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Dec 7, 2005 | 07:23 PM

#16

Randy Jack

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From: Riverside, So Cal

Subtle, AX. Very subtle. But tell us what you really think

(I can hear the Y block guys fussing now)

You certainly have a point, but the guy has got to get points when folks ask him what it is at the cruise night. I'd be interested to see it run that way. But then I'm wacky that way.

Last edited by Randy Jack; Dec 7, 2005 at 07:27 PM.

Dec 7, 2005 | 08:26 PM

#17

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

The biggest reason that engines today last as long as they do, get the gas milege and performance, and need so little maintainance is because of EFI and computer management. Only NASCAR still requires carbs on racing engines (mostly because those good ol boys are afraid they can't regulate something they can't see touch and take apart).

Dec 7, 2005 | 08:42 PM

#18

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by AXracer

something they can't see touch and take apart).

I second AX, in all situations except wide open throttle EFI will perform rings around carbs - and I wouldn't bet against it at wot either!

I expect he hit the nail on the head for old-school hot rodders too - we want something we can see, touch, and take apart - (and maybe improve!)

Dec 7, 2005 | 08:58 PM

#19

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

A carb fuel and air flow is a comprimise thruout the RPM range since it is a fixed physical entity it can only be optimized for one RPM and power requirement. Since a lean mix will quickly destroy an engine that comprimise is always to the "fat" side which is wasting fuel practically all the time. An EFI engine can be programmed to give the engine the ideal mix for the entire RPM range and can compensate for sudden changes in power requirements as well. An EFI engine will give approximately 50% better average gas milege and a smoother/higher power curve from idle to WOT.

Dec 7, 2005 | 09:04 PM

#20

whitecoug

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From: Hawarden

I wasn't aware that you could get the stand alone unit for that. I'll check into that. I do argee that it is definately taking a step back in time here. And a used Navi motor shouldn't be that awefully expensive either (compared with the previous)

And I do have a highly modded 4.6 that was...a 'nightmare' to tune...I actually do prefer the electronics, since that is what I am familar with. I have never been in the situation to 'tune' a carb, and wouldn't know the first place to start...but we've all got to start somewhere right?

I'm just kind of throwing ideas around in my head...and this was something quite different...kind of old school/new school in one (esp in an old truck). I've also considered a 351 or 460, but those are pretty standard.

Joe

Last edited by whitecoug; Dec 7, 2005 at 09:14 PM.

Dec 7, 2005 | 09:41 PM

#21

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

I fought it for years and just recently decided on EFI - but the real problem is the stock controller. You need one you can tune and adjust yourself. I went with an aftermarket one - you should look into this.

Dec 7, 2005 | 10:15 PM

#22

whitecoug

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From: Hawarden

Any good recomendations on places to look for these controllers? What kind of flexibility do these controllers have? Close to some of the SCT software for the ford eec's, etc?

Joe

Dec 7, 2005 | 11:42 PM

#23

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

I forgot what it's called, but it's the division of Ford parts that catalogs all the special racing parts, they have the wiring harnesses for the various Ford EFI engines. One of the aftermarket wiring harness manufacturers (not Painless) makes standalone harnesses with controllers for some of the popular EFI engines. I think Edelbrock may have gotten into that market now as well. Some of the units are "sealed" while others are programmable. The only thing you need to add is a bung for a wide band O2 sensor in the exhaust header if using tube headers.