Carb vs EFI
 

As stated in my other post, I'm looking to build a monster (5.0) and doing all my homework. I narrowed it down to a 91-94 na miata with abs.

The car will be 70% cruser and 30% race car.

I like the idea of a carb but have no experience with one other then small motors like my quad and my nitro r/c car.

On the other hand efi would be nice to just get in and drive but I'm worried about tuning issues. I hear horror story's of mustangs with 5.0's and computer issues with tuning.

Is the actuall install of the v8 into the miata easier one way or the other?

Opinions?

Thanks!

What are the emission regulations in your area? That would be the biggest factor. It would be a shame to build a car that you could not register. I have had absolutely no tuning issues with my EFI set-up.

Obd 1 cars here just get a basic sniff test. Not terrible.

A sniff test is very passable with a fuel injected 5.0 with cats and EGR. I assume an LSx with all the factory goodies would be just as easy. A carb may be a little harder, even with cats on it. I think Jim D. got his through DE's sniff test but I may be wrong on that.

If you can title it as a kit, custom or some other "special" type of car you may be able to get away with not having to do the emmission test. Most states also have a mileage exemption (it's 3000 miles a year here), however they require that you do get the car through once to qualify for the year after. In other words, you'd have to buy the car as a 4-banger, have it sniffed, do the conversion and just hope you never cross the 3000 mile limit.


-Jason

Thanks for the input guys...

Besides the emisions test anyone have anything one the comparo?

A bit more power with carbs if you can tune them. Fuel economy will be (much) better with FI. The power delivery with carbs is a bit more wild. FI brings the power on in more of a programmed manner.

-Jason

Carbs got a bad rep during the emissions era. Trying to make them do what EFI can do didn't work out very well. Tuning carburetors isn't a black art. I you decide to go with a carb, get a couple books about how to work with the kind you have. It's not hard, and properly calibrated they work better than most younger people think they can.

As others mentioned, if you are going to drive the car on the street make sure a carb can pass any required inspections in your area.