carburetor or self learning efi.

[fordracing65]

All opinions wanted, please, Im building an FE and want to know would you rather have a carb or the new self learning efi systems, I heard both good and bad about these efi systems, are they that much better than a good carb, all info needed, especially anyone with a self learning system, thanks.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

All opinions wanted, please, Im building an FE and want to know would you rather have a carb or the new self learning efi systems, I heard both good and bad about these efi systems, are they that much better than a good carb, all info needed, especially anyone with a self learning system, thanks.

As I recall from your many post - you are a stout advocate for EFI.
In fact, you went as far as to rubbished the thought of anyone using a carb where EFI was available.

Why the change of heart?

[fordracing65]

I do actually love efi, im just curious about the self learning systems since its not much more than a good card set up, I was doing some research and Ive heard so many things but no real world experience, I was thinking carb for price savings seeing a good efi system is around $5,000, carb $750, self learning efi $1,400. What self learning system is best?

[bobcowan]

First off, there's no such thing as a self learning EFI. They're a lot better than they used to be. But you still have to know what you're doing. The computer can process a lot of data, but it's not very smart.

The less expensive EFI's use a central throttle body with injectors. It's essentially an electronic carb with a wet manifold. IMO it's a step up from a carb. But not nearly as good as port injection. You get what you pay for.

Think of it like a carb that's really easy to tune. You don't even need to open the hood to adjust the mixtur.

The $1,400 doesn't always cover everything you need - tuner, O2 sensor and controller, high pressure fuel pump, etc. Just like a carb doesn't always come with everything you need - linkage parts, studs, kick down cables, slosh tubes, etc.

[TMark390]

I have been debating this exact question. I am just now building my car, so I have the option of putting in the right fuel pump and lines in, rather than having to change out later. I do have a brand new 750 Holley to put on, but my concern is the amount of tuning required with the 750. I'm pretty sure it would run right out of the box but it's propably meant to run more strip than street. I have seen numerous articles about adjustments and drilling throttle plates to make them more street friendly. I had thought of install o2 systems regardless just for tuning purposes with the carb. The advantage of the package EFI is it's ability to adjust to engine needs and resulting in more consistant performance.

Mark