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Deciding which TBI unit to choose. Holley Sniper, Summit Max 500 or Fitech. Anyone here have experience with any of them? I like the price of the Max 500 especially since the ECU is external and wouldn't have to worry so much about under hood temperatures affecting it.
So you haven't changed the intake yet? You could keep the factory intake and use one of the other aftermarket systems. You're already going to have to add a distributor if you go the TBI route. The Holley Terminator X (and X Max has transmission control if you have an automatic) would work with the factory intake and injectors plus: it will run coil near plug (LS coil packs) if that's what you are after.
Just another option available.
If you read on the Holley EFI forums, you'll find that the Sniper can have issues from RFI. The ECU is in the "carburetor" and it is sensitive to electrical noise. I'm not sure if the other systems you're considering have similar issues.
What will you be doing for ignition? I know Holley has an add-on "HyperSpark" ignition system that works with conventional distributors. I'm not sure it'll work with the Opti on the LT1.
For full EFI (8 injectors, not TBI), I also know that folks have set up MegaSquirt-II (or MegaSquirt-III) systems on LT1 engines using a wasted spark distributorless system (with a 4 coil pack).
So you haven't changed the intake yet? You could keep the factory intake and use one of the other aftermarket systems. You're already going to have to add a distributor if you go the TBI route. The Holley Terminator X (and X Max has transmission control if you have an automatic) would work with the factory intake and injectors plus: it will run coil near plug (LS coil packs) if that's what you are after.
Just another option available.
If you read on the Holley EFI forums, you'll find that the Sniper can have issues from RFI. The ECU is in the "carburetor" and it is sensitive to electrical noise. I'm not sure if the other systems you're considering have similar issues.
I have the needed the intake for the conversion. I have asked and asked about youre talking about and it always seems to be a guessing game or incomplete information so decided to go aftermarket. The Max 500 external ECM is also a reason I like about it. Its the only one Ive seen thats external.
Another question is the dash. Is this a street driven car? Do you need your dash gauges?
Any aftermarket ECM will need a whole new dash with aftermarket gauges. The factory ECM runs the factory dash gauges. If you ditch the factory ECM, those factory gauges and lights are useless.
I have the needed the intake for the conversion. I have asked and asked about youre talking about and it always seems to be a guessing game or incomplete information so decided to go aftermarket. The Max 500 external ECM is also a reason I like about it. Its the only one Ive seen thats external.
There is the Terminator Stealth, but they are pricey. Another option is the Terminator X Stealth (an example is part number 550-1002). Both of them are TBI style but have the ECU separate. Just another couple of options to muddy the waters more for you.
Another question is the dash. Is this a street driven car? Do you need your dash gauges?
Any aftermarket ECM will need a whole new dash with aftermarket gauges. The factory ECM runs the factory dash gauges. If you ditch the factory ECM, those factory gauges and lights are useless.
Just looking to get it running for now and worry about gauges later. Probably end up buying an ECM to get that stuff running.
What will you be doing for ignition? I know Holley has an add-on "HyperSpark" ignition system that works with conventional distributors. I'm not sure it'll work with the Opti on the LT1.
For full EFI (8 injectors, not TBI), I also know that folks have set up MegaSquirt-II (or MegaSquirt-III) systems on LT1 engines using a wasted spark distributorless system (with a 4 coil pack).
I have the GM intake and will be using an HEI unit.
You seem to have all the right answers. With HEI, I'd look more at the systems that have the control module mounted separately (hopefully inside the car). The Sniper units especially are sensitive to interference from noise, and the HEI system is a big source of RF noise sitting right behind it. I know of at least two aborted Holley Sniper attempts with HEI ignition, where the people went back to a 4 barrel carburetor after giving up on the Sniper unit.
And this is a manual transmission? The stock ECM also controls the 4L60E automatic transmission, so if you have that, you'll need an aftermarket controller for it, or a system for TBI that includes wiring and the control logic for the 4L60E.
You seem to have all the right answers. With HEI, I'd look more at the systems that have the control module mounted separately (hopefully inside the car). The Sniper units especially are sensitive to interference from noise, and the HEI system is a big source of RF noise sitting right behind it. I know of at least two aborted Holley Sniper attempts with HEI ignition, where the people went back to a 4 barrel carburetor after giving up on the Sniper unit.
And this is a manual transmission? The stock ECM also controls the 4L60E automatic transmission, so if you have that, you'll need an aftermarket controller for it, or a system for TBI that includes wiring and the control logic for the 4L60E.
Sounds like the Max 500 from Summit looks to be the way to go then. Its the only external ECM one that is a TBI unit. Really not looking to spend thousands on this since in the end, it will still be a low value car. Its a six speed. I bought a 98 six speed vert 2 years ago just to let this one sit until a good solution came out but still really nothing. Probably place an order tonight or tomorrow. I just need to find a 60psi internal fuel pump that will fit where the stock unit goes, I really don't want to to go external if possible.