Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

I've been waiting on components for two planned upgrades: #1 is a fuel injection system...and after a long drawn-out research process (I tend to over-think before I buy), I pulled the trigger on the Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 system with the fuel sump pump. The fuel sump pump kit was delivered pretty quickly, but the Pro Flo 4 was back ordered until mid April, so I started researching upgrade #2...an A/C system to replace the dealer installed under-dash unit. I'm planning on keeping the rear air, so I've been trying to weigh the options with emphasis on compatibility. Another lengthy research process, and although I have yet to actually make the purchase, I'm leaning heavily towards the Classic Auto Air system. I might just keep the factory rear system as an "air handler" and not stress over combining the two systems, but the jury is still out on that? Back to the Pro Flo 4...I got notified in early April that my back-order has been pushed back until the beginning of August, so I got kind of depressed about having to wait. I began planning out what I needed to do to get ready for the two projects even though I prefer to work on one thing at a time. I decided that a tidy engine compartment could be a nice bonus to making these upgrades, so I moved my windshield washer jug (including the electrical and rubber hoses) from the passenger side to the drivers side. This meant relocating the big-block power steering reservoir more into the corner to have the "triangular" layout I have seen on other people's projects. That was pretty straight forward, so I moved on to removing the heater core/fan box cover as that will not be needed with whichever aftermarket A/C system I go with. I also removed the interior side of the under dash A/C system, but left the A/C wiring harness in place until I decide what to do. I would like to use a bulk-head for the heater and A/C hoses...and route them through the passenger side fender passage (as well as anything else that will be going that direction). I purchased the two firewall block-off plates from Full Custom Fabrication (I opted for the "without holes" as I'm not sure what configuration of bulk head I will be going with) and I'm really impressed with the quality of their product. It is also a perfect place to mount the fuel sump pump, which will free up the space I made by moving the windshield washer jug so I can mount any relays there that might be required in the future (at that time, I'll also do a little tidying-up of the "Ford style" solenoid that the original owner installed). At some point way down the road, I envision pulling the engine to do a complete engine bay clean-up, but for now, I'm trying to keep the Beach-Burban on the road with as little down time as possible.

Woody

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Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Those are some great upgrades!

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Looking good. I really like the block off plates, they look to be good quality and fit

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks Joe...I'm trying to keep moving on this but "things" keep getting in my way (and then I lose motivation).

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks CG...I looked around a lot before I stumbled upon these from FCF. The three available options gave me a lot to ponder, and yes, they are strong and accurate...but like anything else, a little drill bit action was needed to get it just the way I wanted it!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Woody,

I also ordered a Pro Flo 4 EFI system in February and am still waiting for it. Apparently there are issues with obtaining the semiconductors necessary to complete production, but I have been unable to get a straight answer from Edelbrock. Quite disappointing. A fuel sump pump didn't come up in my research. Perhaps because I am going with an EFI tank with in-tank pump?

With regard to my factory front-rear A/C system, I decided to think about it holistically. I am going with a serpentine conversion kit coupled with a large Sanden SD7H15 (part# 4665) compressor. I decided to go with Old Air Products, which sold me a well priced kit, with control, trinary switch, as well as hoses to connect the rear A/C. None of this has been installed yet, so I can't necessarily recommend it, but it's what I did after a lot of research.

Good luck with your very cool looking Burb!

Nick

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks Nick...it's cool that you selected the Pro Flo 4 as well (even if there is a back-order issue). My mechanic buddy was glad that I chose a fuel rail type system...but there are trade-offs with any system one chooses. You are correct that your EFI tank and in-line pump eliminates your need for the sump system...I wanted to keep my dealer installed 45 gallon tank without cutting into it, so I went with the fuel sump kit. Not being anything close to an "authority" on the subject, I hope I don't regret my decisions!

A/C wise...I'm still in a quandary over how to proceed, but I did give Old Air Products a lot of thought during my research...and will be very interested to hear about your results!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Hi Woody,

Thanks for you reply, especially about the sump system, which I wasn't familiar with. Keeping your big tank makes good sense. I went ahead and purchased an Aero Tank 40 and had them set it up for EFI with an in-tank pump. I really hope gas prices head back down soon, lol !

I researched all the AC companies, and I would agree that Classic Air is solid. I believe I passed on their system because of the modern dash controls and price. I'll definitely report back when my AC gets installed, unfortunately it will be a long time from now as I'm planning to restore the Suburban over the next 1-2 years.

If you remember, please update us when your Pro-Flo 4 ships. I'm curious to see how Edelbrock handles backorders.

Cheers,
Nick

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

As I needed to protect the bare metal block-off plates, I decided that at the same time I could get a little taste (and hopefully motivation) of how the engine bay could progress. I used steel wool to clean the plates, then after wiping them down real well, I sprayed a self-etching primer followed by a color that nearly matches the original Wheatland Yellow (I held the plates next to the inside of the glove box door as that was the best representation of the original finish). This new color (Sunset Glow) is just a tad brighter, but that should help things pop under the hood. I left the stainless fasteners and aluminum Z-brackets natural as a contrast for now...but will consider other options in the future.

Woody

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Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Good progress! Quality work takes time.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Slow progress is better than no progress! Looking good Woody!

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Looking good Woody. I'm also on the slow train, but hopefully it will pick up soon. I've burned through 4 O2 sensors on the Holley Fuel injection in the last 6 months and I cant figure out why. Nothing has changed with the truck. Its left me stranded every time, and its made me disinterested in taking the truck out. Super frustrating just looking at the thing every morning sitting in the car port.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks...I move extra slow hoping to do it right...and "sometimes" that approach works for me!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Much appreciated!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks Greg...Sorry to hear about your EFI issues! I know what you mean about seeing it and not being able to drive it...it's a bummer for sure!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

A couple of things to consider. There is a real problem out there with cheap knock off sensors being sold in Bosch and other OE packaging. The quality manufacturers are playing Wack-A-Mole trying to shutdown the counterfeiters.
Second is O2 sensors are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. The OE'S supply them with stable voltage from a power conditioner that is usually built-in to the ECM. Most aftermarket stuff just hooks them to the battery directly exposing them to all the voltage drops and spikes associated with starting the engine.

Good luck.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks, in my case, the sensor is receiving power directly through the Holley Dominator ECU, so ideally, that should in limit the voltage spikes.

I've ordered all my replacements directly from Holley, though these do have a reputation for questionable quality. So far, I got:

6 years out of sensor #1
7 months out of sensor #2
1 month out of sensor #3
24 hours out of sensor #4

sensor #5 is in the car as it sits, which is what got me home from work the last time I was left stranded, but like I said, I'm hesitant to drive the damn thing because theres typically no warning or indication. The sensor fails, AFR spikes at an indication of 36.5, and the truck dies.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Yikes! That's terrible. I would certainly dive into the electrical side. Find someone with a Pico or other wave form diagnostic troubleshooting equipment and take a look at what exactly is happening electrically. You may find the ECU power output has gone out of specification or there is induced AC voltage.
If your not familiar with using oscilloscopes to test these kinds of problems take a look a ScannerDanner's U-tube channel. Lots to learn there.

Good luck and now the hijacking is completed its back to your regularly scheduled thread.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Much appreciated.....and apologies for hijacking Woody!!!

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

I noticed that Edelbrock lowered the price for the Pro-Flo 4 EFI by roughly 10% since I ordered mine in September. I called Edelbrock and the sales guy said, "no we've raised the price" to which I responded that's not what your web site says, so he said then we'll honor that price but we don't refund the difference on existing orders.

I ordered from a reseller and wondering whether it pays to cancel my order and place a new one at the lower price. Apparently the model with the entry level injector is in stock, and the medium and large injectors are being produced and will be shipping in a few weeks. Famous last words.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks for the update, Nick...back in April (before they pushed my back order to August), Edelbrock refunded me $115 because they are no longer offering the hand held Android device (the app now works for Apple products too)...so that might be why the price shows lower now? I haven't looked it up to see what they are now charging for my application...but I'll be thrilled if the back order is ahead of schedule (I purchased the "medium" injectors)!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

No worries Greg...I'm just glad to know that you're still out there working through your Burb's issues...and I don't consider your's or anybody's input as hijacking? We all learn from what others are going through!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Hey Nick...my August back order date has come and gone...and I haven't been notified by email of a new shipping date, but on the Edelbrock site, they show the end of September for new orders??? Did you get your's or any update? Calling is for the most part useless...and if Edelbrock hadn't moved out of Torrance, I would have been going there in person...a lot! I've met a guy at our local car show that has an "in" with Edelbrock, so I might hunt him down to see if he knows anything???

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Woody,

Back in early June, I cancelled my order for the Pro-Flo 4 with the large injectors and re-ordered the medium sized ones part #35770 (also availing myself of the $300 lower price). Subsequently, I noticed that Summit had 10+ in stock in July (a few weeks later it showed sold out with a September restock date). A few weeks ago Summit again showed 10+ in stock. Then, at the end of August Edelbrock's web site indicated #35770 was in stock. So I reached out to my reseller on August 26, who responded as follows: "I heard back and this is in the warehouse and just getting unpackaged from a shipment so it can go out. We should have tracking in the next 1 - 1 1/2 weeks. Once we've got that, we'll send it over!"

As of right now, it's been 1.5 weeks and no tracking has been provided. I will follow-up to get another update and let you know. Supply chains are still messed up, but it seems we are getting closer!

Regards,
Nick

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks for the update Nick...I too am getting the middle sized injectors, but mine is for a big block (#35830). I ordered through Summit...and both Summit and Edelbrock are now showing they're available at the end of September. It's frustrating getting put off so many times, but like you said...things are still messed-up...and I'm not willing to cancel my order so I guess I have to accept that they would send it to me if they could! Thanks again...and let me know if you get it and I'll do the same!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Hey Nick...it took nearly ten months, but I finally received my Pro Flo 4 (but it was a wild ending!). In November, I saw that both Summit and Edlebrock had them back in stock but I hadn't received any shipping notice from Summit so I emailed to check on my order. I was told that someone had cancelled my order and that I would have to order it again??? I immediately ordered it and realized that the price was $100 more than my order from February, so I emailed back the same person with "WTH...someone at Summit erroneously cancels my order and I get stuck paying $100 more"! Long story short...she got me a $101 refund and delivery in two days! I've since posted a new thread on the truck side called "Edlebrock Pro Flo 4 and Sanderson BB8 header project" (long ass title, I know!) to document the dilemmas that I have run up against...but I am getting very close to finishing up the header installation and have been working on my fuel system and wiring to be prepared for the PF4 install. I hope you have had better luck than me with your project!

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Slow is the "operative" word for my progress...it's right there in the title! Besides that being my M/O, living in So Cal has made me worthless when it rains...and the unrelentless rain we have been getting (as much as we need it) has been very difficult to get used to! In any case, I have made a little progress as I finally received my Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 near the end of 2022, and started digesting the instructions to develop a plan of attack. I have already posted about using the Fuel Sump Pump kit they offer and my mounting choice for that, which gave me a starting point for the layout of the wiring harness. I had never made (or even used) AN hoses before, but the kit came with AN fittings and hose so I read up and learned how...and am happy with the preliminary results. I also (after hiring the wrong person for the job) got my Sanderson BB8 header's installed after my friend Jerry turned part of his shop over to me (and then he basically did most everything for me while I assisted)...but I'm very happy with those results as well! I started and am still in the process of cleaning up and beefing up the electrical situation under the hood, both because I need to and want to...but also because it should make an easier time out of installing these new components. After running the fuel filter hoses and making the changes to the electrical components on or near the passenger side wheel well, I removed and/or covered up everything and taught myself how to weld with a free "flux core wire feed" unit and filled in the eight extra holes that had been added over the years to the passenger side wheel well. I eventually got the hang of it, but it's a good thing I have plenty of experience with a grinder!!! I still have a little to do before final paint of wheel well (like I should have filled in the three factory dimples)...but all in all, I'm again happy with the results. Lastly...I (actually Jerry with my help) installed a ribbed aluminum transmission pan that I have had sitting on my shelf for nearly four years! Not only is it aluminum, higher capacity and has a drain plug...it also has a threaded hole on the side for a temperature sending unit. I am using an original style sender with the factory gauge and wiring which made that part go really well...and I'm more than happy with those results! I'll be going on a trip to visit my new born granddaughter in Tennessee, so I don't think I'll be making much headway on the rest of the project for awhile...but I'll be back!

Woody

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Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Ill take slow progress pics over no pics at all. Thanks for this! And like I mentioned on HO455's excellent thread ... So much of the things your are doing is very relatable to the truck side of the board. Need to get those folks over here to see the good work you and others are doing.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Back from a 45 day road trip, so I’m slowly sliding into finishing the Pro Flo 4 installation. Yesterday, I removed the old mechanical fuel pump and installed the new Edelbrock 1722 mechanical pump that feeds the sump pump. It was pretty much a straight forward fuel pump install, including plenty of tight spaces for my hands to reach into and a few swear words…but it got done! Beach Burban is now out of commission until the fuel injection is complete as I also tied in the new AN hoses on the bottom side…now it’s a lot of disconnecting of stuff, then on to the main event of installing the intake. More to follow…

Woody

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Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Glad to see you back at it. You'll have it done and back on the road in no time....

LockDoc

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks for the motivating words of encouragement, Leon…I drained down the coolant today and started taking this off and that off, then about 4 hours later, I lifted the intake and carb off (heavy SOB)! Things looked pretty darn clean inside there…and I was able to confirm that the heads have in fact been “port-matched” to give those peanut ports a chance to breathe a little more smoothly.

I did notice something that I don’t think I’ve ever noticed before…my lifters don’t sit on the cam lobes 100%? The complete engine is from 1989 but was still new/unused until 2011 when it finally got installed into this Suburban…then it mostly sat for the next six years just getting started every month or so by the original owner, so now it only has approximately 12K to 14K miles on it. Is that normal for an original factory installed cam to not sit back all the way? It looks like if the cam was pushed in about 1/8 inch more, the lifters would be perfectly centered on the lobes? Anyone, Anyone???

Woody

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A lot had to be removed to get the intake off.

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I even measured the ports, and they were the same size as the new intake.

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Hopefully this offset is normal…but it makes me wonder a bit?

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

-
Looks like someone put some time in on those ports.

I'm not much of an engine builder so I can't help on the lifters. I would post the question in the "Engine and Drivetrain" forum there are some pretty sharp guys over there.

LockDoc

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks Leon…I’ll do that.

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

It could be a very long story describing how flat tappet cams are made but the short of it is the cam lobe is machined to help spin the lifter in the lifter bore. If the lifter stops turning in its bore then the cam lobe and lifter bottom will destroy itself.

Forgot to mention that the offset lobe to lifter bottom is what helps turn the lifter. As the cam lobe goes up and down the offset lifter will turn.

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Thanks D.B. for that very understandable explanation…so all is good and nothing to worry about! With 12K to 14K miles on the engine, it makes sense that it’s working as it’s supposed to…otherwise the wear areas would have destroyed themselves by now, right?

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Well…Three weeks ago, I did make some forward progress by finally installing the new EFI intake. I still have the distributor to install and button up a few things before replacing the coolant…then I’ll install the wiring harnesses before being ready to attempt the initial start-up.

I would have continued to move on those items already, but my daughter bought a house in Knoxville, TN…so I booked a flight and selected a full size pickup as my rental car to get there just after escrow closed! I spent the next two weeks putting my construction skills to use getting the house ready for move-in…it’s just what dads do!

Now that I’m back in CA, I will be waiting for my body to recover a little before jumping right back into it (getting old sucks!)…but my wife and I had already made plans to take our two Californian granddaughters to Sea World in San Diego, so I should be ready to return to the EFI project in a week or so (fingers crossed). I’m pleased with how it’s going…even if it is a slow and drawn-out process.

Woody

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Hope you can get back on it before too long. I know I didn't get much done in the shop when the Grand Daughter came to stay with us in the summertime. I sure enjoyed her being here though.

LockDoc

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

I do too to both, Leon…hope I can get back on it soon, and enjoy the time with the grand kids! We also have a Lake Mohave trip coming up, so we’ll see?

Woody

Re: Slow Progress is better than No Progress.
 

Well…it’s been about ten months since I received my Pro Flo 4 system…and I actually have it up and running! A lot of traveling and other obligations got in my way, but truthfully, I’m kind of slow and methodical in how I work. That paid off in some regards, as upon start up, not even one leak arose to ruin my day! By following the Edelbrock procedures to the letter, everything acted the way it was supposed to…and fired-up on the first try! That’s the positive…but I’m not “off to the races” yet (figure of speech…still not a race car!)!

It looks like I’ll have to put more miles on it so the “self-learn” can do it’s thing…and/or I’ll have to learn more about using the Advanced Tuning features of the APP that makes the adjustments. For now, I’ll tell you about how I feel about the overall project…some good; some so-so; and some are still to be determined.

Overall, the Pro Flo 4 looks clean and is a well thought out kit with pretty much everything included to get you to the finish line. One thing I hadn’t thought about when purchasing the compatible Fuel Sump Pump kit, is that my plans for “cleaning-up” the engine bay, actually added more clutter in some regards. I tried to make the layout neat looking as well as functionally accessible, but the amount of fuel hose required to be in the engine compartment goes against so much of what I’ve learned throughout the years…but everything I used was included in the kit, including most of the AN fittings and TwistLoc hose…and there was no way to follow the instructions and have only 12 inches of rubber fuel hose without discarding those components and devising my own steel lines? I don’t know what to say, except nothing leaked and it’s all routed away from the hot spots!

Next, there is a lot of wiring harness…which I again did my best to shorten, tidy and hide whenever possible, but I can probably still improve on that a bit. I also followed Edelbrock’s recommendation to use the vent/return line of my removed charcoal canister, which led me to the realization that I have a Non-Vented gas cap, so until I get the proper cap, I’m keeping mine twisted to the half-locked position. What’s odd is that I never had pressure build-up in my tank until I drove with the EFI the first time…but still…I should have realized that a long time ago?

Last thing I’ll say for now, is that it’s too soon for me to be thrilled or disappointed with my decision to change from carbureted to EFI, as I know the bugs haven’t been sorted out yet…just wish the “Self-Learn” process worked a little quicker.

Woody

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Hey Woody, glad you're making progress. Ill throw this out there, based only on my experience with the Holley EFI systems...

The "self tuning" is adequate, and will get you on the road. But if you want the truck to truly perform, and realize all the benefits of the EFI conversion, you're going to want to find a tuner that can give everything a good look and smooth out all the fuel/timing/spark tables for you.

That being said, definitely get 2000 miles or so on the set up before you start looking at next moves. The self tuning does a decent job of getting you started.