OKay, now that you have figured out the basics, here is the deal:
There are two fundamental "flavors" of EFI. TBI and MPFI.
TBI (Throttle Body Injection) is usually simpler to set up and can be more cost effective. It is also less performance oriented and, as drag-200 states, suffers from all of the same fuel distribution problems as a carb.
Basically, think of TBI as an electronic carburetor.
MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) allows you to inject fuel at each cylinder. This helps you in two fundamental ways: First, it helps solve fuel distribution issues alluded to by drag-200 by delivering fuel directly to each intake port, regardless of manifold design. Second, it can increase performance because it changes your manifold from a "wet" manifold to a "dry" manifold. This typically means that fuel is atomized better by the time it gets to the cylinder, where it actually matters. Essentially, fuel does not have time to fall out of suspension. With this in mind, your manifold can be designed without consideration for keeping fuel atomized and can again help compensate for non-ideal manifold designs.
TBI's only real advantage is it's simplicity - Frankly, that is a HUGE advantage. I do not suggest building a MPFI system from scratch for a de-virginizing EFI project (been there, done that - not for the faint of heart). Building a TBI system can be as simple as bolting a few things on and hooking up some wires.
So, drag-200's concerns aside, I would strongly suggest you build a TBI system. The fuel distribution and "engine killing" properties will be no worse than a carb - but you will gain all of the tuneability of EFI. I do not believe drag-200's concerns are especially worrisome for moderate boost levels and conservative (rich) WOT fuel maps. If you are going to build a motor on the ragged edge of performance, then it is certainly a paramount issue.
So, TBIs:
Much like carburetors, Trottle Bodys come in various configurations. Typically for TBI systems they will be described just like Carbs IE 1bbl, 2bbl, 4bbl.
A little aside on a Throttle Body. There are two basic types - those for TBI systems (Wet) and those for MPFI systems (Dry). The only real difference is TBI tb's include one or more injectors, and are designed with the atomization of fuel in mind. They tend to somewhat resemble carburetors.
All TB's (for the most part) incorporate some sort of throttle position sensor (TPS) and an Idle Air Control Valve (IAC).
The aftermarket offers several in each category and they are ungodly expensive. I do not suggest using an aftermarket TB in a TBI system. If you plan on the level of performance that requires one, then I suggest MPFI.
More about TBI:
There are many many OEM TB options out there. The Tempo one is popular here because of it's simplicity. It is a single barrel style TBI with one injector. It is popular because it nearly bolts to the stock carb opening and has an integral fuel pressure regulator. It is as close to a "bolt on" EFI option as I am aware exists. It's performance potential is limited however (by the single injector's flow capability as well as airflow restrictions) to not much beyond stock. Someone can give real numbers based on BSFC i'm sure. It is basically an EFI replacement for your stock 1bbl carb.
The TB that I would suggest however is the 2bbl GM TBI. This 2bbl style TBI came on everything from 2.8L V6's to SS 454's. Equipped with 454 sized injectors, this TB can support approximately 300 horsepower.
It includes a TPS and IAC, but not FPR (fuel pressure regulator). As stated above, it is a 2bbl style TBI that is loosely based around the holley 2300 style flange. It is reasonable to conclude that an intake designed (or modified for) a holley 2bbl could be easily modified to accept the GM TBI.
It looks like this:
The use of this TBI will require (at a minimum) the following things:
1.) The TBI it's self.
2.) A computer controller, like Megasquirt
3.) A EFI fuel pump. TBI runs at (IIRC) ~ 13 psi. (
http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49473)
4.) A quality AFPR (adjustable fuel pressure regulator). Especially important with boost.
5.) A MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure, otherwise known as load) sensor. The Megasquirt includes this for you.
With those 5 things properly installed and interconnected one could get this TBI up and running. Increased functionality (Spark Control, for example) would require additional parts - but none of which is prohibitively expensive or complicated - and each can be added down the road as your motivation dictates.
The hardest part of any EFI system is tuning. The process is not in and of itself difficult, but it can be tedious and always takes patience and time. It will not be a bolt on and go type of setup - but then again, neither is a carb. (Despite what many people seem to think)
As a reference, I built a MPFI system for my camaro out of stock parts I purchased off ebay and craigslist. This was before megasquirt hit the big time, so to speak, so I used a stock computer that I reprogrammed via flash EEPROM.
It took me a year to collect the parts (on a college budget) and a week to install them.
Tuning it to the point that it could be driven took about two days. Getting it to the point that it drove really well took a few weeks.
That was my first time with a much more complicated system. I am confident that you could do much better with a simple TBI setup.
I believe the GM TBI will be the next upgrade to my car. I just need to tell the old lady to stop getting cavities and then I can actually afford the parts
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