Convert EFI to 4 barrel carb
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Simpsonville, SC
Convert EFI to 4 barrel carb
I am by far no mechanic, but I was wondering if any one had any rough estimates on how much it would cost to convert my 985 F-150 with a 302 with electronic fuel injection to a 4 barrel carb system. Also, what are some of the pros and cons of doing so?
Thanks
Thanks
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I'm guessing that's a 1985 F150?
Cost? You need a carb and intake, distributor, ignition system, and fuel system mods. Then you also need to rewire some of the dash gauges.
Cons: Cost and labor involved.
Pros: There are none, it's a lot of work for something that will deliver no more power and worse engine operation.
Cost? You need a carb and intake, distributor, ignition system, and fuel system mods. Then you also need to rewire some of the dash gauges.
Cons: Cost and labor involved.
Pros: There are none, it's a lot of work for something that will deliver no more power and worse engine operation.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
What, no Pros at all?
How about the carburetor's immunity to Electro-Magnetic Pulse radiation (EMP)? A carbureted system with points will be virtually impervious to EMP caused by a nearby nuclear explosion, whereas the EFI circuitry will be toast!
How about the carburetor's immunity to Electro-Magnetic Pulse radiation (EMP)? A carbureted system with points will be virtually impervious to EMP caused by a nearby nuclear explosion, whereas the EFI circuitry will be toast!
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
Well the advantage of a carburated system is simplicity. So if you already have a functioning EFI system, it isn't simpler to regress to a carb.
Starting with no induction setup, it's simpler to gather the pieces for a carburated system.
I'm kind of surprised that a 1985 F150 is fuel injected. Is that the dreaded CFI system?
Starting with no induction setup, it's simpler to gather the pieces for a carburated system.
I'm kind of surprised that a 1985 F150 is fuel injected. Is that the dreaded CFI system?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
No '85 was the first year for MFI on the 5.0 in trucks, the system has a few minor differences from the later MFI setup but visually looks very close.
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 1
From: Mass.
if theres a nuclear explosion i think the last thing im worried about is my electronics still working. even my 70 dodge wont start although its carbureted it still has an electronic ignition. so unless your going to a very primitive carbureted setup youll still be toast. on the other hand if there is a nuclear explosion heres what you should do: go in your car, when you realize it doesnt start just curl up into a ball and kiss your *** goodbye.
a carburetor isnt going to help you if you cant breath.
a carburetor isnt going to help you if you cant breath.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 2
I dont worry to much about that ... I know you got my back !! Lew
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
That's right.. I'll be right down there to guard your truck.. might even have to take it away and hide it "somewhere"..
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Needham US of A
I've got to disagree with you here. I converted my 86 Bronco and a friends 90 Bronco from FI to a Holley carb and gained power. When I was running the FI I was getting 10-11 miles to the gallon the Holley 4 barrel gave me 13-14 If I kept my foot out of it. I will say its a major pain in the tail, not so much the switch over Edelbrock intake bolted right up but breaking down the wiring harness to get rid of the FI (which wasn't really necessary) and hooking up a regulator with restrictor back to the tank took some time. Later Whit
I'm guessing that's a 1985 F150?
Cost? You need a carb and intake, distributor, ignition system, and fuel system mods. Then you also need to rewire some of the dash gauges.
Cons: Cost and labor involved.
Pros: There are none, it's a lot of work for something that will deliver no more power and worse engine operation.
Cost? You need a carb and intake, distributor, ignition system, and fuel system mods. Then you also need to rewire some of the dash gauges.
Cons: Cost and labor involved.
Pros: There are none, it's a lot of work for something that will deliver no more power and worse engine operation.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The EFI system should also deliver mid teens milage so something was wrong. Those used to dealing with carbs like to revert to what they know which is too bad since the EFI system isn't really that complicated and has built-in self diagnostics.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: jeffersonville, IN
carb on 5.0
I put a carb on a 95 5.0 since the wiring harness was chopped at the computer plug. Wouldn't start cold (20 deg) unless plugs opened up to .060", requiring pertronix coil. Hot coil would short out across 64 mustang distributor cap in wet weather, no start. Changed to 81 big cap electronic distributor. Ran okay a couple of years, got 6 mpg city 8mpg highway in 4200 lb vehicle. Started stalling after 30 seconds, took me 3 months to figure out the carb was dropping out, not the spark. (Used ac voltmeter on coil lead). Changed to an 81 4.2L v8, same carb works fine, 19 mpg on 4200 lb car. Fuel injection cam has too much duration or overlap for a carb on a heavy street vehicle.