TBI, was Re: Hornet status

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 9 Jun 2005 farna@xxxxxxx wrote:

> EFI is the only way to go! Remember, you can go real cheap and
> use a GM 2.5L four setup. Has a 400 cfm or so throttle body. If
> you use the GM computer you need a system from a 84-85 car or up
> to 87 (I think) truck. Has to be one with a regular distributor.
> Then you really need a HEI distributor so you can gut the original
> four distro and put it in the HEI for spark changes as well.

If I can assemble a TBI system from junkyard parts (and strategic
new) I will do it this year, and write up the process.

I want only a carburetor replacement; I'm not looking for maximum
performance, I want reliability, simplicity, good fuel economy.
Plus I'm very lazy.

I don't want to use knock sensors, crank-position sensors,
multi-coil or HEI ignition. I know all those things make for a
better system, but I don't have the time, money nor inclination.
I just wanna get rid of the !@$$%! carburetor. I want to bolt it
to my existing, installed, bracketed and hand-fitted, intake
manifold. I assume I'll have to make an adapter.

I know this is technically possible.


Here's what I've determined so far:

*** All-GM OEM parts are the way to go. Cheap reliable and
plentiful!

*** Throttle bodies are the easiest component to select. I'll go
to U-Pull-It.

*** A booster pump (9 - 12psi) following the existing mechanical
pump should be just fine. No tank recirculation or tank-mounted
pumps.  All that just seems silly to me. Mechanical pumps suck
fine, you can filter between the two pumps cheaply and safely.

*** The hard part to me right now is picking the ECM to use. I
know I want one that works with distributors -- but can I pick one
that is capable of changing ignition timing, and simply not use
those outputs? Can I ignore or terminate unused inputs like knock
sensor?

I'm looking...