5.8 swap

[tmsoko]

Yeah, I can tell we aren't going to see eye to eye on this.

So, I will go on being a BIG FOOL spending ALL THAT MONEY on the use of factory EFI systems. I just don't get it. I spent a whopping $700 or so on my stock EFI system, larger injectors, larger MAF, larger TB and dyno tune. The dyno tune would be wanted for either EFI or Carb, so that really shouldn't be included in the numbers. With that MASSIVE investment, I get the ability to run a supercharger, run it without the worry of detonation, run it at peak fuel mixture (IE not a carbureted supercharged pig rich engine) and I can operatate it at all temperatures. Nice to be able to start-up and beat on my truck at 10 degree winter mornings or 95 degree summer afternoons. No messing around with jets, etc.. And getting the optimum fuel mixture at all times. The funny part - I spent less TOTAL than my brother did on the carburetor for his 410ci Windsor.

I guess to some, evolution of technology is either too hard to understand, to scary, or something else. I just don't get it. If there is a better / proven technology available, why not use it??? I suppose that is the same reason some people have not embraced indoor plumbing.

But, to each their own.

And, lets get back on topic. I drag race as well as have a ball on the street with my Ranger. I went with AWD so I could get all of the power to the ground without the need for monster tires in the back or slicks. A near stock ride and traction - LOVE IT!

 

[2000StreetRod]

older engine swap

In many states with emissions testing it is not permissible to replace the stock engine with an older engine. This is especially frowned on when going from fuel injection to carburetors due to higher emissions and less fuel economy.

Drivability is also an issue. With fuel injection 400+ rwhp engines can be easily driven year round on the street without attracting attention.

I agree that carburetors are simpler and less expensive but that is their only advantage over fuel injection. Many owners of older Mustangs are "upgrading" from carbs to fuel injection for drivability and fuel economy.

 

[pufferfish]

another point to consider is that the trans in the op's 97 x, is computer controlled. not going to make that work without a computer (although there are standalone controllers out there).

i guess your fuel choice is dependant on your intentions. if you want to keep cost down, simplicity up, you are barking up the wrong tree. this is an expensive swap. no ifs, ands or buts about it. there is no simplicity with this swap, but the argument that EFI is harder is complete BS. you have no idea what its going to take to convert your EFI truck to carb. examples: what do you do about fuel? the EFI pump is the pickup. gotta custom make a pickup with screen. what do you do about fuel vapors in the tank? you cant cap off the vent line. you'll blow the filler cap off. you can vent it externally, but you and everyone around you is going to smell gas all the time. no EFI means swapping out the trans to an AOD at best. now you have to create TV linkage. good luck with that! or you can go with a C6. no muss no fuss, no OD? now how does your speedo work without EFI? hmm. you starting to understand now? this isn't the full list and i'm sure i haven't thought of everything.

now, if you go EFI, you have people that have done it. the groundwork has been done. we know what the custom stuff is and we've done it. use the stock trans. use the stock EFI (with a tune). hell, you can reuse every stock EFI actuator and sensor! if you don't demand every ounce of hp out of it, you can even reuse the upper intake and just get a lightning lower to fit the 5.8 block! then, EVERYTHING works. your speedo, your emissions, your heater, your a/c AND you can rely on it to start every day. the only really tricky part is the cam sensor, but i have worked around it for the cost of a $150 custom part and will be testing an off the shelf alternative in the next couple of months.

look really hard at the costs of both, carb obviously sounds cheaper and easier, but is it really?

 

[GuardianSport]

In Ontario is is illegal to drop and older engine into a newer vehicle, unless that vehicle is older than 1987 (IIRC). Your best bet is to go EFI and make sure you're buddies with the guy doing the e-test and certification.