Sniper vs FiTech
Thread Starter
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From: Napa Valley California
Sniper vs FiTech
At this point I'm thinking about changing my plan from running a Holley 750 hp double pumper carburetor and swapping to an EFI system for my 496 cu. in. build.
My research shows all the positives of doing the swap and both the FiTech and the Sniper look to be awesome systems.
My questions for those who have done the swap or who have installed the units for others are,
1. Are you happy with the system you purchased and why?
2. Are you unhappy and wish you had not purchased the system you did?
3. Will I have any problems with running the OEM mechanical tachometer if I'm running an MSD ignition with the 6AN box?
Thanks, Greg
My research shows all the positives of doing the swap and both the FiTech and the Sniper look to be awesome systems.
My questions for those who have done the swap or who have installed the units for others are,
1. Are you happy with the system you purchased and why?
2. Are you unhappy and wish you had not purchased the system you did?
3. Will I have any problems with running the OEM mechanical tachometer if I'm running an MSD ignition with the 6AN box?
Thanks, Greg
Last edited by OldCarBum; Jan 10, 2018 at 01:23 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: San Jose CA
At this point I'm thinking about changing my plan from running a Holley 750 hp double pumper carburetor and swapping to an EFI system for my 496 cu. in. build.
My research shows all the positives of doing the swap and both the FiTech and the Sniper look to be awesome systems.
My questions for those who have done the swap or who have installed the units for others are,
1. Are you happy with the system you purchased and why?
2. Are you unhappy and wish you had not purchased the system you did?
3. Will I have any problems with running the OEM mechanical tachometer if I'm running an MSD ignition with the 6AN box?
Thanks, Greg
My research shows all the positives of doing the swap and both the FiTech and the Sniper look to be awesome systems.
My questions for those who have done the swap or who have installed the units for others are,
1. Are you happy with the system you purchased and why?
2. Are you unhappy and wish you had not purchased the system you did?
3. Will I have any problems with running the OEM mechanical tachometer if I'm running an MSD ignition with the 6AN box?
Thanks, Greg
1. Relatively. Most things are better. At the price it's at now (~$1000) I would probably have been a lot happier. I bought it before they slashed the price.
2. Overall, I'm fine. I would have rather gone with an LS at this point if I knew where I would have ended up in this build - but I would have made that decision prior to building the 400ci motor I have now. (I did a TKO swap, then the motor, then the EFI)
3. I highly recommend having the EFI system control timing. If I hadn't done that, I probably would say that I wasn't happy with my system. MSD sells a tach drive distributor that uses the same rotor as the distributor that I have, which would mean it can be used for Atomic's timing control setup. I'd defer to the manufacturer of the kit you ultimately go with, but that leads me to believe that it's a feasible solution for you.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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go to the msd website. I was just over there the other night. I thought they had a setup like your describing, kind of like pertronix. I just picked up the msd tach drive diz for the future when i do what your doing
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 635
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From: Lakemont, GA
I have installed the Sniper system in my street rod and am very happy with it. It is an 800 CFM throttle body so it should flow plenty of air for you. I installed an in-tank pump and wiring was very simple. The setup was also very straight forward and the car has run wonderfully since install. I chose the Sniper over FiTech due to the tuning interface and reviews.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 36
From: Cedar Park TX
Just fired up my buddy's Jeep (SBC) with the Fitech last night. No issues with install or setup, it just runs.
One complaint we had was that the FiTech instructions do not explain every option on the hand held. We’ll do some online research on that today.
I personally have the FAST XFI system on my Vette. Flat out love it. I have the computer control the timing. I’m running the MSD 6AL and dizzy with the mechanical tach drive so my stock tach works.
I just removed the vacuum advance and locked out the mechanical advance on the dizzy. Easy to do, MSD and the InterWeb have instructions
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm deciding on a EFI system for my BBC Camaro.
Please keep us posted on which way you go and how you like it
One complaint we had was that the FiTech instructions do not explain every option on the hand held. We’ll do some online research on that today.
I personally have the FAST XFI system on my Vette. Flat out love it. I have the computer control the timing. I’m running the MSD 6AL and dizzy with the mechanical tach drive so my stock tach works.
I just removed the vacuum advance and locked out the mechanical advance on the dizzy. Easy to do, MSD and the InterWeb have instructions
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm deciding on a EFI system for my BBC Camaro.
Please keep us posted on which way you go and how you like it
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
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From: Sonora CA
Unless your an experienced expert on tuning fuel injection, I'd stay away from the FiTech.
I tried to do do this change over (with a FiTech) but found that nobody wanted to tune them. One guy, who tunes for a living, told me flat out, that he wouldn't even look at it.
So, if you do this change over, I'd go with the Holley and definitely an "in-tank" fuel pump.
I tried to do do this change over (with a FiTech) but found that nobody wanted to tune them. One guy, who tunes for a living, told me flat out, that he wouldn't even look at it.
So, if you do this change over, I'd go with the Holley and definitely an "in-tank" fuel pump.
Thread Starter
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From: Napa Valley California
Thanks to all.
So far these are exactly the type of comments I'm looking for.
The speed/machine shop I'm working with sells both FiTech and Sniper.
He has installed and dyno'd several motors with the FiTech system and told me the tuner around the corner has dyno'd several motors running the Sniper, both showing excellent results.
So far these are exactly the type of comments I'm looking for.
The speed/machine shop I'm working with sells both FiTech and Sniper.
He has installed and dyno'd several motors with the FiTech system and told me the tuner around the corner has dyno'd several motors running the Sniper, both showing excellent results.
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Team Owner
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From: Virginia USA
I too am interested in doing this swap in the future. My main concern is fuel delivery. I've read bad things about the FITech fuel commander so when I do this I'd go with an inline pump or in tank pump but I want to keep from doing too much ripping a tearing of the existing fuel lines etc. I'd like to know what members have done on the delivery side and return side. Where are members putting the in-tank pump etc. stuff like that. Also how to vent the system as my '71 stock system is non-vented.
Sorry for the hijack but this info might help the OP as well.
Sorry for the hijack but this info might help the OP as well.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,468
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From: Napa Valley California
I too am interested in doing this swap in the future. My main concern is fuel delivery. I've read bad things about the FITech fuel commander so when I do this I'd go with an inline pump or in tank pump but I want to keep from doing too much ripping a tearing of the existing fuel lines etc. I'd like to know what members have done on the delivery side and return side. Where are members putting the in-tank pump etc. stuff like that. Also how to vent the system as my '71 stock system is non-vented.
Sorry for the hijack but this info might help the OP as well.
Sorry for the hijack but this info might help the OP as well.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
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From: Sonora CA
I did the in line, it was so noisy, I couldn't stand it, the FiTech needs no less than 58 psi, so the in-line is really screaming. The service tech, at FiTech, told me that the "Fuel Command" units are really only for racing applications. So . . . .for anyone who is considering doing this type of upgrade, make sure that you do your homework first.
Btw, these FiTechs don't like being bolted to an adaptor plate on top of a spreadbore either.
Btw, these FiTechs don't like being bolted to an adaptor plate on top of a spreadbore either.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: NSW, Australia
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There's been a lot of discussion on here before, and on the chevelle efi forum. My fitech with fuel command centre has been working great for ~12 months and ~12,000 miles, including quite a bit of competition use. I like it a lot, and it works extremely well on my grumpy 388, makes it very driveable and extremely responsive. I use timing control with a locked out MSD dizzy and 6al box, works well. I think the timing control is a huge benefit compared to fuel only.
Last edited by Metalhead140; Jan 10, 2018 at 08:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Napa Valley California
There's been a lot of discussion on here before, and on the chevelle efi forum. My fitech with fuel command centre has been working great for ~12 months and ~12,000 miles, including quite a bit of competition use. I like it a lot, and it works extremely well on my grumpy 388, makes it very driveable and extremely responsive. I use timing control with a locked out MSD dizzy and 6al box, works well. I think the timing control is a huge benefit compared to fuel only.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Woodinville WA
I have a '77 with HEI. I read the FiTech docs and did not understand how I could have their system control the timing without an external distributor coil. So you're saying one can use the MSD 6AL box, cool. Could you tell us which MSD distributor you got? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: NSW, Australia
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Strange. I don't understand why he/she would say that.
I have a '77 with HEI. I read the FiTech docs and did not understand how I could have their system control the timing without an external distributor coil. So you're saying one can use the MSD 6AL box, cool. Could you tell us which MSD distributor you got? Thanks.
I have a '77 with HEI. I read the FiTech docs and did not understand how I could have their system control the timing without an external distributor coil. So you're saying one can use the MSD 6AL box, cool. Could you tell us which MSD distributor you got? Thanks.
Last edited by Metalhead140; Jan 11, 2018 at 12:05 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Lakemont, GA
I know that this is kind of an apples to oranges comparison but here is what I did with my street rod.
I used a new tank from Tanks Inc (they make tanks set up for in tank pumps for C3s). I installed one of their in tank setups, took some cutting and fitting as they are a generic fit, but they have good walbro pumps and are solidly built.
The original tank was non-vented and I added a vent that I ran a line to the top of my rear fender (the vent line is on the fuel pump mount plate).
The in-tank pump had a pre-filter. I used teflon 6an braided hose to plumb my supply line to the 10 micron filter and then to the sniper. I made a return line out of the same stuff and ran them along the frame and up the back of the transmission housing. The hoses do not get near the exhaust and look very clean under the hood.
The pump is rated at 100 psi and works great with the Sniper, I would have used the same setup if I went with the FiTech. The whole install cost me under $2000.
Most of the issues I have seen are people not setting up the units mechanically, having the throttle plates set so the IAC is working properly is one of the big ones.
I used a new tank from Tanks Inc (they make tanks set up for in tank pumps for C3s). I installed one of their in tank setups, took some cutting and fitting as they are a generic fit, but they have good walbro pumps and are solidly built.
The original tank was non-vented and I added a vent that I ran a line to the top of my rear fender (the vent line is on the fuel pump mount plate).
The in-tank pump had a pre-filter. I used teflon 6an braided hose to plumb my supply line to the 10 micron filter and then to the sniper. I made a return line out of the same stuff and ran them along the frame and up the back of the transmission housing. The hoses do not get near the exhaust and look very clean under the hood.
The pump is rated at 100 psi and works great with the Sniper, I would have used the same setup if I went with the FiTech. The whole install cost me under $2000.
Most of the issues I have seen are people not setting up the units mechanically, having the throttle plates set so the IAC is working properly is one of the big ones.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 285
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From: Cedar Park TX
Strange. I don't understand why he/she would say that.
I have a '77 with HEI. I read the FiTech docs and did not understand how I could have their system control the timing without an external distributor coil. So you're saying one can use the MSD 6AL box, cool. Could you tell us which MSD distributor you got? Thanks.
I have a '77 with HEI. I read the FiTech docs and did not understand how I could have their system control the timing without an external distributor coil. So you're saying one can use the MSD 6AL box, cool. Could you tell us which MSD distributor you got? Thanks.
no worries...
MSD Ignition 8572 - MSD Pro-Billet Tach Drive Distributors
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Virginia USA
no worries...
MSD Ignition 8572 - MSD Pro-Billet Tach Drive Distributors
Click here for more information about MSD Ignition 8572 - MSD Pro-Billet Tach Drive Distributors
Compare
Distributor, Pro-Billet Tach Drive, Magnetic Trigger, Mechanical, Vacuum Advance, Chevy, Big/Small Block, Each
(6)
Part Number: MSD-8572 More Detail...
Estimated Ship Date: Today
$439.95
MSD Ignition 8572 - MSD Pro-Billet Tach Drive Distributors
Click here for more information about MSD Ignition 8572 - MSD Pro-Billet Tach Drive Distributors
Compare
Distributor, Pro-Billet Tach Drive, Magnetic Trigger, Mechanical, Vacuum Advance, Chevy, Big/Small Block, Each
(6)
Part Number: MSD-8572 More Detail...
Estimated Ship Date: Today
$439.95
I've been running the 8572 with a 6AL box since I swapped in my ZZ4 years ago. The only problem I've ever had with the system is at one point my 5800 rev limiter resistor went bad and it wouldn't start. While troubleshooting thinking something worse was wrong I took the resistor pill off the 6AL box and it cranked just fine.
Good to know the timing control on the 6AL box will work with these FI systems and the 8572 tach drive dizzy.
Safety Car
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From: St. Louis MO
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I'm in to process of installing Sniper on my '66. Lot of wires but instructions are VERY GOOD/SIMPLE. If all goes will I might also install on my '69. I already have Rock Valley Fuel tank with in-tank pump so that makes install easier.
After reading/researching various web sites I decided on Holley mainly 2 reasons Customer service and Name. Talk to people that were happy with either but majority leaned to Sniper.
Good Luck
George
BTW...I spread wires for photo and impact
After reading/researching various web sites I decided on Holley mainly 2 reasons Customer service and Name. Talk to people that were happy with either but majority leaned to Sniper.
Good Luck
George
BTW...I spread wires for photo and impact
Last edited by Black_Magic; Jan 11, 2018 at 04:19 PM. Reason: Spelling