351W EFI Install
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 379
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From: Delavan, IL
351W EFI Install
So I recently gathered all of the parts I need for installing EFI on my previous 351W swap into my '78 4x4 chasis. I put the EFI manifold on the other weekend, with the '79 body still on the truck. This past weekend I put the '75 body on the frame, which among other things featured A/C. Wow does that A/C box barely clear the upper intake. The other issue is the trans dipstick. It tucks in nicely underneath the A/C, where I can't get the darn thing out. My plans are to just bend the tube closer to the motor about two inches and all will be well.
The only other issue I've had is the clearance of the upper radiator hose to the fan and throttle body, using the trucks stock radiator. I believe I'm going to solve that by using an electric fan setup.
I'll try to get some pics up as I got a digital camera for Christmas
I'll try to keep this post updated, and maybe follow it with a how-to for a 351W EFI swap...
The only other issue I've had is the clearance of the upper radiator hose to the fan and throttle body, using the trucks stock radiator. I believe I'm going to solve that by using an electric fan setup.
I'll try to get some pics up as I got a digital camera for Christmas
I'll try to keep this post updated, and maybe follow it with a how-to for a 351W EFI swap...
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: East Central Ia
Did they use the same intake on the 75/89 style vans? If they did, using some of those parts might solve some of your clearance problems. If I remember correctly our old van had a long dipstick too.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Delavan, IL
I was thinking about getting a van dipstick too...I need to find an old enough van to be EFI and have a C-6 so I can use the cable brackets for the trans detent. I also need to rig up a bracket for the throttle cable.
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Not sure if you know about this or would even be interested in it:
www.msefi.com
It's a do it yourself fuel injection and ignition controller that's getting really popular with the hot rodding crowd. You can buy it preassembled and download the software to set it up, but it takes a lot of research and some tuning. I think I'm gonna use it on my 350 Olds EFI project on my 84 Cutlass next winter.
www.msefi.com
It's a do it yourself fuel injection and ignition controller that's getting really popular with the hot rodding crowd. You can buy it preassembled and download the software to set it up, but it takes a lot of research and some tuning. I think I'm gonna use it on my 350 Olds EFI project on my 84 Cutlass next winter.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 379
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From: Delavan, IL
It will get an MS setup when I get everything all set up. Just don't have the cash right now. I've only spent about $100 on everything for the EFI setup.
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I'm in the same boat with my Cutlass. I got the engine and EFI stuff including fuel pumps from a 77 Caddy with EFI 350 Olds for $100. Because of the analog controller it came with though, I can't make it work right until I get the MS controller. Just can't afford the controller yet so I'm sticking with the quadrajet until next year.
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Cool. I'm in the middle of a 302 EFI swap in a 79 2wd. I bought an entire 89 van, which gave me most everything. Someday the AOD will go in too.
It starts and runs now, just don't have the fuel lines tied up and no cooling system yet. I'll have to see how my upper hose goes; I too am using the stock radiator.
Let me know what you come up with for a throttle, that's something I've been trying to come up with an idea for.
It starts and runs now, just don't have the fuel lines tied up and no cooling system yet. I'll have to see how my upper hose goes; I too am using the stock radiator.
Let me know what you come up with for a throttle, that's something I've been trying to come up with an idea for.
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I plan on doing that same swap with my 78 302 2wd some day, but not for a while.
With the Cutlass I'm either going to have to modify the stock throttle body with a different TPS and the stock throttle linkage and TV cable or get a different TB off a TBI engine with correct style TPS and throttle linkage on it and remove the injectors. Haven't worked out all the details for sure yet.
With the Cutlass I'm either going to have to modify the stock throttle body with a different TPS and the stock throttle linkage and TV cable or get a different TB off a TBI engine with correct style TPS and throttle linkage on it and remove the injectors. Haven't worked out all the details for sure yet.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Delavan, IL
Two years later, and I'm still in progress...LOL
Haven't made much progress, but I've got the wiring harness sorted out and re-wrapping it as we speak. Once the weather breaks, I'm going to get the harness and ECM mounted. I've got an EFI tank ready to bolt in, run some fuel line and wires to the rear, and I should be set.
The ZF is in, with a new performance clutch. Just have to run the line for the quadrants.
I'm hoping to move some vehicles around and get the truck back in the drive soon, and maybe put up my canopy and fire up the heater and work like that.
I'll try to keep updates as I go. Maybe even snap some pictures.
Haven't made much progress, but I've got the wiring harness sorted out and re-wrapping it as we speak. Once the weather breaks, I'm going to get the harness and ECM mounted. I've got an EFI tank ready to bolt in, run some fuel line and wires to the rear, and I should be set.
The ZF is in, with a new performance clutch. Just have to run the line for the quadrants.
I'm hoping to move some vehicles around and get the truck back in the drive soon, and maybe put up my canopy and fire up the heater and work like that.
I'll try to keep updates as I go. Maybe even snap some pictures.
