The EFI myth

My first observation is on the ethanol fuel and its effects. I've replaced the fuel pump in our '95 Jeep GC 3 times. The last time I spent a little more on an E-85 compatible version and have had no issues since. I also had to replace the TPS a few years ago. Other than that, it has 230k miles on it. I had to replace the tranny (swapped in a 5-speed manual) when the automatic crapped, but the EFI system has been reasonably reliable.

With what I know about EFI retrofits, the OEMs (like Holley & FITech) try to make their systems as dummy proof as possible, realizing most installers will not take the time to learn how to properly install and tune them. Hobbyists like that! However, when you look at the greatest success stories concerning EFI conversions, the tech took the time to learn everything he could about EFI, conversions, tuning, EMI, and so forth. This is a rather steep learning curve most folks shy away from. Carbs are more "idiot proof" than retrofit EFI systems. Even if you get it wrong, it probably runs.

My landlord asked me to get his quad running for him. It would not idle, and futzing with the throttle couldn't get any reasonable power. First, the magneto practically fell apart in my hands. I rebuilt it with Taylor solid core 8mm wire. Next I pulled the carb. The floats were frozen wherever they were last fall when he parked it. Rebuilt the SU carb.

My added punch line is that very few hobbyists will take the time to learn how to properly set up a carb or distributor. Nevertheless, the car runs acceptably. When retrofitting EFI and they don't take the time to learn how to make it work, it simply doesn't. Therefore, carbs & distributors with mechanical/vacuum advance is favored by those that want simple. EFI seems to be favored by those obsessed with learning everything they can about the project at hand. (The MegaSquirt program is a good source of information for those that consider themselves obsessed wanting to learn everything about EFI.)