Hi everyone, I have been thinking long and hard for some months about going EFI on my 390 FE. I liked the holley projection but decided I want newer better technology. I have come to the Fi Tech EFI system the 40003 with the fuel command center and no return line, (too keep my triple fuel tank setup)
Most of the problems I understand people encounter is that they aren't patient enough too let the system "self learn" and once it does they are more than happy with it but their first impression is that it its faulty. Either that or they miss vacuum leaks and have trouble with initial tuning. perhaps they have the 02 sensor mounted downstream from an exhaust leak. But from what I can tell, is that it always seems too work out fine for folks after getting it broke in and all its "self learning" is done. My motor craft carb is alright but I'm always between 7500' and 100' elevation and often experience cold starts as cold as -45 degrees F. (Takes about 5 or 6 tries even with a big block heater). its my daily driver, and I put over 30k on a year. What are your thoughts, I like the price and tunably of Fi tech and think thats the rout Im gonna go. has anyone ran these on a 390?

 

There is a fairly recent thread about someone putting a FITech system on a 400. Do a search for FITech in this forum. He did a nice write up on it with pics and all. He also has updated the thread with his results and problems so far. Sounds pretty easy for the backyard mechanic to do. I think you might need to buy an Edelbrock intake as well since I'm not sure how the FITech system would work on a stock cast iron manifold.

I'm thinking about doing this install on my 460. I don't think I'd have anything to lose and a lot to gain. Sounds like there's an easy 2-3 mpg to get out of this system and on my thirsty beast that sounds very attractive.

 

Oh yea it would be a mean setup on a 460, Ill have too buy an edelbrock dual plane intake, although apparently it performs better on the single plane intake, ($400 price difference between the two. My main thing is cold starts in extreme cold, but I am in no way opposed too the added power and fuel economy haha.

 

I am soon going to do this install, I have the fitech 30003 and 40003 system with a weiand 8010 intake manifold. I have been reading threads and watching videos for a while and think it will work out. Should be an improvement and like the op said maybe sqeak 1 o2 more mpg's.

 

I just started this install tonight. Didn't get to far yet. Wanted to read the installation procedures and all that. Seems pretty simple for the most part. I'm going this route on my rebuilt 390. Should be an improvement I hope

 

good, I'm looking forward to hearing how that works for you guys, has anyone used Holley sniper? I like that one too, but its a little more $$ from what I hear the Holley customer service is a little better. plus I like the monitor and tune options better

 

I will slowly get it installed. Got few more things to do to the engine and exhaust before I fire it up. And I have to go pick up a 66 HB this weekend so. Maybe Sunday. I will let you know how things go

 

Just want to subscribe. Really wanting to get the Fitech kit!

 

Just my input regarding the above comments. I have installed one on my 390 transplanted from a '74 into my '66, but we're not up an running yet...a lot of work to do still on a frame-out restoration. In my research, it seems that most of the problems or dissatisfaction people have had with the Fi-Tech system has been in regards to the fuel command system. Those using it with send and return lines and an in-tank pump have been, for the most part, very happy. In other words...a fuel system designed properly for fuel injection. That's the route I chose to take.
Regarding Holley's customer service...I have found it to be awful. If you call them and inquire about their system and don't sound like an expert they'll make you feel even more "dumberer". On the other hand, FiTech's support personell have been very helpful. They even answer the phone when you call. Call both and formulate your own opinion.

 

I will say this, so far their customer service has been outstanding, I just have a major issue that is yet to be resolved.

The engine is a stock 360 with the exception of the Edelbrock Intake, DUI Distributor and Headers.

The install went good and for the most part the engine runs good. I had,from the beginning, and am still having a cold start problem. The engine will start, but it starts at an extremely low 350-500 RPM's and then over the warm up period, it will come up to the desired idle RPM. I have fought for over a year with this thing, with countless phone calls and emails trying to resolve the problem.

I am hoping that FiTech will let me return the unit to be looked at. I am willing to pay the shipping there, but I would expect them to cover the diagnostic/repair work and ship it back to me. Granted, I have had the unit over a year, but it literally has less than 4-5 miles on it because it has only been driven around the neighborhood and has zero road miles.

We'll see what they have to say.

Oh, I am running it with the frame mounted pump and a return line. The next system will be a high pressure tank mounted system for sure.

I truly believe these systems, regardless of the manufacture, have real potential on our older rigs and I am not throwing in the towel, just a little tired from the fight...

 

all good things too hear. I'm still trying too decide wether to go holley sniper or fitech, i like them both, as for the cold starts AK ford guy, do you think it just needs more driving time to get "learned" before it begins too start better? how would the cold start process self learn? would it just be by repeated cold starts? I wonder if i went from mornings in the 40s over summer would it start fine if it all of a sudden cooled off in the fall too single digits or negatives, would it have to "self learn" how to start in those temperatures?

 

I'm not sure, but it is sure something I thought of.
I thought I messed up by starting this whole process in the winter, but I have been through a whole season and another winter of starts, short drives and many, many cold starts. I figured it would learn more by now...

We'll see how it goes. I seriously do have faith in the system, that's the only reason I have fought it this long.

 

Most respectfully...WHY?!?!?


The beauty of these trucks is ease of maintenance and dependability: No sensors, solenoids, computers and miles of complicated wiring to break on you.....


There is a reason these 73-79 trucks are still on the road with a gazillion miles on them nearly 50 years later: They were BUILT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.


Not to be a dick, but if carburetor tech is too difficult for you and maintaining a truck with very basic hand tools isn't your thing, maybe consider an 1986 and up F series with EFI.

 

I've had FiTech on my 460 for about a year now and absolutely love it. My '77 is my daily driver and the injection has not let me down once. I live in New Hampshire, so cold starts are no stranger to us. There wasnt one morning that my truck wouldnt start (even well below zero temps) and everytime it starts, I have never had to touch the throttle. Its like a new truck, turn the key and let it idle and warm up. I noticed a huge difference in throttle response and power and about 3 mpg better economy. I see a lot of people having trouble with theirs, even a friend of mine who eventually abandoned the system but I guess I got lucky because my unit ran great right out of the box with just minor adjustments.

 

I had a problem with getting the idle correct. I forgot about it until reading this. I cant remember the exact process that they walked me through over the phone, but it had to do with adjusting the butterflies, primary and secondary. I would call them up when you are standing in front of it and can physically work on it. You will need a phillips screwdriver.