i want to know if im understanding cars correctly?

[Macaroni_Sackaroni]

i want to know if i have the right idea for the electrical stuff.


are the only things you generally need to have a motor start and car to drive ... the engine,harness, and ecu (if its not a carbureted engine)? 

[bd]

Electrically, there needs to be a power source (battery), a complete current path (the wiring, switches (which includes the ECU), and connections), and the load (starter assembly and ignition system).  There are so many interdependent components in a vehicle, the answer to your question is incomplete without including them.  For instance, there also needs to exist a fuel delivery system, which sometimes includes electrical components - plus a myriad of mechanical systems and supporting electrical appliances.

If you have a genuine interest in automotive systems and how they function, enroll in a community college auto curriculum.

[Macaroni_Sackaroni]

Electrically, there needs to be a power source (battery), a complete current path (the wiring, switches (which includes the ECU), and connections), and the load (starter assembly and ignition system).  There are so many interdependent components in a vehicle, the answer to your question is incomplete without including them.  For instance, there also needs to exist a fuel delivery system, which sometimes includes electrical components - plus a myriad of mechanical systems and supporting electrical appliances.

If you have a genuine interest in automotive systems and how they function, enroll in a community college auto curriculum.

of course it needs a battery, ignition, and fuel system, cooling system. sorry i guess my question was too vague. im trying to understand how a car can just be setup so simply that its just like a plain go kart, (basically the bare minimum)

is that complicated even with older cars? why cant i just plug in the ignition, fuel, starter, cooling, and tranny, and be done have a running car.

[Captain Swampy]

If you use a magneto instead of a distributor you eliminate the ignition system. A magneto generates it's own power. If you have a manual transmission, it can be push started and eliminate the battery and starter. On a race car there would be no need for any electrical system, except a battery and starter so you wouldn't need a push start.

[Macaroni_Sackaroni]

If you use a magneto instead of a distributor you eliminate the ignition system. A magneto generates it's own power. If you have a manual transmission, it can be push started and eliminate the battery and starter. On a race car there would be no need for any electrical system, except a battery and starter so you wouldn't need a push start.

im not looking to make it exactly like a go kart or race car. i just want very minimal setup for electrical but as for this post im just trying to get an understanding of what are the essential things for a motor to start and run (in terms of electricity)

[bd]

battery
ignition switch
starter
ignition system
alternator
* ECM and its associated sensors, critical relays, solenoids and injectors (if equipped)
* electric fuel pump (if equipped in lieu of a mechanical pump)
interconnecting wiring and circuit protection


* feedback systems and EFI