Upgrading to EFI

[Dukebte]

Buick made blank intake gaskets that blocked heat covers have pair in garage but would like to keep but can give you pt nos if you want

[TrunkMonkey]

It will work the best if you can find some 1/8" pipe plugs with the recessed allen head in them.  The ones with a square on them are hard to install since the head will be down in the hole below the surface.

----> Da plugs...

[sjfd04]

EFI update

System is in and running, it will take a while for the ECU to learn the configuration. So far, I'm pretty happy, just have to work through some small details and secure wires and hoses.  I did have an issue with the engine stalling so I called Holley.  The tech had me download the program from the ECU to my computer via the SD card.  I then e-mailed so he could figure out the problem, an hour later it was e-mailed back to me with some changes.  I then copied to the card and downloaded back to the ECU, all fixed. 

Overall, the system was pretty straight forward to install.  It was the things that I chose to do that made it a little more difficult.  I ended up using the stock 5/16 fuel line as the return and ran a new 3/8 line on the passenger side, that was very difficult.  The tank took a little time to install, had to measure and cut lines for the pump and fuel gauge.  All the lines at the tank had to be connected before I raised the tank into position. If I had someone to help, that would have made it a lot easier for sure.

What I have noticed so far:

Engine starts right up, cold or hot
I don't smell fuel
Idles smoother
Electric fan works sweet.  I set the on/off temps and it is right on








;

[dsags]

Fantastic. !  Looks right at home in there. 

You mention ‘Electric fan works sweet’, is that an auxiliary pusher fan in front of the radiator ? Did it come with the kit ? Please help me understand ? LOL

Dan

[sjfd04]

I installed a Be Cool aluminum radiator, removed the clutch fan and used their puller fan that sits inside the shroud. 

[dsags]

Ah. Now I understand. Does Be Cool also sell a fan shroud for the radiator ?

Dan

[elagache]

Dear Tom, Dan, and mid-60s Buick owners with an interest in high-tech,

Thanks for sharing!  I'm definitely developing an interest in the Holley Sniper system.  The FAST XFI Sportsman in my wagon is really cluttering up the engine bay.  Worst still it is so tall that there barely enough space for the air cleaner.  I assume that you don't have the Sniper controlling your ignition - correct?  The truck that I photographed at Orinda Motors has the Sniper even controlling that.  I have plenty of other things to take care of first.  I hope FAST will get off their laurels and introduce some new and more compact products to keep up with their competition.  At the moment though, Holley and FiTech have FAST beat by a mile!

Thanks again!

Cheers, Edouard 

[cwmcobra]

Great looking engine and engine bay!  Looks like a very nicely packaged system.

 

Chuck

[sjfd04]

You are correct, distributor is not controlled by the ECU. 

[GS66]

That looks great! Does anyone know someone who tried the MSD Atomic EFI?

[elagache]

Dear Tom and mid-60s Buick caregivers who dabble in high-tech automotive goodies,

I was looking for photos of your car when I revisited this thread . . . .

Well, finally decided to step up and change over to an EFI system.  With a lot of research, I made the choice to go with the Holley Sniper EFI.
. . . . .

Biquette's EFI system may be developing some "issuez,"so it is an opportune time to ask.  However, that you have driven your car for some years with the Holley Sniper, are you still as happy with it as you were when you first installed it?  Any lessons from using it all this time?

A curious mind would like to know! 

Cheers, Edouard 

[sjfd04]

System is operating perfect.  Did have a couple of small problems but Holley's tech service helped me out.  Just had to reset or restart the computer and let it learn the car again.  Other issue that many people don't realize is when we keep adding current draw to the electrical system, we need to increase the output of the alternator.  I have an electric fan that has a huge draw and it kept blowing fuses.  I went with a bigger alternator and all is good. 

[elagache]

Dear Tom and mid-60s Buick caregivers,

System is operating perfect.  Did have a couple of small problems but Holley's tech service helped me out. 
. . . . .

Thanks for the feedback!    It is definitely nice to hear that Holley system has worked out well for you, because I've also been interested in it.  It also great to know that the venerable Buick Nailhead is perfectly capable of operating on an EFI system if that suits your fancy!

Cheers, Edouard