Conversion from Carb to FI....

[2kwik4u]

Some more bench racing discussion for everyone......I'm quickly finding when I'm bored at work, I'm thinking up these crazy ideas. Todays involves converting my 3.0L from carb's to fuel injection.

Anyone ever done this before?

I've converted a couple older cars, and it wasn't terribly hard. A good deal of wiring, some fabrication and welding, and some tinkering to get them to run right, but once they were running it worked flawlessly. I've even converted one truck from a carbed 4.3 to a multi-point fuel injection 4.3. Had to weld bungs onto the intake manifold, as well as fabricate some fuel rails, but in the end it worked out well I think. Truck picked up a few mpg's, and a TON of driveability. Throttle response, and power was also increased although we never measured it at any point.

Any thoughts on this? Or am I asking stupid newbie questions again?!?!

[rdlegacy]

I have read threads from folks who have done this, but I have not.  I would think the biggest advantage would be starting rather than performance.  To spend the money just for a marginal gain in performance doesn't seem cost effective.

I'm not an engine guy, but I do know that buying aftermarket parts can be very expensive.  Just the electronic controller alone would kill ya, not to mention a new carb (I think), and possibly a manifold.

But I guess if you have nothing better to do and need a project, why not!

Bob

[Dream 'Inn]

I agree with Bob on the cost.  I think the cost alone would make you just consider waiting a bit and buying a boat with one already there...of course, then you miss out on the learning opportunity :lol: ...learn how that carb works first.

[Hank]

I think you would be better off buying the boat that you want w/ all of the factory installed gear in place w/ service manuals and warantees. I don't think major drive train modifications, especially where fuel and electricity are involved, on a boat should be done in the backyard.  

Just one mans opinion

[2kwik4u]

Service manuals I'd kind of want. warrantees not so much. All three of my vehicles (1 boat and 2 trucks) are out of warranty and I do all the work myself. I also have plenty of garage space, so I'm not afraid of the work. I think the reliability and performance is directly proportional to the quality of the install as well.

Cost is a legitamit concern. A 1/2 mpg increase, and maybe 10-15hp is all I'd get performance wise. However the ease of starting, and generally all around better response and boatability I have to think would be better.

I suppose it would be cheaper to learn how to work on carbs though. perhaps even put a new carb on there that has a better more accurate choke, as well as other features. Still seems like VooDoo to me

[gmricketts]

It sounds like a real project but to me the issue is why?  We have the merc 3L with the mercarb and I pump the throttle 3 or 4 times when cold and it starts right up every time. If you are having starting trouble may just be a carb adjust or other carb problem. I also do not like the idea of fuel under high pressure in the engine compartment out of sight.

George

[2kwik4u]

It'll start right up, but runs rough as hell until it gets warm. By warm I mean it's run for 2-3 minutes. I think it might just be an idle setting, I'm obviously not a carb guy

It's also just kind of a cool project to me. I'm a huge gear head, and my GF swears I should talk to the doctors about my VADD (her term for Vehicular A.D.D.)

[artventurer]

Mike, try this link, I was planning on doing this on my Larson, because I to got tired of rebuilding the carb, the pumping to start and warming up etc. , however we wound up getting a new 270, so never got a chance to do it.  The company seems  to be reputable, sell complete kits , and are designed specifically for marine use. Good luck, Art

http://www.affordable-fuel-injection.co ... ystems.htm

[2kwik4u]

Thanks for the link Art. Looks like a standard Holley throttle body (High $$ but good stuff), some fuel rail stock, and lines/wiring...Nothing out of the ordinary that I can see.

I'm still contemplating it, however I have a good friend that is a carb "guru" coming to look at it this weekend. With any luck it's an adjustment, and things will get a ton better.

As cool of a project as it would be, I'd much rather be on the water than in the garage!!

[SweetTooth]

Maybe a 'Winter project' for you!!!

[2kwik4u]

I was discussing this with the GF last night on the ramp, as we were waiting for the motor to get warmer before I sent her off the trailer. She politely yet sternly told me if I took the boat apart before the end of the season she would have no problem telling my which short pier to take a long walk off of.

I'm definately thinking this might be a winter project though. She seemed OK with that idea, Not thrilled, but OK.

I'll see how it goes