Quote:
Originally Posted by eschaider
One of the most important capabilities you will want is a Mass Air Flow (MAF) capability. There are three fueling models for EFI. Alpha-N, Speed Density, and Mass Air Flow. the only one that will allow you to move 7000 feet vertically and still properly fuel your engine, without retuning, is the MAF based system.
|
To expand on a MAF system. If you don't use a MAF, and at least one O2 sensor, what you have done is changed the system to an electronic instead of mechanical carburetor. You have a huge expense at no gain over the mechanical system since the benefit of EFI is that it automatically compensates for atmospheric pressure. Yes, even local weather conditions but more importantly altitude changes. If you live at a constant altitude and don't have a MAF then the EFI system will perform no better than a propertly tuned carb and you will have spent a lot more money that you would have used to tune our carbs.
You'll also probably have additional expenses in fuel return lines and more likely than not upgraded fuel lines and fuel pump.
The truth is that unless you go from Phoenix to the mountains, and go there to race, the carbs adjusted for your altitude will perform well enough. Plus, unless you stop, it won't matter, since the MAF takes its initial altitude reading before the engine runs (it can't measure altitude once air flow starts.)
Chances are that if your carbs are properly tuned now, after the EFI conversion you'll wonder if it was worth the expense. Of course, if you've given up on badly tuned carbs a well adjusted EFI system will be a gain.
Lastly, if you are a tinkerer and this is a project to keep your hands busy then by all means go for it
This topic is probably the second-most new thread that has already had many many discussions already in the forum. In fact, you will find the same participants giving the same advice. Search can be your friend.