C2 fuel injection - practicality

[Joe M.]

Re: My opinion about FI fuel problems

The one thing I do is pop the hood whenever I shut off the car. Not lift it, just pop it. aids in cooling for hot restart.

[John D.]

Re: My opinion about FI fuel problems

Thomas, Plan on spending wayyy over $20K by the time you buy all the parts and have them restored. Crazy isn't it.
Finding the correct '63 FI air cleaner any '63 to '65 will bust the budget. Go on Ebay and take a look.
The most asked question I get is people looking for air cleaners. At Corvette Carlisle I made a sign that said no air cleaners as about a 100 people asked.
Sounds like your real deal 340 HP is running great. It's your business Thomas but I would live it alone. John D.

[Thomas S.]

Re: My opinion about FI fuel problems

I should have been clearer on my original post. Would not touch the 327/340. The question was about purchasing another car, not a 63 but original with FI.

The fuel issue seem to be the biggest issue and easily solvable if one is willing to purchase racing fuel and keep it onsite. I don't have any good alternative to purchase it from and airport, marina, or track so I would have to buy 5-gallon containers or big drums. I have a bunch of cars and none of them are driven as much as they should be, so the 5-gallon method would be the way to go. That is if I decide to pull the trigger.

[Loren S.]

Re: My opinion about FI fuel problems

On my 59, I got rid of my mechanical fuel pump attached to the block that was heating up my gas. I bought a new gas tank with an in tank electric fuel pump from Tanks Inc. Ran new fuel and return line along the outside of the frame, with fuel filter attached in line on frame. Mounted Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator with gauge on firewall. It comes with choice of low pressure and high pressure springs (high pressure for EFI). I used the low pressure spring and set it to 6 psi. Took off stock fuel filter and ran steel braided fuel line directly to inlet in the fuel fuel meter. Getting rid of the mechanical fuel pump helped a lot, as I had percolation issues in the Houston summers even with ethanol free gas. Also, my motor turns over with the first fire with the new setup, plus the fuel sender works better and now my gas gauge works (sort of). I used to have to crank a few times when cold when I had the mechanical fuel pump. I quit running race gas a while back but still run ethanol free 93 octane that I can get from Bucee's in Texas at just a little more than the price of Super.

See also Jim Lockwood article in Restorer on using nylon bolts for the nozzle blocks (or his post on Corvette Forum).

[Loren S.]

Re: C2 fuel injection - practicality

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[Thomas S.]

Re: My opinion about FI fuel problems

Yet another reason to move to Texas. ethanol free high octane fuel!

[Michael B.]

Re: C2 fuel injection - practicality

I am a little late to the discussion, but wanted to share that I too am exploring adding FI to my 63 Coupe. I had a 65 FI vert back in the early 90’s and loved the way it performed, and the zero hesitation under acceleration. In my 2 week exploration, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that no matter how much I love them, it just isn’t worth it for me from a cost/benefit standpoint over my perfect AFB.

I didn’t attend Carlisle where I read that FI’s were aplenty. So I am personally unaware of availability and pricing for complete setups offered there.

In surfing the net, and going through ads in the NCRS Driveline, it appears that FI units and related accessories are hard to find and incredibly pricey. I found a gorgeous restored 63 Unit for $11k. Complete FI air cleaner set ups are $12k to $16k (some folks are attempting to get $6k-$9k just for used S-tubes) and even a little things like the correct FI exhaust manifolds are $1,200 to $1,800 each. Lastly, original FI radiator supports are $500 to $900. Ouch! A few years ago, long-time NCRS member and advertiser, Jack Podell, offered very nice and correct reproduction air cleaners, but his sources have since dried up. It’s sad, but as cool as they are, putting another $30k in my car when my Carter 3461s runs superbly just didn’t seem worth it. Good luck in your journey. PS - If you decide to pass on and any great deal you may find on a set-up, please contact me. Lol- I still would like one if it isn’t priced crazy!

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 fuel injection - practicality

mike: u have a PM. mike mccagh