I am planning to install an MPFI stsyem on my '82 Z28. Once I get my 406 sbc details worked out. I am hpoing to make it my summer project (last summer it was my 1LE brake conversion). I want to get as many details sorted out as I possibly can. One area that I have no experience in is the MPFI. I am from an era where the carburetor ruled,etc. But I want an MPFI system for all the usual reasons.

My question is; what is the difference between the Holly Commander 950 MPFI and the Edelbrock Pro Flo EFI (3500) Systems? I notice that the Holly system is much more expensive. $2,499.95 vs $1,925.00 for the Edelbrock. What is it that makes the Holly system nearly $600.00 more expensive?

I am sure that someone knows the answer to these questions.

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

As I understand the Holley is realtime programmable and the Edelbrock is not.

 

I'm sorry. But I don't know what that means?

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

Holley has progressive nitrous control built-in.

 

Acording to Edelbrock engineeres. The (my) 406 SBC will produce 497 ft lbs of torqe at 4,400 RPM. With just over450 HP. This is a casual street machine. So I probably won't run nitrous.

But I am after the cold start,A/C load compensation, knock sensing,etc. If possible. But I do not know enough about either system. It would be a big help to get a copy of all literature that comes with these systems.

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

The holley system can be optimized with a laptop while the engine is running. There is no need to pull over and shut the vehicle down to tweak your setup.

 

I think you should check out this thread first.
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...=950+commander

 

I read that post. I don't understand it all. But it doesn't sound too good to me. The refrence to the OEM ECM being better. Can I run an OEM system on my 406? Many people have told me that the TPI will not flow enough, even with hogged out (ported) components.

But I will say again, that I only know what end result I want. I just don't know enough about these things to make an intelligent decision. Every word you guys have posted has been an education for me.

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

The stock TPI would not perform well on a block larger than a 383. However there are TPI setups designed exclusively for big blocks. If you can run a Big Block with TPI you can run a 406. If I remember correctly TPIS carries big block systems. www.tpis.com

I checked they got pieces of a big block TPI setup.

I recommend the book "CHEVY TPI SWAPPER'S GUIDE" I got mine on ebay and it really helps you understand the TPI system.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1810939638

 

You might also want to check this link out:
http://www.tunedport.com/bigblocktpi.html

Hope all this helps.

 

So the GM OEM system is actually better?

 

I think you should check out this thread first.
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...t=950+commander

That post is 2 years old. I assume it is about the previous ECU Holley sold. The current version is very capable. I've tuned 24 PSI blower engines and 900+ HP NA engines with it.

Go to chevytalk.org and see the EFI section if you want some facts.

 

IMHO I think the OEM is better. You have to program both the OEM and Aftermarket systems. With the OEM you can have someone burn a chip for you and help is available from this board. The Holley system is interesting, but the price is kinda steep and support is not as easily obtained (read: fewer people have expierence with the product).

 

BTW Doug F thanks for the link to chevytalk that I think I got from you. Anyway the EFI board is very informative.

 

So the GM OEM system is actually better?

This depends on what you are using it on. Before you make a decision as to what to buy check out the DIY PROM board of this site. It will give you quite a bit of insight into what the OEM system is capable of. My advice is to decide what features you want and then see if the OEM ECM can handle what you want to do. The system will not handle 24 lbs of boost or 900 HP because of special requirements. The aftermarket systems pretty much belong on race cars. They are not as developed as the OEM systems(No one can afford to spend billions on this except for the OEM) and they cost more to maintain. With the OEM you can get an extra ECM from a yard for about $40 to repair your aftermarket starts at around $400. Add to the top of this that if this is your driver you are walking. I guess my point is do your homework and choose the system that is right for your needs.

HTH

John