Best 383 Super Commando Carburetor Alternative

[71 Fish]

Got stranded in my Cuda with a carburetor problem again so I am looking to go electronic. I would like to buy a kit with all parts included but would piece a system together depending on the savings. My car is a 71 Cuda with P/S, P/B, AC and auto trans. I don't know enough about engines so I had a friend build this one (23 years ago). If any of this matters: Bored .030 over, 10 to 1 forged pistons, Purple cam with .484" lift, 284 duration, 68 overlap and 108 center line, TTI headers and exhaust. 

What are my options for a good electronic fuel delivery system?

Thanks, Kevin

[70chall440]

The short answer is that the easiest is the Fitech system, that said you need to understand the the fuel system will have to be changed out or modified to work with EFI regardless of what actual EFI system you decide to buy (more on that in a sec).

With the fuel system you have 3 options;

1. Modify what you have (external)
   A. install a return line
   B. install an inline pump
   C. install in line filters
   D. vent the tank
   E. Install a O2 sensor
   F. Install a fuel regulator

2. Modify what you have (internal)
   A. Mount an in-tank pump
   B. install a return line
   C. install an inline filter
   D. vent the tank
   E. Install a O2 sensor
   F. Install a fuel regulator

3. replace the fuel system with an EFI ready system
   A. Get a Tanks Inc. tank with EFI pump and sending unit
   B. Run the applicable fuel lines
   C. install an in line filter
   D. Vent the tank (the Tanks Inc. tank provides for this)
   E. Install a O2 sensor
   F. Install a fuel regulator

Which specific EFI system to purchase depends on several factors, primarily cost and desired control. The simplest systems only allow you to put in very basic information (engine size, idle RPM, etc) and the unit does the rest. These systems do not control spark, only fuel. There are more complicated systems which will allow you to tune the car with a laptop wherein you can control a lot of variables. Most of the more expensive and complicated systems control both fuel and spark (if you install a hall effect distributor).

If you are looking for the easiest to install and quickest to get working, I would recommend the Fitech Go Street, it costs about $800 and comes with an O2 sensor and plate to install it. It requires like 4 wires to be connected and once you do the basic setup, it self learns; basically it will get better the more you drive it. There are similar other systems like the Holley Sniper, MSD Atomic, etc.

I am running 3 EFI systems currently, I have a Fitech Go Street on my 52 Dodge PU which has a 56 Desoto 330 Ci Hemi, a Holley HP system on my 70 challenger (with a EFI 6 pack), and a FAST EFI system on my 73 Cuda 416 (also a EFI 6 pack). The Holley system uses a Hall Effect distributor and the HP ECU controls spark and fuel whereas the FAST EZ and Fitech do not, only fuel.

Some systems do not require a regulator, however IMO I would always run one. You will see some systems advertised as not needing a return line, here again, I would HIGHY recommend running one and you will see in the instructions of them all that while their system "may" work without a return line, they all recommend you do run one.

Converting to EFI seems daunting and a lot of work, in realty it isnt near as difficult as it appears. 90% of the work is in getting the fuel system set up. Luckily, Tanks Inc. has a bolt in solution (I am using 2 of their systems, one in my Challenger and one in my 52). I built my own fuel system for my Cuda, but to be completely honest, I suspect I will be going to a Tanks Inc. set up in that eventually.

As to cost, the fuel system all in is probably going to run about $700 ($250 for the tank, $250 for the pump, the rest for sending unit, fuel lines and filter). If you go with something like the Fitech, there is another $800 ($795 about everywhere). So, in the end you will be into it for around $1500-$1700 depending on what direction you go.

Hope this helps

[71 Fish]

Great information, thanks. Do the Tanks Inc. tanks bolt in place of and have a similar appearance to the stock tanks? Seems spark control would make a big difference, how much can I expect to spend if I wish to add that?

[70chall440]

Yes, the Tanks Inc. tanks look like the original.

Adding spark/ignition control does add cost and complexity, but it also provides more control and ability to tune the car. As to how much really depends on how you go about it.

There are 2 basic systems out there;
   1. throttle body injection (TBI) - this is just a throttle body that replaces you carb
   2. direct port injection (DPI) - this replaces your intake and carb

Adding spark control can be applied to either but it is more efficient when using direct port injection. To add spark control you have to replace the distributor with what's called a "Hall Effect" distributor which provides a cam and crank signal to the ECU.

As an estimate; I would say that adding ignition/spark control is at least going to run probably $2500 - $3500 all in. On my Challenger by the time I was done, I spent over $6K but that was because I went ith an EFI 6 pack system.

While this isnt hard, you really need to do some research to determine what meets your needs and budget. There are lots of options out there, and there are lots of people who have or are going to EFI so that equates to a lot of discoverable knowledge. I will say that when I did my Challenger I went with FASTMAN EFI as he is a Mopar guy and I felt he would be more helpful as a result; unfortunately I was wrong. He does know EFI for sure, however is very hard to talk to and deal with especially if you are new to EFI. He doesn't make anything and basically sells other's products and offers to help the customer out through guidance and development of a tune; you can get the same thing directly from the company who makes the product. All of the EFI product companies have pretty robust customer support mechanisms to include forums.

It is definitely worth the effort, I will not own another carbureted vehicle if I can help it. The TBI systems are relatively cheap and will meet most of your needs. However, if you go "full on" with a DPI system and EFI ignition system, you will have complete control over fuel and ignition in real time, and they will also self learn.

It all depends on what you want and what you are capable of or have access to. A complete DPI system with EFI ignition can be tuned on a dyno to give you the best performance possible whereas a bolt on TBI system will self learn but cannot usually be "tweaked" to get the most our of the system. That said, the vast majority of users merely want their cars to be reliable and any of them will do that.

Sorry for the long responses but there is a lot of information needed to really make a decision on this. I dived into EFI headlong and have been conducting experience learning ever since. I am by no means an expert and know enough to be dangerous, but I do know that EFI is far better than a carb if you actually want to drive the car.