EFI recommendation

[mitch_04]

I am looking for some recommendations as to which EFI people prefer. My father has a 67 Firebird with a 455 estimated at 500 hp, and wants to swap it to EFI. I am currently in Kuwait on deployment and would like to get everything ordered so when I get home I can install everything. I've been doing a little research but the internet available to us leaves a little to be desired.

Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

[andrewb70]

I am looking for some recommendations as to which EFI people prefer. My father has a 67 Firebird with a 455 estimated at 500 hp, and wants to swap it to EFI. I am currently in Kuwait on deployment and would like to get everything ordered so when I get home I can install everything. I've been doing a little research but the internet available to us leaves a little to be desired.

Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

Are you looking for a TBI unit or multi-port?

Andrew

[mitch_04]

Dad would like an original look, so I am going to say first choice, TBI.

[andrewb70]

Dad would like an original look, so I am going to say first choice, TBI.

I like the Holley Terminator EFI because it uses the HP ECU, which offers a lot of tuning options.

https://holley.com/products/fuel_sys.../parts/550-406

Andrew

[F-Body International]

I like the Holley Terminator EFI because it uses the HP ECU, which offers a lot of tuning options.

https://holley.com/products/fuel_sys.../parts/550-406


Andrew

X2 because that Holley Terminator has the most expandable ecu. It can be turned into a really nice port injection setup.
https://holley.com/products/fuel_sys...parts/550-406K

The best TBI I think is FAST's Sportsman XFI. FAST also makes disributors and ignition systems as well. I would say FAST offers the most complete system directly for Pontiac engines.
http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/xfi-...ol-systemhtml/

For budget, FiTech has now become the new leader in price and it's being used/talked about on all the forums.
http://fitechefi.com/default.asp.pg-Products

[Hammered]

TBI seems to be the way to go, but if you change your mind toward SFI, you can see details of my setup here: http://1967firebird.atwebpages.com/efi1.php

[mitch_04]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I will probably need self tuning, although I have access to a dyno I would like to keep the swap simple. It was a hard sell to get my dad to go with EFI, I don't want too many hiccups or he will assume it's a bad decision.

Anyone have reasons why Fast or Holley is their choice? Features or things that they like better/worse?

[dirty rick]

Port injection will work much better. It will idle better and get better mileage.

[andrewb70]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I will probably need self tuning, although I have access to a dyno I would like to keep the swap simple. It was a hard sell to get my dad to go with EFI, I don't want too many hiccups or he will assume it's a bad decision.

Anyone have reasons why Fast or Holley is their choice? Features or things that they like better/worse?

I like the Holley Teminator TBI because it uses the HP ECU. That ECU is very versatile and if you wanted to do something else besides TBI in the future, the HP will handle it. The software is easy to use and is very intuitive. The Terminator kits also come with a handheld controller that you use to figure out the base fuel map so that you can get started easily and let the system start tuning. Here is a great video that I ran across a while back and covers the install.



Andrew

[F-Body International]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I will probably need self tuning, although I have access to a dyno I would like to keep the swap simple. It was a hard sell to get my dad to go with EFI, I don't want too many hiccups or he will assume it's a bad decision.

Anyone have reasons why Fast or Holley is their choice? Features or things that they like better/worse?

I agree with Andrew on the Holley Terminator. The Holley TBI, however, is only limited to 600hp gasoline (less if E85). Awesome system and if you want to upgrade to upgrade the engine to a high end port injection setup, you can sell the throttle body but use the ecu.

I chose to go with the FAST brand on my car because I got a deal and FAST makes everything for my engine (Pontiac). I wanted an efi system where everything matches together. My car has the high end XFI 2.0 ecu but I have port injection on it. If you think the car will stick with TBI, I think the FAST Sportsman XFI is one of the best systems out because it takes the EZ EFI 2.0 throttle body (1200hp capability) and applies FAST's XFI software to it. If E85 fuel is of consideration, the FAST 2.0 TBI unit is actually able to supply a good amount of power on that fuel. The ecu can also do port injection but only batch fire.


Like mentioned before, there is also the FiTech efi unit as well.

There's a lot of different ways you can go and all these things pretty much do the same thing. You just have to figure out systems what fits your overall build route the best.

[Decline]

I recently bought a XFI sportsman set up and have been looking into what else is required to get it up and running
The FAST setup requires extra parts for full functionality. You need a fuel pressure reg and an ignition box(and prbly a distributor) to control timing. You have to purchase a handheld separately if you go with the sportsman. The XFI sportsman is usually the recommended ECU to go with on the FAST EFI forums. the EZ efi ECU has a lot of reported problems with EMI and is locked out(meaning you can't tune with a laptop)

No reasearch on the Holley setup. Not sure what else is required. I have read good things about the ECU that comes with it, and havent read about alot of EMI problems like FAST.

The FItech setup seems like a solid and simple EFI solution. All the sensors and ecu are mounted in the TBI. No additional fuel pressure reg needed or boxes to control timing. Seems the easiest to instal. Vastly cheaper than other by a wide margin.

Dont forget to factor in the fuel tank/fuel lines also. You can get a whole new tank like i did(tanks inc$475) or go with a external pump, or external reservoir like the FItech or Edlebrock

All the TBI's basically do the same thing. Look at your budget and weigh the different features of each kit. That will help steer you in the right direction on which system to get.

[Fuelie Nova]

I agree with Andrew on the Holley Terminator. The Holley TBI, however, is only limited to 600hp gasoline (less if E85). Awesome system and if you want to upgrade to upgrade the engine to a high end port injection setup, you can sell the throttle body but use the ecu.

I started with the terminator system then eventually switched it to multiport, one of the things I did was to keep the throttle body. I took off the fuel injectors and fuel line and plugged the holes with 9/16" cup plugs. They fit nice and snug and you end up with a nicely packaged throttle body with integrated MAP, IAT, TPS and IAC that connects with one connector if you are any good at making harnesses. My engine is only 540 Hp but it works great and saved a lot of money. Bought a Motown multiport intake and holley injectors and done.
The terminator throttle body is a work of art IMO

Tom

[andrewb70]

Great point Tom. I didn't even think that the terminator throttle body can be use as an air valve with integrated sensors! That's awesome!



Andrew

[F-Body International]

Great point Tom. I didn't even think that the terminator throttle body can be use as an air valve with integrated sensors! That's awesome!

Andrew

Can't remember where I saw it but found online that some have rigged up tps sensors on carburetors to run their efi systems. Makes me want to barf but I guess it works for someone. I think that's a megasquirt thing.

For the original poster. I understand you're on deployment so I think your easiest route for installation will be a TBI. Look to FiTech or FAST if you want an 8 injector unit. XFI Sportsman is probably the top dog for TBI. Maybe someone can prove how FiTech has a better software platform.

Here's a video where apparently they claimed to have issues running a plane intake with the Terminator efi. For this reason I would hunt down a Torker II intake whether FiTech, Holley or FAST.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sQJPZYSoUI

[dirty rick]

Are there no OEM port injection manifolds for a 455?

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/45...nifold28s.html :^)

[F-Body International]

Are there no OEM port injection manifolds for a 455?

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/45...nifold28s.html :^)

No, that is a custom piece. That's the cheapest route of all if you can DIY. Weld some oxygen sensor bungs and put a tps sensor on the carb. Otherwise, Edelbrock and ebay have efi intake manifolds for port injection.

[mitch_04]

Appreciate all the responses. I am going to work on my father a little more and try to swing him towards MPI. However, in the end it's his car. He wants it to look carbureted, hence the throttle body. The Holley does seem to be getting the most thumbs up. I had read some problems with the EZ EFI 2.0, but who knows. I'd like to control ignition timing as well. I doubt the engine will max out the 600 mark.