Thinking about going EFI
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
Thinking about going EFI
Does anyone have experience with the Edelbrock Pro-flo EFI??? Is it hard to tune and get your engine running correctly? I have been playing with the idea of going ahead and splurging on this setup, but not sure how it would run on an AFR headed 383.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 765
From: Houston, TX
I installed it on a ZZ3 crate motor back in 1996. It worked great, and was extremely easy to tune. My only gripe is that you have to have a new chip burned if you make any significant changes to your motor. The system is not laptop tuneable like many systems are today. The handheld tuning module that comes with this system only allows for minor tuning adjustments. However, if you plan to install it and run the same motor for a long time, it will work beautifully for you. I do recommed either having your tank modified with a baffle and an internal fuel pump, or buying a custom tank that is set up for EFI. They are a little pricey, but well worth it. Otherwise, you will hear the pump when driving, and if the tank is below 1/4 full, sloshing gas will create drivability problems. Ricks Hot Rod in El Paso makes some of the finest EFI tanks on the market. They just began making them for C3. I purchased one of the first, and it is very nice. I will be installing a custom EFI setup in my car in the fall when my garage cools down a bit. Good luck with it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
I have the Edelbrock Pro-Flo RPM EFI installed on the GM Performance 350HO in one of my cars (not a Vette), and have nothing but positive things to say about it.
The shop needed a bit of time to dial in the calibration, but once it was done, it has needed nothing since. It starts fast, runs stronger than I expected, instant response.
If there is anything negative to say about the Edelbrock EFI, it's two things. First...the electric fuel pump is on the loud side, but that seems to be a common thing for aftermarket systems. The second is the system simply doesn't have the wow factor you associate with EFI. It looks like a carbureted system. What gives it away is the fuel rails. But...beauty is as beauty does...it runs beautiful and that says it all!
The shop needed a bit of time to dial in the calibration, but once it was done, it has needed nothing since. It starts fast, runs stronger than I expected, instant response.
If there is anything negative to say about the Edelbrock EFI, it's two things. First...the electric fuel pump is on the loud side, but that seems to be a common thing for aftermarket systems. The second is the system simply doesn't have the wow factor you associate with EFI. It looks like a carbureted system. What gives it away is the fuel rails. But...beauty is as beauty does...it runs beautiful and that says it all!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 765
From: Houston, TX
Well I have a Holly 950 universal setup that I may use the ECM and wiring harness from. My manifold is a custom sheet metal one from Hogan's. I still haven't decided if I am going to use the Holley ECM or not. So I guess the answer to your question is, "not really".
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
WHAT?
How do the heads know what type of induction you are running. I have never heard of this. How many C4 and C5s are running AFR heads. I was planning of FI also and can't think of anything negative about going to FI, well maybe the cost!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
Well, I heard it on the forum a while back....probably bogus.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Salina Kansas
I had an Edelbrock proflo efi setup on a 383 with Dart sportsman II heads for about 12 years or so. Ran great, didn't even have to tune it although I got the matched performer RPM cam. There are some major limitations on tuning this system.
There is a new proflo 2 system out that is tunable.
I think bang for the buck, the Accel Gen 7 with the intake kit, 1200 cfm throttle body, intake etc. is a good deal, think I saw it in Summit for $2600 or so.
I went with a FAST xfi on my 427 sb with a custom intake, having problems with the dual sync distributor, so I'm going with a crank/magnetic pickup wheel though.
There is a new proflo 2 system out that is tunable.
I think bang for the buck, the Accel Gen 7 with the intake kit, 1200 cfm throttle body, intake etc. is a good deal, think I saw it in Summit for $2600 or so.
I went with a FAST xfi on my 427 sb with a custom intake, having problems with the dual sync distributor, so I'm going with a crank/magnetic pickup wheel though.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa AL
I had the Edelbrock Pro Flo in my Factory Five Cobra kit car. I thought it was excellent and highly tunable. On my 331 small block Ford, I was able to get 340 rwhp on the chassis dyno. Contrary to what another poster said, I thought the hand-held tuner was very easy to work with and allowed for highly detailed tuning.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
I have the Holley throttle body 4Di 950 cfm system with Airflow Research 195 heads. I love it. The throttle response with fuel injection is to die for. Adjustments without getting your fingernails dirty, or without even opening the hood is awesome too. The low end power and the screaming top end power is pretty nice too. I guess it's obvious that I love fuel injection. Better than any carb.
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I have the Holley throttle body 4Di 950 cfm system with Airflow Research 195 heads. I love it. The throttle response with fuel injection is to die for. Adjustments without getting your fingernails dirty, or without even opening the hood is awesome too. The low end power and the screaming top end power is pretty nice too. I guess it's obvious that I love fuel injection. Better than any carb.
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
and with stock setups. like what I did, mounting a modded up LT1 induction on my L98 engine, I spend only 300 bux on the install, but it took time and patience and lotsa TIG welding my buddy did, in return I remodeled his kitchen....eh??....
BUT i'ts so much simpler then messing with L98 setup, and more powerful to boot....from scratch to do what I have on a SBC would take about 5-600 bux assuming you don't go crazy and buy some way ho overpriced aftermarket wiring harness, you can do it out of junkyard pulls, assuming you can solder a wire.....
I"m a bux down hotrodder but have time being semi to fully retired now....so I don't mind piddling around....
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
BJ about got it right, but I favor the DPFI units...
and with stock setups. like what I did, mounting a modded up LT1 induction on my L98 engine, I spend only 300 bux on the install, but it took time and patience and lotsa TIG welding my buddy did, in return I remodeled his kitchen....eh??....
BUT i'ts so much simpler then messing with L98 setup, and more powerful to boot....
from scratch to do what I have on a SBC would take about 5-600 bux assuming you don't go crazy and buy some way ho overpriced aftermarket wiring harness, you can do it out of junkyard pulls, assuming you can solder a wire.....
I"m a bux down hotrodder but have time being semi to fully retired now....so I don't mind piddling around....
and with stock setups. like what I did, mounting a modded up LT1 induction on my L98 engine, I spend only 300 bux on the install, but it took time and patience and lotsa TIG welding my buddy did, in return I remodeled his kitchen....eh??....
BUT i'ts so much simpler then messing with L98 setup, and more powerful to boot....from scratch to do what I have on a SBC would take about 5-600 bux assuming you don't go crazy and buy some way ho overpriced aftermarket wiring harness, you can do it out of junkyard pulls, assuming you can solder a wire.....
I"m a bux down hotrodder but have time being semi to fully retired now....so I don't mind piddling around....
Bee Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
I have the Holley Commander 950 EFI and it is great. I like the ability to tune it with the laptop. I think that is the only real issue with the Edelbrock other than what people have said about the fuel pump. My fuel pump is plenty quiet. You can't even hear it when the car is running and it feeds fuel fine down to just about empty, even on the race track. I highly recommend the Holley system.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
One of the beauties of these aftermarket bolt on systems is that they are bolt on. Everything comes in the kit including instructions that are thorough and helpful at trouble shooting. I did not want to become a fuel injection expert like I had to become a Quadrajet expert. And I love the laptop tunability. If you want a larger accelarator squirt, or a tad bit richer under load, or change the water temperature that the fuel enrichment drops, you just punch up a few keys on your lap top, go drive it, and look at the reocorded data. The junkyard pulled factory systems aren't that flexible and no recorded data. Another thing, the guys on the Holley tech line are very helpful too. I admire your time and patience ,welding and pidling around time. I don't have much of any of that.
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
I just can't see spending 2 grand for a DPFI system....lotsa piddle time in there man....and those are NET bux you saving....
