Carb(s), not EFI: right?

[aks801]

Target: build a 427 SC replica with FE big block. Use for cruising, backroad blasting.
Me: minimal motor experience (used to have a '66 Mustang, rebuilt the starter, did some refinishing, some radiator work, no engine internals).
The look: want the car to have a "period correct" look as much as possible. Most likely will be a 390, or a 428, with new aluminum heads and intake.
Question: carb or fuel injection?

I liked the idea of tuning with a laptop, dowloading fuel maps, that kind of thing. Like the idea of using EFI stacks for that Weber look (except it is really expensive!).

But... I really want that traditional look, and it seems that a carb is the way to go. After doing a lot of reads of old threads, and seeing numerous engine pulls on dynos, everything talks about using carbs. I may get a book on Holleys so I can start learnin' up on what I'd be dealing with.

Am I going the right direction by selecting a carbed engine?

[bobcowan]

Carb vs. EFI is really a personal choice. Both have their advantages.

There's a couple of EFI kits on the market that look just likie carbs, both 4 barrel Holley and Webber downdrafts.

Yes, Virginia, you can have it all.

[Ronbo]

You can check my gallery to see the Mass-Flo dyno results, about 40+ hp gain over Kieth's carb equiped 482.

Except for the fuel rails it looks like a carb setup.

Also since it's Mass air based, it's a lot tighter control than MAP based systems.

www.massfloefi.com

[RICK LAKE]

aks801 Alan the carbs, throttlebodies, stacked system, retro systems all have there good and bad about them. I run a single 1,200 cfm throttle body on my car. The next motor I am building will have TWM 58mm setup, which I already have. You said you want to be original, that would but you with a Carb. IMO in the low and middle rpm range, a good FI system works better,gets better gas mileage, and responds in high "G" turns with out gas wash in the cylinders. Top end and speed a carb wins. You didn't say the magic question? How much power are you looking for?The trans you want to run, and rearend gearing. No body has done a carb test compared to a TWM or Dynatek 48mm throttlebodies. The webers do not flow the same as the other 2 and depending on motor size, they run out of cfm in the low 6,000 rpm range. This is also not a bad thing. You also want to e-mail Dean Lampe. He has been running Dynatek on his stroker GT-40 for 2 years. He started with webers and crossed over to the dark side, FI. You have a private e-mail. Rick L.

[aks801]

Looks like I have more homework to do then! That's cool.

A lot of why I want to do one of these crazy cars just has to do with "feel", with passion. I really want a total throwback to that era. If that can be achieved and still use the fuel injection, then I may go that route. The whole tinkering with the carbs thing might be part of what I want the experience to be, though.

I'm thinking HP and torque should both be in the 450-500 range. From all I've read, that should certainly be achievable and would give this thing PLENTY of grunt. Transmission will be a wide-ratio Top Loader, case closed. No idea on the rear-end gearing: mid 3's?

I'm committed to the FE for this project, I know that much! Thanks to all.

[jhv48]

Holley carb and manifold: $700.00

Looks correct, fun to tinker with, hauls ass!

Fuel injection: $6000.

Better mileage (BFD), looks high tech, needs computer to setup, wiring harness is 10 times more complicated, upgraded fuel delivery system needed. Totally new age.

You state that you are looking to be reasonably period correct with that traditional appearance.

Carb is your answer!

[aks801]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Holley carb and manifold: $700.00

Looks correct, fun to tinker with, hauls ass!

Fuel injection: $6000.

Better mileage (BFD), looks high tech, needs computer to setup, wiring harness is 10 times more complicated, upgraded fuel delivery system needed. Totally new age.

You state that you are looking to be reasonably period correct with that traditional appearance.

Carb is your answer!

Winner winner, chicken dinner! I like how you think. I'll still check out the fuelie systems just to understand the universe of options, but I have to be honest in that I'm definitely leaning toward the carbs.

[olddog]

This is a video on a Boss EFI system. It is a throttle body system designed to look just like a carb. I just saw this on the net. Never seen one in person or talked to anyone who has. I have no financial interest.

http://enginefactory.com/Video_Techn...EFI_092908.wmv