Personal information:
Age: 45
Hometown: Hartland, Michigan
Status: Happily married for 20 years to his high-school sweetheart
Children: Three
Non-car interests: Catholic faith and sports
Q&A with John Meaney:
GMHTP: What's the significance of the name "BigStuff3"?
John: My nickname is "Big," this is my "Stuff," and the partnership is with "3" Meaney brothers. There is also a 4th anonymous partner who has been very influential in BS3.
GMHTP: What are the chances of BigStuff3 being sold to another aftermarket company?
John: Not something I am considering any time soon.
GMHTP: You're in business with your two brothers now, do they have the history in EFI like you do?
John: Joe worked for me at DFI and Accel, so he's been in the business for a while. My brother Leo and I built several cars together and he always ran the dyno.
GMHTP: How did your original DFI system compare to other early efforts from Halltech, Electromotive, and AirSensors?
John: My biggest advantage was having spark control that worked with the factory ignition systems. Early competition only controlled fuel. I also had an exclusive dry flow nitrous option.
GMHTP: It's well known that you developed the original DFI and Speed-Pro/F.A.S.T. units, but did you ever work with or advise other companies?
John: Yes. I've been a consultant to many companies, both aftermarket and OEMs. I helped Holley develop the 950 Commander, and more recently helped MSD develop its new Blaster EFI system.
GMHTP: What are the three biggest enablers of aftermarket control system improvement during the past decade?
John: Improved algorithms (industry speak for computer instructional 'programs'), wide-band sensors, and scanner 'tracing.'