Bit the Bullet: Going EFI

[Sweet5ltr]

451Mopar, don't worry, I had no idea as well. Honestly, the FiTech was the best system on the market when it released in terms of TBI EFI self-learning systems. I know a lot of guys went with the PA versions on theturboforums, before the Holley Sniper was in production.

I didn't know this system existed until two weeks ago. It delivered today, so i'll check it out once I arrive home.

 

[rlem1977]

I just did the Fitech on the Charger and it seems to be running good (only 30 miles on it so far.) I hear good things about the Sniper. Holly seems to have better instructions and support. One difference is the map sensors. I think the Sniper has a 1-bar sensor for NA engines, and the FiTech has a 3-bar map sensor that works with NA or boosted engines.

The reviews on Summit Racing for these FI systems tell a lot. Holley seems to have the least customer complaints.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

The biggest advantage seems to be the customer service offered by Holley. FiTech seems, IMHO way out of the loop. The main tuning / owners group on FB doesn't even have a single FiTech representative, at least it didn't for two years while I was a member (may have changed now). That doesn't really make sense does it?

Member on a Corvette forum; Fitech Customer Service, for lack of a better description, just flat out sucks...They regularly jerk people around, pass bad info, and are very inconsistent with their advice and tech help...Not to mention, they literally stole most of the tech that us Fitech buyers/users found out for ourselves, and shared on the Chevelle forum...

My car, a weekend toy, big block 71 Chevelle, had the Fitech on there, and learned, and been dialed-in/tweaked on for a total of 10 months...The best ever ET/MPH was [email protected].

With just a mere 2 days of cruising around, learning, (and ZERO tweaking) the Sniper, 1st trip to the track (2 weeks later) ran an 11.51@116...

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Just looked over the kit tonight, keep telling myself it’s $1,000 but it looks like it’s absolutely worth $1,000. High quality and professional appearance. Documentation is very well thought out, I love that it comes with a quick start guide as well as a full length manual. Has multitudes of the ‘smalls’ that normally have an individual sprinting to the auto parts store. So far it’s looking good we’ll see how it goes on Friday.

 

[1967coronet440]

Whether you’re using a fitech or sniper or whatever, one thing To remember even though all are advertised this way. These are NOT bolt on and go systems! Plenty of tweaking/tuning needs to be done! All the self learn mode does is give you a base map, very much tuning still to be done. You’ll notice most people that have problems are the ones that do not follow the instructions. Good luck with your install

 

[furryfrog]

Looking forward to your review and how much the system improves your fuel mileage.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Whether you’re using a fitech or sniper or whatever, one thing To remember even though all are advertised this way. These are NOT bolt on and go systems! Plenty of tweaking/tuning needs to be done! All the self learn mode does is give you a base map, very much tuning still to be done. You’ll notice most people that have problems are the ones that do not follow the instructions. Good luck with your install

Complete agreement! Yes, self-learning not self-tuning! At least with the Holley, from what I've read, most all of the tuning can be done with the controller.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Looking forward to your review and how much the system improves your fuel mileage.

Doubt i'll see much of an increase to be honest, but that would be nice. I didn't state this in my original post, but another reason for the EFI was to reduce cylinder bore wear. Would really enjoy driving the car every day if possible.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Okay got the fuel system setup, sniper mounted, water temp sensor, and pedal linkage adjusted. Just a few wires to route through the firewall tomorrow and it’ll be set.

 

[Hemirunner]

Great system choice! I heard they were gonna offer a 2-4 version at some point.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Im not sure, but they really need to offer a 3x2 setup.

 

[Hemirunner]

Im not sure, but they really need to offer a 3x2 setup.

That would be really popular amongst the mopar crowd.

 

[coloradodave]

I'm on year two of running a dual FiTech set-up on my big block crossram. I've had 750 CFM Edelbrock carburetors and then 500 CFM Edelbrock carburetors on the engine. Both ran well with constant tweaking on 91 octane fuel. Initially I used the FiTech Fuel Command Center (FCC) because it was cheap and easy, utilizing the mechanical fuel pump to prime the high pressure pump, and only a 'vent' line back to the tank. I can say from experience that the "just shut off" was due to fuel entering the 'vent' line and restricting the venting. I disassembled the FCC and lowered the float level (all Holley parts, BTW) which solved the shutting off problem. I always got a prompt return email from the techs whenever I had a question.
Eventually I had a custom stainless steel tank made with an intank Walbro pump made by Rick's Tanks in El Paso. Since then, I've had zero problems.
It runs smoother, starts faster and provides about the same performance and mileage(????) as the carburetors.
My Go EFI unit runs my fans and the timing/advance of my MSD Pro Billet distributor, all adjusted on a hand-held device that was included and easy to learn, even for a 72 year old.. No need for a laptop.
Yes, I wish FiTech had published a comprehensive owner's manual which would have sped up MY learning curve. I also got on the FiTech forum years ago and continually read sob stories from guys who had massive problems and asked questions that indicated that they hadn't read or followed the installation instructions. I also installed PTFE lined braided hoses so that I can run E85 if I want.
Bottom line? I would buy it again...

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Okay got it install and cranked right up haven’t driven anywhere it’s raining but trying to adjust IAC now, total of four hours to install. Idle in park/gear is great. Really easy install.

 

[5.7 hemi]

What’s the IAC doing?

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Got the iac sorted out just had to do a tps relearn which with the sniper is a simple power reset. Engine starts instantly. Wow already running great, idle is up to 1050 in gear and 1150 in park . Really happy so far.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Excellent

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Yeah this was a four hour install. Cranked up and idled, just had to adjust the idle screw (tps) and reset the IAC. Couldn’t have been simpler. Sniper handheld has super sniper software installed, so this could work for a forced induction application.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Dropped by the garage yesterday, it was in the low-60's and raining. Increased the fuel prime percent to 175% (default is 150%, i'll probably drop the 175% to 160% today to test the variance) on the handheld. Cranked on the third revolution and idled perfectly, wow I love this system. It's stupid easy to tune. Remember i'm running an M1-4500 intake with a 2" spacer, it's a long way down into the cylinders.

Holley's advanced tuning document, very thorough:
http://documents.holley.com/techlibrary_199r11259.pdf

 

[That_Tall_Dude]

Saw a “review” with a 396 chevelle, where they claimed an average mpg improvement from 12 to 16.

If that is real (& common) the math says the unit would pay for itself in about 10k miles @ $4 gas (about what gas costs where I am)

So am really curious if people see mpg improvements with the sniper; these cars get such low mpg a few points make a big difference...

I know we just keep our heads in the sand with mpg on these, so no worries if before info is not available. ;)