Guest mikelj Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 I have been looking around for some '57 BelAirs with the original type FI. I have no experience with these things, does anyone have any advice on how they operate and how reliable they are? Thanks for any tips.
kbeach Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 Hi MikeSince you have not had a response I thought I would give it a shot. I do own an original 57 FI car but am far from an expert!Many of the early FI units did have problems but I am not sure if it was a problem with the unit or the inability of the mechanic to propery adjust. By the end of 1957, GM had produced 4 different models and they had become very reliable. If you are into numbers and detail get a copy of the book "The History of GM's Ramjet Fuel Injection On The Chevrolet V-8 and it's Corvette Racing Pedigree" by Kenneth W. Kayser. Kayser was an engineer at GM and had access to drawing and records.If you are looking to buy a 57 FI car it would be best to take someone that is knowledgeable in FI cars with you. Not many were factory built (1530 cars and another 1040 Corvettes). There are a number of cars for sale but most are counterfeit!Hope this help and good luck.Ken
Guest mikelj Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 Thanks very much, as a member of NCRS, I have looked around there and have Ken's book. The car I am looking at has a 4800 unit, which fits the production date of the car, but not too sure if it is original, really no way to tell I guess. I am really more interested to see if these FI cars are reliable and dependable enough to be drivers for car shows, cruising etc. Having a choice of 2-4s or the FI, I am wondering which is the best way to go if I want to drive the car frequently. If I decide to go drive the car and look more seriously, I will try to get an expert to help. Thanks again.
supersix Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 I have never had a Rochester fuel injected Chevy but from what I am told is that they sometimes take a lot of tinkering to keep them running good. I would go for the 245hp-283 if you want to drive it frequently. Just my opinion FWIW.
mfmccagh Posted March 10, 2013 Posted March 10, 2013 I have never had a Rochester fuel injected Chevy but from what I am told is that they sometimes take a lot of tinkering to keep them running good. I would go for the 245hp-283 if you want to drive it frequently. Just my opinion FWIW.i have a 57 FI 2 door post, restored, original block, heads, rochester unit, electovac with original micro-switch, original fuel tank sending unit, exhaust manifolds, air cleaner with blue air cleaner element, water pump pully, 107 coil . i had gary pronesti examine the car before i did a total resto. its a 250 hp, 3 speed with original close ratio 3 speed. its a black 210 and body laser straight. its for sale @ 110K. mike mccagh at marylandmissile@atlanticbb.net
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