switching from EFI to Carb- good or bad?

FastGTragtop · 07-26-2001, 03:25 PM

I have an 87 GT Convertible which is fuel injected and was wondering how much it would cost to switch over to a Carb setup.
Is it a good idea and what would be the pros and cons of going through with this change? Any other valuable info to influence me or not to influence me about the idea would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Carl

Mean50 · 07-26-2001, 07:31 PM

I think switching would be a good idea if you are going for more of a race type set up. I am getting ready to change mine over.

------------------
89 LX Coupe
306, 10:1 compression, Holley Heads, Intake, and Cam package, 70 mm Throttle body and Mass Air, 30 lb injectors, 255 lph fuel pump, 1 5/8" full length headers, Flowmaster 2 1/2" American Thunder Cat back system, Centerforce dual friction clutch, 4.10 gears
50-175 hp Nitrous Works kit, 5" Auto Meter Shift Light

juiceman · 07-26-2001, 08:44 PM

well, changing over depends on your intentions and ability as a racer/tuner. you will make more power with carb cheaper. or you will spend less money to make the same power. also, carbs allow the motor to work in its best rpm range. 302's need to rev. however, if you are not good at tuning a carb or choose the wrong setup your car will not work well. carbs need attention. you can get the same gas mileage and throttle response as injected if its done right.
if youre gonna go carbed, dont waste your money on heads or cams. you wont need them unless you want to go 11's. so in my opinion, go with the swap.

hoofbeat · 07-26-2001, 09:19 PM

I agree with the others. Unless you plan on running in certain classes, or plan to go REAL fast, go with a carb but do it right. Oh another thing, MOST dealerships look away from cars that have been converted over to carb and so do a lot of individuals. So think about it if you were to sale it.

jwboner · 07-27-2001, 03:43 AM

Take it from someone who went from carb to efi. Carbs need tuning at least once a month and tuning can take hours depending on problem. They are great for racing, but if you plan to use it for street/strip I would keep efi.

------------------
65 Mustang fastback
347 DFI injected, TFS, too much to say
Just about everything custom

Red514LX · 07-28-2001, 11:41 AM

With your current setup, the cost of going EFI to carb would not be worth the very modest performance gain you would see. I can't even believe you'd consider going this route with your car

The aftermarket is absolutely flooded with GREAT parts for EFI 302-based motors. Now, if you are thinking about a HOT 351W-based motor (either nat. asp. or w/ n2o), then going the carb route makes MUCH more sense.

07-26-2001, 03:25 PM	#1
FastGTragtop Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: St.Clair Shores, MI, 48080 Posts: 16	switching from EFI to Carb- good or bad? I have an 87 GT Convertible which is fuel injected and was wondering how much it would cost to switch over to a Carb setup. Is it a good idea and what would be the pros and cons of going through with this change? Any other valuable info to influence me or not to influence me about the idea would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Carl

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07-26-2001, 07:31 PM	#2
Mean50 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 118	I think switching would be a good idea if you are going for more of a race type set up. I am getting ready to change mine over. ------------------ 89 LX Coupe 306, 10:1 compression, Holley Heads, Intake, and Cam package, 70 mm Throttle body and Mass Air, 30 lb injectors, 255 lph fuel pump, 1 5/8" full length headers, Flowmaster 2 1/2" American Thunder Cat back system, Centerforce dual friction clutch, 4.10 gears 50-175 hp Nitrous Works kit, 5" Auto Meter Shift Light

07-26-2001, 08:44 PM	#3
juiceman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: ny Posts: 197	well, changing over depends on your intentions and ability as a racer/tuner. you will make more power with carb cheaper. or you will spend less money to make the same power. also, carbs allow the motor to work in its best rpm range. 302's need to rev. however, if you are not good at tuning a carb or choose the wrong setup your car will not work well. carbs need attention. you can get the same gas mileage and throttle response as injected if its done right. if youre gonna go carbed, dont waste your money on heads or cams. you wont need them unless you want to go 11's. so in my opinion, go with the swap.

07-26-2001, 09:19 PM	#4
hoofbeat Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: n.c. Posts: 15	I agree with the others. Unless you plan on running in certain classes, or plan to go REAL fast, go with a carb but do it right. Oh another thing, MOST dealerships look away from cars that have been converted over to carb and so do a lot of individuals. So think about it if you were to sale it.

07-27-2001, 03:43 AM	#5
jwboner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Under the hood Posts: 164	Take it from someone who went from carb to efi. Carbs need tuning at least once a month and tuning can take hours depending on problem. They are great for racing, but if you plan to use it for street/strip I would keep efi. ------------------ 65 Mustang fastback 347 DFI injected, TFS, too much to say Just about everything custom

07-28-2001, 11:41 AM	#6
Red514LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 119	With your current setup, the cost of going EFI to carb would not be worth the very modest performance gain you would see. I can't even believe you'd consider going this route with your car The aftermarket is absolutely flooded with GREAT parts for EFI 302-based motors. Now, if you are thinking about a HOT 351W-based motor (either nat. asp. or w/ n2o), then going the carb route makes MUCH more sense.