I'm kind of new to automotive mechanics, and i want to know why it's better to switch to TBI or such to a carburator. Is a FI not more precise in the dose of fuel needed? Please enlighten me.

 

well, the fuel injection systems installed in the thirdgen from the factory leave a lot to be desired and have their limitations. Upgrading to a better fuel injected system is very expensive. Carbs are a simple way to feed an engine and are much less expensive than a fuel injection system. And some people just like the look of a carb over the injector unit.

 

And for people who are into racing there cars, its easier to just bolt on a big high flowing carb instead of doing extensive FI work... oh and less parts to worry about

 

cheaper and more HP, easily adaptable to new mods, etc etc. Stock fuel injection is very restrictive, old technology and very hard to get high HP out of. Although it does lead to better fuel economy, but I didn't build my car worrying about mpg.

 

I see everyone referring to the stock TPI when comparing FI. How about a modern FI system (stealth ram, mini ram, LT1 intake) compared to a modern carb? Still a trade off of power for economy? I had always hoped FI would get more power (better fuel atomization) and much more precise when tuning.

 

You can always run, like I do, a single-plane EFI system. It has the same restrictions to the air as a carb setup since it uses an identical manifold and throttle body, so allows for the high HP numbers. But, as mentioned, there is a cost. For a quality, easy to tune setup like this, it is big $$$. Even on a decent budget, it can be difficult...

Manifold, TB, rails, injectors $800
OBDII harness for LS1 PCM $650
411' LS1 PCM $70

Dont forget all of the sensors, crank trigger, crab-style distributor, and fuse box. And this is all assuming you dont use a stock TPI computer and harness.

If you want to make the best HP per dollar, carb is where you need to be...