Quadrajet vs. EFI

[thegreatjustino]

I am in the process of building a 351 to replace my 302. I currently have an Edelbrock 4bbl on the 302 which sucks for offroad. I am debating between going MAF EFI or a Quadrajet once the 351 is done. I don't mind spending the money on the EFI system if it really is the best way to go, but how much better is EFI that a Quadrajet? Is the added expense and time involved in installation worth the added benefits?Part of me wants to go EFI just for the challenge of putting it in, but if the Quadrajet really is as good for offroading that many say it is, it may be the best way to go.

 

[Madgyver]

I asked myself the same question. I'd like to do the EFI for the challenge but that would be another long project for me. BC Broncos Q-jet was $200. + shipping and a bolt on thing. Bolt in on and go!! I'll do the EFI later when I'm caught up and ready.

 

[chuck]

The Q-jet will take you as far over as you want to go. It will also give you extra power. With a Q-jet if it <br>stops you can check the fuel and move on to finding the problem. With EFI you can run up side down <br>until the bearings are wiped. It is impressive to look at and I think you also get better milage but it is <br>much more complicated so if it quites can you fix it 40 miles from town?

 

[lars]

Justin-<br><br>What became of your 302? Ever figure out what was going on?<br><br>I love my SEFI but I'd say save your money for now and go with the Q-jet. Buy a new one from Chuck so you don't have to hassle with setup. Bolt on and go. You can always do the SEFI later if you want.<br><br>Lars

 

[rstgermaine]

Something else you may want to consider is how often you drive it. I've got BC's Q-jet on my 351W and it's a PITA when it sits for more than 4 or 5 days. The fuel in the bowl and lines evaporates and it almost wears my battery down trying to re-prime it (did once-had to throw it on the charger). With the FI setup, the fuel lines stay pressurized (somewhat) for quite a while and this prevents the fuel from evaporating in the system. I'm working on building a FI system similar to Edelbrock's setup but using Ford electronics and sensors. When I do I'll post a how-to with parts list and directions in the tech section.

 

[Rustytruck]

I agree I am in favor of the Quadrajet and the dry float is a valid point but you could wire in a back up electric fuel pump to prime before starting. That isnt a bad Idea with an off road machine. I dont usually crank and crank the engine I crank for a few seconds and then pump the peddal like hell and wait a few seconds and hit the starter and it will usually fire right up.

 

[thegreatjustino]

[quote author=lars link=board=5;threadid=10803;start=0#79296 date=1036189223]<br>Justin-<br><br>What became of your 302? Ever figure out what was going on?<br><br>I love my SEFI but I'd say save your money for now and go with the Q-jet. Buy a new one from Chuck so you don't have to hassle with setup. Bolt on and go. You can always do the SEFI later if you want.<br><br>Lars<br>[/quote]<br><br>I'm pretty sure that it was a compression problem. I tested it and two of the cylinders were at zero. I adjusted the valve lash and will re-test it this weekend and put it back together. The reason I ask the question about the 351 is that I just bought a project '67 Mustang Fastback that I'm eventually going to put the 302 from my Bronco in when I put the 351 in my Bronco. Slowly gathering info so I can decide what all I want on the 351 so I can work on the budget. I've had it sitting in the garage for two and a half years, so now I've got some incentive to put it back together since I need a motor for the Mustang.

 

[mxpaz]

I will never ever ever ever ever ever ever have an offroad vehicle with anything other than EFI. Every time ive been wheeln the people with carbs end up working on them. Ive seen backfires thru the carb and it strts on fire hell ive held on for dear life cause im on a hill and the engine dies and the brakes dont work worth a shit when it dies. When I was at the Bronco roundup mine wasnt even hooked up right and the only time it died on me was when I turned it off. I wouldnt even worry about mass air just get a speed density setup and you will be good to go.

 

[jonylost]

Probably a good medium would be the ProJection set ups.........<br><br>I love the Q-jet but the quick throttle response of FI is pretty much impossible to do with the old quadrabog!<br>For cheap.......easy......and reliable I haven't had a lick of prob out of the Q<br><br>Mike

 

[rjlougee]

The quadrajets do make a nice setup for a carb. Personally, I won't wheel with a carbed vehicle ever again.<br><br>The biggest advantage of the EFI, over the carb, is the ability to easily adjust the system to run better when you have significant elevation changes. In CO that's a VERY good thing. I routinely wheel 6-7,000 feet above where I live, which is at 6880'.<br><br>The Projection is so NOT a decent middle ground. Similar, but better units are made by Howwell and Turbo City. I'd get either of them LONG before the Holley. I know of NOBODY who was happy with the Projection units, and MANY who sold them at a loss, just to get rid of them.<br><br>If the idea of replacing the EFI with a carb appeals to you, look at the Ford EEC IV CFI units available on the '85-86 Capris and 'Stangs. Very similar electronics to the SEFI setups, but you can disconnect the TB unit and replace it with a carb if it goes bad.<br><br>I have had to fix my EFI unit when I was 40 miles from nowhere. But I could do it. I'd rather swap half my wiring than rebuild a carb.<br>Joe