I have a 1976 fordp/u,390 v8,4x4 ect..... and I was wondering what would be involved in getting a good efi from a salvage yard to put on my 390.Would I be wasting my time? and what efi would work; off a 351? or 460?I'm always coming up with brainstorms for my truck.How 'bout the heads?I run a stock 4bbl intake.I realize I'd have to get the computer & so on.

 

The real problem would be in tuning the system, the EFI works off temp, vac pressure, O2 sensors... to get the proper mix. The better system would be a multipoint setup but that would require drilling the intake for the injectors. I've head the ECC IV is tunable and you'll really need one that allows complete control. If the computer is fixed, you'll never get it right.

If you can find a 460 with 1 injector per cyl and get all the componets for a good price, it would be worthwhile to try it. I'd use an O2 sensor to read the mix under all the different conditions.

The FE head design is great for EFI because the intake is so wide that you'll be able to point the injector right at the valves or close to them. Don't forget that you need a return line for the fuel tank and a pressure control valve.

If these systems wern't so expensive, I'd probably grab one and try it myself, but I've seen complete EFI go for $800+

 

I don't think it will work. You might be able to drill some holes in that cast iron manifold for the injectors and wire up the computer (which will also probably require an electronic ignition with a modern control module), but how are you going to get the throttle body on there?

I have seen complete aftermarket efi kits for the FE. By the time the junkyard salvage scheme is in your truck and working (if it works at all), it might be more worth it to buy the kit engineered for the motor instead.

 

Hi, I saw your post concerning EFI on the 390 FE. I have considered it myself and saw, bought the magazine and read an article on a guy in California that put EFI on one to use in an Fairlane, that put out about 700 hp. My target is better mileage, easier starting and clean burning. I am also considering chnaging to an AOD and there is a company that developed a bellhousing to mate the 390 FE to a Ford AOD transmission. I checked with Edelbrock and they indicated that some people had used an Edelbrock kit for a small block Chevy, on the 390 with good results evidently, but could not provide any contact names. You mentioned that there was or is an after market kit for EFI that would retrofit?? onto the 390. Is that correct and where could I learn more about it or contact? I still have the magazine about the EFI, but have misplaced it. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

You can always go with a the holley projection which is a throttle body injection setup. Order that straight out of Summit, but I think you can get better performance with a well tuned carb. If you are looking for better mileage have you considered a gear vendors overdrive unit. A little pricey, but should not have to worry about installation, or having an AOD behind a FE (don't think a factory one will last long).

Chris
79 F-150
79 mustang

 

LOL, AOD's dont last long anywhere, what a pos, The efi would be cool with a custom sheetmetal intake

 

 

If you read up much on Fuel Injection, it's doable, it's mostly a matter of cost however. There are good books that explain the finer points. I've seen lots of magazine features of ppl that have custom fabbed this kind of stuff. The catcher is probably that a programable computer as I have priced them is in the neighborhood of 2-3 grand. The computer is the whole brains of the operation and you need to be able to have the correct fuel mapping based on the necessary sensor feedback. Perhaps call and talk to Windsor Fox. They specialize in helping ppl put modern Windsors 5.0 and 5.8L into vintage fords. I know Accel makes a programable computer. Holley has also made various levels of injection retrofits, from 2v and 4V "wet" intake manifold Throttle body kits to EFI (probably only packaged for sb Chev). I'd say to not be completely cost prohibitive you will have to be creative w/ the fabrication and where you borrow parts from. Look into the differerences between how Speed Density systems (MAF if I remember correctly) and Mass Air systems work. I believe that the more recent Mass air is alot more forgiveing of cam changes and fundemental changes to the guts of an engine. Its a whole new world of hot rodding and I'm afraid it ain't cheap to gain entry to.

BBT

 

Here's a site to look at for EFI www.force-efi.com