A Guide to EFI Conversions

Once upon a time, carburetors were the most common method of fuel delivery. For the time being, they did their job well. However, technology advanced. New options became available rendering carburetors obsolete.

Compared to modern fuel injection systems, they were inefficient, wasteful, and environmentally unfriendly. Therefore, carburetors were slowly phased out in favor of their newer (and better) cousin - the fuel injection system. Today, you can find carburetors only on cars produced before 1990. But, what does this mean for you, as a classic car owner?

Is your precious ride inefficient? Should you opt for the EFI conversions Orange County car shops offer? Will that make your car better? The answers are: yes, yes, and yes. But, let's not leave it at that and see why switching from the carburetor to EFI is such a great option.

What is an EFI conversion?

"EFI conversion" implies replacing the carburetor with an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system. With this upgrade, you will be able to experience a whole host of benefits. Some of the most notable ones are:

• Better fuel efficiency;

• Increased engine performance;

• Increased power and torque output;

• Smoother idle and throttle response;

• More efficient air-fuel ratio control;

• Improved safety and emissions compliance.

Sounds impressive? That's because - it is! EFI system is an amazing long-term investment. Whether you're using your vintage ride for racing or for a casual cruise around Crystal Cove State Park, the change will be evident right from the get-go.

Is it difficult to do an EFI conversion?

From the standpoint of a professional mechanic - not at all. The EFI conversion process is pretty straightforward. Even so, it is not without its challenges. In some cases, parts that come in a conversion kit may not be a perfect fit. This is not a major hurdle. However, it may require some welding and machining of parts.

And, then, there's configuring the chip that regulates fuel injection. This takes a lot of fiddling on a laptop to make sure everything works as intended. Furthermore, it will take a lot of testing to set the system up for optimal performance. And, that’s something most common garages simply aren’t equipped for.

In short, there are a lot of variables when it comes to EFI conversions. Therefore, it is best to leave it in the capable hands of pros. Not only will they finish the job in a fraction of time but ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Does EFI increase horsepower?

From a purely mechanical standpoint - no. Horsepower (HP) is directly tied to the size of the engine. Or, to be precise, the amount of fuel an engine can burn in a specific amount of time.

However, HP is also tied to the torque output. And, as we've mentioned, that's something EFI can significantly increase. So, from a functional side, it does, actually increase the HP of your car. It won't be a massive amount - but a noticeable one.

What’s the best place to get EFI conversions in Orange County?

When you’re looking for experts who know how to enhance your vehicle in Orange County, there's no place that ticks as many boxes as Chimera Motors. Masterfully trained staff - check. Modern equipment - check. Absolute dedication to making classic cars the best versions of themselves - double check! Ability to do so - triple check!

For years we've been amongst California's leaders in vintage car conversion and modification. Today, we're here to bring your pride and joy to the future. Get in touch with us and ensure your ride gets the treatment it deserves.