1950 Special modified=12v and EFI

[First Born]

Well I finally did it. I decided my 248 needed fuel injection. At leas I thought it did. O.K., I wanted it!!!! After a lot of research, I jumped in with both feet

All the EFI systems required 12 volts, so that was the first chore. Went fairly easy. I changed all bulbs, unhooked the heater, defroster and radio.

Bought an 84 amp alternator. A small adjustment to the bracket and hung it in place.
I already had a volt meter installed, so I bypassed the amp meter. Really, just repositioned the incoming wire from the alternator to the amp meter to the amp meter out to starter. At the regulator, essentially did the same, thereby bypassing it.

The EFI also requires an electronic ignition. So a Pertronix was installed. All went smoothly.
Started up and ran on 12 volts. Ready for the EFI.

Ben

[First Born]

The EFI kit arrives! All inclusive. I hope. This is essentially a 1990 Chevy pick up 350 throttle body set up. The throttle body is new or rebuilt. The ECM has a chip programmed for my engine specs. An adapter plate for throttle body to manifold. Throttle body has idle air control, throttle position sensor, and another sensor, which escapes me just now, built into it. A manifold absolute pressure sensor is mounted to the bottom of the air cleaner and connected to intake vacuum port. A coolant sensor was installed in the goose neck from water pump to block. An oxygen sensor was installed in the exhaust pipe. The electric pump and filter , I installed inside the frame rail just ahead of the drop in front of right rear wheel. Ran the wires. Used the original throttle linkage Installed a couple of pressure gauges in the fuel line.Installed a return fuel line into the filler vent line in the gas tank. A bunch of laying on my back, standing on my head to hook up the wiring and I was done.

More later.

Ben

[42buickcrazy]

Anxiously awaiting the "more later", sounds interesting, Paul

[First Born]

About all that was left to do was start it up and drive. Come on, START.. Must have done something wrong. No fuel pressure. Crawled under the car and low and behold, someone forgot to hook up the fuel line to the tank!! Wonder who? Took care of that little oversite and it fired right up.
A few adjustments were needed, but tech support is good.

I drove to Joplin and back and managed 17.4 mpg. Driveabelity is good. Cold starting is good. I am content. Summer hot weather will be the final test.

Nothing changed that can not be put back. I will keep the generator, fuel pump and carb boxed for any future owner. I will probably buy a water pump goose neck and generator bracket, as well as the access plate to the inside.

I forgot to mention, along with the Pertronix I did install a 12 volt , high output coil. 40,000 I believe. I have not yet, but will, regap the plugs.

Over all, I am satisfied. A bit pricey, but not as bad as some of the big brands. The scan port is there, so an OBD1 scan tool can be used. For you V8 guys, this would be a piece of cake.

B en

[NTX5467]

Looks good!

Take care,
NTX5467

[JPIndusi]

I am really impressed! You are very skilled. And 17.4 MPG is very good for an old straight eight. Who is the supplier for the EFI kit?
Joe, BCA 33493

[buick5563]

That is really cool, Ben.
17.4?
Wow. What were you getting before?

[First Born]

I am really impressed! You are very skilled. And 17.4 MPG is very good for an old straight eight. Who is the supplier for the EFI kit?
Joe, BCA 33493

Joe, in post 2 can be seen the supplier name and web address on the decal. Their web site makes for some good reading.

Ben

[First Born]

That is really cool, Ben.
17.4?
Wow. What were you getting before?

Thanks Mike.
I got about the same on the trip to the Nats and back. But remember, the 4:1 gears have been swapped out to 3:4. That really helped. I had hoped to get a little more, but none of the kit suppliers promise more.

Ben

[buick5563]

Driveability and dependability count. I may look into these mods for the wagon.

[First Born]

Driveability and dependability count. I may look into these mods for the wagon.

Good morning, Mike,
I think you would like it. And since the wagon is already 12v, it would be a simpler install. Throttle body would probably mate to the intake manifold easier, as well.


Ben

[NTX5467]

(I guess now there needs to be a website "Affordable Cruise Controls"?)

[JPIndusi]

Thanks Ben, looks very interesting.
Joe

[old-tank]

Good work, Ben! I'm glad you finally got it done and that it turned out well. This should eliminate vapor lock and carb slobbering on the manifold. It should tolerate ethanol better. Fuel mileage should improve with use.
Willie

[48buickkid]

If I may what did this setup end up costing you? I got on there website and didn't see anything for straight 8s so just wondering if it cost you more for a custom setup?

[First Born]

Did not cost more. The kit was about $950.00. I really like it.

Ben

[48buickkid]

I really like the fuel mileage your getting, If I could get that I would drive mine daily. This is something I will keep in mind for future possibilities. Have you done any cityvs highway figures yet?

[First Born]

Not yet. City fillup soon.

Remember, I also, last year, installed a 3.4:1 rear gear in mine.

Ben

[48buickkid]

I'm in the works on finding a set of those gears. 1955 and earlier buicks are not exactly common around my area so parts are hard to come by. What models had that rear gear ratio anyways?

[First Born]

!955 is the latest that will work . All years from 1940 through 1955 will work. The Dynaflows all had higher speed gears. The V8s {53/55} are best.

Ben

[smithbrother]

Why not run a flexible tube from the left fresh air duct, and into a box on top the EFI with a KN filter in it.

Might aid the mileage, MIGHT. I did that with my Limited, picked up approx. 1/2 miles per gallon, I think.......

Dale in Indy