[jdean]

I don't have any first hand numbers, but based on what I have read over the years, here are the equations to my way of thinking:

- Performance - if both are well-tuned it is almost equal, but EFI might have better driveability.

- Cost - Carb wins by a long shot. You can get a nice carb for $600-700 (yes i know there are better deals, and much more expensive deals). EFI could cost from 3 to 4 times that much.

- Mileage - EFI wins. But if a carb engine gets you, say 10-12 MPG, and EFI could get you 14-15 MPG (a lot also depends on gearing) on a big block, how many miles would you drive to make up the difference? At 3.00 per gallon of premium, at 10 MPG it would cost you 30 cents a mile with a carb. With EFI assuming even 14 MPG it would cost you 21 cents per mile. So it would take you driving 22,000 miles to make up a cost difference of $2,000.

In my case driving 2-3,000 miles per year max, that is a lot of years to make it up.

Bottom line is go with what you like best and are willing to pay for. There a many that have gone to EFI and loved it, and there are those that went back to carbs after trying it, so be sure to get a proven solution for YOUR application.