Electronic FI in a 1965
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
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Electronic FI in a 1965
I have a 65 Vette with a modded 402 small block & beefed Turbo 400 transmission. The vehicle has been sitting unused in one stall of the garage for too long so I'm planning on putting it back on the road.
I'll either use the existing 402 or install a 502 BB. Either way I would like to dump the blower/dual Holly system and go with electronic FI so I can drive it on the streets. The goal is to get away from blower/carburetion and get the smoothness of FI so my wife will ride with me.
My question: regardless of which engine, are there wiring harnesses and ECUs available for this conversion for either engine? Not sure of what Big Block FI hardware to use, but the 402 would use 1985-1988 FI hardware.
Thanks for any help offered...
.
I'll either use the existing 402 or install a 502 BB. Either way I would like to dump the blower/dual Holly system and go with electronic FI so I can drive it on the streets. The goal is to get away from blower/carburetion and get the smoothness of FI so my wife will ride with me.
My question: regardless of which engine, are there wiring harnesses and ECUs available for this conversion for either engine? Not sure of what Big Block FI hardware to use, but the 402 would use 1985-1988 FI hardware.
Thanks for any help offered...
.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 896
Likes: 7
The 402 is easy if your willing to spend a little money. Holley, FAST or Edlebrock each have an FI system that uses an updated throttle body system for a SBC. They come with all the wiring and little minicomputers that automatically adjust the motor. The run from $2k-$3k or so and then there are some higher priced models. I just researched all of this as I am doing a rebuild on a c2 and buying a new motor.
I couldnt find a bolt on EFI for a big block but Im willing to be they are out there.
Good Luck!
I couldnt find a bolt on EFI for a big block but Im willing to be they are out there.
Good Luck!
Last edited by uxojerry; Oct 7, 2011 at 10:17 AM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
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I’ve done a little more research on F.I. on either engine. My 400 small block (now 406 with a .030 increased bore) will accept an 85 or 86 Corvette F.I. unit. Newer versions require swapping heads because of the manifold mounting bolt angles. Also, I’ve found some wiring harnesses that look good – just have to find the right ecm to make it work. In any event, there’s a number of pieces available to make that FI version work better/smoother.
Also, I found a 502 F.I. engine just as it came from GM. The fellow that bought it says he has the wiring harness and an ecm for the FI unit but couldn’t lay his hands on it when I was there. The engine is still in the original crate, so it’s a matter of getting an agreement on price. The 502 has a cast iron block and aluminum heads so the overall weight is somewhat on the high side which is not such a great idea for a street machine.
I’m going to try to fit this project into my winter schedule so I’m in no hurry just yet. My main concern remains in sorting out the electrical needs for good control of either FI unit. There are suppliers that claim they have the answer – but, I’ve heard those words before!
Also, I found a 502 F.I. engine just as it came from GM. The fellow that bought it says he has the wiring harness and an ecm for the FI unit but couldn’t lay his hands on it when I was there. The engine is still in the original crate, so it’s a matter of getting an agreement on price. The 502 has a cast iron block and aluminum heads so the overall weight is somewhat on the high side which is not such a great idea for a street machine.
I’m going to try to fit this project into my winter schedule so I’m in no hurry just yet. My main concern remains in sorting out the electrical needs for good control of either FI unit. There are suppliers that claim they have the answer – but, I’ve heard those words before!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 896
Likes: 7
That is the 502 Ramjet I think. I almost sure the systems Im talking about are for the engine you have now. Included in the package is the wiring and minicomputer. They are basically throttle body injectors that are updated.
This is the pic of my SBC motor with the Inglese FI system. It comes with the FAST injectors, wiring and computer.
Take Care and Good Luck!
This is the pic of my SBC motor with the Inglese FI system. It comes with the FAST injectors, wiring and computer.
Take Care and Good Luck!
