efi or carb?

['95 ranger]

been thinkin a long time about swappin the old worn out 2.3 for a 5.0, i decided to go ahead and do it but im 16 and the truck is a daily driver, i could find another vehicle to drive while i do the swap but not for long, now based on this what would be the best, easiest, and cheapest way to do this, carb or efi?

thanks, dalton

 

[Iron Ranger]

It would all be based on one's point of view. I am going with an EFI setup because of better fuel economy and easy tunability. And on a side note, I "had" the exact same specs as your truck, just a little older.

So, easiest and cheapest way to go? Carb. EFI has a lot of extra wires and sensors and vacuum lines everywhere and it takes a while to figure out where everything goes.

The other thing is "easy" is not a word to use in this swap. It's "do-able" but not "easy"
You'll be spending money in spots you'd never expect, but in the end, It'll be worth it.

At 16 years old, you'll be blowin' rice burners right off the highway.

Visit the tech library, it's very helpful for the swap

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

easy=carb.(it all takes work and time so = not easy)
if you have time and $ efi.

 

[turbo cat]

carb if you want to wait for the truck to warm up and have possible issue starting when cold. Or efi turn key and go

 

[Ranger44]

I can already see this turning into a "Heated" debate.

My opinion, is go EFI. Plain and simple.

 

[Iron Ranger]

I can already see this turning into a "Heated" debate.

My opinion, is go EFI. Plain and simple.

Then, LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!

 

['95 ranger]

carb if you want to wait for the truck to warm up and have possible issue starting when cold. Or efi turn key and go

well i do live in texas, not too much cold weather down here.

yeah i was thinkin carb in the first place, thanks guys i appreciate the help

 

['95 ranger]

At 16 years old, you'll be blowin' rice burners right off the highway.

yeap that was the plan! lol

 

[88mudder]

Carb..EFI wont be very fun for your first engine swap.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Carb definatly.

Everyone has an opinion, but carbs are easy, and tuneable, and cheap. A throttle cable and fuel line and your ready to go.

later,
Dustin

 

['95 ranger]

ok i made a decision carb, now where can i get one...on the cheap
(well the cheapest i can find)

 

[projectnitemare]

Never again will I use a carb over EFI. I am revamping my entire drivetrain this spring one of the things is going back to fuel injection. The big block I'm building will also be fuel injected.

Matt

 

[Bruce]

I vote EFI the extra effort for the wiring was worth it in the long run,my brother ran his on a 3000 mile trip and averaged 26.5 miles to a gallon cruising at 75 -80 mph with an AOD tranny and 3.27 gears in it and still has the performance when he needs it.

 

[Ranger44]

I will also add, since your vehicle is currently EFI, you will have to change the fuel system for lower fuel pressure, a carb won't like 60psi......

Also in my opinion, EFI is more simple than a carb. More in the fact of diaognotics and it having the ability to self-tune to different conditions.

 

[wade]

It would all be based on one's point of view.
The other thing is "easy" is not a word to use in this swap. It's "do-able" but not "easy". You'll be spending money in spots you'd never expect, but in the end, It'll be worth it.

EFI for

"fuel economy, tunability", "diagnostics"

and drivability.

CARB for initial cost economy and simplicity(???)

If you are absolutely dead set on CARB, and staying cheap, a 2BBL Motorcraft is prabably readily available at many places close by you. It would get you started. The "rice-burners" aren't going anywhere -- they'll wait!
But, I don't think you'd be dissappointed if you EFI'd it.

SIDE NOTE:
Check out the emissions sticker on your radiator core support. I'd be willing to bet ya' that the '95 was labeled as fuel injected for emissions. If you go to get it inspected and the inspector notes that it's not injected, he is well within the law to put a rejection sticker on it. If you can "slide it through an inspection", then go out and "get stupid" and pulled over by a trooper who has the right to inspect your vehicle on the side of the road, you may not like the results. (In that case, neither would the garage that gave you the sticker!) If you get it inspected, and have the maturity to understand what you have, you'll probably be OK. If some inspector passes it, don't screw yourself -- and him!