Explorer EFI into a first gen

[Shran]

There is a nice one listed here for $500...

'85 was the first year for the big inlet in the fuel tank so I am only limited by my fuel gauge for what will work there. I would need a new feed line and I would have to add a return no matter what I do.

500 bucks is way too much for Pro-jection IMO, I know a bunch of guys that ran it back in the day and it was always a hot mess on modified engines. It got removed from a lot of trucks because it was hard to tune/nobody knew how. Stock engines or close though - totally fine - I may actually know someone who has the whole setup and would probably part with it. I'll ask him just cuz I'm curious.

86-88 sending unit will work perfect for EFI w/ return. Bend up some brake line, add ends & you're good to go.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

500 bucks is way too much for Pro-jection IMO, I know a bunch of guys that ran it back in the day and it was always a hot mess on modified engines. It got removed from a lot of trucks because it was hard to tune/nobody knew how. Stock engines or close though - totally fine - I may actually know someone who has the whole setup and would probably part with it. I'll ask him just cuz I'm curious.

86-88 sending unit will work perfect for EFI w/ return. Bend up some brake line, add ends & you're good to go.

Looking into it more I don't know if it would be a huge improvement over a carb. Rather than jets/rods I would have to play with screws to adjust for elevation, I am not sure it is really worth the hassle.

Otherwise I really have no complaints with what I have.

If I just stayed around home for the right price it would be a fun period correct accessory.

 

[Shran]

Hmm, that is a bummer.

My buddy used Affordable Fuel Injection on the 304 in his Jeep. No engine mods and he is pretty happy with it, seems like a high quality setup and it's just over a grand with a distributor included. It's basically OBD-1 TBI though and their little computer module runs whatever code GM was using back in the early 90's. I guess I would be tempted to use a gen 2 Sniper setup on a modified engine but again for a stock one it should work well.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Hmm, that is a bummer.

My buddy used Affordable Fuel Injection on the 304 in his Jeep. No engine mods and he is pretty happy with it, seems like a high quality setup and it's just over a grand with a distributor included. It's basically OBD-1 TBI though and their little computer module runs whatever code GM was using back in the early 90's. I guess I would be tempted to use a gen 2 Sniper setup on a modified engine but again for a stock one it should work well.

They have the PROM chip programmed to match the engine.

And they need a special air cleaner because the top of the throttle body projects into the air cleaner so high.

Been down that rabbit hole too...

Not really much cheaper than a Sniper either.

 

[bobbywalter]

So my first question is, why go that route instead of a FiTech/Sniper/Affordable EFI/etc? Just seems like a lot more fiddling is required to use stock parts which equals more time.

If you can round up a Mustang or Crown Vic/Grand Marquis upper & lower intake, you can put the throttle body on either side. The upper intake can be flipped either way. I've got mine on the driver's side and am really happy with where everything landed.

i do that with explorer intakes too. of course the lightening is already like that.

 

[bobbywalter]

Killshot 4-bbl EFI System

ACES EFI Killshot EZ Tune EFI system is one of the most powerful 4-bbl TBI systems on the market! 650 hp ,4 sets of 100 lb/hr Injectors, designed for 4150 style flange manifolds, 5 Inch handheld tuner with GPS speedometer Features - Remote-mounted ECU to avoid dreaded heat-and-vibration -...

acesefi.com

 

[JoshT]

If you can round up a Mustang or Crown Vic/Grand Marquis upper & lower intake, you can put the throttle body on either side. The upper intake can be flipped either way. I've got mine on the driver's side and am really happy with where everything landed.

Missed that and it's not a bad idea either. Biggest reason to keep it flipped to the right is to use with the Explorer stuff. The EGR elbow, throttle body, bracketry, and intake tube along with the assiciated Explorer harness that is laid out of it. If you aren't using that stuff, might as well put those things where they are most convenient, and seeing as this is a first gen ranger with the battery on the right, that would be with them to the left.

Since you are already running the carburetor, the easiest option would really be a TB EFI system like the Holley sniper or the Killshot that Bobby posted. I've used Sniper and it works. Never used Killshot, but I assume that Bobby has if he's recommending it.

If you want to do the work for multiport, I still think that one of the aftermarket systems would be your best move. Most of them can be set up using standard off the shelf sensors as long as you input the sensor data properly. Run the explorer intake, a second hand Mustang throttle body, get the few sensors you need and wire it up.

If you really want to stick with a stock EFI system, and I understand the draw, I really think I'd be looking into the older Fox Mustang stuff that uses the A9L ECU. That conversion was so popular for EFI swaps and MAF conversions on 302s that the information and components will probably be available for a long time to come. You can probably buy every piece you'd need brand new, the wiring harness included. If you buy all new, you'll be spending about as much as one of the aftermarket kits.

 

[bobbywalter]

for the multi port LS engine in the thing that identifies as a ranger Z car......i was going to use the aces but was unable to get a unit when i needed it .... when it was in development, it was on a project i was working with and i liked the fact it was running stereo widebands over the holley single wideband with the terminator x.

that engine had a radical cam and heads with a high dollar intake and 300 shot, so i really could not tell if it was more efficient.

it lasted about 14 months and that car has a dominator system now. never found out what the issue was, i know they sent it in.


the tbi units so far are decent. i worked with the fi tech stuff and its essentially that.

i would buy two.

right now i want to buy a spare holley ecm so i have one, but the aces setup i have a deal for is actually a little bit cheaper.

sigh. that is just a kick in the berries.

if we go to a hemi....i will for sure be running the aces. if we decide to use the windsor i might run the tbi aces.... a 150 coyote....probably the terminator.

in your case Justin.

i would consider the lower power tbi setup they have.

but i probably have all the shit you need to run eec5. and 180 the intake like shran with no egr elbow and the tb on a spacer and a snorkel up the a pillar.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I had seen Aces on FB, I have never heard of them before. On the ad they bombarded me with on FB 6mo that I haven't been able to find since asked not to see it anymore someone asks if it will work with Duraspark and they just said no. I don't know why or if it was the whole kit that already had the ignition system with it or what. There wasn't much out about them then, I see they have put out a bunch of videos since.

I will have to check into Aces some more since they get the Bobby seal of approval.

I watched a video last night and they flat out say what injectors, O2 sensors and TPS you can order from a parts store which was really nice.

I am not like totally married to Duraspark but having to add the ignition takes it back up to the price of a Sniper. And if I am going to change ignition I would be cross shopping with MSD or something more mainstream. But if I could I would be fine doing that later...

My build theory of the truck, trying to keep it look like it came how it is really complicates multiport...

 

[bobbywalter]

they dont have my seal of approval.

just like the fi tech or the holley....i would buy two...or at least on long trips keep your carb fresh and clean in a pelican box with your spare pistol.

the suck of aftermarket efi no matter what it is...cant just walk into a parts store or junkyard for a ecm.

same thing with my captain cavepig diesel. i have spare shit for that too.

i am willing to risk them as a try if the situation presents itself. i am trapped becasue i have to rewire the 350 that thinks it is a ranger if i save 50 bux by purchasing the aces instead of a spare terminator ecm.

we will be driving the Z long distances eventually so most likely i will be buying a spare terminator.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Watching youtube last night and my kid found a video he wanted to watch about an old truck, turned out it was Luke installing one of these on a old truck.

thecarbcheater.com/Install.php

Interesting theory, I am still checking it out but it kind of reminds me of the metering system they used to have on the old feedback carbs to adjust fuel mixture or the metering block people would make when the durasparked but with probably better electronics controlling it.

Really neat thing if things go sideways on the road, a vacuum cap and it is business as usual.

But of course off camber stuff would not be improved at all (but then I haven't had any issues with it yet...)

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I really like the idea of the carb cheater, I think at the end of the day it would accomplish most of what I want by being able to fine tune fuel mix on the fly. I could adjust rods/jets to keep it close enough to fine tune itself for elevation. And it doesn't really NEED the brainbox to run, brainbox nerfs itself I would just need a couple vacuum caps and its business as usual with just the carb.

But potential off camber issues remain, it does nothing to correct any of that. So think just snag a Truck Avenger... well a new one of them is like $800 so unless I sneak up on one that isn't happening.

And heat soak is incredibly annoying. It really isn't bad but it is annoying. Again, carb cheater does nothing to improve. A Truck Avenger may be better however but again, big $$ to keep a carb.

And while not a big deal I do still have to dink with the carb as we go. Dropping a screw/clip or tearing a gasket could be a trip altering offense. Being able to just leave it alone and let it do its thing is a big advantage.

And they just upped the price, it is now like $500 with the screen.

That is in Aces on sale territory... regular full on EFI vs a carb with a bandaid for about the same money.

Killshot Fusion

The Future of Throttle Body EFI is Here Engineered Precision. Integrated Simplicity. Real-World Durability. The Killshot Fusion is the next evolution in throttle body EFI systems. Building upon the success of the original Killshot, the Fusion takes everything users loved, robust hardware...

acesefi.com

I have kinda tried to futureproof myself for this. Electrical has room so that will be easy. Exhaust already has a bung in it for an O2 sensor.

Fuel system will need work. I have a low pressure first gen EFI pump in it now, it has a return. So I will need a high pressure pump, return style fuel pressure regulator and new lines.

Any pointers on building EFI fuel lines?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

When I checked into it awhile ago it seemed the aftermarket setups were wanting more fuel pressure than the "high pressure" pump for a Ranger would put out.



So far all the used ones I see are like $50 off or missing large components. TB with no harness or vice versa.

I didn't realize the Pro-Jection was that old. While it wouldn't have the efan controls and A/C idle kick up like a Sniper... it would be a period correct thing.

Whip Your Fuel System Into Shape With Holley’s New Pro-jection TBI

199r9777-6rev2.pdf

There is a nice one listed here for $500...

'85 was the first year for the big inlet in the fuel tank so I am only limited by my fuel gauge for what will work there. I would need a new feed line and I would have to add a return no matter what I do.

Ill come wire it all for ya