Edelbrock pro flo xt fuel injection or carburetor

[jeffs56]

Hey guys I have a Chevy 350 vortec head motor with a edelbrock pro flo xt fuel injection kit on it. I’m putting this motor in my 56 Chevy truck. But it’s getting pretty expensive to upgrade everything else to use the fuel injection. Almost $750-1200 just for a efi tank for a 1956 Chevy truck. Is there a cheaper way to do this conversion without breaking the bank. Or is going intake and carburetor not a bad idea. Any help is appreciated thank you. Here’s a pic of my motor and fuel injection kit. Thanks again any advice

[Bigdav160]

I am a fan of fuel injection. That would be my choice. You don't need a fancy new fuel tank to run it.

unless you have the carb/intake laying around you'll need to buy that too.

Does that engine have provisions for a mechanical fuel pump?

[jeffs56]

Just wondering why don’t I need a updated efi fuel tank? I’ll have to check on the mechanical fuel punp it should have one shouldn’t it?

[SunSoaked]

Use the Edelbrock remote sump.
I have one and love it. Everything on your truck remains stock. I use it on an 85 K20 with dual tanks and mechanical pump. If you don't have mechanical pump provisions you can use an electric low pressure pump.

[jeffs56]

I was told the 1965-69 mustang tank bolts right up between the rear frame rails. So if mine has the spot for a mechanical fuel pump I can just use that and add the edelbrock remote sump? Is that right?

[Captainfab]

Do you have enough room in the back of your frame for the '87-'91 Blazer tank? Then you could just install the '96-'02 fuel pump on the '87-'91 sending unit. Another option is one of several EFI capable tanks from tanks Inc.

This is one that I like.

http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...rod/prd173.htm

There are others that will work also.

[jeffs56]

I was told by edelbrock and a couple other mechanics that my pro flo fuel injection will be a pain to tune. The guy from edelbrock said it’s outdated. I know the motor ran great when I bought it from my buddy. But I’m too sure about this system. I just don’t want to run into problems. Do you guys think it’s going to be a pain to tune and run right or will I be ok?

[Rickysnickers]

What's the worst that could happen? It ran great before, and just because it's outdated doesn't mean it can't be made to run correctly. Give it a shot first and then if you don't like it, or can't get it going, consider updating.

[truckster]

Carburetors are "outdated" too, but I run them and love them. No reason you can't make your Edelbrock system work. They just want to sell you something new.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by truckster

Carburetors are "outdated" too...

Yup...good call!

-klb

[jeffs56]

That’s what I thought also. Because the guy at edelbrock mentioned the new pro flo 4. So not sure if he was trying to sell me the new one. Lol I know carburetors are outdated but I’m referring to the wiring harness and the programming that gloomed with my unit. It’s not a self learning

[Dead Parrot]

The question to ask Edelbrock is do they still support it? Can you get parts and download any needed software and manuals?

As others have mentioned, switching to a carb would mean a new carb, intake, thermal spacer and probably some throttle linkage bits. And probably a few other things.

Might be worth trying to set it up on a stand and test everything before installing in the truck.
If it worked before, it should work again assuming nothing got smashed during a move.

[jeffs56]

They said they don’t support it anymore and there are no parts available. They said they might have a PDF but would have to look. I’m thinking of just taking it off and doing a Fitech system 30021. Anyone use this kit

[sweetk30]

go to there forum board . lots of old info there . https://forums.edelbrock.com/

and if going fitech or god forbid sniper and you want timing control then the all in prices for these is within 100 or so bucks of the edelbrock pro flo 4 system now . and the p-f-4 is blue tooth and instant tune changes from the 7" tablet screen over the 3-4" corded hand held unit you need to load/unload tunes for changes .

[Captainfab]

IMO it is a shame that all of Edelbrocks older EFI systems are considered 'junk' since they now have an improved system and they will NOT sell you components to upgrade the older system. I would suggest check into upgrading the current Pro Flo you have to a different brand of controller such as Megasquirt, Microsquirt, FAST, etc. Also have you tried to run the engine as it is with the controller that came with it? It may be fine.

[jeffs56]

I haven’t tried to run it yet. But I bought it from my buddy and it ran amazing. But it’s been sitting for about 3 years now. But I’m getting close to mounting the motor and tranny so I’m just trying to get all my ducks in a row. I’m leaning towards intake and carb. Just seems like so much is involved for EFI

[Bigdav160]

EFI is pretty dang easy. Even if the controller and software are "outdated" it doesn't mean you couldn't used a different controller like a Megasquirt/microsquirt

[jeffs56]

O ok. I’m new to this EFI stuff as you guys can probably tell lol. I’ll have to look into that stuff.

[Captainfab]

If the engine ran fine 3 years ago with the Pro Flo on it, the system should be fine as long as the controller has been kept dry. You may need to have the injectors cleaned. If you liked how the engine ran before, I see no reason to not to invest in the fuel system and a few other things you will need.

[jeffs56]

I’ve never heard this motor run. I bought it off of a friend of mine. It came out of a 69 camaro. All they said was it ran great. So I don’t know much about it at all

[SunSoaked]

I had the same exact system. It ran Great for 10+ years. Then it sat in storage for 5-6 years. My new (85) truck got Vortec heads so it no longer fit. When I realized Edelbrock no longer supports it and I couldn't buy new injectors, I tossed the whole thing in the dumpster.
I bought a Sniper and had nothing but problems with that POS. Tossed it in the dumpster as well. I learned my lesson!
Skip the TBI's. If you want FI, get real FI (port injection).
However, I'm sold on Pro-flo. I'll never buy anything with the Holley name on it again.

[jeffs56]

I think my unit looks pretty good. But he said it’s about 20 years old. He said the guys that designed mine no longer work there and there isn’t any parts. I asked him if he thinks it will be fine since it was in a running vehicle and he said there’s no updated software for that and no parts. So I don’t know. And I’m not good enough to see how or if I can upgrade anything on it

[F7Rider]

I just installed a Holley Sniper Kit. I just followed the manuals installation instructions, turned the key and it runs great. I didn't know anything about fuel injection or carbs when I started. But my recommendation would be to upgrade to a newer EFI unit. It worked for me.

[jeffs56]

I actually thought about using the Fitech system. It’s on sale for $686 right now instant rebate. I’ve heard good things about them. But carburetor is a lot easier