unsubbing/ going to NZ (exchange rates & EFI)

[Ken Keith]

Kinda off on a tangent from your email, but the U.S./N.Z. exchange rate is REALLY good, especially if you are interested in an EFI computer, actually an engine management system.  http://www.link-electro.co.nz has some feature-packed, applicable ECU's that cost about $1300 USD in the U.S., but in N.Z. cost closer to $625 USD.  I just finally authorized my order for one from http://www.performancedevelopments.com.  They/LinkUSA had special pricing for last year.  Their LinkPlus, sometimes called Link2, is a relatively new product from that company, which is like 10 years old.

Wow, backpacking in NZ, that's sounds cool.  Nice and simple, compared to some sort of a buying spree to take advantage of the exchange rate.  As such, it's probably not appealling to bother with this type of thing.

An idea might be to see if there is any interest in getting some of this type of equipment.  You can tack on a reasonable fee for the trouble, and maybe you won't have to sell a car to fund the trip.

But I heard that support for gray-market ECU's is non-existent, hence my "local" purchase through an authorized dealer.

Incidentally, I'd like to participate in some discussions with others who have EFI or EMS systems.  I'm interested in DIY wideband O2 sensors too.  I know there are lists for that too, just wondering if any Q-listers have any interest.

Have a safe and fun trip!

Later,

Ken

p.s.  Anton, what is the reason for wanting to move to N.Z.?  I must be missing out on knowing that it is a very cool place.  I should check it out.  After researching EFI systems and poking around on that side of the world (on the 'net), I've wondered what the cost of living is and such there.  For example, why are there so many EFI companies down in that part of the world?  Then there's autospeed.com, and many other very good automotive enthusiast sites.  They're into it like we are here in the U.S.  The Finnish and Swedish folks also astound me lately when I see some of their automotive creations.  How fast do they want to go (how much cash do they have, what do they do?!)

Maybe it's the people there?  I've met one person from N.Z. before, he was pretty cool.

RndLiteBMW at aol.com wrote:
<<Hey everyone, I'm gonna be unsubbing for 3 months, as I'm going backpacking
 in New Zealand until April. My boss said I'd have a job when I get back, s
o I'm going for it. I'm gonna have to sell one of the cars when I get back
to make up for it, but it's worth it. I think I'll be keeping the Urq for a
while though :) Those of you in NZ, do you have any sage advice/suggestions
 etc...? I'm flying into Auckland on the 21st.  Thank you all for all the a
ssistance over the past almost 3 years. I'll be back... Thanks,
Tucker Fritch, '83 UrQ>>