Edelbrock EFI

[crazy96863]

I am doing a total rebuild on my 88 Ranger. I am looking at putting a 347 Stroker in. I have read a lot about EFI swaps & most refer to some sort of factory V8 wiring swap. This seems a little complicated to say the least.

When reviewing my options, I found a bolt on EFI kit on the Edelbrock website. It resembles the throttle body systems on the 90's dodge rams. This system seems like a simple replacement for the carburetor & intake manifold. This gives the simplicity of a carburetor with the efficiency of EFI in one neat package.

Aside from cost (I have no idea), this seems like a good program. Does anyone out there have any experience with this? Edelbrock is a pretty reputable outfit but I want to find out from folks who know before investing in this.

This might make a good post in the technical library if anyone has the instructions put together.

Thanks!

 

[wade]

I have read a lot about EFI swaps... ...found a bolt on EFI kit on the Edelbrock website. It resembles the throttle body systems on the 90's dodge rams. This system seems like a simple replacement for the carburetor & intake manifold. This gives the simplicity of a carburetor with the efficiency of EFI in one neat package.
Thanks!

Does it look sumthin' like this:


Nope! Never seen one!

The intake manifold is an Edelbrock 3723, Aluminum, 2BBL intake, with the EGR adapter. Keeps it legal/inspectable, and gets rid of the overweight cast iron...
The CFI is the stock setup off of an '85 Crown Vic. Got it at Pick-N-Pull. Took the computer, ignition system, fuel injection system, all sensors and actuators, and the wiring harness. It should improve drivability (no waiting for it to warm up - like a carb), and its a lot cheaper than the Edelbrock EFI. The only thing I've had to replace so far is the fuel pressure regulator. I, too, looked at Edelbrock and Holley (Commander 950 & Pro-Jection), but what they want ($$$!), isn't what I want. I don't think that the performance would be any better using them. I, like many others, prefer the most bang for my buck. Especially for a Daily Driver and $4/gal !!

See my signature.

 

[crazy96863]

It does somewhat resemble your picture there. You made a few good points bringing more questions up.

What is more reliable, powerful, efficient and all around better; Throttle Body EFI or the system with Plenum's like you will find on 5.0 H/O.

Here is the Holley setup, this doesn't seem much different than pulling a factory system out of a car.

http://www.holley.com/types/Ford 289 302 Commander 950 MPFI Systems.asp

Here is what the Edelbrock looks like:

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/efi/pf_intro.shtml

This looks like it has the simplicity of a carburetor with the efficiency of EFI all in one tight little bundle.

I have no idea about cost, I can't find this on line any where so I am going to have to call a dealer. I appreciate the thoughts on saving money by using the factory equipment, but I am rebuilding from the ground up using new or refurbished parts. I think either Edelbrock or Holley would be cheaper than new Ford parts. I like having the newest available technology running my old truck as well. Durability of the old, efficiency and reliability of the new.

 

[wade]

I think either Edelbrock or Holley would be cheaper than new Ford parts. I like having the newest available technology running my old truck as well. Durability of the old, efficiency and reliability of the new.

I never priced "new Ford parts" because the parts are readily available at Pick-N-Pull for an obvious fraction of the cost. I probably could have used a used Ford Motorsports aluminum intake as well (eBay), for cheaper than the Edelbrock, but it might not have had the EGR porting. I'm trying to keep it emissions compliant, too.

"What is more reliable, powerful, efficient and all around better?"

Aftermarket or OEM? New or Used? These are points we could argue all night long and never come to an agreement. Either way will work. I look at it this way - it's your money - what's your goal - what do you want? What I think is foolish, may well be someone else's dream. Who am I to stand in their way? Suit yourself. I just don't think it's worth the expense. After you've checked it out - you might not, either.

Links to earlier threads, worth reading:
Which is Better - EFI or Carb
Carb? EFI? What to choose?
Throttle body EFI 302

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

We run the Edlebrock ProFlow injection kit on our drag car at work. Its a very nice system to use, simple to install, and comes with everything you will need to fuel inject it. It ran us around $2000 for the complete injection system for the 302 we have the mustang we used it on.

 

[wade]

We run the Edlebrock ProFlow injection kit on our drag car at work... ...very nice system, simple to install, comes with everything. It ran us around $2000

Maybe cost effective for that application. But, that's more moolah than the "average Joe" is going to fork out for a practical, daily driven, fuel system. Understanding that its true -- you get what you pay for. I may endure headaches of troubleshooting and replacing sensors - one at a time, until I get it running right. That's why I call it "a project". I'm a husband, father, homeowner, any other hat that hangs on the peg, and I have to spend my money wisely. Its only my opinion, but in this $4/gal world in which we live, many of us are probably feeling whatever pinch we're feeling and pick-and-choose our expenses accordingly, while still maintaining the exhilaration of our V8 conversion projects. As for this fool, $2000 for an Edelbrock Proflow - Holley ProJection - or, less than $300 for the Edelbrock 2BBL manifold and Pick-N-Pull Special - was a no brainer.

 

[crazy96863]

I appreciate all the feedback. I am not looking to start a fiery debate over this, sorry if that is the way you took it.

I am looking at my project like this, either I could simply by a new truck for $25,000 - $40,000 that I won't be 100% happy with or I can make this one for $15,000 - $25,000 that I will be completely satisfied with. I don't have all the money in the world either, I am just picking up one piece at a time.

I know that by salvaging, I could put this together and it would be a good strong truck that would be reliable as well. My problem is that although this is a bit arrogant, I hope to draw envy. I intend to make this truck at least like new, if not show ready. Probably just new as I want to enjoy it.

Summit Racing wanted $3,000 for the Edelbrock Kit, any suggestions where I might get it cheaper?

Doing my homework, I found that TBI is simpler than EFI but not quite as efficent. A bit cheaper as well. Both are about the same in reliability. Any thoughts as to why I might go one way or another?

Thanks!

 

[wade]

Doing my homework, I found that TBI is simpler than EFI but not quite as efficent. A bit cheaper as well. Both are about the same in reliability. Any thoughts as to why I might go one way or another?

CFI (TBI) is simpler, but perhaps restrictive to flow if you're looking to make mucho HP. It'll work fine depending upon how much power you're anticipating. The Edelbrock appears to be a 4BBL TBI and should support increased power demands, at a premium expense. CFI (TBI) is Speed Density, MPFI is usually Mass Air using a MAF sensor, and probably be capable of producing increased HP. What's your goal - what do you want?
Its a matter of opinion about what works best for each of us. And how slim or fat our wallets are.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

In one of those posts that Wade linked, Red_85/Black_85 and I talked about running a GM on a Ford engine and it diffentatly sounds doable. This is a plus for me as rednecks are always ripping them out of their Chevy's for a four barrel and putting them on creigslist for cheap.

I want the simplicity/looks of a carbed system with the reliablity and performance of fuel injection, which is why I plan on switching to a TBI system once I get the bugs worked out elsewhere with a carburator. It might not be quite as effecient, but it is stupid simple and works.

You can buy kits out there, or you can read the list of parts that come in the kit and hit the junkyards.