, don’t expect a trivial installation. The modification alters the fuel lines that feed your engine; this is not to be skimped on.