TBI systems vs DIY vs each other

[MistWolf]

Good one to resurrect you ask me

[PlasticBoob]

Sounds like a sweet deal....I am in So. Cal too!

Are you able to pass smog with this setup and did you source all your parts except the megasquirt?

This sounds like something I can do and I want to learn as much as possible about this. system.

Thank you...

Well since my Jeep is a '74, I don't have to smog it - but I plan on taking it to a friend once I get it fine-tuned, just for kicks.

My parts are just the TBI unit from a Chevy 454, Holley adapter, standard GM IAT and CLT sensors, Ford E-150 in-line fuel pump, and an Innovate LC-1 oxygen sensor. Oh yeah, and a custom cold-air-intake I'm working on using Spectre's surprisingly high-quality parts - I'll get pics of it soon.

One other thing - on my Jeep at least, I'm pretty sure I needed a body lift to get the TBI unit to clear, but you may be able to get away without one if you have standard motor mounts (I do not).


MegaSquirt will pass the actual emissions test with flying colors, but it will fail the BS test (visuals and all that) since this RIDICULOUS STATE requires you have the original smog equipment and carburetor on your vehicle. Your best bet is to get a CARB-approved EFI kit. I don't know the exact rigmarole you have to go through, but maybe you can somehow get a Holley EFI CARB sticker that would fool the smog guys into thinking the DIY is a Holley system.

[3rdelement]

dead thread

So Ive been throwing around the idea of going EFI also. for reliability, and the fact i have large variations in altitude living in colorado. I have experience tuning newer import cars with stand alone fuel management systems like the haltech. I have someone that is experienced in working on v8's. Is a junkyard diy something I should be able to tackle successfully?
Also the parts listed above.. is there anything else i would need?

TBI unit from a Chevy 454
Holley adapter(part number?)
standard GM IAT and CLT sensors
Ford E-150 in-line fuel pump
Innovate LC-1 oxygen sensor
custom wired harness
what control unit?(ecu)

[jaber]

what control unit?(ecu)

The GM unit ending in 7747.

[3rdelement]

thanks! could i just pull the ecu off the truck i find the tbi on? (as long as it has the 7747 code)

[shackwrrr]

You could follow the link in my sig. That is the exact thing I am doing to mine but with megasquirt. 7747 computer is the easy way out if you ask me and I always like doing stuff the hard way.

[jaber]

thanks! could i just pull the ecu off the truck i find the tbi on? (as long as it has the 7747 code)

Yes.

[3rdelement]

thanks for the help guys. Im trying to ask as few questions as i can since i am new to this, and do as much research on my own.

[86_J10]

EFI ECU

Haltech has a new model called the Sprint 500, you should be able to find it for $800-900 and it comes with a wiring harness. It is probably allot more powerful than a megasquirt. The injector driver that comes with the Haltech will not handle low impedence injectors, you would have to add somthing like this http://www.jbperf.com/p&h_board/v2_0.html

The haltech would support wasted spark, but you would have to add a 36-1 trigger wheel and use somthing like the LS6 coils.

Indy Cylinder heads makes a intake that will take 8 injectors if you wanted to go with port injection, no idea on price.

[FSJ Guy]

Click on my sig file link and read up on the TBI pages. FSJ specific information and general info links are provided.

Short version: I have a modified turnkey system that now has spark (timing) control. Everything works like GM intended it to except I don't use a knock sensor.

MS is definitely getting more support now, but it DEFINITELY is not a plug n play type of system. But if you really want to play with it, it will do things the GM TBI engineers never even dreamed of!

If I had time, I'd look into a MS system. But I'd rather be

[racerx8413]

I'm looking at the AFI as my first choice, simply because of the spark control, but what really is the advantage of the spark control? I'm replacing my edelbroch 1406, because I absolutely cannot get it tuned, nor can the shop I took it to. I'm done dealing with it, and will be installing one of these kits. My two choices are the AFI kit, and the Holly PJ kit. How bad a spot would I be in if I chose the Holly over the AFI, that does NOT include spark control.

[Chris P.]

With spark control, you get rid of the mechanical weights and vac advance in the distributor. This will give you the ability to set the advance at a certain rpm and vac setting without disturbing the rest of the spark curve.

Having spark control is the key to getting good mileage with a TBI system.

[Subic Jeep]

AFI

I got a AFI kit with distributor, runs good. 600rpm on idle, AC running. No hesitation off road, none at all, gone are TA restarts. Should have ordered a foot longer harness, to have more options where to place the computer box. Installation easy, I just got a blond moment, when installing the ignition coil wires, the coil went up in smoke, a good ignition coil is expencive...

The only thing that AFI needs to do better is the wiring labels now in paper needs to be a in better material (plastic).

After installing this kit, a DIY - junkyard install is fairly simple to do, but I would get a new wiring kit to save time and energy. Going into programming, I don't think I need to do that the AFI kit is doing what its supposed to do and its not a daily drive.

[Greenfish]

Anyone mention the FAST EZ EFI system?

I dont have it but I am completely sold on it. I may put one on the GW and my Cuda. (if I could afford it) I did some research on it, lots of articles out there and they did a build with a system on HP TV last week.

The whole kit supposedly everything you need is $2K and Jegs/Summit carry them.

My vote

http://www.fuelairspark.com/ezefi/default.asp

[Wagoneerlover]

Anyone mention the FAST EZ EFI system?

I dont have it but I am completely sold on it. I may put one on the GW and my Cuda. (if I could afford it) I did some research on it, lots of articles out there and they did a build with a system on HP TV last week.

The whole kit supposedly everything you need is $2K and Jegs/Summit carry them.

My vote

http://www.fuelairspark.com/ezefi/default.asp

Welcome Greenfish!!! It is good to see another Maryland member out there. (Starting to be quite a few of us now!)

On a note related to this thread, It seems that Custom-efis isn't around anymore. I tried checking the site and it isn't up anymore. Perhaps they took a break or are re-organizing or maybe just word of mouth or phone sales only. (For those who might be interested in that kit of course)