[KevinW]

Guys, I have been reading the EFI posts with much appreciation! But I figured I would start a new thread to get everyone's opinions.

I have a 51 Chevy 3100 that will be equipped with a 383 V8, with a tremec 5 speed and 3.42 gears. The goal of this truck is to look stock GM, but with modern running gear. So the engine will be painted orange with no bling .

I plan on running the engine with a qjet to break-in, then converting to EFI later.

Goals:

1. It has to look stock, no polished vette style EFI
2. a large 69 Camaro snorkel air cleaner must fit on top (and functional) and hide a lot of the EFI
3. Fuel rails are OK if they are toned down and fit the constraints
4. The engine will be built for low-end torque and rarely reach 4500 RPM, cruising will be between 1.5K and 3.5K.
5. Exhaust will be true duals with O.D. to be decided later.

Constraints:

1. A cast iron Qjet manifold is primary, a factory looking alum manifold is possible, but has to look stock and can be painted orange. A carb adapter will be used to get a square bore mount (no height issues!)
2. Truck has no wiring, but will be converted to 12v with Camaro harnesses.
3. Stock Gas tank is mounted in the Cab and has no provisions for EFI and there is no aftermarket tanks available. I dont want an under bed tank.
4. I would like to get a NEW complete kit, so I dont waste time scrounging.

I think that is it, good luck!

[JimM]

Kevin, sounds like a great candidate for TBI!

Holley, retrotek, and fast make prepackaged everything in one box TBI systems, all have been reviewed here and are known to work well.

[paulm]

IMHO, if you are going to go through all of the trouble to install EFI, use all of it's advantages...port injection, timing control, etc, etc. Holley has some new stuff coming out that looks pretty nice.

I think that it would look pretty cool to paint an aftermarket port injection manifold and components orange to make it look kind of stock.

[KevinW]

Originally Posted by JimM

Kevin, sounds like a great candidate for TBI!

Holley, retrotek, and fast make prepackaged everything in one box TBI systems, all have been reviewed here and are known to work well.

Jim, Yes, I looked at the Fast and Holley systems. I'm liking Fast the best. But not sure if is it the most cost effective.

[Mkelcy]

Originally Posted by KevinW

3. Stock Gas tank is mounted in the Cab and has no provisions for EFI and there is no aftermarket tanks available. I dont want an under bed tank.

In an accident, I'd certainly prefer the gas tank in the cab with me rather than under the bed of the truck. There's nothing like originality. I assume you're also omitting seatbelts, decent brakes, or any other safety equipment (other than perhaps a substantial life insurence policy?).

[KevinW]

Originally Posted by Mkelcy

In an accident, I'd certainly prefer the gas tank in the cab with me rather than under the bed of the truck. There's nothing like originality. I assume you're also omitting seatbelts, decent brakes, or any other safety equipment (other than perhaps a substantial life insurence policy?).

Mike . Actually the incidents of issues with tanks mounted after the rear end (pinto, crown vic) are more frequent than the ones in the cabs for the 30some odd years it was used there . Which is were most hot rod tanks for these trucks get mounted. I think the main issue for the tank relocation was leaks and smells in the cab. If I can find a saddle type tank that fits in between the rail and driveshaft, I might go that route, but it would mean relocating the mufflers.

But there will be lots of safety improvements made to my 51. 3 point modern seat belts, but classic GM ones. 4 wheel power disk brakes, slung pedals with MC in engine compartment, hyd clutch, Split collar steering shafts, modern tubless rims with radial tires, IFS front end and power rack & pinion steering. These items will just have a classic GM look, not all polished and plated up.

So it should be safer than having an accident with my 69.

[BonzoHansen]

FAST TBI seems like the easiest way.

I'd personally look into a fuel cell/tank to go under the bed, I'm just not schooled enough to make suggestions.

[Mkelcy]

Originally Posted by KevinW

Mike . Actually the incidents of issues with tanks mounted after the rear end (pinto, crown vic) are more frequent than the ones in the cabs for the 30some odd years it was used there . Which is were most hot rod tanks for these trucks get mounted. I think the main issue for the tank relocation was leaks and smells in the cab. If I can find a saddle type tank that fits in between the rail and driveshaft, I might go that route, but it would mean relocating the mufflers.

But there will be lots of safety improvements made to my 51. 3 point modern seat belts, but classic GM ones. 4 wheel power disk brakes, slung pedals with MC in engine compartment, hyd clutch, Split collar steering shafts, modern tubless rims with radial tires, IFS front end and power rack & pinion steering. These items will just have a classic GM look, not all polished and plated up.

So it should be safer than having an accident with my 69.

My apologies, all of that sounds pretty good. Nonetheless, personally, I'd like the fuel out of the cabin.

[Steiner]

Here's the Retrotek Powerjection III. The new version (IV) will have timing control. The regulator is mounted in the fuel line at the throttle body but if you put it down on the frame and ran a regular line to the throttle body it would take a couple of looks to tell it wasn't a carb.

[KevinW]

Thanks Stiener, how much did that set you back?

[Steiner]

Originally Posted by KevinW

Thanks Stiener, how much did that set you back?

The regular price is $1650 for the full kit that comes with regulator, throttle body feed line, fuel pump, and fuel filter. I paid a bit less through Creight with CS3 (board sponsor). You can get the kit without the fuel system for $1500 but the full kit is a better deal.

I then spent around $200 or so on fuel line and clamps, fittings, charcoal canister and stuff to make my tank vented, stuff to make up a bracket to mount the pump/filter, and a few little things. The fuel line I used itself was almost half of that cost.

[RickD]

Kevin, no split rims for the ultimate classic look ?

What a great project.

[KevinW]

Thanks Rick. Split rim, ugh! Death by flying metal hoops! The orig wheels were skinny 16in 6-lugs. With the IFS disc front end and mid 80s trans-am rear in it now, I need modern 15 in 5 lug. I want to use the orig moon caps, so I am thinking about 1970s/80s 15x7 front and 15x8 rear van/truck steelies with tall 70 LT tires. I am thinking I could heat the outside dogdish cap bumps so they can be flattened amd smoothed, then can weld inside clips to hold the moon caps. If that doesn't work out, I can still buy aftermarket smoothies with repro caps, but that option is expensive! It will be my last resort.

On the EFI front, I am going to be on the lookout for a cheap square bore SB dual plane intake at the next E-town swap meet (that I could grind off any name and paint orange). That way I can use a holley carb for initial break in a testing. Then I could go with the FAST or Retrotek IV solution more easier than a qjet/adapter route.

Here is the rear set up (only pic I have uploaded) I have to upload some more pics.