I was thinking about setting back to stock the CFI in my '82 TA because I thought it was the original engine, just carbed. Well I found out that it is a Chevy 400. I've been contemplating on going with fuel injection but I don't know where to start. I've been reading this board and looking at the different fuel injection options, but I know very little and don't even know where to start. Basically I just need to know what I will need for fuel injection. Most of the stuff I'm reading is to upgrade existing TPI or other EFI setups on stock engines. Since my engine is not stock I will basically need everything from the intake, injectors, wiring harness, etc. I don't know what computer to use, or what kind of harness. I was told I could use a stock TPI harness and computer. I also read that TPI is a waste of time on the 400 block because of the airflow issues and that it wont rev beyond 4000 RPM's. I'm not looking for a high reving engine, and would like to retain some low end torque. I've also read about the Holley Stealth Ram and Mini Ram from TPIS. I know these setups are expensive but is there anything I can do with a limited budget...ie "cheap"?? If anyone can help with my options I would appreciate it. Like I said since most people have a 350 with EFI already I don't know what is compatable with my 400. Also, are heads an issue? I have aftermarket heads but don't know if they will work with any EFI intakes.

 

Here's an excellent page comparing the different intakes available for an EFI SBC.

Intake compare

 

I just converted my 1984 to EFI, and it indeed is quite a bit of wiring. However, it's not impossible and it was WELL worth it!
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The most labor intensive part was putting in the electric fuel pump, and the new fuel lines. I had to rip out the axle, transmission, and engine, along with the steering shaft, combo valve, and master cylinder to do the fuel line plumbing.

Since you've got a 400 engine, take a really good look at the combo. It'll dictate what kind of intake system you'll install. This means not only do you want to pull the engine, but you'll want to figure out what kind of cam and cylinder heads it has. Once you know, you will be able to make a more informed decision.

This is why I recommend all this extra work:

1) Your 400 could be an 8.5:1 compression, stock 882 cylinder head equipped dog with an RV cam. If this is so, then putting in a ripping Miniram with 36 pound injectors will make your ride cough and choke with no streetability. An unported iron headed 400 engine *might* be much happier with a stock TPI system with gobs of tire munching torque that you shift at 4500 RPM.

2) You dont know anything about the cam. If it has a lope to it, you might now have much of a vacuum signal for the fuel injection system to MAP properly. Thus, you might consider putting in a different cam while you are fuel injecting the machine.

3) By pulling the engine, checking the cam, pistons and heads you'll be able to make your EFI project go right the first time.

Research what you got before spending a single dime on fuel injection. It'll pay off in smiles down the road.

 

I know my heads are not stock, since they say "Dart" on the sides. Don't know how well they flow but I'm sure they are aftermarket. Haven't had the time to pull the valve cover to get some numbers. The cam has got some lope to it, but like I said, have no idea what the specs are. I've thought about the TPI route, but I've read that it's not worth it and you don't get much top end power. I don't race or goto the drag strip. I just want something with a bit more power and ditch the carb setup.