MSD Atomic EFI & Intake

[cwilkie]

Question guys. I am planning on purchasing a MSD Atomic EFI for my 396bbc bored .060 over with closed chamber heads. It has a cast iron spread bore intake. I found out the MSD Atomic efi requires a square bore intake.

1. Has anyone upgraded to this efi setup?

2. What square bore intake would work well wih this system?

3. How does the engine run after the efi setup is installed? Any power gains?
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[zammer]

I went with the FAST EFi system and used an Edelbrock RPM air gap intake. The fast system is very close to the same system as the MSD except it has a return line back to the tank on the fuel pump regulator, pretty nice system and fires right up all the time. There are lots of articles on the 3 main systems that are out there and all good. I know you can get huge milage gains and H.P if your carb is not tuned or needs a rebuild etc.
For me i liked those main points and I dont have time to try and tube etc
good luck

[FloatMonkey]

I am currently running the MSD Atomic EFI in the return-less configuration in my truck. I have a rear mounted fuel tank with a Aeromotive Phantom fuel pump and the timing is being controlled by the Atomic unit. The truck runs great over all. I have been very happy with the way that it runs. I still have an off idle problem when its cold but after 5 mins of running its gone. I would swap out the intake to an Edelbrock RPM intake depending if your cam matches up with the recommend RPM.
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[cwilkie]

How does the atomic into control the timing? What type of distributor so I need for that to happen? What type of intake are you running?
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[FloatMonkey]

Originally Posted by cwilkie

How does the atomic into control the timing? What type of distributor so I need for that to happen? What type of intake are you running?
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There is a option in the advance screen to have the Atomic EFI control the timing. I used a Pro Billet distributor from MSD. You have to lock out the advancing part of the distributor out and use a MSD rotor that can be phased. You also have to set the base timing to 35-45 degrees advance if I remember correctly. You can get copy of the manual off the Atomic website so you can read it first to make sure you order the correct parts. I am running a Edelbrock RPM Performer Air gap intake but I have a small block. Its working well for me and it also gives me a place to run wires so they are out of sight for a cleaner look.

[cwilkie]

I will do that. Have you noticed better mileage or any power gains?
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[FloatMonkey]

[QUOTE=cwilkie;6252219]I will do that. Have you noticed better mileage or any power gains?
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Gas mileage, no. I have a hard time keeping my foot out of it! I am planing on taking a long trip with it and I hope to document what kind of gas mileage I am getting. Power, Yes! The power is better all the way around and my eyes don't burn from the exhaust fumes. The cool thing about the Atomic is that it can control two electric fans and the different temperature you want them to come on at and it also bumps up the idle if you turn on the a/c. I would also look into the FAST 2.0 EFI or Holley Termimator EFI too and see what options you get with them.

[cwilkie]

I currently have a stock high rise spread bore intake. I plan on purchasing the msd atomic kit over the winter. In the mean time I can purchase the the correct ignition kit that will be controlled by the msd atomic. I want to purchase the edelbrock 7164 performer rpm intake and still run my quadrajet until I purchase the msd atomic kit next spring. Will this intake work with my quadrajet for now and the msd atomic kit later?
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[FloatMonkey]

It does look like Edelbrock 7164 performer rpm does accept both the square and spread bore carbs. The MSD Atomic should bolt up no problem. If your planing on using a nitrous plate or an overdrive transmission there might be some bracket mounting issues. If you do get the Atomic kit make sure to pick up a longer CanBus cable. I got the six foot one so I can plug the handheld programmer in and use it in the cab while driving.
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[67 chevelle]

once you go to efi , you will be junking all your carbs , they will realy wake up a big block , 396s are kind of carb friendly but the efi will be a blast and run much better , i put a powerjection 3 unit on a built 454 , after strugaling with a few carbs , it went from being hard to tune to the space shuttle with the efi

[cwilkie]

Getting closer to purchasing atmic efi. I have a th400 with a carb mounted kickdown. Does anyone know how I can still use my kickdown switch with the atomic efi throttle body?

[Willys47]

the linkage is so much like a carb it will probably bolt up like stock.I am installing one as well I have started up the motor but the truck is not together so I can drive it yet.

[cwilkie]

Summit Racing is having a sale on their Atomic EFI Master Kits - 2900 at a cost of $1999.95. That is about $500 off the normal price. I pulled the trigger and purchased the EFI kit with an Edelbrock 7164 intake. Can't wait to get the kit later this week.

I hope it is worth it!

[2500HD]

Any update?

[cwilkie]

I am going to be installing the intake next weekend after I get back from the muffler shop. They need to weld in the bung for the O2 sensor. The following weekend I plan on installing the fuel lines and throttle body. So within three weeks I hope to have this complete. I only have time to do this on weekends.

[2500HD]

What type of distributor are you going to use?

[cwilkie]

Finally installed the MSD Atomic efi last week. I installed it using te return less setup. It runs great and the throttle response is awesome. I plan on moving to California so I m gonna need to install the return setup since I have it already anyway. I finished it just in time as my nephew was able to take the truck to his senior prom yesterday. Thank board members for all your advice over the years!

[LostMy65]

What distributor are you using for Timing Control?

[cwilkie]

I am not using the timing control at the moment. Just call msd tech support and they will tell you what you need. I'm going to eventually go with the timing control but not yet. I didn't start the truck for six months and it took right off the other weekend.