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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN
Posts: 1
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Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
Hello, I am new to this site. I am hoping to gain some knowledge from others that may have achieved upgrading their TBI engine to one of the new EFI systems such as the Holley Terminator, FiTech, FAST or E-Street 2? I am thinking that this would be an improved system over the factory GM TBI. I am confused on how the transmission would react to these systems or if a transmission controller would have to be utilized. Any info would be appriciated.
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: GUNTERSVILLE
Posts: 621
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Re: Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
I believe everything you mentioned is TBI, Throttle Body Injection. So your not really talking anything dramatically different.
Assuming a mostly stock engine to mid performance motor I don't see how you gain much if anything. The replacements will flow more air but you can also buy a replacement Holley TBI unit that will flow 600 CFm (if I remember correctly) and it is a bolt on direct replacement unit. That is plenty for most street engines. You still have to tune the the aftermarket unit to get the most out of it. So why not learn to tune the existing unit? Replace the chip with a Moates Ostrich emulator and you can tune it from you laptop. When I finally get to replace my engine that is exactly what I am going to do. Use stock TBI and just tune it to the new engine. If I need the air flow I will replace it with the Holley unit. Should be able to the do the same thing as the replacement without all the expense. Not 100% sure but I believe you have to have a separate transmission controller with most of those. Your adding a level of complexity that unless you are really into the High Output motor I can't see the point. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 3,074
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Re: Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
TBI is EFI...
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northeast KS
Posts: 1,777
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Re: Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
Quote:
Skip the Holley unit. Not worth the money. There is a company out there that will increase the bores in your unit, or you could score a 454 unit for cheaper than the Holley. Depends on the age of the TBI vehicle as to how the trans is controlled. The later ones rely on the same ECU. I wouldn't waste the time, and if you were going to spend the money, throw it towards something with multi-port fueling capabilities.
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1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Henderson,TX
Posts: 336
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Re: Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Henderson,TX
Posts: 336
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Re: Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 3,587
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Re: Anyone tried upgrading a TBI engine to EFI?
The good news is that those factory throttle bodies are actually pretty good as compared with the aftermarket. And designed and calibrated for our trucks. Is your objective better performance? I'm assuming so, but you didn't say. From a hot rod shop that works on many late model cars as well as many upgraded older cars, the owner's recommendation to me was to work with the factory fuel injection as much as possible. There are many ways to improve the performance of the TBI as mentioned above as well as some less radical mods. Do an internet search of Ultimate TBI Mods and check out TBICHIPS.com as well as the resources above. If you are looking for better performance and want to start another thread, I'll happily chime in.
Last edited by LT7A; 12-20-2017 at 12:08 AM. |
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efi, fitech, tbi |
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