EFI Conversion
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New User
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 7
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From: Linton,IN
EFI Conversion
Hello everyone, I have a 1985 F-150 XLT Longbed. It has the 351W with a 4barrel in it. I am looking at doing a EFI conversion and I am looking to see if anyone else have done it and if it was worth it. I appreciate all the feedback I can get. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 116
From: Saskatchewan Canada
All depends on what you are expecting from an EFI conversion. I am a firm believer in the superiority of EFI over carburetion, but if you are expecting to unleash herds of untapped power, you will be disappointed. Modifications for power gains are handled easier with old school methods. OEM EFI calibration is a closely guarded secret that is difficult to unlock. Some of the aftermarket products may offer better tuneability, but you are giving up the ease of service that OEM offers. Be ready to learn how to work on your own system because you are creating something unique.
If you are an off roader, fuel injection offers a huge advantage in that the engine can operate efficiently off level. General driveability of a properly calibrated EFI system will be equal to the best carbureted applications without the need for constant tweaking as conditions change. Bet that will draw some rebuttals, but I'll stand by it.
Installation will be a bear. You will have to change fuel lines to exhaust systems and everything in between. You possibly could use 85/86 5.0 EFI components to do this or you could custom fabricate a wiring harness. It's not undoable, but it is a very large undertaking.
If you are an off roader, fuel injection offers a huge advantage in that the engine can operate efficiently off level. General driveability of a properly calibrated EFI system will be equal to the best carbureted applications without the need for constant tweaking as conditions change. Bet that will draw some rebuttals, but I'll stand by it.
Installation will be a bear. You will have to change fuel lines to exhaust systems and everything in between. You possibly could use 85/86 5.0 EFI components to do this or you could custom fabricate a wiring harness. It's not undoable, but it is a very large undertaking.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 507
From: Edmond, OK
I've considered the Holley Sniper EFI for my classic Oldsmobile. FiTech is well rated too. Installation shouldn't be too hard, especially if you are handy and do most of your own wrenching. Of course, cost is an issue. You could probably source parts for a factory 
EFI system much more reasonably from a salvage yard.
EFI system much more reasonably from a salvage yard.
New User
Joined: Nov 2018
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I have an '83 F150 shortbed 4x4 4-speed with a very tired 4.9L I-6 that is going to be replaced by a freshened 351W this spring. I am considering the FiTech throttle body system instead of an Edelbrock 1406 600cfm 4bbl or something similar. I live at 7,600' elevation so carb drivability can be an issue if you aren't careful with your tuning. The self-tuning nature of the throttle body efi systems is very attractive in this situation but cost is an issue. I also have to revamp the fuel delivery system to provide 60psi of fuel pressure to the FiTech injection system and there are several ways to crack that nut. I would love to hear from someone who has successfully retrofitted a stock fuel tank with one of the in-tank high pressure pump kits. Or, if someone has done an external frame rail mounted pump setup that they are happy with. Sorry for the sort-of hijack but since we're going the same direction, I thought I'd ride along.
Thanks...ned.
Thanks...ned.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,828
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From: Angier, NC
Ned, you may want to check out the performance area https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum9/
Look thru some of the older engines to see if someone has done this.
I know someone did this on a 300 six so don't over look the non v8 motors.
I also don't know if there is anything in this area https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum10/
Dave ----
Look thru some of the older engines to see if someone has done this.
I know someone did this on a 300 six so don't over look the non v8 motors.
I also don't know if there is anything in this area https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum10/
Dave ----
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,466
Likes: 2,798
FuzzFace2 may be talking about this superbly documented thread in the 300 six forum:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...i-install.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...i-install.html
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,828
Likes: 4,094
From: Angier, NC
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Northern VA
350 chebby TBI could be installed from the junkyard for CHEAP. If it were me, I would graft the Ford MPI from a 96-97 5.8, using GT40 heads, cam, headers, etc.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 3
From: Willamette Valley
1985 F150 351w H.O. 4bbl Auto For my retirement I would like to get this rig to start/idle/run/restart in all weather, needs to be uber reliable as I won't be able to work on it as much. EFI sounds good to me, can the later versions 1990s 6cyl 300 be put in these older trucks? Needs computer and O2 sensors I imagine, would the later automatic transmission work? what else? would it work without a corresponding instrument cluster? -OR- would an EFI throttle body be better, I see those need updated fuel delivery, higher pressure and venting tank?
Just let me know if a new thread for this makes more sense...
Just let me know if a new thread for this makes more sense...
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 217
From: Northern VA
Throttle body is easier and much simpler than stock ford type. You get to keep the V belts and and most of the original set up. However most of the reliability issues in old carb vehicles comes from plain old wear and tear and just hacked up systems.
With fresh components, a well maintained carb vehicle is pretty reliable.
With fresh components, a well maintained carb vehicle is pretty reliable.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
Throttle body is easier and much simpler than stock ford type. You get to keep the V belts and and most of the original set up. However most of the reliability issues in old carb vehicles comes from plain old wear and tear and just hacked up systems.
With fresh components, a well maintained carb vehicle is pretty reliable.
With fresh components, a well maintained carb vehicle is pretty reliable.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 3
From: Willamette Valley
I like the sound of this 4100 Autolite, my '85 has smog pump and all that goes with it but if changing out the carb makes it more reliable I'm all for it. Is there a good thread for installing the 4100? I imagine linkage and choke are important points...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
It will be a straight bolt on no modifications needed just choke cap swap and you can use the one off the Holley currently on the truck. For the 351 you will want source a 4100 from a 352. I have used 4100's from 352's carbs on many 351W's and it is literally a drop on bolt and up affair. Alternatively there is the Summit M2008 Carb that is based off the 4100.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 3
From: Willamette Valley
matthewq4b: thanks. I saw a 4100 that needs 2 'tubes' and a choke on ebay for $80 they list it as perfect for: 240-289-352-390-427-428
are parts and rebuild kits easily sourced?
I rebuilt the Holley 4180c from my '85 and it started right up and ran for weeks (but ran rich and fouled plugs and now all the adjustments I've tried don't make it run reliably especially during cold spells) and that is the limit of my carburetor experience.
are parts and rebuild kits easily sourced?
I rebuilt the Holley 4180c from my '85 and it started right up and ran for weeks (but ran rich and fouled plugs and now all the adjustments I've tried don't make it run reliably especially during cold spells) and that is the limit of my carburetor experience.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 507
From: Edmond, OK
I would advise against the Summit carb. I have one one my Oldsmobile and it ALWAYS needs tinkering. 
My Olds ran much better with the rebuilt Quadrajet I had on it but I sold it once I installed the Summit carb. Oh well... at least I got some good coin for the Qjet. 
If you are considering an aftermarket carb there are better ones out there for not much more money (Holley Street Avenger or Edelbrock Thunder AVS). If money is an issue then find an Autolite 4100 like was mentioned above in a salvage yard and rebuild it.
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Bulldawg1081
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Sep 10, 2018 01:58 AM