ProFlo4 or Explorer EFI or Edelbrock Top End Power Package W/Carb

[JeepGuy]

This decision is rapidly approaching my 74 with a stock 302/C4 Dana 20 combo. Not completely sold on the ProFlo system yet, but it sure does sound more my style than the ford factory EFI set up.

Here is where my mind is at with this.

ProFlo4 - Pro's for me are; One packaged system with intake, ignition, dizzy, computer. I already have a M1A1 with EFI pump ready to go, just need fuel lines, filter, and a regulator. Con's are; The possibility of not being able to walk into an auto parts store and source specific parts. I have been watching a ton of videos on these systems and it does seem like the sensors can be found if you know what you are looking for, meaning you may not have to go directly back to Edelbrock.

Ford EFI - Pro's for me are: Ford produced components that can be found in auto parts stores, junk yards, classifieds, etc. Con's are: I need to source all my own parts, cross check that everything I'm getting is for the correct computer, throttle body, injector combo, then find computers and get a wiring harness reworked. Still have to upgrade ignition to match. I'm also surprisingly having a bit of a hard time finding info on what specifically I need for this entire swap.

Edelbrock Top End Power Package - Pro's for me are: A lot of bang for my buck in overall upgrades to my stock 302. Seems I can make it as simple as an intake and Carb, or go the full route of Cam, Intake, Heads, Carb, for all about the same price as a complete ProFlo set up with fuel lines. Cons are: I'd still be dealing with a carb in a Bronco I want to make as easy for wife to hop in and go for a spin in as well as a capable and reliable off roader that we can hit some difficult trails in without dealing with flooded or stalled carbs.

I'm sure the answer is very simple and straight forward which is why it isn't obvious to me.

What say you?????

 

[rjrobin2002]

Proflow is probably cheaper unless you are gonna use 30 yr old efi parts.

 

[1969]

I was in this same scenario and landed on Ford EFI. https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/351w-fuel-injection-conversion.329361/

I didn’t like the idea of buying the pro Flo and then next year or whenever they quit making it, or come out with a new version and you lose the support for the version you had. The Ford stuff has been around a long time now and there are a ton of knowledgeable people here and across the internet that can help fix it. Parts are readily available as well at the parts houses.

 

[bronco italiano]

Proflow is probably cheaper unless you are gonna use 30 yr old efi parts.

My 30 year old EFI system is doing just fine. Ford EFI and EFI guy all the way.

 

[LittleBeefy]

I put a ProFlo 4 on my 460 in my 84 Bronco. Took all of an hour to program and has run flawlessly ever since. I really like it. I’ve since convinced many others to use it in their builds and they all like it too. Only one guy ever had a problem and it was due to a bad injector from the factory. Luckily he got it from Summit and they made it easy to replace (Edelbrock wanted him to uninstall the whole thing and send it back to get the replacement injector).

One of the great things about the ProFlo is that it comes with basically everything. You have to buy the ignition coil and the fuel pressure regulator but basically everything else is in the kit.

 

[rjrobin2002]

My 30 year old EFI system is doing just fine. Ford EFI and EFI guy all the way.

That's what I run, but I spent a ton getting everything done between harness work, buying the donor motor for parts, new motorcraft coil packs, custom plug wires, , ford lightning 351 lower, custom 351 cam synch.

Then there I the worry with if the custom edited explorer computer takes a crap how to get a replacement and how long it will take.

But I do love it.

 

[JeepGuy]

I'm unaware of problems with Edelbrock not supporting their initial ProFlo systems. Is that really a thing?

 

[jamesroney]

I'm unaware of problems with Edelbrock not supporting their initial ProFlo systems. Is that really a thing?

All aftermarket fuel management providers do not support their legacy systems. With the noteworthy exception of Howell TBI. (which happens to be mostly GM TBI hardware.) The product line is constantly evolving. Backwards compatibility is not a priority. Holley is the absolute worst. Pro-jection 2, 4, 2di, etc.

You keep calling it Ford EFI, but you make no distinction between the dubiously legal and mostly unsupported "Explorer" EDIS system, and the currently not exactly illegal, and fully supported Ford EEC-4 SEFI solution. Let's call it "Mustang."

The answer to your question is 100% dependent on your camshaft. If you have a 114 LSA hydraulic roller cam with a 1-3-7 firing order, you cannot beat the 89-93 Mustang 5.0 SEFI MAF A9L computer and induction system. GT-40 heads, and intake from an explorer are preferred.

If you must have a 4R70W automatic transmission controller, the Explorer EDIS is the logical conclusion. Same requirement on camshaft.

If you have a disaster cam, or a junk performance cam, or anything with an oddball profile, or anything you don't actually know...then you want a system that will give you the best field support. Because you will need a custom fuel map, and there will be laptop tuning. And a dyno will be involved. The Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 seems to be pretty good at that. Holley terminator is also an option.

Mustang EFI with A9L is very popular in the Cobra kit car and Early Mustang community. So parts and support remain available even after 30 years.

 

[JeepGuy]

All aftermarket fuel management providers do not support their legacy systems. With the noteworthy exception of Howell TBI. (which happens to be mostly GM TBI hardware.) The product line is constantly evolving. Backwards compatibility is not a priority. Holley is the absolute worst. Pro-jection 2, 4, 2di, etc.

You keep calling it Ford EFI, but you make no distinction between the dubiously legal and mostly unsupported "Explorer" EDIS system, and the currently not exactly illegal, and fully supported Ford EEC-4 SEFI solution. Let's call it "Mustang."

The answer to your question is 100% dependent on your camshaft. If you have a 114 LSA hydraulic roller cam with a 1-3-7 firing order, you cannot beat the 89-93 Mustang 5.0 SEFI MAF A9L computer and induction system. GT-40 heads, and intake from an explorer are preferred.

As far as I know, the cam shaft is stock. The furthest I've gone into this engine is removing the carb and replacing the thermostat housing.

If you must have a 4R70W automatic transmission controller, the Explorer EDIS is the logical conclusion. Same requirement on camshaft.

If you have a disaster cam, or a junk performance cam, or anything with an oddball profile, or anything you don't actually know...then you want a system that will give you the best field support. Because you will need a custom fuel map, and there will be laptop tuning. And a dyno will be involved. The Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 seems to be pretty good at that. Holley terminator is also an option.

Mustang EFI with A9L is very popular in the Cobra kit car and Early Mustang community. So parts and support remain available even after 30 years.

For reasons you stated above it sounds like your vote is for the ProFlo system.

 

[Johnnyb]

I run ProFlo4 and am completely satisfied. Moreover, the system has been around for some time now and replacement parts are readily available from vendors such as Summitt. Moreover, just a few weeks ago, a new APP version was released with new firmware for the PF4, so it looks like support is ongoing.

I recently bought an extra computer for just-in-case trail replacement. My switch away from Ford EFI was when @EFI Guy stopped being able to fully remove unneeded or unwanted parts of the ECM programming for legal reasons.

-JB

 

[jamesroney]

I run ProFlo4 and am completely satisfied. Moreover, the system has been around for some time now and replacement parts are readily available from vendors such as Summitt. Moreover, just a few weeks ago, a new APP version was released with new firmware for the PF4, so it looks like support is ongoing.

I recently bought an extra computer for just-in-case trail replacement. My switch away from Ford EFI was when @EFI Guy stopped being able to fully remove unneeded or unwanted parts of the ECM programming for legal reasons.

-JB

Your switch away from "EXPLORER" EFI...

 

[jamesroney]

As far as I know, the cam shaft is stock. The furthest I've gone into this engine is removing the carb and replacing the thermostat housing.


For reasons you stated above it sounds like your vote is for the ProFlo system.

Absolutely not. I wouldn't have that junk anywhere NEAR my Bronco for any reason whatsoever. I absolutely despise Holley, Edlebrock, MSD, MassFlo, ProM, BBK, ProComp, and any other non-factory garbage. But I am keeping my Bronco forever. And the advice I give you is based on your stated use case. (your mileage may vary...)

If I were YOU...I would source a 1996 Explorer 5.0 engine. Add a 50 oz flywheel, and I would junk the upper plenum attachments, EDIS, and Cam sync, and run the 89-93 Mustang 5.0 Throttle body, MAF sensor, cold air, and EGR delete. I would drill the intake for the IAT sensor. I would run the EEC-4 TFI distributor with the Ron Francis / RJM/ The Detail Zone wiring harness. Weld in a couple of o2bungs, then I would find an good A9L box, and either solder it myself, or send it to Gary and have the caps upgraded. Shitcan the Explorer valve covers, and source a set of Mustang aluminum ones, or pop for the Motorsport ones. Buy a couple of fuel rail AN fittings.

Then I would drive it for the next 40 years.

Now that being said: I also have a 390 in my 67 Mustang Convertible. I bought the Edelbrock Victor 427 EFI intake, and built a custom TFI distributor adapter, along with a mass-flo throttle body. I am seriously considering the ProFlo ECU for that one.

 

[JeepGuy]

Absolutely not. I wouldn't have that junk anywhere NEAR my Bronco for any reason whatsoever. I absolutely despise Holley, Edlebrock, MSD, MassFlo, ProM, BBK, ProComp, and any other non-factory garbage. But I am keeping my Bronco forever. And the advice I give you is based on your stated use case. (your mileage may vary...)

If I were YOU...I would source a 1996 Explorer 5.0 engine. Add a 50 oz flywheel, and I would junk the upper plenum attachments, EDIS, and Cam sync, and run the 89-93 Mustang 5.0 Throttle body, MAF sensor, cold air, and EGR delete. I would drill the intake for the IAT sensor. I would run the EEC-4 TFI distributor with the Ron Francis / RJM/ The Detail Zone wiring harness. Weld in a couple of o2bungs, then I would find an good A9L box, and either solder it myself, or send it to Gary and have the caps upgraded. Shitcan the Explorer valve covers, and source a set of Mustang aluminum ones, or pop for the Motorsport ones. Buy a couple of fuel rail AN fittings.

Then I would drive it for the next 40 years.

Now that being said: I also have a 390 in my 67 Mustang Convertible. I bought the Edelbrock Victor 427 EFI intake, and built a custom TFI distributor adapter, along with a mass-flo throttle body. I am seriously considering the ProFlo ECU for that one.

Hmmm.. So now I believe your vote total either way is ProFlo 1 1/2, FORD ( ) EFI 1, Power package 0.

 

[bronco italiano]

That's what I run, but I spent a ton getting everything done between harness work, buying the donor motor for parts, new motorcraft coil packs, custom plug wires, , ford lightning 351 lower, custom 351 cam synch.

Then there I the worry with if the custom edited explorer computer takes a crap how to get a replacement and how long it will take.

But I do love it.

Have efiguy make a copy of your tune and have your ECM serviced every 5 years. Proflo is really nice, but Ford efi is the best.

 

[JeepGuy]

Was on EFI guys website and up until now was unaware that he sells complete kits. But man on man, a bit pricey for me.

 

[fordguy]

Was on EFI guys website and up until now was unaware that he sells complete kits. But man on man, a bit pricey for me.

The support he will give you after the sell is top shelf. No one else compares. He is part of our bronco community. Garry does not have a website.

 

[EFI Guy]

Was on EFI guys website and up until now was unaware that he sells complete kits. But man on man, a bit pricey for me.

I don't know whose website you are looking at, but I do not have one. The best way to get in touch with me is by email.

If I were YOU...I would source a 1996 Explorer 5.0 engine..... good A9L box.

This would technically be illegal too. That's how insane the laws we are fighting are. Don't forget to write your congress critters, there is a big push going right now.

You have to consider the source of your block when it comes to emissions regs. You can use a newer block in an older vehicle, but then that vehicle must meet the requirements of the newer block. Bolting a carb, aftermarket EFI, or even a Mustang system onto an Explorer block would mean that it fails to meet the OBD2 standards. Now, if it's an aftermarket block that was never in a production vehicle, you have some freedom assuming the vehicle itself isn't bound to other regulations. Most guys at the local race track or car meet are probably in violation and don't know it. But they have only been targeting the tuners so far. If you haven't yet, read up on the EZlink thing going on right now.

I still like the Mustang system and would run it over anything aftermarket. But the EEC-V system makes up for all of the EEC-IVs shortcomings.

 

[JeepGuy]

I don't know whose website you are looking at, but I do not have one. The best way to get in touch with me is by email.

This would technically be illegal too. That's how insane the laws we are fighting are. Don't forget to write your congress critters, there is a big push going right now.

You have to consider the source of your block when it comes to emissions regs. You can use a newer block in an older vehicle, but then that vehicle must meet the requirements of the newer block. Bolting a carb, aftermarket EFI, or even a Mustang system onto an Explorer block would mean that it fails to meet the OBD2 standards. Now, if it's an aftermarket block that was never in a production vehicle, you have some freedom assuming the vehicle itself isn't bound to other regulations. Most guys at the local race track or car meet are probably in violation and don't know it. But they have only been targeting the tuners so far. If you haven't yet, read up on the EZlink thing going on right now.

I still like the Mustang system and would run it over anything aftermarket. But the EEC-V system makes up for all of the EEC-IVs shortcomings.

https://460efiguys.com/ Was the site I was looking at.

I understand the concerns about "Legal" conversions etc... My bronco is a 74 registered in the C_____IST state of California and is smog exempt. Not once have I had the DMV or a Police Officer inspect it. For all they know I have a 2026 hybrid engine swapped from a Prius.

 

[jamesroney]

I don't know whose website you are looking at, but I do not have one. The best way to get in touch with me is by email.

This would technically be illegal too. That's how insane the laws we are fighting are. Don't forget to write your congress critters, there is a big push going right now.

You have to consider the source of your block when it comes to emissions regs. You can use a newer block in an older vehicle, but then that vehicle must meet the requirements of the newer block. Bolting a carb, aftermarket EFI, or even a Mustang system onto an Explorer block would mean that it fails to meet the OBD2 standards. Now, if it's an aftermarket block that was never in a production vehicle, you have some freedom assuming the vehicle itself isn't bound to other regulations. Most guys at the local race track or car meet are probably in violation and don't know it. But they have only been targeting the tuners so far. If you haven't yet, read up on the EZlink thing going on right now.

I still like the Mustang system and would run it over anything aftermarket. But the EEC-V system makes up for all of the EEC-IVs shortcomings.

Without getting too deep in the weeds, there are two agencies in play. I was specifically referring to the aggressive EPA civil enforcements against emission control system “alterations” from programmers, chip providers, and tuners. This form of lawfare was vastly expanded under the previous regime under the Chevron Doctrine, which the Supreme Court mercifully overturned 6-3 in 2024.

There is still the blatant disregard for first amendment protections for Tuners in the form of restrictions on advertising, coding. and marketing. and the 14th amendment inequality for tuners wherein narcotics trafficking in the form of cannabis marketing is ***nod-nod-wink-wink*** OK. But god forgive you if you advertise a performance chip for an off-highway Cummins pickup.

The CA emissions “alteration” code enforcement is not enforced for the pre-75 year model as you well know, and as is applicable to this specific 1971 Bronco.

(And yes, I am still a vocal advocate for your services…thank you for everything you do!) Congress is actually the root cause of the issue, and cannot be relied upon for the solution. Social issues with 80-90% public approval still cannot get thru congress. The Leno law in CA has overwhelming public support. And the nanny-state persists.

 

[fordguy]

Absolutely not. I wouldn't have that junk anywhere NEAR my Bronco for any reason whatsoever. I absolutely despise Holley, Edlebrock, MSD, MassFlo, ProM, BBK, ProComp, and any other non-factory garbage. But I am keeping my Bronco forever. And the advice I give you is based on your stated use case. (your mileage may vary...)

If I were YOU...I would source a 1996 Explorer 5.0 engine. Add a 50 oz flywheel, and I would junk the upper plenum attachments, EDIS, and Cam sync, and run the 89-93 Mustang 5.0 Throttle body, MAF sensor, cold air, and EGR delete. I would drill the intake for the IAT sensor. I would run the EEC-4 TFI distributor with the Ron Francis / RJM/ The Detail Zone wiring harness. Weld in a couple of o2bungs, then I would find an good A9L box, and either solder it myself, or send it to Gary and have the caps upgraded. Shitcan the Explorer valve covers, and source a set of Mustang aluminum ones, or pop for the Motorsport ones. Buy a couple of fuel rail AN fittings.

Then I would drive it for the next 40 years.

Now that being said: I also have a 390 in my 67 Mustang Convertible. I bought the Edelbrock Victor 427 EFI intake, and built a custom TFI distributor adapter, along with a mass-flo throttle body. I am seriously considering the ProFlo ECU for that one.

our broncos must be cousins