The Brave New World of Ultra-Easy Fuel Injection

DIY

Engines and Components

Daniel Soliz

August 30, 2022

Daniel Soliz

August 30, 2022

Adding fuel injection to your vintage ride is as easy as bolting on a carburetor - opens in new window or tab.. So, if you can change a carburetor, you can install an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system. And there are good reasons to take on the project. Fuel injection gives better throttle response and improves fuel economy.

Hotrodders began experimenting with mechanical fuel injection - opens in new window or tab. in the 1940s. But it was expensive and primitive. Most of all, it wasn’t easy to tune. Changes in the weather—temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure—could force you to start over. That might require manually changing a fuel jet. A perfect tune at noon could be wrong two hours later. It was not for the faint of heart.

The 1980s brought revolutionary advances with early EFI systems. Compared to mechanical fuel injection, EFI improved performance and driveability by accounting for atmospheric conditions. But early EFI was still difficult to tune because you needed a compiler and a new EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) chip to be burned for every new tune.

Also, the early versions of EFI did not perform well with aftermarket camshafts with high duration and a lot of valve overlap. A lopey camshaft - opens in new window or tab. (with lots of overlap leading to additional power at high RPMs) can make an engine sound awesome at idle, but early EFI systems didn’t manage it well.

Give Me Fuel, Give Me Fire

Today’s fuel injection brings tuners into the new world of EFI. There are ready-to-bolt solutions that change your ride by improving performance, economy, and emissions. Modern fuel injection systems precisely meter fuel into the induction system at the right time in the right amount for peak engine performance. You don’t need to be a software geek, and you don’t need a laptop. Who didn’t marvel at the tuning on the fly in The Fast and The Furious?

You can put fuel injection on a blower - opens in new window or tab., and it will still sound like a hotrod. Best of all, your engine will sound just like a carbureted version—but with better performance and fuel efficiency.

For nearly 30 years, every new car sold in America has been fitted with fuel injection. Moreover, with recent technological improvements and competition in the aftermarket EFI game, the price of an exemplary new system has fallen to between $1,250 and $8,500. Used products can be found as low as $550 on eBay Motors.

Adding Fuel Injection: The Best EFI Systems

Three deuces is a winning hand with Fitech's Tri-Power setup.

I have built engines using various EFI systems—from the Fitech Tri-Power to the Holley Sniper. I also used a system from Autotrend EFI that kept the signature look of the Stromberg carburetors - opens in new window or tab. a flathead Ford - opens in new window or tab. would have used back in the day. Here’s what you can expect.

Autotrend EFI

Autotrend EFI offers the unbeatable combination of electronic fuel injection performance with the vintage look of carburetors. While not an inexpensive endeavor, it’s a quality option with superior tech support.

Fitech Tri-Power

Fitech - opens in new window or tab. Tri-Power is a budget-friendly option with an external engine control unit (ECU). Delivering up to 600 horsepower, this system was the first to allow for a three-to-two conversion from carburetor to fuel injection.

Holley Dominator

1440 CFM Holley EFI Terminator X Stealth 4500.

Holley - opens in new window or tab. has been doing fuel injection for years. With a separate ECU and an external fuel pressure regulator, the Dominator is ideal for a custom tuner. We used this system on a CAS engine, and it’s the go-to system used by NASCAR - opens in new window or tab..

Holley Sniper

The Holley Sniper - opens in new window or tab. is a self-tuning, budget-friendly fuel injection system. Installation is quick and clean with a built-in fuel pressure regulator and the ECU built into the throttle body. While I prefer placing the ECU away from the engine’s heat, the ease of plumbing and low cost make this a solid choice.

Adding fuel injection with a Holly Sniper is easy and cost-effective.

Shop now for Holley EFI - opens in new window or tab.

No ECU Tampering Required

Aftermarket EFI systems make a classic car run cleaner. In addition, they introduce better control of the air/fuel mixture. Modern EFI systems use a read/write processor (just like a computer). It’s a logical system that automatically adjusts to barometric pressure.

Let’s be clear: installing an EFI system does not involve tampering with an ECU. You are simply changing out the carburetor used by the electronic fuel injection.

About the author

Daniel Soliz

Danny Soliz is a man of many talents. He is an engine builder, machinist, mechanic, welder, and custom fabricator. Danny currently runs Hill Country Performance & Machine in Spring Branch, Tex. He began his automotive career at the tender age of seven, when he began doing valve jobs at the shop his mother co-owned. At 15, he rose to the rank of shop foreman and continues to challenge himself as he seeks perfection in his automotive craftsmanship.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.