I'm new and still in learning mode. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each in your mind? Would you change your mind if doing another build? Why?
Thanks
Gary
Thanks
Gary
Carb or EFI? Which did you choose and why?
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Sssnake Bit
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Never say Never
I always raise my hood to show off the Monster, I get a kick of guys trying to figure out where the engine came from, I have heard guys say, look at that "Lightning" Engine.
Here is my car at a Show and I took OFF the hood (laying under the car in that picture) just to be able to show off the engine in all its amazing size. Always get a lot of compliments.
Sergio's SuperCobra is the best example for EFI in my opinion. I've driven that FFR and stepped out with a smile.
My EFI 302 did not provide the same results. I could run through the corners with the carb cars then the carb cars left me parked on the straights. Gordon Levy was correct when he suggested a Holley DP.
Roger
My EFI 302 did not provide the same results. I could run through the corners with the carb cars then the carb cars left me parked on the straights. Gordon Levy was correct when he suggested a Holley DP.
Roger
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1,052 Posts
These are toys, not daily transportation. So not worrying about daily transportations issues ie: emissions (SB100) or cold start problems (I live in San Diego) or gas milage (it's a toy), I went with the most HP/$, most authentic, simplest system, a carb.
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Hmm, low pressure drips or high pressure drips.
Some of it depends on your background. If you have messed with computer controls and feedback systems, EFI might be easier to deal with.
EFI parts are not cheap so it helps if you have the EFI from a donor or can find an inexpensive source. If not, a carb is a less expensive choice.
The EFI is easier to supercharge, which is a decent way to bump the power on a stocker. This can allow less up front expense and will let you learn the car. Strap on more power when your funds or experience allows.
Some of it depends on your background. If you have messed with computer controls and feedback systems, EFI might be easier to deal with.
EFI parts are not cheap so it helps if you have the EFI from a donor or can find an inexpensive source. If not, a carb is a less expensive choice.
The EFI is easier to supercharge, which is a decent way to bump the power on a stocker. This can allow less up front expense and will let you learn the car. Strap on more power when your funds or experience allows.
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118 Posts
I went carb just because of the ease of installation and the period correct look. If I wanted something that a computer had to tune I would have just bought a Mustang! 
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4,253 Posts
I had to work on carbs back in the olden days. I never really figured out how they worked and most often either ended up with the tow truck bringing the car to the mechanic or a neighbor stopping with my dead car on the side of the road.
Donor EFI just hooks right up. Turn the key and it starts. Carb swap stuff would cost what I paid for my entire 5k mile explorer engine. Upgrade parts (used) are all over the place cheap and your stock stuff sells just as easily.
Donor EFI just hooks right up. Turn the key and it starts. Carb swap stuff would cost what I paid for my entire 5k mile explorer engine. Upgrade parts (used) are all over the place cheap and your stock stuff sells just as easily.
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I went carb. It's what I am familiar with, looks more original and is what's expected (usually), cost for EFI was too much for non-donor build, I have hidden wiring which is harder with RFI, and plain simplicity.
Granted, mine doesn't always like to start right up after sitting for a week or so, not a concern. I've owned lots of carbs and never had the elevation or tuning problems that others have had, but some do. If I did another and had some bucks to spend, I would go with mass-flo as it's cool. Seems that a lot of builders go with EFI when using a 302 as it's easy to upgrade HP.
Granted, mine doesn't always like to start right up after sitting for a week or so, not a concern. I've owned lots of carbs and never had the elevation or tuning problems that others have had, but some do. If I did another and had some bucks to spend, I would go with mass-flo as it's cool. Seems that a lot of builders go with EFI when using a 302 as it's easy to upgrade HP.
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2,299 Posts
Bob, the stacks look great!! I tried them and coud not get them to run right. So for me its:
Carb, Carb, Carb, Carb, did I say Carb? Easy to tune, reliable and works FREAKIN AWESOME!
I think some of the EFI system boast this as well. Sergio has the factory stuff and that is a great choice as well. If you go crate motor you have a decision to make and I suggest a, what else, CARB!
Carb, Carb, Carb, Carb, did I say Carb? Easy to tune, reliable and works FREAKIN AWESOME!
I think some of the EFI system boast this as well. Sergio has the factory stuff and that is a great choice as well. If you go crate motor you have a decision to make and I suggest a, what else, CARB!
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1,326 Posts
I just don't get the EFI comment regarding "starts everytime" if you guys had a problem with Carbs you should have either read Holley's book or fired your mechanic, I guess these comments come from the twisted up emmissions era where Detroit had everything wadded up - IF you don't need to worry about emissions just keep it simple - Edelbrock intake and a Holley Carb - get it set up by an expert and forget about it - got a little 600 single pump Holley on my 302 - guess what? starts everytime I hit the little red button.
Scott
Scott
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715 Posts
EFI adjusts itself based on various factors keeping the desired air/fuel ratio at 14.7:1 whether you're at the beach or cruising the Colorado rockies. Therefore, on average, it's way more efficient than a carb that gets adjusted only when you pop the hood and do it. If I were going for the strictly vintage look, I may consider it, but personally, I want to drive my car regularly and not smell like a refinery every time I drive it. Your engine will also last longer with EFI.
Let the flames begin.
Let the flames begin.
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3,496 Posts
Unless you like how the carb looks and have to have it EFI is a much better route, technologically speaking. Carbs are old technology. If you have to have them ok, but a carb will never be able to deliver engine performance control like a computer, and they are bulletproof.
I had never worked on a efi car until my Cobra. Made me a little uncomfortable at first. Now I have a Tweecer and am tuning the computer. Not a mystery.
I recommend the EFI, the best for tuners and the best for just plain drivers.
I had never worked on a efi car until my Cobra. Made me a little uncomfortable at first. Now I have a Tweecer and am tuning the computer. Not a mystery.
I recommend the EFI, the best for tuners and the best for just plain drivers.
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468 Posts
I wouldn't exactly call EFI bulletproof.
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eventually they are both going to break and need some troubleshooting, so which are you more comfortable with? since these cars are "toys" to most people who build them the daily aspect isn't always a concern. since they may sit and wait for long periods of time in storage until used poses a problem for rodents eating wiring, making carb wiring/troubleshooting easier. just some things to consider. brian
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