I was interested on putting a tuned port air intake on an engine build I would like to do sometime in the future, but am unfamiliar with it. I was curious as to whether or not this type of intake and manifold would need a computer to run it, and what the differences are form a standard single plane intake manifold with a carburetor. Thanks guys!

 

They'll probably move this over to the tuned port forum, but for the meantime....

Yes, it will certainly work. ...but yes, you need the computer, wiring harness, and the proper fuel pump/pressure to run fuel injection. There are all sorts of performance differences with regard to how the air flows, when one style is more beneficial and when it isn't, performance, reliability, fuel economy, etc. etc. ...but to answer the broad question as to the difference. A carb set up is mechanical. Pumps, vacuums, levers, springs, etc. etc., it's pretty amazing actually. Tuned Port (and all electronic fuel injection) is well, electronic. For example, a sensor measures the air coming in, and a computer uses a table that says when the engine gets "X" amount of air, it needs "Y" amount of fuel. The computer sends a signal to injectors to inject that specified amount, and there you have it. Little bit more complicated than that of course, but that's the idea.

If you're not ready to do it just yet, I'd read read read. TONS of info out there as to how to do it, and what's involved. As with most things, once you understand it, it's pretty simple. If you don't, it's pretty intimidating. This site is one of the best resources out there though. Just read as much as you can!