Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Thinking of going to the Commander 950...is it worth it???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-11-2003, 07:53 PM
  #1  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
CamaroX84's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thinking of going to the Commander 950...is it worth it???

I had this over in the DFI board, but then I thought twice and realized I'd get a pretty biased answer over there, so here it goes.

Well, my setup is in the sig. I am frankly sick and tired of messing with the carburetor to get optimal performance and optimal driveability. I've spent a lot of time trying to get rid of the occassional hesitation and fix my gas mileage (8.6 MPG on relatively conservative driving). So I'm thinking of the Holley Commander 950 throttle body injection setup (450-600 HP model), since I should have about 460 HP. I have a few questions. How easy is it to tune the 950 at WOT considering it DOES NOT have a wide band 02 sensor? Can I still program my spark curve with the computer since I have an MSD Pro-Billet distributor (mechanical advance and a magnetic pickup)?

My main question is should I throw down the cash for this or should I continue to work with the carb? ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Old 05-11-2003, 08:05 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Odyssey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: under the hood
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I'm debating the same thing right now! I had the Holley stealthram setup in mind though. I was gonna get the manifold, a TPI harness and run it with the stock ECM. Much cheaper this way. The only thing I was afraid of, is the pain in the *** of programming chips for the stock ECM. I imagine a Commander 950 would be much easier to tune. If you got the cash to get the whole system I would definetly do it. But get the MPFI version not the TBI version though.
Old 05-11-2003, 08:24 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
CamaroX84's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was looking at the TBI version for the simple fact that I already have a carb manifold and setup. It would be MUCH easier to swap that over than a MPFI setup. Is the MPFI really that much better than TBI? Thanks.
Old 05-11-2003, 09:32 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

 
AJ_92RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
Car Craft (or maybe Super Chevy) did an article on the MPFI kit. They compared it to the 700 cfm TBI kit, and the TBI was only ~10 HP and ~10 ft/lbs of torque lower.

For the $1000 saved, I'd get the TBI version.

As a matter of fact, I may do that myself.
Old 05-11-2003, 09:52 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member

 
AJ_92RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
I found the direct link to the article.

http://kmoore.res.wpi.net/car_craft
Old 05-11-2003, 10:31 PM
  #6  
Senior Member

 
DartByU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Silverhill,Al
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T-5
You can't program the timing curve unless you get a different distribtor, any one from a 88-92 model or it's aftermarket replacement will work with the commander 950
Old 05-12-2003, 03:31 PM
  #7  
Supreme Member

 
8Mike9's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Oakdale, Ca
Posts: 5,183
Received 42 Likes on 38 Posts
Car: 89 IrocZ
Engine: L98-ish
Transmission: 700R4
460 HP and 8.6 MPG's. I don't think EFI will get you much...it's not like you'll be able to bolt it on, tune it, and get 20mpg with your engine.

Going EFI might get you a MPG or two, maybe aid in drivability tuning, but could be you just have to get someone who can tune the carb and ignition for you.
Old 06-01-2003, 09:06 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

 
laiky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,586
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm in the same boat right now, my Q jet is Schitzo. I swear i get a different engine every day. I'm sick of playing with carbs and im pretty sure with the performer RPM and carb the aircleaner is a restriction ( i had to massage it to make it fit) i want a stealth ram!! I want my engine to make all the power it can and i'm sure my mileage will improve (13 MPG). I am researching right now. I have downloaded and read the tuning manual. I think it will be a go after i cal tech support and inundate them with questions
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BewleyBizzIROC
Transmissions and Drivetrain
6
02-03-2020 09:52 AM
midge54
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Wanted
1
01-29-2017 07:00 PM
Streetstuff
Miscellaneous Third Gen Items!
2
09-07-2015 09:23 AM
355tpipickup
Tech / General Engine
3
08-13-2015 07:35 AM
hokis
Transmissions and Drivetrain
9
08-09-2015 03:57 PM



Quick Reply: Thinking of going to the Commander 950...is it worth it???



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:28 AM.