Take 2: Engine Building Part 13 - Installing, Troubleshoot, & Setting Up a Holley Sniper EFI System

Repost of this video. I had to make some corrections and put more detail into other things to make this video helpful. I added more about finding top dead center for timing the spark on the distributor and about the wiring. The Holley sniper is a good system. Installation is a breeze.
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[@bryantcurtis2665]

Can’t get enough of these videos. Thanks for hours and hours on end of great information and entertainment!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Curtis

[@ferberb9662]

The most informative video of the Holley set up not even Holley made a video like this very informative Sr.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend. My goal is to help as much as possible.

[@RealKeytones]

I’ve watched every one of these videos. I already have a bit more knowledge about engines than most people that don’t do it for a living. But I want to learn a lot more. I’ve never built an engine or tore one down. But I hope I’ll get that chance soon!

[@PetesGarage]

You can do it

[@jamesnixon1537]

Great video, just installed a complete system for 1st time, excellent information, started right up , wow!!

[@PetesGarage]

Great to hear!

[@lout3921]

This videos of prime example of why I watch your builds. You do a fantastic job giving us all the right information.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much Lou

[@subwoofer8865]

I've been doing a bunch of tuning and never noticed the fwu file business, somehow it just worked. I changed the file, and the system did an update which I'm happy about. Not the information I was actually looking for, but glad I found it.

[@PetesGarage]

It's unfortunate they are not very clear about updates

[@michaelpohlman1925]

Always thoroughly enjoy watching your super informative videos. Thank you.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you Michael

[@adriantomlin2902]

Yes I second that. Thanks for straight forward, easily understood info.

[@goldengeologist9834]

Nice to know that you care about your audience!

[@PetesGarage]

I care to be correct, when I'm misleading I have to fix it or nobody learns.

[@thedobermangang3503]

beautiful looking engine my brother

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@thedobermangang3503]

good video my brother .you are truely one of the best mechanics on youtub...you would be a excellent instructor .let me no when your class start i will be there.

[@PetesGarage]

Wow, thanks, that's very nice of you

[@samperras]

Thank matey, from Sydney Australia

[@PetesGarage]

Greetings my friend

[@samperras]

@@PetesGarage Pete please help, I recently purchased a sniper, I’m try to wire it up to my digital 6Al, I have a 2 wire msd pro billet, and I want to use the timing control module supplied with the kit, I have locked out distributor and have the adjustable rotor button, I’ve watched all the Holley videos and read the instructions supplied with the kit, a lot of conflicting information Please help Regard

[@PetesGarage]

email me [e-mail]

[@snake_eyes_garage]

Hopefully Holley has fixed that firmware update issue - great troubleshooting on your part. 👍

[@PetesGarage]

I hops so too, maybe it was just a mistake at the factory

[@RebelBubba88]

I've always heard EFI systems were tough to set up, I've never done it myself or seen it done, this video confirms how tough it is lol. But, the gains from an EFI system are worth it.

[@PetesGarage]

I think this was rare, they usually come ready to go.

[@turboflush]

It's not as bad as it used to be. Or if you use a pro system. Companies have taken allot of the mathematics out of tunning and made systems more bolt on.

[@SRZRB]

Great tutorial

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you!

[@fastjp72]

On a dual plane intake you need to notch the center divider or use a spacer for it to work correctly, Engine Masters did a episode about this problem.

[@PetesGarage]

That may be true for a carburetor engine. I'd have to see what they are trying to prove and how they went about it.

[@fastjp72]

Does not apply to a carburetor, only TBI EFI. You can also contact Holley and they should tell you the same, just trying to help not criticize.

[@PetesGarage]

Interesting, I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the comment

[@EricErnst]

@@fastjp72 Holley Tech told me it'll work awesome with a dual plane. First start was last night. It's all engine specific. Sometimes carbs like a spacer to run right. I think it was just an oddball airflow turbulance issue with the cam and intake. I was concerned before ordering mine, but throttle response seems great after the first start last night.

[@fastjp72]

@@EricErnst Glad it's working good for you, I believe Holley has rectified the problem now by adding a passage on the underneath of the throttle body to fix the issue they were having on dual plane intakes.

[@RodeoRanger]

I installed exact same system with the Complete Holley Hyperspark System..could not get it to run right. Finally after 2 months of headaches and nightmares, I happened to look into the secondaries when it was idling way too high when hot. The damn secondaries were slightly stuck open from vacum. I put a little spring on it and "BAM{" the thing runs like a dream. Holley needs to build better quality into these expensive upgrades. After searching youtube , I found hundreds of people with exact same issue. NOTICE : The Clamp On Piece for the Oxygen Sensor is usless unless you have a 2 1/2" Exhaust. I have 3" Exhaust and it didn't fit , it leaked, so I had mine welded in. I would not recommend the Fuel line kit. I went with Returnless Holley Pump and you cannot hear it. One last thing...with dual plenum, I recommend a 1/2" Holley phenolic spacer...To keep the sniper cool.

[@PetesGarage]

Awesome...thanks!

[@graff4143]

Thanks for this.

[@PetesGarage]

My pleasure!

[@CarswithNash]

Good video, very informative & easy to follow.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Matt

[@PetesGarage]

Good stuff on your channel

[@CarswithNash]

Pete's Garage Thanks, that means a lot!

[@georgeadkins2089]

Hey Pete, How much total time did you spend on dyno? I’m finishing 454 build with sniper efi and headed to dyno shop. Do I need half day (4 hours) or full day (8 hours)?

[@PetesGarage]

If they know what they're doing you can get on, tuned, and off in 4 hours

[@petergeorge1544]

Than you for your very helpful video. I am currently having a sniper fitted to 1990 Camaro, replacing a troublesome TPI system. Can the sniper system run the electronic turbo 700 transmission we have, and if so how do we make that work. I would really appreciate your help, here in Australia not to many people are conversant with these cars

[@PetesGarage]

I don't want to give you the wrong information, but if you contact Holley tech support, they will. They are very good.

[@user-nn6nq8kv3y]

Would this efi kit work on a stock intake manifold? I’m in California, would the efi kit help my 350 Camaro pass smog?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes it would. It directly replaces any carb.

[@406johnnyboy]

Nick, I bought the sniper unit to install in a1971 mach1 Mustang with 351 c and C6 trans. It didn’t come with throttle. Brackets for the C6 transmission kick down lever. Called Holley tech, was referred to Lokar for part, Lokar didn’t have the part in stock and didn’t know if they ever would. How can I make this work? Don’t really want to return unit fo lack of a kick down linkage

[@PetesGarage]

The original one does not fit?

[@406johnnyboy]

The car had an FMX transmission ,I bought a rebuilt C6 , did no come with linkage

[@gametimebullies]

Can u do a vacuum line hook up for this system which goes to brake booster or pvc valve? Great video though awesome

[@PetesGarage]

Sure, there are ports on the bottom for vacuum

[@Scubasteve22]

Hey pete, does the sniper system require you to set the timing on zero because it takes care of the timing with the system? Cause I noticed you didn't put any advance in the timing, just wondering. Also an FYI. My sons friend put one of these units on his new motor because they don't like tuning a carb. So far they hate it. Dead spots, high idle, timing all over the place. Hope your having better luck.

[@PetesGarage]

It does not control the timing, it's just a throttle body. It is not easy to set up if you're not sure how to resolve issues. It does take some tuning knowledge to get right.

[@billyferguson5881]

Pete hey I have another question for you I saw you had your oil sending unit by the oil filter? Did you end up keeping it that away or did you install it back up by the distributor? If not what is best to use to cover the hole by the distributor? Also I noticed when you said your distributor your wire hook up was more towards the distributor and then it was like straight on with the bolt on the intake? How did you get it straight inline with the bolt? Thanks Pete!!

[@PetesGarage]

I kept it there and plugged the hole by the distributor with a 1/8" NPT plug. Which wire?

[@guyconnell2250]

One would hope that Holley would see to it that all necessary files were present on SD card when shipped or on their website. As opposed to having to search forums for a fix.

[@PetesGarage]

Maybe they fixed it, I just happened to get one that way

[@ParisTheMotorhead]

Is it possible to use any distributor with the sniper EFI or does a specific one need to be used?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes, any distributor/coil pack will work

[@northerniltree]

I was told the "correct" way to do an EFI system (like the Holley Sniper) on my C2 Corvette was to buy an aftermarket fuel tank that will house the fuel pump to keep it cool, like a modern car would have. Do you agree with this advice?

[@PetesGarage]

That's a good idea

[@bencooper9055]

@@PetesGaragef

[@Rick-Williams59]

I wish the one I ordered had been in a box that nice. It was in a Sniper box wrapped in plastic bags.(I ordered it off Ebay from a parts seller, so I'm guessing it was repacked. It is brand new though) The installation was not as easy as Holley said it was, it does not work on a stock quadrajet intake like I was told it would. I had to buy an aluminum intake, the bung clamps were junk, broke while installing. I had to modify the throttle cable mount, I'm waiting on some Earl's 90 degree fittings so I can use my Ram Air breather pan without modifying it. I still have to remount the fuel pump somewhere besides the frame rail because it's noisy as all get out. It works great once I have done all the modifications on the car to make it fit properly. I need to mention that it was installed on a 1970 Pontiac GTO 455 HO. All said and done I like the unit, it's superior over the quadrajet carburetor. I don't want people to think it's bad to install, I just want them to be prepared because it's different to install on different automobiles.

[@PetesGarage]

It's certainly not just a bolt on for every engine. Sometimes you have to do many modifications to make it work.

[@FoScoJo]

Hey, Pete. Another great series, but.... you skipped installing the spark plugs and valve covers again (and any other steps us newbies do not know about).

[@PetesGarage]

Ok, I'll include that in a future video

[@tomashton1781]

Im assuming thats, a constant flow injection system, as opposed to timed port injection, where the injector only squirts fuel just before the intake valve opens , I used to work on the early K system used in Volkswagon rabbits, and you could adapt the system to work with just about any four banger, my question is during overlap the fuel just goes out the over lap cycle, which seems like a waste for fuel economy, but Im thinking constant fuel injection may help power and help cool the manifold, charge, but you still have a problem with fuel separation due to the boundry layer of air in the manifold runners, if I had a choice I would think putting an injector in the manifold runner would work better, but then its runs into more money, your videos are very informative, I like that system you have set up on the 427 with the dual throttle bodies im guessing you can make 650 -700 Hp, geez look at 358 NASCAR engines they make 800 plus but wont idle for a street engine

[@PetesGarage]

Excellent points Tom, thank you for the comment

[@cfmechanic]

Speed density system

[@stang1973]

I see you are using an HEI style dizzy with a vacuum advance. My question is does the vacuum canister need to be connected to the sniper?? if so where does it go? Im having trouble getting my timing dialed in and just when i thought i understood it all, i realized the vacuum advance would add vacuum wouldnt it?

[@PetesGarage]

No, connect manifold vacuum to the Sniper. The Sniper does not advance until 2,500 RPM I believe

[@stang1973]

@@PetesGarage Ok but doesnt mechanical advance kick in first? then vacuum advance? or am i incorrect?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes, if you have an older distributor

[@arizonaranger8402]

Adjust your schedule if you ever have to send the unit back to Holley. My money order arrived at Holley on a Wednesday and my unit was shipped back to me the following Tuesday. I'm not complaining in any way shape or form. I'm posting this so people can adjust their schedules. Plus Holley refuses to send me the cable that they said was burned and shorted. A pic of the cable doesn't show me where I routed incorrectly. Don't sell your carburetor. Bring your carburetor with you in the vehicle. Don't leave home without it.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the information

[@timothyquinn3204]

So a hei distributor will work with holley efi that yellow wire goes to the coil

[@PetesGarage]

It will

[@KrukasT4]

Thank you very much for sharing. There is no such thing as Plug and Play !

[@PetesGarage]

Almost never

[@adriantomlin2902]

Harry!! Agreed!! Don't believe the company videos!! They will lead you astray!!

[@ernestochamorro1]

How did you like it? Power? smoothness ? idle ? dyno ? vs carb. Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

I really like it, performs excellent

[@79series]

Hi , would you have any videos on how noisy the sniper efi external pump is under a vehicle. Is an in tank pump better.

[@PetesGarage]

Those pumps are noisy, yes, the in-tank ones are quieter

[@79series]

@@PetesGarage I ended up installing a retro fit in tank thanks. Just trying to find more videos on hei timing control like the 67 camaro timing.

[@FordMustang1969Restomod]

Nice video! Do you think Sniper has good parts/electronics quality? The reason I am asking is because I am dumping my FiTech unit for something else. That thing has lots of issues both mechanical and electronics.

[@PetesGarage]

I think they are very well made. Holley bought Accel which made fantastic EFI equipment.

[@FordMustang1969Restomod]

Pete's Garage Thanks for taking some time for a great answer! 😁

[@FordMustang1969Restomod]

Pete's Garage Got the Sniper and installed it and it is really great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYi2eoivlJ2Hq6M

[@jiveturkey9993]

If you shortened any of those wiring harnesses to maybe make them a little cleaner would that mess with the electronics calibrations??

[@silasmarner7586]

I doubt it. If anything shortening lines will clean up signals and reduce coupling. I'd do it AFTER I got everything working then walk through the shortening procedure with caution.

[@rci-tf2zc]

no you can buy a tool to remove wires you dont need at the connectors.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks guys, shortening and cleaning will go up after it's installed

[@garagehack2060]

If running dual exhaust. Is it ok that the O2 sensor only reads 1/2 the engine?

[@AustrianAnarchy]

I think Holley has inputs for 2 wideband O2 sensors. Was just reading that in some forum. If you have a crossover, iirc, you can run 1 in the middle there. Not sure on max distance from the collectors.

[@rci-tf2zc]

yes you put o2 sensor in collector as close to header pipes as you can.

[@PetesGarage]

It also needs to be far enough away from the header where exhaust gases can get over 1100 degrees F

[@adriantomlin2902]

Don't know if this is relevant. My 89 Silverado has true duals with headers with only 1 oxygen sensor. It has the factory throttle body and works fine.

[@racer67]

So many questions but can this efi system run off of the stock fuel pump? I have a 1967 impala and would like to put one of these on the engine and was wondering if it would run off the stock fuel pump or do u need to run an electric fuel pump??

[@PetesGarage]

This system comes with a fuel pump.

[@dmoskk]

Stock pump is probably not strong enough, the pump it comes with runs 58.5 psi with the internal regulator, the mechanical pump runs somewhere around 10 psi if not less. I cant imagine it running the EFI at all without stalling above idle if it even runs at all.

[@racer67]

@@dmoskk Makes sense!

[@fuzzypumper]

Hi, is there going to be a Dyno test video on this build?

[@PetesGarage]

Uploading today

[@RichieCat4223]

13:39 How did you know to select the first file to make the change ? Thanks.

[@PetesGarage]

It was missing a file extension

[@RichieCat4223]

@@PetesGarage That doesn't tell me anything. Was it missing from the set up wizard ?

[@rororod7513]

goo magnifique vidéo

[@georgemartine2868]

What if you have an older engine? 1979 with mechanical fuel Pump Type

[@colinhenshaw8946]

George martine Holley sells a package with the sniper that also contains an inline fuel pump. You could also install an intank electric fuel pump.

[@PetesGarage]

The fuel pump comes with the system

[@MrRainrunner]

@@PetesGarage the "regulator" comes with the system...internally. This product needs a seperate fuel "pump" capable of 60 psi... I believe.

[@adriantomlin2902]

Don't have a computer Pete. What is an alternative method?!

[@PetesGarage]

Send the memory card back to Holley for an update

[@adriantomlin2902]

@@PetesGarage thanks.

[@allenmckinney9533]

I would think for $1200 Holley would have their files together.

[@PetesGarage]

So would I, but this was a fairly new product when I bought it

[@adriantomlin2902]

That's alot of lettuce!! They should have their crap together!!

[@allan7934]

Literally just watched the 1st take. And now I feel compelled to watch the 2nd take. Car junkie???

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks AL

[@rororod7513]

Bonjour pete, je peut on installer ce système sur un 305 chevy, pour un bateau

[@PetesGarage]

Oui, vous pouvez

[@kgroombr]

Sounds like Holley's quality control is seriously lacking.

[@PetesGarage]

It sure does

[@TomKubiniec-Secureit]

Note: If your sniper does not work... you are on your own. My install -Sniper, hyper-spark system, EFI tank does not work. 68 Vette 427 I have just finished a complete mechanical rebuild and upgrade is dead in the water and I have no course of action other than to un-install all this equipment and send it back.... It's really odd.... I was getting support, they sere struggling to solve the problem and requested the data-log file. Once they received it, they have stopped all communications with me. They no longer return my emails. I was a life long Holley carb user and fan.. Hell I can rebuild a 4160 blindfolded..... But this is really odd. Be careful people... I'm getting screwed...

[@PetesGarage]

I'm sorry that happened Tom, please let us know how it turns out if you can

[@incrediblysillybutimportan3862]

@@PetesGarage Will Do... They have one more shot at this....

[@incrediblysillybutimportan3862]

@@PetesGarage So I am working with Anthony McKindly in support at Holley. This guy is good and is saving Holley at this Point. Looks like I have a bad unit and Holley will replace it. Note: This morning I spoke with a Holley Tech named "Lou" and he put me on hold to check with a different tech, I was in my office doing other work and left the phone on speaker. 45min went by and I hung up. I did not want to blow these guys up as I was not sure it was them or just circumstances.... I can confirm that Dusin Scalf and Louy at Holley are bad news. If he working for me he'd be fired in a minute. Holley has to do a better job. I build a lot cars -Not a pro... just a real enthusiast. This is my last Holley product ever.....

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the follow up Tom, it sucks you had a bad experience

[@rodcognito002]

What do I need to download to my computer to read sd card

[@PetesGarage]

That's impossible to answer without sitting at the computer.

[@rodcognito002]

@@PetesGarage Thanks for replying anyway.

[@hectorortega9131]

If want Fuel Injection i just drive my OEM Fuel Injection equiped Car or truck. But for my weekend Toys?, Thanks, but no thanks, i'll stick to my Carburators..

[@PetesGarage]

No problem with that

[@christopherhaston8847]

U put ur fuel inlet and outlet rong sides

[@PetesGarage]

It flows through, the sides are vehicle dependent

[@christopherhaston8847]

I thought it had to go through one way for the regulator!?

[@PetesGarage]

Pressure is regulated on either side, I have regulators downstream on many EFI engines

[@MagnusDominus1]

350 or 355?

[@PetesGarage]

350

[@MagnusDominus1]

@@PetesGarage oh, my mistake, I thought you said it was .030 over.

[@PetesGarage]

No, my mistake, it is .030" over

[@MagnusDominus1]

EGR, Engine eating its own excrement.

[@daviddematos7470]

If my engine have 225hp this sniper is good My engine is 5.9 magnum stock i wont To add this sniper tanks

[@PetesGarage]

Yes, it will work

[@daviddematos7470]

@@PetesGarage tanks men

[@daviddematos7470]

Tanks for intake u suggestion duel or single tanks David

[@sorryimajerk735]

should prolly use high pressure clamps between the pump and the filter

[@PetesGarage]

It only goes to 70ish