For my next sbc engine build I'm debating on if it would be worth the effort to go with an aftermarket fuel injection set up or just stick with the old tried and true carbureator?

I know that a fuel injection set up is more efficient than any carbureated set up, but does the cost difference justify what you get?

For those of you who run an aftermarket fuel injection set up, which one do you run? What size engine do you have? What are your cam specs?

As of right now this is what I have my eye set on:http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=EDL%2D3500&N=700+0&autoview=sku
If anyone has this set up on their engine I'd like to hear your input.

Also I'm wondering if this set up in question would work on a 383 or even a 406?

They say you get a custom made chip tailored to your camshaft's specs....I take it this is a special order item....how long you suppose it takes?

Also they say this particular set up eliminates the need to set it up with a lap top....sounds like a good thing for a guy like myself without a lap top....but then again just how efficient would it be?

Thanx in advance.

I know guys with that little set up and mild 350s that it runs perfect. And others that could not get it to run. Nailing a chip is pretty difficult unless is is something routine like a ZZ3 or something. I would look more to a Holley Commander if the motor is not too radical, or a FAST XFI for big power plant. But your money just went up, up, up!

The Holley Commander 950 is priced the same as Edelbrock and is a much new (by about 10 years) system. The C950 has no chip and gives you much more control over the engine.

The Edelbrock system is ancient and dated. As stated, there are much better systems out there.

The Holley Commander 950 is priced the same as Edelbrock and is a much new (by about 10 years) system. The C950 has no chip and gives you much more control over the engine.

It's my understanding a laptop is required.........????????????

Would it be better to find a system not needing a laptop???

Or not??

Can you afford a $20 to $50 used laptop? That's all you'd need - it doesn't have to be new and if you drop it or run it over, no biggie.

The Edelbrock system, as mentioned, is old. Your car would certainly run with it, but you might not ever get it just right and then wonder why you went to EFI. If you're not planning on running a turbo, a supercharger, or nitrous, you may want to consider the route I went: used Accel DFI Gen6. It's quite capable for being over 10 years old and there are usually used systems on eBay. It's just not powerful enough for big power engines, but something like a 383 or 406 would probably do just fine with it. Plus, it's designed to work with Windows98 or older laptops, so the hardware is cheap.

I'd personally like to get a Holley Commander myself (for ease of use and wideband capability), but I just can't justify the cost over what I already have.

Ryan

JYD,

The laptop allows you to do your own calibration of the system. The Eddy does not give you any choice, if it's wrong or if you change stuff on the motor later, they have to program a new brain for the computer, and I'm guessing it's not free. If you don't own a laptop, check into rentals. Or, get one used. You do not need a mega-dollar laptop to run the software used to set up the Holley. I have had several conversations with different performance people, and if I go FI it will be with one of the holley systems.

Just my $.02

Hhhmm.....I wasn't aware laptops were as cheap as $20 or $50.....or could be rented for that matter.

I understand the laptop is to calibrate the system to match the engine's needs.....if I may ask, are you supposed to connect the laptop to the computer and go drive around the block, come back, stop and reprogram.....??? Or ???????

Which Holley set up would you recommend? I see they have the MPI style then they have what looks something like a TBI but has the fuel rails down the sides of the intake....

FWIW it's going in my G body Regal with stock hood....if MPI with the front two butterflies is the way to go I sure hope it clears the stock hood....as it's staying on the car....

If you could find an ACCEL Super Ram and it would fit under your hood, it's a really neat setup. Then, all you have to do is copy one of Lingenfelter's combos. Will probably require a learning curve!!!!

I don't like the short ram fits-all aspect of the Eddy. Too short for low RPM, too small for high RPM. Just my opinion.

Are these Accel EFI set ups the same ones I see in Summit?????????

Like previous posters said, laptops can be had cheap. It's a very small part of the EFI conversion cost.

As far a tuning, you asked about driving around the block and then re-programming it -- I know you can do this with Megasquirt. You collect datalogs as you drive them around (using MegaTune), then feed them into a log analyzer program (MegaLogViewer or VexMe) and it'll offer a more optimized VE table. You'll really want a wideband O2 sensor for this.

Another factor you might consider when choosing whose system to go with is what the dyno shops in your area are familiar with. If they can tune it, then you have somewhere to fall back should your own efforts not work out.

The Accel Superram maybe a good performer, but it sounds like a PITA to work on -- ie, can't get the valve covers off without removing the runners (which requires removing the plenum, etc etc). Talk to owners, but that's my impression of them from reading around. Holley's Stealthram is very easy to work with, but requires a small-cap distributor. Single-plane EFI is another option.

-Dave

I've run a holley system years ago, and played with a friends car with one last summer.

Yes, you drive around with the laptop hooked up and watch the sensors, then key in adjustments to the fuel maps and download em. The newest systems can do this on the fly, while the engine is running and the car is moving.

You can watch all the sensors live in real time on a single window.
Most important of course is MAP (vacaum) fuel & O2 (wideband option is nice)

The main fuel curve is a grid of MAP Readings vs RPM.
Additional curves include "acceleration" temperture compensation fast idle and a bunch of other stuff.

The systems are easy to get running and easy to tune.

The kit is complete except for maybe some misc small fuel line stuff.

The external pump supplied with mine was a PITA, went thru 3 of them, I hear they are better now. A custom tank with an in-tank pump would be ideal.

Hhhmm.....I wasn't aware laptops were as cheap as $20 or $50.....or could be rented for that matter.

I understand the laptop is to calibrate the system to match the engine's needs.....if I may ask, are you supposed to connect the laptop to the computer and go drive around the block, come back, stop and reprogram.....??? Or ???????

Which Holley set up would you recommend? I see they have the MPI style then they have what looks something like a TBI but has the fuel rails down the sides of the intake....

FWIW it's going in my G body Regal with stock hood....if MPI with the front two butterflies is the way to go I sure hope it clears the stock hood....as it's staying on the car....

I don't remember stating that laptop's were that cheap :eek:, just that you can find used ones if you are willing to look. And yes, as JimM already stated you can do programming while in the car. Have a friend drive while you make it purr. Holley also has the P/N recommendation for the electronically adjustable GM distributor so you can have your timing curve controlled by the computer as well. As for fit, I have no clue. Give the Holley website a look and see if their documentation gives dimensions. I do not have one (yet), but if I go FI (seriously thinking about it) it will absolutely be the Holley system unless someone comes up with something way cheaper that is better. For my '72, I would go with the Stealth instead of the 950 Commander. I like the looks of the Stealth better, and having a cowl hood, I think either would fit fine.