[trailerjack]

Wanted to see everyone's thoughts on whether EFI like the Atomic EFI kit is worth the lack of hassling with carbs...which I am doing now.

I am going to rebuild my Autolite 2100 (first time to rebuild a carb, but how hard could it be), and give it one last try, so not giving up yet, I do love the idea of potential reliability on this car with the EFI.

Thanks!

 

[puttster]

I'm ready to switch myself but scared that, like everything I try, installing my own EFI will just make it all worse.

 

[trailerjack]

I'm ready to switch myself but scared that, like everything I try, installing my own EFI will just make it all worse.

You sound like me.

 

[Xmas64]

Had been looking into the fitech stuff, found this informative:

10 Common EFI Mistakes - Hot Rod Network

 

[Sanddoc]

a few choices now on those throttle body EFI

Fritech, holley, atomic...

I could not find any resent article on comparing them, but what I do like
is the Holley is totally self contained for computer. I also don't think you need
are return line any longer, but not positive on that.
I sure wish the price was down closer to $650-700
I'm put one on my 56 Packard, I will be installing one on my 62 with a 351c in it.
Best

 

[Yadkin]

It's not just the cost of the EFI kit. You need a new gas tank (rarely makes sense to cut into your old one), in-tank electric pump and pump bracket, 10 micron filter, pressure regulator, return line, and all the hoses and wiring that goes with all that.

And more than likely a new intake manifold.

You can reduce some of that by using a chassis mounted pump, but I wasn't happy at all with the noise that mine made. I have a write up of my build in this forum.

Also, you may find that your old Autolite doesn't like modern ethanol blends.

 

[My427stang]

If the car is worth the cost, and you plan to keep it for a while, EFI is hard to beat.

Yes you need a return fuel system with a good high pressure pump, but other than that, the new ones are pretty easy to get together. FITech has a good following and is a bit lower cost, but they all seem to be pretty good other than Powerjection (installed one on a 69 Camaro, not bad itself but cheap parts)

 

[70XL]

Don't some have underhood fuel reservoirs that allow you to use the old mechanical pump to fill the reservoir and the high pressure system is from there to injectors? I've Edelbrock advertise that, and I'm sure a few others. That setup will simplify the fuel pump and return system. There are a number of the systems that have the computer built into the throttle body. I have heard they don't work as well on dual plane intakes, or at least on higher power engines. Anyone have experience with that?

 

[My427stang]

Yes, but people aren't too happy with them. They literally use a Holley needle and seat and a little reservoir. It doesn't work great, most everyone eventually goes to a standard electric pump design, either frame mounted or in tank

Not recommended IMHO

 

[Yadkin]

Don't some have underhood fuel reservoirs that allow you to use the old mechanical pump to fill the reservoir and the high pressure system is from there to injectors

There are several fuel system "tricks" on the market to avoid having an in-tank pump and return line back to the tank. Yet these all add on a layer of complexity that could lead to unreliability.

One of the advantages of an electric pump is that at key-on you can use it to prime the system. Before I went to EFI I used one to pre-fill the bowls in my carburetor. That completely eliminated the long cranking needed after the car had sat for more than a few days and the gas in the bowls had evaporated. The system that you describe does not have that advantage.

 

[Yadkin]

Here's a link to my thread on my bumpy road to EFI conversion. http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/garage/641257-my-experience-efi-fe-2.html

 

[puttster]

Don't some have underhood fuel reservoirs that allow you to use the old mechanical pump to fill the reservoir and the high pressure system is from there to injectors?

You might be thinking of a surge tank Mad Scientist Matt's Lair: Surge Overkill.

 

[70XL]

You might be thinking of a surge tank Mad Scientist Matt's Lair: Surge Overkill.

Yes, that type of thing. Universal EFI Sump Fuel System Kits - E-Street - Edelbrock, LLC.

 

[61Sunliner]

I bought the Fitech Go Steet injection system to try on my 61 Sunliner with a 352. I found a new Spectra fuel tank for under 200.00 and I just saw Fitech's new billit in tank fuel pump conversion kit so I am going to get that. I've heard people are having problems with their "Command Center" sump system so I'm just going to go with the in tank pump.
Now I need to swap on a 4 bbl intake, I have a stock cast iron one I can use. I don't know it it is worth it to get an aftermarket aluminum manifold for a stock 352.
Of course I'm going to go through all this and my Autolite 2bbl carb fires up every time, guess I can't leave anything alone.
Mike

 

[falconfred]

I subscribe to the theorem that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[puttster]

I subscribe to the theorem that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I wish I did!

 

[70XL]

I subscribe to the theorem that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

...But, some times, with some things, you just have to keep fixing it until it breaks. LOL :grin2:

 

[70XL]

I bought the Fitech Go Steet injection system to try on my 61 Sunliner with a 352. I found a new Spectra fuel tank for under 200.00 and I just saw Fitech's new billit in tank fuel pump conversion kit so I am going to get that. I've heard people are having problems with their "Command Center" sump system so I'm just going to go with the in tank pump.
Now I need to swap on a 4 bbl intake, I have a stock cast iron one I can use. I don't know it it is worth it to get an aftermarket aluminum manifold for a stock 352.
Of course I'm going to go through all this and my Autolite 2bbl carb fires up every time, guess I can't leave anything alone.
Mike

The reading I've done suggests running a single plane intake for best results on these TBI systems. If you have a dual plane intake I understand you can improve the situation by adding an open spacer and/or removing the plenum divider. I saw an Engine Maters video on Youtube, and read many other articles and accounts that indicate better results with an open plenum installation. So, choice of intake and air cleaner will be critical for maintaining hood clearance, but you should have more choices.

 

[puttster]

...But, some times, with some things, you just have to keep fixing it until it breaks. LOL :grin2:

70XL, you got my number.

 

[Falconater]

I have FiTech on my falcon. Tanks inc tank. Performer rpm airgap dual plane. Its night and day in throttle reponse. Only thing i'd do different is chose a more fitting cam.