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85_Ranger4x4
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- Joined
- Aug 7, 2007
- Messages
- 32,342
- Reaction score
- 17,838
- Points
- 113
- Location
- SW Iowa
- Vehicle Year
- 1985
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- V8
- Engine Size
- 5.0
- Transmission
- Manual
I have a running/driving 302 with a Edelbrock 1403 Performer. Runs great, was flirting with 18mpg on our 1000 mile road trip over the weekend... for the most part I am a happy camper.
I have a couple issues that have had me mulling going to some sort of EFI.
1. It has heat soak issues because I really like this certain air cleaner that doesn't fit with enough of a carb spacer.
2. It hasn't been an issue yet but off camber flooding. I was charging up a hill last Saturday (the first one Jim climbed in his video) and there was a big loud voice in the back of my mind yelling "you are going to have a lot of fun trying to back down this if it cuts out!" Truck did not miss a beat... but peace of mind would be nice.
3. Elevation changes. So far has been a non-issue with TRS roundups but it would be nice to not have to worry about it.
4. Oil contamination. My current engine is half wore out so no real big deal but when I rebuild another I want to be injected.
And I want to keep my 1985 engine bay looking the same as it does now or as close to it as I can.
I have been drooling over aftermarket TBI kits for years... but $$
Using a 87-98 GM system kinda doesn't look too horrible.
I have also been in talks with @PetroleumJunkie412 about how to run Megasquirt with the GM TB.
www.diyautotune.com
www.hotrod.com
My distributor will work with either, I will need more fuel pressure for either. I think I will have to have Megasquirt II to run the high idle for colds starts with the TBI, not sure how it will work with A/C when I get to that.
After a day of googling in my free time I have found:
GM perks:
Common system - for tech support and parts on the road
Has a limp mode so it is less likely to strand me in the middle of Illinois if something goes wrong
Check engine light capable (which my truck has)
Cheap
Add one O2 sensor bung
GM downsides:
Requires a custom chip - I haven't checked too far into that but that is probably the scariest part
Not sure if Ford VSS will work with GM system
Not sure about mounting the knock sensor - more research is needed on that
Old tech that people are increasingly less interested in it as far as support in the future.
Megasquirt Perks:
Can tune myself
I know it will work my weird hodge podge pile of crap
More standalone than the GM system
Can retune myself when I build another engine
Megasquirt downsides:
Complicated (still figuring it out)
Programming is daunting (but if @PetroleumJunkie412 can do it it must not be too bad?
)
Expensive
Kind of boutique parts
I doubt anyone in my county has probably ever heard of it (so I would be on my own in the real world)
No limp mode, no roadside support, no CEL
Will need two O2 sensors (not a big deal but still more work, the PS exhaust isn't as removable as the DS)
I have probably missed some but that is what I have come across so far for +/-'s
The one article for Megasquirt was all happy they did all that for $900 in 2014, I need to figure out exactly what I would need for parts and how much they would run in modern dollars but $900 is a bit much. I could get THIS or even THIS for less that would plop right on out of a box with an O2 sensor and let it program itself.
Research is still ongoing for all ideas. This isn't a do or die, gotta have it done for next weekend thing so I am no particular hurry. Any one else have any input?
And yes I am very aware multiport is better for performance... but I think TBI is still better long term than what I have and keeps with the theme that I have for the truck. So far it has been kind of a fun rathole to investigate if nothing else...
I have a couple issues that have had me mulling going to some sort of EFI.
1. It has heat soak issues because I really like this certain air cleaner that doesn't fit with enough of a carb spacer.
2. It hasn't been an issue yet but off camber flooding. I was charging up a hill last Saturday (the first one Jim climbed in his video) and there was a big loud voice in the back of my mind yelling "you are going to have a lot of fun trying to back down this if it cuts out!" Truck did not miss a beat... but peace of mind would be nice.
3. Elevation changes. So far has been a non-issue with TRS roundups but it would be nice to not have to worry about it.
4. Oil contamination. My current engine is half wore out so no real big deal but when I rebuild another I want to be injected.
And I want to keep my 1985 engine bay looking the same as it does now or as close to it as I can.
I have been drooling over aftermarket TBI kits for years... but $$
Using a 87-98 GM system kinda doesn't look too horrible.
Parts Needed For The Gm Conversion
We are referring to the 87-95 GM TBI-Throttle body injection systems. The ECM will be 88-91 I prefer a throttle body after 91 with the round TPS. There is a nationwide junkyard search website call www.car-part.com You can enter the vehicle, chose the part and SORT by PRICE. Then you will a list...
www.binderplanet.com
Has anyone done TBI swap on 260-289 Ford - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards
TBI - Has anyone done TBI swap on 260-289 Ford - I am helping cousin restore his 63 1/2 Comet with 260 V8. He's been helping me do GM restorations for years and was wondering if we could convert his Ford to GM TBI. Has anyone done this? Thanks, Ron
www.thirdgen.org
Tbi swap build thread - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network
Tbi swap build thread Engine and Drivetrain
67-72chevytrucks.com
I have also been in talks with @PetroleumJunkie412 about how to run Megasquirt with the GM TB.
How to MegaSquirt Your TPI or TBI Chevy Small-Block V8 or V6
How to convert to Fuel Injection on SBC V8s with TPI or TBI injection and HEI ignition with electronic spark timing - MegaSquirt EFI
www.diyautotune.com
A Homemade TBI Conversion for $904
We show you how to do a homemade TBI conversion for $904 on Leonard Slebodnik’s 1977 Corvette after his Quadrajet carburetor became gummed up.
My distributor will work with either, I will need more fuel pressure for either. I think I will have to have Megasquirt II to run the high idle for colds starts with the TBI, not sure how it will work with A/C when I get to that.
After a day of googling in my free time I have found:
GM perks:
Common system - for tech support and parts on the road
Has a limp mode so it is less likely to strand me in the middle of Illinois if something goes wrong
Check engine light capable (which my truck has)
Cheap
Add one O2 sensor bung
GM downsides:
Requires a custom chip - I haven't checked too far into that but that is probably the scariest part
Not sure if Ford VSS will work with GM system
Not sure about mounting the knock sensor - more research is needed on that
Old tech that people are increasingly less interested in it as far as support in the future.
Megasquirt Perks:
Can tune myself
I know it will work my weird hodge podge pile of crap
More standalone than the GM system
Can retune myself when I build another engine
Megasquirt downsides:
Complicated (still figuring it out)
Programming is daunting (but if @PetroleumJunkie412 can do it it must not be too bad?
)Expensive
Kind of boutique parts
I doubt anyone in my county has probably ever heard of it (so I would be on my own in the real world)
No limp mode, no roadside support, no CEL
Will need two O2 sensors (not a big deal but still more work, the PS exhaust isn't as removable as the DS)
I have probably missed some but that is what I have come across so far for +/-'s
The one article for Megasquirt was all happy they did all that for $900 in 2014, I need to figure out exactly what I would need for parts and how much they would run in modern dollars but $900 is a bit much. I could get THIS or even THIS for less that would plop right on out of a box with an O2 sensor and let it program itself.
Research is still ongoing for all ideas. This isn't a do or die, gotta have it done for next weekend thing so I am no particular hurry. Any one else have any input?
And yes I am very aware multiport is better for performance... but I think TBI is still better long term than what I have and keeps with the theme that I have for the truck. So far it has been kind of a fun rathole to investigate if nothing else...
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