Classic Car Mods- EFI Conversion, Bad Idea?

[@jwelchon2416]

I'm ashamed to admit it but I am old enough to have owned many carbureted cars. EFI has an advantage on idling and cold weather starts but once you get going the carb works just as well.

[@joshkrause2977]

To be honest, EFI is really only about cold start and economy. Only firing fuel into the cylinder during the compression stroke saves a lot of fuel. But no throttlebody injection is going to do that. You’re better off with a carburetor, it has to be true efi.

[@mikehagen3785]

Most newbies do not understand how archaic pre OBDll can be, also the lack of parts availability at the store( meaning I need it NOW, not tomorrow when the incorrect part shows up and delays it another day). Plus the same people who claim you don't know or are afraid of EFI, are the people who are terrified of a carburator and a timing light

[@bhaddock9277]

Well setup carb and timing is a beautiful thing.

[@kevhauser8058]

Always fun in the 70's to hold a timing light close to a hot engine and be in a dark garage to line up the marks. Especially a hi horsepower car..

[@smitty02345]

Keep your carb bad mpg junk, im going modern

[@mikehagen3785]

@@smitty02345 says the guys who don't understand a carburator. Someone should understand the basics before they can claim to know things. Fuel injection alone doesn't contribute to good mileage.

[@googleusergp]

@@smitty02345 Except to find what he needs to go back to a reliable OEM TBI system is going to cost a mint to piece together. It's likely that the OEM parts are NLA through Chrysler at this point and to piece together the set up used might require some hunting down. Not impossible, but it may not be the way to go. Plus, he can always go back to that if he finds the parts down the road. A friend of mine's Dad had a 1980 Olds Delta 88 and he would swap between 2 and 4 barrel manifolds on the 350 Olds engine it had based on the price of gas at the time. Since it was an easy swap, it used to come about quite often back in the high gas priced days.

[@countrylife6072]

Nice to see a ramcharger saved from being scrapped or hacked up into a mud truck ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@countrylife6072]

@John Doe I'm not against mud trucks. If someone wants to back one up so be it. Nothing wrong with appreciating one being saved.

[@zmanphx]

Would be cool to go to wrecking yard and get modern day hemi and transmission and put it in Ram Charger.

[@OGbqze]

@John Doe V8

[@oldsman4446]

Couldn't agree more! I'd rather carry a handful of small basic parts in the trunk and basic hand tools rather than having it towed and paying hundreds to have it diagnosed.

[@larrylentini5688]

I would only recommend this on pre OBD2 fuel injected cars. The computers on those are so dumb that they'll kill the engine on their own when things start getting old. I've been down that path before.

[@lannywilliamson3074]

Right on!!

[@farmerted487]

One of my favorite acronyms: K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple, Stupid!

[@williamrogers.]

Much better than, "Keep it Supid Simple ".

[@irocitZ]

Knights In Satan's Service 🤘👹🤘

[@bobby1970]

​@@irocitZI love KISS. I have all their albums starting with "Creatures of the Night"'all the way up to their newest album. My favorite KISS album is probably "Lick it Up".

[@4rdF1Hunny]

Why im ditching the factory 5.0 efi and going with a Holley Sniper

[@ch3ck3nl3gz]

Hooyah

[@fomobros2207]

Tony you’ve worked on more imports and EFI than most tuners and you are definitely entitled to work on and build what YOU like. Your opinion definitely carries some weight when it comes to cars, great vid.

[@lannywilliamson3074]

Exactly!!!

[@eddydavismusic]

Love this dude!! Man after my own heart. Old school shit is my thing. Mechanics. Not electronics.

[@craigpennington1251]

The auto industry had it perfect and they fixed it. Now it's total very expensive crap mandated by the Gov. and getting worse. Plus, they absolutely will not do common sense.

[@amon7816]

@@craigpennington1251 It was also the consumers. Consumers want to drive cars with performance, comfort, and other amenities and the industry had to follow the demand.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@amon7816 Unfortunately consumers are not car enthusiasts.

[@ericheine2414]

It's nice to be able to look at something and know what's wrong with it. The mechanical alarm clock....... no batteries, you wind it up when you go to sleep. Set it and forget it.......... works every time. Even if the power goes out. I drive a 40 year old truck. Dodge ramchargers are the same as the pickup trucks from the edge of the door to the front bumper. If you have a straight frame and a VIN number, and it's clear at the DMV. What makes the old cars worth fixing is the chassis #, the VIN, and the paperwork. Look at the price of a new truck. Does everything a new truck does and it does it for less. The most bang for the buck. That's a go Blue Eagle

[@EarlSinclair97]

If the previous owner(s) hadn't hacked the crap out of the engine wiring, it may be easier to maintain the TB setup. But, in this case, a carburetor conversion IS the easiest and most sensible solution for the purpose Tony indicated. Besides, everybody's opinions notwithstanding...it's Tony's truck and he can do whatever the hell he wants with it. Just my 2 cents.

[@dansmith6990]

How would it be easier to maintain the TBI setup? There are literally many more ways for it to fail somehow.

[@derrickwoods2803]

Tbi is s. H it

[@neilbrown82]

Need a walk around video that ramcharger looks pretty clean from what I can see never see many like that anymore

[@cpufreak101]

Agreed. Only ever got to see a single ramcharger in my life and the thing was clapped out

[@sdolsay]

@@cpufreak101 Plymouth made a version called the Trail Duster, I used to own one a 1976 383 model.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I forgot they ever existed!

[@bigunone]

@@sdolsay kick myself for buying a used Landcruiser instead of the Trail Duster back in the 70s

[@trickyricky12147]

@@josemary2106 Personally, it's 70's square body blazer all day! With ones that early, you can take off the roof unlike the fucking 90's OBS body style were you have to take a sawzall and that takes time and a lot of pain in the ass.

[@rumrunner1756]

What a beautiful truck. How could anyone part that out? So glad that you saved it and hope that we will see more of that beauty in the future Tony. 👍☮️

[@av8tor261]

I'm with you Tony. OEM EFI systems are fine on production vehicles. I've been there and done that EFI with projects. DON"T waste your money on aftermarket EFI kits. KISS = Keep it simple stupid. Go Carburetor. Bee Safe.

[@turbochevelle5641]

Uh, or sure what aftermarket "efi kits" you have experience with but I can say with certainty that an aftermarket standalone efi system is far more simple to work with and gives you way more control than any and I mean any OEM efi system and that is a fact. Now with that being said, a lot of people are cheap asses and buy some half ass system and get a bad taste in their mouth due to it but that's another situation. If you can't afford to buy a quality system then don't make the conversion.

[@notsure7874]

Aftermarket EFI is great for a lot of applications. So are carbs. So are factory EFI systems. It depends where you're starting, and where you're trying to go with it. If that harness was intact on that ramcharger I'd stick with the TBI - but the harness isn't intact. I'd also have gone with a carb. For a performance application, I might consider an aftermarket EFI.

[@grumpycarlsworld]

Just reading some of the comments below, about reliability of EFI and its components, would a scan tool have told the owner that those 3 wires, 11 inches down the loom, had melted together, and be the reason he's stuck out on the interstate with his dogs in the back and a race car in tow?

[@cfmechanic]

Well I love my holley sniper efi. For 1200 for a complete efi setup is decent wiring is actually very minimal and its so easy to use I love it. The sniper uses the iac from a dodge I already replaced it new one has lifetime warranty.

[@Bullitt351]

I'm also a satisfied Sniper owner. Best money I ever spent on that car and uses common parts available anywhere

[@1972fordify]

cf mechanic Just curious, how low will your engine idle with the sniper?

[@cfmechanic]

@@1972fordify well my cam is larger than stock but so is my displacement. I have had idle set anywhere from 600 on up to 900 currently i have it set at 800. At 600 the idle is a bit rough. 800 is smoother but best idle is around 900. I have had it idle at 500 but that seems too low. Im sure if you set idle at 500 and adjust timing and fuel accordingly it would be fine. I would love to have it just barely idle and have it chop but my cam is not intended to do that. The lsa is 112 so this cam is designed to make enough vac to run power brakes. I have videos of car on my page if your curious to see

[@1972fordify]

I had the MSD atomic on my mild 302. Using a 268H comp cam. Could not get a good idle below 800. Had a stalling issue for the entire six years it was installed. Replaced my IAC three times. Constantly trying to tune it. Went back to a double pumper. Problem eliminated. The car is a joy to drive again and it idles down to 500. I have it set at 650 to smooth out the idle quality. The EFI didn’t work for me. I’m sure others have different outcomes but I’m glad I went back to a carb.

[@cfmechanic]

@@1972fordify i have not had any experience with msd atomic. I have tuned multiple snipers my car a maverick six cylinder with special head. A supercharged nova with dual snipers a c10 as well as a ford pickup with 347. Of all the cars the pick up was most troublesome. It was a stick and tuning the transition was difficult. Dude went back to a carb. Sorry to hear about your struggle. Most cars its easy plug and play but it sounds like your issue might have been resolved with some tuning with laptop.

[@randallamik3230]

Looking to rebuild / refresh my 99 Dakota. 5.2. The more I have learned about EFI. The more I want my oly carby back. I'm with you Tony.

[@1984Cutlass2nv]

I like certain things about EFI, mostly small fuel mileage increase, cleaner emissions, however I feel much more confident going on long trips with my quadrajet carb, mechanical fuel pump and very few parts that can fail, exactly as you said.

[@trickyricky12147]

Right?! It's about smiles per gallon! That's what I like to tell myself.

[@supertruckerextraordinaire]

I have a 1962 Mercury Meteor with a 69 302/c4 combo in it. Mild custom. Everyone said swap a new motor in. Run efi blah blah. I said the exact same thing. We do major long road trips with it and sometimes those friends come along with their rides that told me to do all that and make fun of my toolbox. Guess who is always broke down....not me. Them with the modern crap. Ill keep my two barrel and simple old ride. Love the channel!! Keep on keeping it real.

[@MrCrackers25888]

Would love to see a whole episode about distributors,from choosing the right one and setting the points correctly

[@njwebste]

You can limp a flooding carb by breaking and hitting the gas at the same time so it doesn't die, if your fuel injector gets stuck open, you will probably hydraulic a piston, if it even runs. Good video uncle 👍

[@The_Impulse]

I get K.I.S.S. And that’s all fine and dandy. And to expand on the video is personal preference as well as usage. I’ve owned carbureted vehicles and tuned many more, their simple and mostly reliable. Hence why their still a popular option for cheap reliability. I also am not afraid of a wire harness. The beauty of a clean well thought out harness with clean plugs and monitor hardware is soothing. With modern obd1 expandability and the ability to catch a problem before it becomes a scattered engine intrigues me. To add to his point of break down, I would like to say with modern Efi systems. Reliability is much improved and most parts are easily obtainable that might have questionable reliability. I think the argument mostly revolves around the specific knowledge of the person using either system. I like both systems for their strengths but certainly prefer injection.

[@richdiscoveries]

Maybe I'm behind the times, but this is quickly becoming my favorite Automotive Channel. Quick to the point no-nonsense explanations. I ran into the situation you are explaining not that long ago. Customer wanted his 70 Chevelle convertible back to original specs. He wanted the 307 and Powerglide combo back in it. So when the thing died out on me in the middle of my test drive. I'm under the hood thinking there's only five wires on this damn car it's got to be something I can figure out right here. The voltage regulator wire got pinched between the radiator and the support. Pulled it out, stitched it together to get it home, and then fixed it properly. I would have left the alternator in the car, but he wanted to go back to a generator and it's his car so that's fine with me. I love being able to figure out these cars on the side of the road within minutes, that is a lost situation in today's world LOL

[@5000rgb]

He wanted to go back to a generator? I thought all cars had gone to alternators before 1970.

[@richdiscoveries]

@@5000rgb it was right around that era, I don't know the exact year they switched. His car had a 305 out of a K5 Blazer in it with an alternator. He had the original generator from the car in his garage and it still had the voltage regulator bolted to the radiator support I believe. Now that's going back to about the year 2000 or so so I don't remember all the specifics. But the motor I put in it was out of a 72 Chevelle which also had an alternator. He gave me the generator that came with his car factory and said he wanted it put back on the car. I was able to take the alternator off of the 72 motor and tap back into his original wiring which was still in the car for the generator. So at least with Chevrolet I know his 70 came with a generator and the 72 motor I had came with an alternator. It was somewhere in between 70 - 72 that GM switched over on that particular car. It is not a muscle car by any means, but it's such a beautiful Cruiser. I'm still trying to buy it from him, but he does not wants nothing to do with selling it LOL It's a blue convertible and it is all original except for that motor and tranny I put in, and he had the top redone at some point. You have no idea, well maybe you do, but most people have no idea how bad I want that car 🙁

[@maldo72]

Yes I love efi .. but Simple aftermarket Aluminum intake Holley carb non efi Distributor your done ...

[@sprsprtrudy]

Wise words from UTG.... Probably one of the realist and most honest mechanics on youtube if not the world. Well done sir, your videos are great....

[@AryDontSurf]

I'm over here studying the Plymouth Handbook. It's kinda like your videos but with less steak and profanity. Then this popped up. I agree. wouldnt trade my old Rochester for shit. Analog anything should be treasured not replaced.

[@Thundarr995]

Yep the Rochester is a good carb, sometimes difficult getting it to work well with a bigger cam,but once ya get them dialed in they're a good choice in carbs. My brother had an old problematic Carter Thermoquad on his old 79 Dodge Van. We converted it to a Rochester,We...I mean I converted it about 2yrs ago. I was surprised at how much better it ran. It ran like new and I used a used carb that I did a little rebuilding on, I took it off a? I think it was a 83 dodge B200 van at the wrecking yard and I took pictures and all the hoses and the Air cleaner & things for a stock application. I also took the catalytic converter off and knocked the internals out of it. It's a 79 and it doesn't need a smog test anymore. I think the converter was partially clogged on his van also. I drove it before and after and I'm honestly going to say it probably picked up a good 15-25 hp as it will do a pretty weak power brake afterwards. Before I converted it, it wouldn't it would just sit there an power burn out the transmission and die. In fact that's what I told him when he came to pick it up. I said ok, take it for a test drive and do a burn out. He says this thing won't do a friggin burn out. I said,wanna bet?? Well it does now,he was really surprised & so was I.

[@AryDontSurf]

@@Thundarr995 thats pretty badass, it's always great when you can feel the difference in something you've worked on or adjusted. I run a single barrel Rochester on my Chevy 6. When I rebuilt it it still had a rawhide plunger lol! It's nothing amazing but it doesn't give me trouble so it stays. I'm grateful there's no emissions crap on the old thing

[@Thundarr995]

@@AryDontSurf I wanted to get rid of all the emissions hoses and stuff,but believe it or not, it ran better with it. It ran rich,wanted to stall out w/o all that crap. Best I can figure is that it was an emissions calibrated carb and without all that stuff,the engine just wouldn't run right. It is a California emissions carb,not the van,but it was the cheapest way I could fix his van. Idk what is different. I remember I had to use a couple of those plastic T hose adapters to hook up all the hoses. It was a little pain in the butt to be honest. I also had to use the 83 Dodge van linkage to hook up the automatic transmission kickdown stuff. The intake manifold was a little bit different too,had to modify a brackets a little so it would all work. It wasn't really that hard. Took about 2 days to make it all work and look good. The engine is super easy to get to on that van,just take the dog house off and it's all right there. Also put an MSD ignition box on from a garage sale. I got that for 10$ at a garage sale. The guy said it worked. That MSD made a difference I hooked it up with and without and it idled a little better with it,and I put a MSD blaster 2 coil on it.

[@AryDontSurf]

@@Thundarr995 see that's awesome brother. Actually making something work. I'm surrounded by Chevy guys that wouldn't even know how to tackle anything abstract like that. It's all Legos with them. My truck is a '60 so that's why I'm kinda naive to the emissions stuff. My experience is really limited to it and a few other trucks within a few years of her. That and a tiny bit of A-body stuff. I'm sure the MSD made a difference that stuff is always great. I have a blaster coil on the truck too.

[@jamallabarge2665]

Only trouble with Analog controls is that they are not as flexible. You usually have to swap out components. Digital controls? You change the code. Trouble is that digital controls require the code. If you ain't got the code, you're going to have to reverse engineer it. That's not easy to do.

[@bunning63]

I'll agree your logic makes complete sense. The defining line between a modern (disposable) production vehicle and an older vehicle you want to actually use, and be able to fix.

[@donteblack7294]

They really do push EFI systems. Tony in the past few years I have realized that less computers is better and also less complicated

[@ianthompson2802]

I hate throttle and shift by wire cars vs cable

[@aaroncone6778]

The Ramcharger makes a great work vehicle (as I have owned 3, and never saw a dull moment), but just remember, it can only carry so much. The 9.25 rear works super, just make sure you have the 11x2.5 rear drums, & increase the size of the trans cooler (I used a '76 Buick century A/C condenser, made my own brackets & flared all the lines with brass fittings, worked awesome). The Ramcharger is good for about a 5.5k gross for the trailer/load, with a rear axle stabilizer bar, for sure footed towing. Just some advice from a MoPar Brother!

[@daveanderson5680]

Depends on the project. In this case....1990 Ramcharger with a faulty & ancient TBI system I would definitely go for a carb swap.

[@kasimirwulf1936]

Old school TBI is no bueno.. Might as well run a carby really..

[@74dartman13]

Finally someone who agrees with me! I watch these guys on tv go through all kinds of headaches and hours of troubleshooting efi systems till they get em right. I just rebuilt a Holley carb in a few hours and it'll be good for years! I like simple...easier to fix!👍😎

[@caseycuda854]

Yeah man that's why my 1984 blazers is a SBC with an edlebrock. No matter where I go and what I break you can find the parts anywhere.

[@googleusergp]

That's the advantage of a Chevrolet small block V8. You can literally trip over the parts in every town in America. Chances are if you stalled out in a one horse town and had to go through the old garage's stock, you would find something that fit a small block Chevrolet.

[@TM-hw2bj]

ford 5.4s are a good choice too

[@caseycuda854]

Google it's just too easy to find parts,build,rebuild, just all over. From fuel injected rock crawlers to nascar that motors been in everything. T.M. I'm a Chevy guy so I can't say I've looked around much to notice how much 5.4 is out there. I just recently got a good enough job to afford classic Mopar parts lol.

[@nickpierce334]

Did the same thing with my 88 K5 blazer, Yanked the weak motor, put in a crate 350. Chunked the TBI nonsense, put in a 600 cfm Carter 4bbl, one wire alternator, and a one wire super coil distributor. Super reliable!

[@franktyred9195]

I am preparing to buy a mid 70's to mid 80's Jeep Cherokee Chief widetrack (right after I finish my two dodge 1500's and move them along...as per my wife's instructions) and was thinking about retrofitting EFI to the AMC 360. But what you say makes perfect sense as I will be using the Jeep in the wilds of New Mexico and more than likely will have trouble at some point with the system. Carb it is! KISS works wonders when there aren't autopart's stores on each corner.

[@TheBrokenLife]

As much as I love AMCs, and I really do, I would consider swapping it to a modern engine (drum roll for the LS). Even getting something simple like an intake gasket for a 360 when you're out in the boonies is going to be a 2 day wait. A modern EFI motor where parts are raining from the sky actually makes a lot of sense for you.

[@ScottKenny1978]

If you really want fuel injection, I'd raid the good fuel injection from a post 1996 Ford 302/5.0. You will still have to do some custom work (drill and tap holes to install the injectors, and fab custom fuel rails, plus some way to connect the Mass Air Flow sensor to the intake manifold), but it will be rock-solid reliable, and self-adjust for altitude. Carbs will definitely be cheaper, though.

[@The_Temple]

Excellent point! Situational … depending on use Agreed fully on your application - ease of repair & not needing specialized parts or tools definitely weighs in favor of carburetor for that

[@ruthlessreid9172]

Could not agree more I've had cars limp with carb. Never with fuel injection.

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

Completely agree. I've thought the same thing exactly, especially with aftermarket stuff whether it's EFI or brakes or whatever. The local parts store isn't going to have replacement parts for them, you'll have to get them shipped to you. A friend had a bad module in an aftermarket distributor and when he ordered a new one from the local speed shop the guy recommended he get a second one to keep in the glovebox. Can't carry spare everything though.

[@disgruntledegghead6923]

If you're thinking about EFI stay away from the 90's tech. Pure junk, carb it instead. If you still want EFI, begin your search at the 2000's and up. They're plentiful and affordable, plus the parts are available. Long story short, stay away from TBI kids.

[@Frankiebonez337]

Exactly what I was saying. Once the OEM OBD2 stuff came out in , my name h big jumps in tech were made. Then around 2000 shit got good and is only better now.

[@willpage4328]

Tried to tune a supercharged chevy 350 w TBI. Went to a blow through carb after 2 months.

[@teknowil]

@@willpage4328 insane

[@TheBrokenLife]

@CC Ryder I think the issue here is that a lot of people in the comments aren't saying "for performance applications" after they're bashing on things. I have owned, and still do own a couple, OBDI cars and they're just fine. However, software tuning an OBDI computer is just not possible. To the point that old school 5.0 Mustang were using mass air sensors that lied to the computer to be able to run "big" (like 30lb... barely... or otherwise known as "stock" today) injectors back in the day. So...OBDI is just fine for a driver, IMO, but for performance you're best to go a different way.

[@Thundarr995]

@CC Ryder I agree with what yer saying. I've picked up quite a few cars from the 90's really cheap because they ran like crap or wouldn't run period. Right now I have a 93 explorer 128k on the clock. I got it at an estate sale $300. It was pouring fuel into the cylinders and wouldn't stay running. Computer was malfunctioning. Since getting a used computer for $50 I haven't had any issues except for the starter solenoid. It's in good condition too. My other daily is a 97 S10,4.3L. It's in good shape too. I paid 500 for that one. That one was a little more difficult to diagnose. The wiring harness back by the fuel pump all the wires melted together and caused all sorts of crazy problems. The guy I bought it from threw a ton of money at this truck and it wouldn't start. He even converted it to the upgrade EFI,replaced all the sensors and the throttle body. It sat on the side of his house for 3 years. I spliced in a used wiring harness from about the transmission back. Haven't had any problems since and it started right up after I replaced the bad section of the harness,it was causing the fuel pump not to work. Yeah,I like fuel injection better than a carb. People just don't know how to fix em.

[@chrisstover585]

Of all the channels that are car centric this one by far rings the appeal bell for me louder than any other. I’m glad you started this channel.

[@oBlackCoffee]

Can't go wrong with a tuned up carb

[@sandman9043]

Plus the sounds of a good carb as well

[@theshadetreewelder3523]

Till you start changing altitude and/or ambient temps, want to do boost ,yes a blow though will take it but you won’t have the ability to do any safeties (that can trigger faster than you can think). I’ve never had issues with ethanol mixed gas plugging injectors

[@ramtrucks721]

Use it in a 4x4, being in weird positions ... Carbs suck

[@JK-eu3fg]

@@ramtrucks721 they make carbs for the specific purpose or benefits off-road/steep angle driving.

[@SOLDOZER]

@@ramtrucks721 They makes carbs just for that. How much 4x4ing do you really do that you don't know that?

[@mikegreen1429]

I agree. It depends on what you need the vehicle to do. Also, specific parts for older Dodge’s are getting hard to find FAST. I’ve worked parts for 16 years on and off, and they are NOT common anymore. Custom forced induction is where aftermarket EFI really shines, you need that kind of engine management

[@jonathanthomsen7218]

Thank you uncle Tony for answering my question from.the last ramcharger video Just picked up an 84 ramcharger 318 fourspeed

[@jamallabarge2665]

Just goes to show - Logistics is what drives decisions. I kind of figured that Tony was going to go with a carb. When I saw that harness dangling out of the car I was convinced of it. Another great reason to go with a carb is ease of adjustment. You don't need a dyno to sorta kinda get it adjusted. Lean drop for the idle circuits and then whatever the carb requires.

[@deplorableb.r.4211]

Funny. Your video popped up as I'm thumbing through a Haynes Repair Manual. Talk about being in the mood to watch a video about cars/trucks.

[@andrewhill1415]

Tony You are absolutely right! That’s the reason I didn’t convert my Cuda. The hot rod power tour made me realize I needed Carb simplicity and reliability.

[@triggerwarning2439]

Nothing beats a well tuned carburetor 👍

[@armygreenfj3924]

You’re the reason why i stuck with carburetor on my chevy 350 rebuild. My chevy 350 on my K5 Blazer starts every time and it so reliable.. I dont have to worry about an O2 sensor going out or any computer module going out on me..You’re right about the simplicity of a carburetor engine. If you’re timing is right and you have fuel going into the carburetor then it should start and run no problem..

[@saemushailstorm3135]

oh oh wait ; its a WORK TRUCK ; WORK TRUCKS HAVE TO WORK RELIABLY . thats all .

[@theshadetreewelder3523]

saemus hailstorm so all of the thousands of factory EFI trucks are completely unreliable regardless of make or condition

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Yes carbs rule computers druel.

[@smitty02345]

Only geezers believe in carb, bad mpg. A PROPER efi will overrule this ice age carb tech

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

The shade tree welder He's saying a 29 year old EFI could have problems and you might have trouble finding stock replacement parts. And the local parts store isn't going to have replacement parts for an aftermarket EFI setup.

[@dkennylee]

@@smitty02345 and efi can have fuel, spark and air and not run. No thanks.

[@shazbot996]

Wow! Common sense is always good to hear from time to time. I have a '77 K10 pickup that I'm looking to do a motor refresh and was infatuated with decking it out with an EFI kit. I just got talked out of it, and am almost kicking myself that I ever thought of doing it!

[@ethanross5919]

And if youre carrying another car with the same engine like project bottlerocket, also a 318, if u have carb issues or a fuel pump goes you got a parts car to get you to the next location or just drive the car youre trailering if its drivable.

[@UncleTonysGarage]

We had that exact discussion here yesterday

[@Tk-ou9ec]

I totally agree mate. Here in Australia I have a 1980 Chrysler running a 318. Mildly worked. I have had a number of guys tell me now to drop on a fitech tbi system to which I say WHY??? I can only see potential issues with that. My car has no computer now. As you say it’s analog and easy to fix and tune running the edelbrock carb. I say don’t mess with what’s working well and will continue to do so. Don’t complicate things.

[@raykeel8935]

Tony I love your Simplicity keep it up

[@lannywilliamson3074]

Definitely UTG represents what he claims too...

[@franksgarageandcustoms8321]

Hipo efi is nice. But dependability is high priority. Fuel mileage will likely be better than the tbi with your tuning skills. Still remember the guy that replaced his own fuel filter,driver side frame rail. Kinked the outlet hose. Truck would only idle. Not thinking it was an issue as it was new,i overlooked it-at first. Things like that can drive you nutz.

[@brianglade848]

Uncle Tony you never have a bad idea...except that one time in Cleveland back in 77, but that still wasn't really a bad idea

[@phucku2183]

What happen

[@edwardojr2838]

I have a 1971 a C/20, drive her 80mi a day. Love the old classics on the road still kicking hard with the rest of em.

[@YurMom68]

I have put aftermarket EFI on MANY classics that originally came with carb. If John Q lawyer (my base) just wants to hop in his car start it and drive it. EFI is the way to go. The quality of my finished restorations Vs. this truck couldn't be farther apart though. It would be an apples to oranges. I like the simplicity of carbs. I am not anti-carb. They have their place. I understand with what you're saying. To a degree.

[@moparedtn]

Much like Ehrenberg, this man just makes sense and knows of what he speaks. Us Mopar guys are lucky to have them.

[@robertcoia130]

Good old E booger!

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

It makes total sense to me. I like spaghetti, except when it's under the hood.

[@carhead9397]

I agree with you completely. And not cause im old. Simplicity is key to me. I know a lot of young guys who are too reliant on electronics. They are lost without a scanner. They are intimidated by the complexity of carnuretors and manual adjustments. 😎

[@yomanspray]

I'm good with learning i would love to find an old timer to learn from thats in utah. I have a 78 k10 im tinkering with

[@johnpassmore8176]

Regardless what your doing with it. CARBERATE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@luckeycat_]

Last year I got a 1987 GMC R2500. The throttlebody needed new bushings at minimum so I took the opportunity and went to a carb instead. Super reliale and super robust. Any problems are easy enough to figure out and 90% of the time they can be managed on the roadside!

[@brettdelawyer3593]

I’m a bit surprised that the situation with the Chrysler TBI is so bleak in your case. I don’t know the exact years, but GM TBI, which was around from 1982-95 is pretty easy to find parts for (even in a pinch) IMO.

[@jeffnorbert1871]

Yes it's easy to get most parts for these. Parts are only part of the issue though. No scan tool even needed since the SES light will flash codes. Pretty simple but there is more wiring and finding a broken wire or bad connection with all the extra wiring just plain sucks. Saving grace to obd1 gm tbi is they'll usually run even if there are a number of things wrong. Mine runs good enuff with no egr, no cat, no o2 sensor, a tbi that leaks, a not air tight fuel tank and probably some other issues that don't come to mind. With 260k on it faith is what I depend on. New high quality battery, new alternator, factory gauges that give me an idea of what is going on. Would rather have a carb and no ecm. Especially would rather have a mechanical fuel pump. For a daily driver that would be expected to go anywhere under any conditions.

[@geraldscott4302]

I have a 1993 S-10 pickup that came with a TBI 2.8L V6. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. Constant problems. I ripped that piece of trash out, and built a nice small block carbureted V8 for it. No more problems, and it is so much more fun to own and drive. I literally have not had a single problem with it in the 11 years since converting it to a carbureted V8, plus now I can tinker with it. There are a zillion hot rod parts available for a carbureted old school small block Chevy.

[@suchite8]

Holley 4 banger on my 63 Comet that I’m nearly done rewiring! I got her started and just did the exact same thing. Tapped the bowl with a hammer and she idled out fine. I’ll need to tear it apart but least all I need is carb cleaner and air to get her going.

[@jackslater4870]

I agree. Go carb and points ignition. No matter what happens u can fix it and get to where u need to go.

[@karonwells8481]

Until the points need to be reset and the carb is idling roughly

[@armitage1950]

I bought a stock 48 Plymouth last year- had to redo all the wiring but haven’t so much as touched the carb since I brought it home. The engine now sits in a 41 Plymouth coupe. Starts every time, even on 6v. It worked perfectly fine 70-odd years ago, no need to change it now. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’

[@halleffect1]

you're towing with a dodge? that's easy, Cummins swap.

[@davefroman4700]

yeah that was my thinking too.

[@ks_1111]

And be like every other chump that does a cummins swap ? Most overrated swap there is.

[@drdieselusa]

Yes that would work well, but the 5.9 Cummins is too heavy for the 1/2 ton suspension of the Ram Charger. The 3.9 4BT Cummins would be a nice easy swap and give great fuel economy.

[@scotcoon1186]

@@drdieselusa hell the frame and front suspension on the d250 and d350 were marginal for the 6bt.

[@drdieselusa]

@Dennis Young that is correct. The 4BT is the same engine, minus 2 cylinders.

[@redneckrebuilds777]

I run a Fitech on my big block. I love it. I do bring a small cardboard box with a carb and other stuff in it when I go 100 miles or more from home. It’s only 15 minutes to put the carb on it in the dark. It’s not a big deal if the EFI takes a dump.

[@77zrod46]

I like this guy. I really do. One day we won't have a choice. Learn to work on EVERYRHING YOU!!!!! If your a REAL MECHANIC!!!!! You'll be better off in life.

[@LastResort1331]

You're doing the right thing, the more wires you can pull out of a Chrysler product the better you will be, especially in those years.

[@creampapi19]

Good video keep them coming I’m learning alot

[@the496elcamino]

I love his approach, I would do the same for those reasons. It’s simplicity that shines not how complex can we make this. DEPENDABLE.

[@tommartin6254]

I miss the days when you could fix a car with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers and some duct tape.

[@71_sears97]

Well said! New subscriber and I swear by my 83 slant six D150, it's never left me stranded and I can't begin to tell you how many times friends have had issues with the fuel system on their vehicles. I don't care what people will tell me but I will always stand by a carburetor over any form of fuel injection.

[@notablynova]

If it's a 1 bbl avoid ethanol at all costs. The accelerator pump is the first victim in a Holley 1920 ran on ethanol. Treat it like an old reliable lawn mower engine. I went through hell with carb issues before I realized it wasn't me or the racer tuning it, it was the fake gas.

[@Freedom_is_better_than_safety]

While I agree with this statement when you’re talking about this particular vehicle, it doesn’t always hold true for every vehicle. Many of the LS swap provide additional fuel economy and reliability over a traditional carburetor. It would also have “off the shelf” repair parts if anything went wrong, and can be scanned at parts stores for trouble codes. It also has limp home modes. Many Toyota models offer equally simple and more reliable swaps, like the 3.0 to the 3.4, etc. I would say the same for most Ford 302-351 EFI swaps. So I think it boils down to exactly what you said: What will the vehicle be used for? What are the viable swaps available for this vehicle? What is the least complicated way to be able to repair this on a back road 10 miles outside of a town? You have to weigh the pros and cons, and you always have to know what to keep in your toolbox!

[@SOLDOZER]

EFI has no advantage other than fuel economy. And you don't need to drive around the city with a passenger and a laptop for hours to tune a carb. I can't even access the plugs on my Tundra, much less change them. If I had the option to buy a 2020 Chevy Silverado with a carb or EFI, I'd pick a carb.

[@Freedom_is_better_than_safety]

Damage, Inc. I would argue that EFI has the benefit of a near perfect AFR under multiple conditions and settings. It can adjust quickly to altitude and air density, different fuel types and grades, and boost conditions. While carbureted vehicles work well, EFI allows for these changes on the fly, and more accurately than a human could typically do it. EFI systems are self learning, and rarely require data logging, unless you’re talking about the same type of performance tuning that you would do with a carb. If it were a carbureted vehicle, you would drive it under multiple conditions each time you tuned it. Only difference is, the EFI guy won’t open his hood to make any changes.

[@gr8latino]

⁠@@SOLDOZERyour comment didn’t age well. The only advantage to EFI is fuel economy? LOL. Clearly you don’t know anything about EFI. Also, none of these newer systems require you to “carry a laptop.”

[@alexstepanski]

A well tuned carb can get close to fuel injection power and mpg. I’m a ford guy and I carry spare fuel pumps, icm, distributor, coil, idler, tensioner, belt, throttle body with iac/tps, map, alternator. I also only run 94-97 351W with 5 speed manual. I like that they have dual tanks and dual fuel pumps for when one does fail I’m not forced to change it on the side of the road.

[@67buick]

The title is a little misleading. Nobody converts an engine to 80s or 90s tbi crap. And the aftermarket system usually use modern gm sensors/electronics, so parts are usually very easy to get at an average auto parts store. And aftermarket system are usually very simple, on needing about 6-10 wires to make everything run. I’m not against carbs. I daily drive one. And efi definitely has drawbacks. I just personally think you’re wrong on most of the downfalls you’re listing, especially on aftermarket systems.

[@fastinradfordable]

holley base efi system uses TBI injection, and even houses the computers for the system inside of the "throttle body" so you basically have a computer bolted where the carb was... what could possibly go wrong?

[@fastinradfordable]

your statement is also a little misleading, because as it does need 6-10 wires to run, it also takes a computer, the monitor/ screen, the wires between those, as well as unique tiny micro plugs in the back of those. you could have all those wires hooked up, but that does not mean you arent relying on hundreds of tiny circuits on circuit boards in multiple places

[@67buick]

Nathan Brame a lot of modern systems use injectors in the throttle body. It makes it tremendously easier to have one product that fits various engines that way, and also makes it easier to package and install. If you think it’s anything like tbi from the 80s then you’re crazy. I know a few people running different efi systems that have the ecu mounted to the throttle body. I’ve seen absolutely zero issues with that.

[@67buick]

Nathan Brame hmmm something with a bunch of small parts that could go wrong. Doesn’t sound anything like a carburetor

[@brianandrews7099]

Its all about the $$$ and what you want as the final product. Considering he probably have a dozen carbs and intakes on his shelf, the choice gets pretty clear!

[@brocluno01]

Good choice. 2-BBL center pivot float Holly in case you go off-road on side hill :D Run a T at the carb with a 0.020 hole in the rear of the T to return gas to the tank. You already have a return system, so use it. Cool fresh fuel at modest pressure to the carb may be the best of both worlds. No vapor lock - ever, no matter how hard you work it.

[@dan0711123]

Solution : run pre 1975 vehicles no cat no nothing or drop 50 grand for a 2019 Ram

[@trickyricky12147]

Aren't 2019's all efi though? I assume bc... well... you could try swapping for a carb... just gotta make it work.

[@jasonpeizer9042]

But exceptions frequently take the day. I'm running Megasquirt on an obd1 car without touching it for two years. From the coast to skyline, no problem. Highway from dc to the illming NC, same. He'll pretty much every drive is 100mi plus. And if I've brought a laptop I can pretty much make ecu accept any replacement sensor, coilpack, injector(by cylinder), fuel pump, radiator fan I find in a pinch. Carbs are great at home though.

[@CanadaBud23]

Yeah I got a Megasquirt 3 and I'm using it for deliveries atm. If your really good with it you can grab any sensor and crimps/connectors and make that work since it's ridiculously tunable. I used the most cheapest common parts for mine and that whole shit can burn down but I can get everything in the electrical section to rebuild it.

[@mikegreen1429]

jason peizer I’m doing my 2nd Megasquirt right now. First was my 60 VW truck. Dual Weber carbs ran great fully tuned until the ethanol mix ruined the floats, Viton tip needle/seat adhesive, multiple o rings... now it’s running the carbs as throttle bodies with GM sensors! No more breakdowns. My 58 Bug is getting a supercharged stock engine with GM TBI and sensors. In my case, EFI is making them more reliable and easier to get stuff for. They DONT stock old VW stuff anywhere now!

[@sambrose1]

Find a spread bore intake and put a quadrajet on it. You'll get the fuel milage of efi and that killer kick in the pants when you open up the massive secondaries. That's what I would do. Anyway thanks as always for sharing your wisdom.

[@mrozboss]

As an mechanic there's a reason why I'm still driving my 69 Mopar after 35 years and it's because it always gets me home and the worst it's ever done is a balist resistor old school cars are better than the new stuff love the channel all the way from down Under

[@elesjuan]

I 100% get where you're coming from, but I'm still going to say EFI > carb... Maybe not for you, but for me? Every time it's EFI.

[@dansmith6990]

Not everyone is mechanically inclined and that's okay! It's good that you admit it

[@elesjuan]

@@dansmith6990 yeah okay bud. Whatever you want to tell yourself.

[@dansmith6990]

@@elesjuan I was just messing with ya bud, no hard feelings :-)

[@coozy100]

I have 99 percent efi guys for friends. So i love throwing the "just throw a holley on it and you wont need a well paid guy with a keyboard to get it running for you" and they get so mad.

[@JohnnySS14]

this guy has got to be my old neighbor from the great kills area of SI. Im pretty sure I hung out with his son and when he started up the dragster the whole neighborhood thought there was an earthquake. God bless and nice to see you doing great!

[@UncleTonysGarage]

That would be me!

[@lostinspace1719]

I'm watching..who in the hell gave you 2 thumbs down ..carburetor is what I'm putting on mine ..a rebuilt holly 2 barrel ..

[@drewsky1967]

as a guy that has and still run a lot of carbs and just switched my 65 mustang to Holley EFI this week... your not wrong at all by what your saying , its all about the car AND how its intended to be used.

[@mattbauckman9907]

I’m just an analog guy in a digital world.......

[@sparkimoto]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH3EgoiLlLt_g80

[@secondthought2320]

KISS system Uncle Tony! Good for you. Logic.

[@jws2]

I'm old school. I love carbs!!!

[@moparfan4388]

I took the carburated 318 out of my 83 and put a 93 EFI Magnum 318 in it's place. Drove the crap out of it and loved it. It never let me down, started in the winter with never an issue. I would have kept it but 20 years and 200k miles I just got tired of it. I put 80k miles of that on the magnum motor.

[@shanephelan75]

always with a smoke in hand....lol

[@bhaddock9277]

Good point about bias towards a simpler and hopefully roadside fixable setup, especially when you're miles from home

[@oops1952]

You make some good points Unk. For me it's all about comfort zone. I enjoy driving. Why would I want to drive nervous? If I had an early computer car, things would get put back to a pre-computer condition or I'd just get rid of it. I generally stayed away from '75 to '85 stuff. I like carbs except when travelling through mountains.

[@danielthompson3119]

I got a 1986 k10 with a 305 and quadrajet...I was thinking of trashing the carb and going with a holly efi,you definitely opened my eyes on keeping things simple..never thought about breaking down and finding parts for that aftermarket stuff.

[@Thanoric]

I was in this same predicament. However, I use my 79 f150 to travel with, and boy does not having to change jets with large elevation changes a godsend. I do keep a carb behind the seat, and if needed can switch it out, but I have never needed it yet.

[@danielvidelock3411]

I had Fitech. After 2 years and too many times on the tow truck i put a carb on. Runs like a champ. When the efi ran correctly it was amazing. When it failed it was tow truck time.

[@printxii]

I'm with you, Had a 1984 ramcharger used as a plow truck for 8 years, "Engine finally gave up this winter". Always started, even in 20 below weather. Had to rebuild the carb once, new cooling fan and normal maintenance. So I might have spent $100 or less, over those 8 years but didn't need a scan tool or any fancy parts, parts were off the shelf.

[@slick-px4pq]

My mechanic buddy from the car club owns a shop specializing in classics and hotrods. His opinion is the aftermarket tbi systems are just fine and work as intended as long as they are installed correctly. He fixes many with simply poor installation by the owner. Mostly it's bad wiring or failure to adjust timing. Also, there's too many out there that think these systems will magically cure a worn out engine. He also tells people to stick with Holley/MSD because tech support is so much better than FItech or FAST. I don't care which way people go, just get out there and enjoy your car. I started using TBI systems simply because I wanted to learn something new. No regrets.

[@garystickler2569]

Found the same burnt wire on my 91 D150. Aftermarket cruise control was missing, and I know why now. I converted to carb when I did the 360 Magnum swap. No aftermarket support for the factory TBI on these for any performance mods. So it's carb. Or aftermarket EFI. If your gonna spruce it up. Then I went an extra step and pulled the cab harness, and the engine bay harness and weeded out all the wires that had anything to do with the ECU/TBI from the factory, and I got rid of the abs module, and wiring. Engine bay looks so much cleaner now.

[@fgoindarkg]

Thanks Tony. My beloved 89 chevy g20, TBI OBD1, is causing me so much grief with new parts that fail every 2 months, and now the parts stores no longer carry most parts. I'm gonna go HEI & carb. I've driven small blocks my whole life. The carb cars were always so reliable, I learned nothing about fixing them because they never broke down.

[@Denver1976Man]

Great advice. I am doing that right now with an 88 AMC 258 motor. Too much garbage. It is going back to the 70s. Simple, 3 vac lines. 3 wires. I'm old. I like the simplicity we had and I know it. Thanks