This is super cool. Much like the Raspberry Pi, I could see this as a way for non-developers to start getting interested in FOSS software/hardware hacking.
I'd say it's generally a good idea to stick to "bolt on" style modifications at most for any vehicle you need to count on. Save any real deep tinkering like this for something you can afford to have out of commission.
Personally I'm now contemplating fuel injecting my gokart as a way to learn.