Green79Scottsdale
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2010
- Posts
- 2,834
- Reaction score
- 7,487
- Location
- G.R. - MI
- First Name
- Bob
- Truck Year
- 1979
- Truck Model
- K20
- Engine Size
- 400
One of the things I would like to do to my truck someday is install fuel injection. I have done some research on the subject but still feel under-educated on things. Maybe you guys can offer your point of views and experiences on the matter.
I know I want the system I end up going with to be a multi-port type system. The throttle body systems just seem to much like a carburetor to be worth going to. There is better technology out there, so no throttle body type systems. The other thing that I hear a lot about is using factory systems for the parts availability. Being able to get a part at almost any parts store in the country is a plus. Since this would be going on a "traditional" small block that means I would be looking at the TPI, LT-1, or Vortec induction systems.
TPI : I know the reputation for being good on torque and running out of steam at a certain rpm. Seems like it would be good for a truck. I had a TPI Corvette and can attest to the claims. Also I understand you can go to a different computer to utilize sequential injector firing instead of bank firing, and ODB2 tuning.
LT-1 : Reverse flow cooling and Opti-Spark are the biggest thing with these. I am more concerned with the cooling part of it. Don't know the operating range or if it would be good for trucks.
Vortec : Don't know much about this. Claims say it is just as good as TPI for torque. Have heard about the "spider assembly", I believe that has to with the injectors? Don't know about tuning or anything else either. Also I assume it requires using Vortec heads.
I am considering aftermarket systems also. "Self-learning" systems intrigue me due to the fact I don't really need to know tuning. They are expensive, but I would still go with them if they are "better" than factory systems.
Howell : Uses all GM components. Parts availability on par with stock systems? Sounds good to me. Probably my first choice for aftermarket kit.
FAST, Holley, Edelbrock, Accel : They all offer some sort of system, some several different versions. Company specific computer and electronics, at least as far as I know.
Chevrolet PP Ram Jet : I don't hear much about this. Probably because you do not get a controller with it, you must source your own. When you get a crate motor with this system, it is only tuned to that specific motor. Also requires Vortec heads I believe. Not really interested at this point, but could be convinced otherwise.
What have you guys done? Which route would you take? What are your views on anything? This is all up for discussion.
I will not be doing something like this until I rebuild my engine. I do not see that happening anytime soon, unless I find another 400 block I could rebuild in the meantime. I was thinking about building something along the lines of the GM 383HT motor. 9:1 compression, similar cam (if not that cam, but that would mean a roller cam retrofit) and heads along the same lines. Discussion of engine details should be done in a different thread as I am only interested in the induction system in this thread.
I know I want the system I end up going with to be a multi-port type system. The throttle body systems just seem to much like a carburetor to be worth going to. There is better technology out there, so no throttle body type systems. The other thing that I hear a lot about is using factory systems for the parts availability. Being able to get a part at almost any parts store in the country is a plus. Since this would be going on a "traditional" small block that means I would be looking at the TPI, LT-1, or Vortec induction systems.
TPI : I know the reputation for being good on torque and running out of steam at a certain rpm. Seems like it would be good for a truck. I had a TPI Corvette and can attest to the claims. Also I understand you can go to a different computer to utilize sequential injector firing instead of bank firing, and ODB2 tuning.
LT-1 : Reverse flow cooling and Opti-Spark are the biggest thing with these. I am more concerned with the cooling part of it. Don't know the operating range or if it would be good for trucks.
Vortec : Don't know much about this. Claims say it is just as good as TPI for torque. Have heard about the "spider assembly", I believe that has to with the injectors? Don't know about tuning or anything else either. Also I assume it requires using Vortec heads.
I am considering aftermarket systems also. "Self-learning" systems intrigue me due to the fact I don't really need to know tuning. They are expensive, but I would still go with them if they are "better" than factory systems.
Howell : Uses all GM components. Parts availability on par with stock systems? Sounds good to me. Probably my first choice for aftermarket kit.
FAST, Holley, Edelbrock, Accel : They all offer some sort of system, some several different versions. Company specific computer and electronics, at least as far as I know.
Chevrolet PP Ram Jet : I don't hear much about this. Probably because you do not get a controller with it, you must source your own. When you get a crate motor with this system, it is only tuned to that specific motor. Also requires Vortec heads I believe. Not really interested at this point, but could be convinced otherwise.
What have you guys done? Which route would you take? What are your views on anything? This is all up for discussion.
I will not be doing something like this until I rebuild my engine. I do not see that happening anytime soon, unless I find another 400 block I could rebuild in the meantime. I was thinking about building something along the lines of the GM 383HT motor. 9:1 compression, similar cam (if not that cam, but that would mean a roller cam retrofit) and heads along the same lines. Discussion of engine details should be done in a different thread as I am only interested in the induction system in this thread.
