Ford V8 Discussion Discussion relating to getting the most out of your Ford-based V8 Miata's engine

Carb vs EFI

Old 01-25-2012, 02:36 PM
  #1  
V8 Miata Noob
Thread Starter
 
Liv2race's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thumbs up 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!
Old 01-25-2012, 04:16 PM
  #2  
V8 Miata Zealot
 
tbone heller's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canton, Georgia
Posts: 1,206
Received 48 Likes on 45 Posts
Default

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.
Old 01-25-2012, 04:55 PM
  #3  
V8 Miata Noob
Thread Starter
 
Liv2race's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Obd 1 cars here just get a basic sniff test. Not terrible.
Old 01-27-2012, 12:47 PM
  #4  
Administrator
 
MRM331's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
Received 38 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

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
Old 01-27-2012, 12:49 PM
  #5  
V8 Miata Noob
Thread Starter
 
Liv2race's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the input guys...

Besides the emisions test anyone have anything one the comparo?
Old 02-01-2012, 02:25 PM
  #6  
Administrator
 
MRM331's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
Received 38 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

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
Old 04-30-2012, 07:26 PM
  #7  
V8 Miata Fan
 
Al English's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
movieboy4fun
V8 Miata Wiring, Electrical, and ECUs
17
02-05-2015 10:57 PM
5.0 Miata
V8 Miata Engines
1
01-08-2015 03:33 PM
MLKNR
Ford V8 Discussion
10
09-27-2014 10:55 AM
MX-Brad
V8 Miata Safety, Legal, & Emissions
19
07-09-2014 04:44 AM
sixteenpushrods
Parts For Sale
0
05-17-2013 02:15 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Carb vs EFI



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:00 PM.