In general, an EFI system will provide a five to ten horsepower increase in high-end power, with an overall improvement in performance. Contrary to popular belief, not everything is about maximum power. Carburetors are great, but fuel injection has its place too. We can earn income from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
When you've decided it's time to switch from carburetors, you have two options. You can choose to replace your vehicle with a newer engine, which requires a lot of time, money and resources, or you can upgrade relatively quickly to electronic fuel injection (EFI). The aftermarket EFI kits currently available make upgrading faster and easier than ever. These kits are the closest thing to an integrated upgrade that eliminates the cold start and adjustment problems associated with carburetors.
For many people, this is the best way to achieve better maneuverability and fuel economy, which will ultimately keep more classic cars on the road. The only downside is that there are quite a few options to choose from when looking for the best EFI systems in the aftermarket, but a quick guide is enough to solve it. Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 EFI Traditional 4150 Style Kit and Holley Sniper EFI system are two great choices for many applications, but they may not be the best for all situations. Your settings and personal preferences may require something more.
That's why we've included a list of alternative options below. There are a lot of things to consider before deciding on the first EFI system you find. In other words, while modern EFI systems are easier to install than ever, there's more to think about than just the tools you'll need to install them. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision about which one works best for you: There are two main types of EFI systems you can choose from.
The first option is throttle body injection (TBI). These are the simplest and most affordable types out there. This type works by placing the fuel injectors in the throttle body, creating a situation in which a controlled mixture of fuel and air passes through the manifold. It works much like a carburetor, and you can even find some kits designed to look like a 4150 carburetor, but that offer better control over fuel blends.
The other option is multiport injection. It has an accelerator body, but it controls little more than the flow of air to the manifold. The fuel injectors move downward through the intake ducts just before each of the cylinders. This is a much more precise system that is ideal for optimal performance, but it is much more expensive than TBI systems.
Fuel injection systems are different from carburetors in that they offer a set power range with which they are designed, rather than a CFM rating. This makes the selection self-explanatory, but it's essential to be honest with yourself and choose a kit that really fits your application for the best experience. Multiport injection systems often come with replacement intake manifolds, so buyers just have to make sure they choose the right model for their engine. TBI systems, although semi-universal, require some preparation before buying them. To choose the right system, you must ensure that your mounting type matches your current manifold.
Manufacturers offer kits for working with one-, two- and 4-barrel configurations. If you're working with a 4-barrel one, make sure the kit works with your 4150 or with an extended bore application; some work with both. Of course, multi-camera systems are also available for dual, quadruple and 6-unit packages. If you can't find a system that matches your current manifold, you may need to change the manifolds to perform the upgrade. Unless something goes very wrong, an EFI system should increase your car's fuel economy.
The amount depends on a few factors, but a system that can self-adjust should consume less fuel than an analog system. They reduce the amount of time spent tuning and virtually eliminate cold start problems, but carburetors can often be built to outperform EFI systems in several scenarios. An EFI system doesn't necessarily add power, but it can restore what's lost due to a poorly adjusted carburetor. In summary, an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system can provide up to ten horsepower increase, as well as improved performance and fuel economy compared to carburetors. There are two main types of EFI systems: throttle body injection (TBI) and multiport injection (MPI).
TBI systems are simpler and more affordable while MPI systems offer greater precision and performance at higher cost. Before buying an EFI system it is important to consider factors such as mounting type and engine configuration in order to choose one that fits your needs.
