EFI conversion
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 4
From: Harrisburg, NE
I have a post in the fuel systems forum on mega squirt, if you haven't been introduced yet, I am going with a MSII in my 84. like you i have a newer engine (mine is an 89).
I am using most of the factory engine wiring(but just the circuits that are needed) along with the factory intake(i might still build a custom upper eventually), fuel rails, high pressure pump, and fuel line between the two. unfortunately I haven't been able to work on it recently so its an older thread and i need to fix the photo's but the link to my build thread is in my signature.
even if you don't use a megasquirt system, the store DIYautotune.com is still an excellent source for conversion parts and thier customer service is the best i have ever encountered (reminiscent of the good old days before i was born), they recently had a 20% off sale that i took advantage of for a MSIII for my capri. but they have a ton of weatherpack connectors(including a thru-firewall connector), labeled wiring harness (I got one 12' long)
I am using most of the factory engine wiring(but just the circuits that are needed) along with the factory intake(i might still build a custom upper eventually), fuel rails, high pressure pump, and fuel line between the two. unfortunately I haven't been able to work on it recently so its an older thread and i need to fix the photo's but the link to my build thread is in my signature.
even if you don't use a megasquirt system, the store DIYautotune.com is still an excellent source for conversion parts and thier customer service is the best i have ever encountered (reminiscent of the good old days before i was born), they recently had a 20% off sale that i took advantage of for a MSIII for my capri. but they have a ton of weatherpack connectors(including a thru-firewall connector), labeled wiring harness (I got one 12' long)
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Originally Posted by Blue86
I have an '86 300, I'm interested in converting it to EFI. Has anyone tried it before? Is it best to just pull and ECU and pig tail from an EFI truck and make your own harness? Is the factory harness integrated into the body? I have a '92 4.9L with all the EFI components on it.
A common problem with these years is that after 25+ years, the feedback carburetor has been replaced with a conventional model, rendering the entire system useless. When that happens, the engine computer can't manipulate the air/fuel mixture, so it locks the timing and fuel economy and performance suffers. They typically will run pig rich too. I bet that is why your truck is running so poorly right now.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Mankato, MN
It being an 86 I'm guessing it has the feedback system, anyway you can use a carb on forced induction. Just put the carb on the intake side of the turbo.
Oh and keep in mind that your efi system will probably have to be tuned to work with a turbo, I don't know what sources you have for diong that but that might be a big road block.
Oh and keep in mind that your efi system will probably have to be tuned to work with a turbo, I don't know what sources you have for diong that but that might be a big road block.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Mankato, MN
yeah, I had my mind made up awhile ago. However I never had a basis to go off of. I was just hoping I'd find someone who had some experience with it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 2
From: Casa Grande
I'm sure there is someone on here that's done it but haven't personally. I really the idea of EFI to but think if I do it it will probably be TBI or factory using Mega Squirt. Like I said, keep us posted on how it goes.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I've seen it talked about a few times over the years but can't recall any success stories having been posted.
This would be a cool topic for a HOWTO; if you (OP) do this and get everything to work, do ya think you could take pictures along the way and post 'em here along with the text of exactly what you're doing to make it work? We can add that to the Sticky.
This would be a cool topic for a HOWTO; if you (OP) do this and get everything to work, do ya think you could take pictures along the way and post 'em here along with the text of exactly what you're doing to make it work? We can add that to the Sticky.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 2
From: Casa Grande
I've seen it talked about a few times over the years but can't recall any success stories having been posted.
This would be a cool topic for a HOWTO; if you (OP) do this and get everything to work, do ya think you could take pictures along the way and post 'em here along with the text of exactly what you're doing to make it work? We can add that to the Sticky.
This would be a cool topic for a HOWTO; if you (OP) do this and get everything to work, do ya think you could take pictures along the way and post 'em here along with the text of exactly what you're doing to make it work? We can add that to the Sticky.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Mankato, MN
Hopefully if I have time today I can run to the junkyard and pull a fuel tank with the lines... it's not very likely as I have an engine to pull from an AWD Passat in my garage.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Someone who might be of help
Hey, Blue86,
There's an FTE member in the 73-79 forum named Mark (Poison Oil Racing) who I believe converted his 1976 Dentside 302 to EFI, you might ping him for ideas & suggestions.
Here's his Web site where he talks about it:
The Street Slammer Project EFI conversion
And his Home Page:
The Street Slammer Project
There's an FTE member in the 73-79 forum named Mark (Poison Oil Racing) who I believe converted his 1976 Dentside 302 to EFI, you might ping him for ideas & suggestions.
Here's his Web site where he talks about it:
The Street Slammer Project EFI conversion
And his Home Page:
The Street Slammer Project
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blueovalboy86
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Mar 17, 2006 05:55 AM
