Pro-Flo XT EFI for SBF

[TeeTime]

I have a 347 Stroker, Edelbrock Performer RPM top end with roller, 1405 carb, FMX tranny with TransGo and ACC high stall converter, 3.89 rear gear, big shoes. It runs like a 4 wheel cruise missile, no issues, so I'm going to "fix" it by installing a Pro-Flo XT set-up. Does anyone have any experience with these? Rumor has it that Screaming Metal may have a word or two to say about injection. All comments and advice welcomed, some cheerfully ignored.

 

[Golly]

I'm not sure why you wish to convert to EFI , when it sounds like you have a great combination now. If you're after more driveability, there are much less expensive ways to achieve that. If you're after more mpg, same deal. A good running EFI system is hard to beat, but along with the initial expense of the EFI unit, you'll also need a new pump, return line to the tank, sometimes a return line from the engine to the tank, new filter (higher pressure) an O2 sensor installed in the exhaust etc, and some extra wiring. plus probably some dyno tuning time. If you're only after better mpg, it will take a long time to re-coup those costs, unless you drive thousands of miles per year.

 

[TeeTime]

About 50% of the reason is the "coolness factor," the rest performance. The plenum presents quite an appearance, while the sequential injection, in combination with computer management, provides a noticeable gain in HP. In my parts room I already have a pump, regulator, plenty of braided SS gas line, and my tank (Rhodes Racing) is set-up with a -8 AN return fitting. Winter offers little time for pleasant cruising, so the O2 bung, wiring, and other must-dos are simply time fillers. Fuel economy is not a consideration, and work is healthy for this old fart. The knowledge to be gained is also a plus. I haven't had my hands or Mk-I, Mod-I eyeballs on a fuel injection setup since the Rochester setups on the early 'Vettes. In fact, no "wrenching" at all since the 70s...

I really like Edelbrock's new 3x2 setup (again, coolness factor), but the price is inline (sorta') with the Pro-Flo setup. I'm fishing for enough input here to nudge me in one direction or another. Your comments are much appreciated, please keep them coming.

I'm not sure why you wish to convert to EFI , when it sounds like you have a great combination now. If you're after more driveability, there are much less expensive ways to achieve that. If you're after more mpg, same deal. A good running EFI system is hard to beat, but along with the initial expense of the EFI unit, you'll also need a new pump, return line to the tank, sometimes a return line from the engine to the tank, new filter (higher pressure) an O2 sensor installed in the exhaust etc, and some extra wiring. plus probably some dyno tuning time. If you're only after better mpg, it will take a long time to re-coup those costs, unless you drive thousands of miles per year.

 

[baddawgcustoms]

Yes the coolness effect is great but the EFI is such a superior design, on a modern style hot rod I think it's awesome. No cold morning wait for it to warm up either, good EFI is pain free when it's setup correctly. And it's just cool to see something different in these cars as well in my opinion! Go fer it!!

 

[Screaming Metal]

As they have told you , the coolness factor is up there with the EFI, BUT, you gotta deal with all the wires andboxes that on certain EFI's are hard to make attractive.
Its a good setup, has a lot of adjustability, and is the only way in my opinion, to deal with the crappy fuel situation that now exists. Don't get me wrong, I love carbs and can tune the hell outta them, but where we are with fuel and parts, its getting easier to do the fuel injection.
Add to the fact that the EFI adjusts itself on the fly to optimize things, fuel mileage goes up, power goes up, and this is even at altitude, going thru the mountains and below sea level.
Theres also a learning curve also, so, that has to be taken into consideration. Adjustments are fast usually, add your software to your laptop and adjust it out. Theres no dis-assembly to change jets, messing up your gaskets from repeated removal. All in all, EFI is the future, and they even come looking like carbs too....for the folks like me that like that look.

Once your dialed in, your good to go until a component goes....but thats with all things.
Just make a good looking loom, keep all your mounting neat. Recently did one for a T with a Ford Mountain Motor in it....made a dressup cover that bolts below the dual throttle bodys, and TIG'ed up a all alum. econo rail type scoop covering up the throttlebodys and alot of the wiring. It kept people guesing whats under that cover, but with the coil packs on the valvecovers and that extremely mean rumble and throttle response, folks knew it meant business.
Its all as cool as you want to make it....
Even made a chromed louvered cover over the computer, split loom covers the wiring. I like running some of the wiring thru brass or copper line....that can be polished up nicely.....

 

[Screaming Metal]

Let me also add that the MFG'ers are really into making a interface the you can adjust thru, instead of using a laptop. I believe that the future EFI's will come with a controller interface for adjustments, and will still allow a laptop computer hookup for the installers.

 

[Screaming Metal]

Sorry, Brain Fart! The T with the EFI was a Chevy, the T with the Mountain Motor was a Ford Boss Hemi....it had carbs....

 

[Screaming Metal]

You can make the EFI loom look good, but you have to put forth some effort. Mount your components where you can use up that long loom they give you. Where you have to, you can cut the wires, but you have to break out the soldering Iron, the heatgun and the shrink tubing. Whatever you do, if you cut any wires, solder them and do a first class job.
The Poked and Stroked 460 based motor thats in mine has carbs on it now, but I'm sell them and replacing with a EFI myself.

 

[TeeTime]

You can make the EFI loom look good, but you have to put forth some effort. Mount your components where you can use up that long loom they give you. Where you have to, you can cut the wires, but you have to break out the soldering Iron, the heatgun and the shrink tubing. Whatever you do, if you cut any wires, solder them and do a first class job.
The Poked and Stroked 460 based motor thats in mine has carbs on it now, but I'm sell them and replacing with a EFI myself.

Among my many other sins I'm a semi-retired (retarded) electrical/mechanical contractor, and ham radio operator. It there's a way to make wiring look like someone did it who knew what he was about, I imagine I can manage it. I like pretty and clean wiring, regardless of its application. Got any pics of looms?

 

[TeeTime]

I'm sold, Pro-Flo XT looks like my next purchase. Thanks for the input.

 

[EX JUNK]

Among my many other sins I'm a semi-retired (retarded) electrical/mechanical contractor, and ham radio operator. It there's a way to make wiring look like someone did it who knew what he was about, I imagine I can manage it. I like pretty and clean wiring, regardless of its application. Got any pics of looms?

I don't have any EFI just a plain old carb but I do take pride in my wiring. You asked for pictures of looms and this is the only one that I have on file. Every wire in my car looks like this, even those that are not out in the open and easily seen.



Jim

 

[bobs66440]

Very nice! I suppose it's especially imprtant on our cars with much of the components/wiring exposed.

 

[TeeTime]

Ex, when business picks up again, if you're in need of a job, holler. Nice!

I'm currently in the process of rewiring my Tee. It's not a show car, but the wiring will be sweet.

 

[Screaming Metal]

Photos of Wiring....GT63 and Potvin Guy I believe both have Injection and their wiring is immaculate....so are a bunch of other folks here....just look around.