EFI questions...

[hammermachine]

I'm doing my mid winter project planning for my K5. After the body work is complete I'm hoping to do some mods. I've been reading about EFI, I'm sure some of you guys have switched to these systems. How are they running? Any type works best for a Stock Chevy 350? Any suggestions? Any advice would be greatly apperciated.

 

[Zmaster265]

The stock '87 to '94 or so TBI systems are a great option in terms of cost, reliability, and can be accommodating for power increases. I remember there being lots of posts concerning TBI swaps and the benefits of TBI overall. Also, parts availability, if you break down any local parts store or stealership should have them, or be able to get 'em.

 

[hammermachine]

I dunno

I might got that route, not sure alot of options.

 

[Thunder]

How much do you want to spend?
You can get parts for stock TBI setup for around 200 or so. If you look around.
After market plug and play complete TBI GM systems start at around $800 and up.
MPFI will run around $2000 and up.

 

[hammermachine]

Tbi

How much difference is there? Besides price. All I want to do is to improve my fuel economy and response time. Do you run one?

 

[dyeager535]

Compared to a well-tuned carb, no "bolt on" (TBI, TPI, aftermarket EFI) is going to raise your MPG greatly. Maybe 1-2MPG, but if you are concerned with cost, you need to estimate the overall cost of the swap, probably add at least 25% to that figure for incidentals, then figure out how long with +1-2MPG it will take you to break even.

The benefit of EFI is really in driveability. With the proper carb I don't feel that responsiveness is that much different, but cold starting and idle certainly are, and power overall feels MUCH stronger.

Of course, for the hardcore people, EFI doesn't spit and sputter on hills as long as there is enough fuel in the tank.

The ticket is really going to the LS series of motors. Yes, expensive comparatively, but the power and mileage potential/actual is light years ahead of the older EFI/gen 1 SBC stuff.