Just wanted to submitt a couple of thoughts about my plans for a carb to efi swap. First off I can think of no better place to get information about the various systems than right here. It would seem that there are actually two major systems that most members gear towards. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on the Powerjection System III. I looked all over the forum and even read some other forums about the system to get a good feel for the correct system for me. I read with horror about one of our members and the terrible time he had with customer support so I decided to try before I buy sort of speak. I went on the web site retroteckspeed, a supplier of the PJ system and sent them an email with a couple of questions. I got a response the next day, and a persons name and phone number. I then replied with another question and got an immediate response. This eases my thoughts quite a bit about the support.
By the way I asked about fuel line sizes as I really did not find any good information out there about this. The response is for a SBC producing 400HP the flow and return line should be 3/8 or AN6. I also inquired about the fuel ump concern about overheating. Their response was that their fuel pump has cooling vanes and if properly set up with a return line then they have not encountered any pump failures due to overheating.

I am not saying one will never have an issue with any parts or part with whatever system you chose to buy but that these folks responded quickly and acted like they care about the customer. This is a real plus for me.

This will go into a 68 convertible Vetterod with a healthy SBC. Been doing lots of stuff to it and this is but yet another step to get it where I want it. I'll provide some photo's in the future about the install and how all of it goes.

Let me thank all the members for your input to the various systems and the good, bad, and ugly about them. You have helped me more than you can know. Is this a great place to get informed or what?

 

By the way, an afterthought, while reading different posts on this system I came accross a picture of a great looking engine compartment with a small block in it. What caught my eye was the beautiful valve covers embosed with the C-3 crossed flags and the word "Stingray" on them. Don't know if these are special ordered or what but would like to know where to get a pair of them. Can anyone help, possibly the members post or something? Thanks.

 

Hey condor,
I'm currently doing the install and try to document it. I did go with the returnless style as I only have 330hp at the cranck.
Nick

 

Hi dembo. I have not ordered my system just yet. It's great that members are documenting their experience with these products, good or bad. I'll probably order my system is a few weeks. Currently trying to tie up the rear suspension. Taking out the 3.70 diff and installing a 3.08. Also have a monoleaf speing and some suspension stuff from VBP, which by the way is another great group of folks to do business with. I currently do not have it torn appart because of a club function coming up but right after that it gets done. Please let me know of any issures you come accross. Don't know whom you got your system from but tech support is available at retroteckspeed.com. I have been all over their site, downloaded the manual and some other stuff to study. Good luck with the EFI install.

 

Look in the C1-C2 Forum for someone who just did this install, the nightmares he had getting it running, the lack of product support, and his final solution that ultimately got it going.

 

was it returning it and installing a F.A.S.T? i have heard good things about them.

 

Steersdad wrote that: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...onversion.html


Scary! That's why I will use the Mass-Flo EFI system Only one that is MAF, others are speed density, and it is made in USA, that I know of?

 

I think I saw those valve covers too when I was looking at some threads. Do you remember the post and the link? Thanks!

 

Ive got the fast xfi system, that uses a maf sensor, the fast system is number 1 in my opinion, very easy to install, easy to tune

 

Thanks! Will do some research on that.

 

Dont' know the thread where the cool stingray valvecovers are at. If you know plead direct me to it as I really would like a pair of them.

As for the PJ III system. I am making this a personal choice to use for a car that was never designed for EFI. Having said that my plan is to modify a new fuel sending unit with a 3/8 tube for the return line. Next run 3/8 (AN6) fuel line for the return or supply (feed). Then I can use the 1/4 inch tube from the upper right hand side of the tank for the vent with the Camero 2 way vent valve. Seems to be an easy way to fix the fuel issues.

I say 3/8 AN6 because that is what the tech support guys told me to use. Also that the vented fuel tank cap will not be enough. Minimum we should use is 1/4 vent, two way.

I also run an MSD6AL and would have to relocate it if a fast system was used. Not so with PJIII. Just different things between the two systems.

The fast system offers a way to control an electric fan where as the PJ system does not so I ordered a (spal) electric fan controller for that job.

Just trying to keep things as simple as possible. These systems kind of lead you to beleive that they are plug and play. As we found out that is not necessarly the case. I did read steersdad thread and I guess that can happen to anyone. Sure am glad it worked out okay but indeed there was a lot of grief. I suspect it was a case of a bad part. It happens. I have read about the PJIII and Fast on several threads and several forums. Nothing but good things about both and on occassion some not so good. Even the big car manufactures have problems sometimes. Recalls come to mind.

Don't want to bash or praise anything, this system is my personal choice and I am optimistic it will be fine if set up correctly. I think just going to the EFI is a major plus anyway. I am tired of messing with the carb. Not bashing them, just don't want to fool with them anymore.

 

I was going to write something similair like your last parapgraph yesterday but didn't. It sure looked like a defective unit in steersdad's case and yes on both systems there are more positive posts then negative and your most likely to post when it doesn't turn out like you expected.
Have fun installing it Sir.
Nick

 

Are these the valve covers you are talking about?

 

That is the FAST EZ-efi system...

 

They are very close. They look great nestled in there with all the other polished aluminum. Very nice engine compartment. Who makes these valve covers? The other ones I mentioned are almost idenical except they have the crossed flags right before the "Sting Ray" I'd settle for either. Thanks for posting 7t2vette

 

Once I get the system I'll document everything and share my experience good or bad.

Hey dembo, those are some nice looking wheels on your Vette, May I ask what brand are they and your tire size. Not trying to start another thread just courious?

Another thought on the PJ III system. After more research I discovered that all the sensors are GM. The fuel filter is even GM. If a pump should go I'll have a backup plan for that, seems that a walbro 255 would be a good choice. The ECM is propriatary as far as I can tell.

By the way, I converted my 68 to an electric fuel pump a long time ago and eliminated the mechanical one. Been using a procomp (I think it is a holley knock off) fuel pump for a long time with no issues. It is a little loud but can't hear it after the engine starts, only the sweet sound of the procomp stainless steel side exhaust. I did this because of the long crank time to build fuel pressure. Could have gone to a different mechanical pump but the electric seemed better and as an added bonus I installed a pump kill switch in the console where the ashtray used to be. It stays covered with the ashtray cover. Sort of like a anti-theft device.

Used a fuel return line, the stock 1/4 inch line. Also have a vented stock fuel cap. Never had a pressure build up issue with the system and the pump always runs cool.

 

One more thing about PJ: they advertise the TB as 750cfm unit. Its actually 950+cfm. They advertise it as 750 because people think about carb cfm figures and think 950cfm is too big. In fact they are not the same thing.

My Powerjection I (returnless) is going on a 454. PJIII did exist when I bought it but I wanted a separate ECM. On function side the systems are the same.

One of the key points for me to choose PJ system was the fact that all functions and changes are made with a software on a laptop instead of small hand held device.

I wont be using the GM fuel filter that came with it but bought a prefilter and a actual filter with washable and changeable filters. Also will use teflon hoses instead of hardlines. I found it too difficult to attach decent connectors to original hard line while under the car. No space for tools to do it properly.

 

Condor, they are the plain jane Coys C5 17" 245/45 4" backspacing. Polished and in my opinion are of a very good quality for a more reasonable price then American Racing
Regards,
Nick

 

The FAST XFI system is releasing software version 2.0 next month which allows the system to self program like the EZ efi system I am told. Just an FYI. Also, if you go this route try to avoid the dual sync distributor; I had lots of problems with mine and I have read similar stories. I went to an MSD crank trigger.

 

Anyone have a lead on those very nice Sting Ray engraved valve covers?? I would like to know where to get a pair. By the way ordered the PJ III system. Of course I started the Vette this last weekend expecting to go for a drive and now have a god awful vacuum leak somewhere. Only have the headlights and the brake booster operating on vacuum. Isolated them and still have such a lean condition the engine will not run unless at higher RPM. Got some brake cleaner and will check the intake manifold. Suspect that is the problem. Have to get this fixed before anything else now. Glad it happened in the garage. Was not suttle but very quick bad running condition. Almost sure one of the intake gaskets took a dump. Well I did not have anything better to do anyway.