4BBL v. EFI
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Joined: Jul 2020
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4BBL v. EFI
I just purchased a 1978 F100 Ranger XLT with a 6,6L (400ci) engine. There are various things I want to do to it, but the one thing I can't decide upon is whether to repalce the stock 2BBL carb with a 4BBL or convert to EFI. I know EFI will cost more, but I think the performance will be better.
Anyone have any thoughts out there?
Anyone have any thoughts out there?
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
I've got a couple of AVS2's and they're great. EFI would be great too, if it works properly. I've researched the hec out of it for an engine I'm building, and I've decided against it. I'll use another Edelbrock AVS2. But as fast as aftermarket EFI technology is moving, it won't be long before a really good owner tunable system is on the market. The main roadblock for me, is that the "self learning" versions are not. They just have built in tables, that may or may not come close, depending on the parameters you plug into the programmer. The really nice multi-port sequential EFI's are bomber, but you just about have to have a professional to tune them. And those are in the high $3K range.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,845
Likes: 2,353
With a stock 400 a 2v is really all you need.
But if you want to change it up I'd put a new 600 Holley on it. the new EFI set up are pretty good , but why ? if you know how to tune a good carb it's going to work great.
I've done a couple EFI conversions with good results but I'm over it. give me a new 4160 and I'm happy.
But if you want to change it up I'd put a new 600 Holley on it. the new EFI set up are pretty good , but why ? if you know how to tune a good carb it's going to work great.
I've done a couple EFI conversions with good results but I'm over it. give me a new 4160 and I'm happy.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 530
Likes: 89
I've got a couple of AVS2's and they're great. EFI would be great too, if it works properly. I've researched the hec out of it for an engine I'm building, and I've decided against it. I'll use another Edelbrock AVS2. But as fast as aftermarket EFI technology is moving, it won't be long before a really good owner tunable system is on the market. The main roadblock for me, is that the "self learning" versions are not. They just have built in tables, that may or may not come close, depending on the parameters you plug into the programmer. The really nice multi-port sequential EFI's are bomber, but you just about have to have a professional to tune them. And those are in the high $3K range.
If you want max results and aren't willing to tune and set things up, don't get a self-learning EFI system. It'll work decently out of the box, won't lie, but it's not a "set it and forget it" kind of deal if you want to get the most out of it.
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Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
With a stock 400 a 2v is really all you need.
But if you want to change it up I'd put a new 600 Holley on it. the new EFI set up are pretty good , but why ? if you know how to tune a good carb it's going to work great.
I've done a couple EFI conversions with good results but I'm over it. give me a new 4160 and I'm happy.
But if you want to change it up I'd put a new 600 Holley on it. the new EFI set up are pretty good , but why ? if you know how to tune a good carb it's going to work great.
I've done a couple EFI conversions with good results but I'm over it. give me a new 4160 and I'm happy.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
I've got a couple of AVS2's and they're great. EFI would be great too, if it works properly. I've researched the hec out of it for an engine I'm building, and I've decided against it. I'll use another Edelbrock AVS2. But as fast as aftermarket EFI technology is moving, it won't be long before a really good owner tunable system is on the market. The main roadblock for me, is that the "self learning" versions are not. They just have built in tables, that may or may not come close, depending on the parameters you plug into the programmer. The really nice multi-port sequential EFI's are bomber, but you just about have to have a professional to tune them. And those are in the high $3K range.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
EFI on the 400 is a tough go as none of the aftermarket manifolds for the 400 really work well with EFI. And I would avoid the Edelbrock carb they are not ideal for Fords. The Holleys or the Summit M2008 are much more of a bolt-on and go than the Edelbrocks are, especially if you are running an auto trans.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: Fort Bend County
Ok - so I put a Sniper 2300 kit (2v drop-in for the 2150/2100) on my 351M equipped F-150 and have had no troubles that couldn't be traced to the hack job the installer did. I'd fire the guy but he also owns the truck. 
The timing control on the Sniper is definitely interesting, but it has also never given any trouble. It starts and runs perfectly.
However, don't expect to gain 100 horses instantly - all it does is dump fuel into the intake, just like a carburetor! The magic is the tuning and environmental correction, the former of which takes time and a little knowledge. Also, you have to be comfortable installing a new fuel system and wiring it all up.
I'm happy with my choice. A carb is fine too - many millions of vehicles worked fine to thousands of miles with them.
The timing control on the Sniper is definitely interesting, but it has also never given any trouble. It starts and runs perfectly.
However, don't expect to gain 100 horses instantly - all it does is dump fuel into the intake, just like a carburetor! The magic is the tuning and environmental correction, the former of which takes time and a little knowledge. Also, you have to be comfortable installing a new fuel system and wiring it all up.
I'm happy with my choice. A carb is fine too - many millions of vehicles worked fine to thousands of miles with them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
Besides the fact that they are cluster to start with, the linkage geometry is never right and in many Ford applications, accelerator/kickdown linkage needs modification. The Holleys are literally a drop on bolt up and go. No to mention more reliable.