Been some time since I've been on line. Am looking at the different EFI systems out there and am wondering if there is one that seems to stand out over the others for dependability. I also wish to have the system to control the advance or retardation of the distributor. Any thoughts are apreciated.

Gear Up

 

I have always used factory systems but here is some info. Google will turn up lots of reading material.

Standalone EFI Systems - Hot Rod Magazine All Pages

There was also a recent hot rod or car craft mag where they bolted different EFI systems on a car for testing, you will have to search for it.

 

Depends on what you are willing to do....

If you want a plug and play system, atomic efi is the easiest system on the market, it runs about 2500.00. Considering it includes everything from programmer to fuelines it is not that costly.

If you want to save some and want more control, megasquirt is a good option. You have to load your own fuel tables and tune it yourself. Also need to swipe a harness from a donor. You can run a simple throttle body injector, or get as complicated as multiport sequential injection, with edis timing. I think thats the route i am going with my build.

 

I have Ford OEM FI, and if you want plug and play, I'd have to suggest one of the aftermarket options.

 

What engine are you using and if I might ask why do you want to go with EFI ?

 

I used to be sold on EFI, even for my flathead, but I've been convinced that a properly set up carburetor and ignition system can match them for economy and power. The only advantage of EFI is that it can maintain an air/fuel ratio of 14.7 to suit a catalytic converter. No question modern OEM EFI systems result in unbelievable drive-ability. On the other hand, change things like the cam, exhaust, etc. and it takes a lot of custom tuning to get them to work right. My son has spent over $500 on tunes for his lightly-modified LS1, and it still needs more.

 

Last year at this time I completed building the engine (410) and had the tranny done. I installed it and this year I got the proper front drive shaft section, blasted the parts, primed and painted the components and installed them. I also blasted the springs, primed and painted them. The driveline has been completely gone through and installed except for the rear axles. Completing the fuel system is my next goal. Getting a fuel cell in place and running the lines will be easier with the box and cab off. Knowing what efi system is next thing to pick off. Yes money can be an issue but I'm doing this once so will take the time to do it right. Have looked at Professional Productuct's Powerjection III because I like the fact that the ECM is in the unit itself and once the initial peramiters are set busy little fingers can't tweak while driving. Have looked at FAST EZ EFI 2.0 and that seems to be a decent unit other than the remote ECM. MSD and Holley each have a system as well. Will look for the article comparing the various system. Prices seem to range from $1,600.00 to $2,700.00. Then there is the multi-port systems that can reach close to $4,000.00. Yes I have been looking and apreciate the input.

Gear Up

 

The aftermarket system tend to have parts availability issues. I'd hate to give 2+grand and find out stuff is discontinued. Nothing wrong with ford systems. Parts are readily available new or used.

 

Current March issue of Car Craft, on stands now & available through Zinio & other electronic readers. Compares MSD Atomic, Edelbrock E-Street, Fast EZ-EFI 2.0, Holley Terminator & makes reference to Professional Products Powerjection III but it was not tested since it requires a laptop to load software. But it is also $400 less than the least expensive system tested.

All were installed on a 496 rat powered Nova running a 4L80E tranny with a TCI stand alone controller. Comparisons are from price to # of pages in installation manual with all relevant information imaginable. Very informative.

If interested in piecing a stock system, do some searches in the 87-96 forum since there is a lot of Mass Air systems conversions done there and a great deal of info on tuning.

 

Hi.
I have been involved with some EFI conversions. The system I like the most is Megasquirt. Have done sedate daily beaters ( like a 89 MB 300E) that all improved a lot. Also some hot ones, the most daring a GT40 replica with a much hopped up Ford 350 with Edelbrook Junior heads. Batch injection, ITB intake, tuned exhaust, FORD EDIS wasted spark ignition. Was formerly on a very competent but cumbersome Electromotive system ( DOS interface)
Now runs like a charm. Enginy dynotuned to dial in ignition advance for optimum. The 350 now cranks out a solid 420 hp on the flywheel.

So, with a bit of interest in EFI, a steep learning curve and quite a few hours to learn, Megasuirt is a very solid alternative for the DIY-nerd.

Ola