Is anyone using an aftermarket EFI system on your El Camino? I have been eyeing the Edelbrock E-street system and the Holley Terminator system. Just wondered what was being used with the most success.
I studied this as an option for my Elky. I already had TPI, and the motor was a Crate Vortec, so I already had the front sensor and timing cover. The plan was to change to a "411" ECM, which would use the Vortec style distributor. You can also upgrade to the Coil Over package , but may have to change the reluctor ring. You also need a method of getting a high speed VSS count ( 24000 ppm),A different TCC Lockup kit, bigger injectors, different MAF, 411 ECM and wiring harness, and something like HP tuners.I came across this one the other day while researching some issues on my '99 Vortec L31. It seems like they have a system where you can retro-fit to an SBC, as well as retro-fit the LS computer management stuff to an SBC.
https://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/24xSBC.aspx
Your thoughts?
I'm reminded of when I upgraded to a 80386 Dell computer I bought,, cost us $800 to upgrade the hard drive to a 40MEG hard drive, and that had to be partitioned because the OS couldn't handle more than xxx MEGS (16meg I think). Now I just bought a 64GIG USB flash drive about the size of my thumbnail for $28I worry when I see prices that low.
EFI, especially these self tune kits have really come quite along way, My friend Jeff tested the Fitech system on his '65 camino quite awhile ago and liked it lot. We just did a cam swap on his camino about a month ago and the Fitech hated it, to be fair Jeff will tell you he has fiddled with that system so much that he cant even get it back to base settings.HOF,, I can surely admit when something needs correcting.
Here's a real world testing of carb vs EFI and power wise the EFI did edge out the oldschool carb in power. I stand corrected. These systems have came a long ways. But the n/a max effort NMCA guys are still leaning towards carbs. Gotta be something there ya think?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sQJPZYSoUI
Just for reference, I replaced a very good running CCC Carb on my 305 with a TPI system off a Camaro. Total cost to me was about $2000 by the time it was done. Bottom line: It might start a little easier- not a lot. Gas mileage is about the same- maybe 1 mpg better. Cool factor is up! Would I do it again? Not unless I was going to a 5.3 or other LSx engine. For about the same cost I would have had a more reliable engine, More HP, better mileage, etc. There just wasn't as much info about the LS swap when I did mine.Here goes a really dumb question: What difference, if any, would I notice if I replaced my carb with one of these EFI systems.
If you want more throttle response,and you haven't done it yet, consider changing the rear gears. It will feel like you just installed a new engine.I was just thinking maybe the EFI would give me more throttle response to an otherwise low horsepower engine.