DeTomaso Mailing List: February 2001, Message #232

Asa is correct, I do have the Holley Pro-Jection 4 on my Pantera.  My father and I installed it around 1992 (so you see it is the old version with only 1 fuel map).  I also agree with Asa on 1 of the advantages: cold starting is great, just depress the throttle a little, turn the key on, then start the car.  

Another advantage is the quick shut off, once the injectors quite firing, the thing quits immediately with no after-run (a possibility with high idle on a carb).  My fuel mileage increased between 2 to 4 MPG (compared to the Holley 800 DP), and the car actually could idle below 1000 RPMs (better atomization, 4 corner idle). 

 Installation was pretty simple, the only "hard" part was the return line to the tank (my father silver soldered a nipple to the filler neck).

Now the bad stuff.  The enricher circuit for cold starting is a timed event, thus when it is warm, it takes too long to drop, when it is cold, it drops too soon. You can adjust this constantly, but that is not what I bought fuel injection for!  This is due to no monitoring of engine temp.  It took forever to adjust the TPS for a decent idle.  Minimal changes in the TPS could nullify any possible adjustment by the dashpot (controller).  The fuel map is too rich in the lower RPMs and possibly too lean at high RPMs (could be fixed with the new system).  It is not impressive looking with all the hoses going into and out of the back, and a standard air cleaner on top.  Back then I spent $895 for the unit (850's were around $360).  The system uses RPM and TPS to dictate the injection charge (very simple), thus this makes it very easy to retrofit.

Would I do it again? NO!!!!  My future plan is to adapt the Ford EEC-IV unit from an early Cobra, with an injection manifold of either my own design, or a prefabed unit from a vendor (Trick Flow would be my choice if they build one, but I'll probably use a modified carb manifold by a vendor that I can't remember).   If money were the object, I would go with a Speed Demon 750 from Barry Grant.  Saw one on a Cleveland Cougar and you couldn't beat the smile off the guys face with a 2x4.  Looked cool too compared to a Holley.  I think BG's line has implemented some of the best changes to the design over the years.  

Good luck on you decision, I know the new system has been improved, and I could retrofit the newer controller but*..

Kenny
About .06 cents



>>> Laughton, Asa Jay <asajay@asajay.com> 02/06/01 07:17AM >>>
Charlie Mccall wrote:

> Does anyone have any experience with the Holley fuel-injection system? Jegs has them for around $1400.. Nowhere near as cool looking as Kirby's (I have serious FI envy of that system!) nor as sophisticated.
>
> They are allegedly designed to retrofit carbureted, non-computerized engines (like ours), and basically just replace the carb.
>
> Or, would you get just as good performance from a good 4-bbl?

Charlie,

I've running the Holley 2V Pro-Jection system on my Jeep now for over two years.  The "one" thing I absolutely love about it, is that it starts first time, every time, even below freezing.  Past that, I might
as well have a carb.

I have trouble with off-idle hesitation, even getting backfires through the carb when cold and trying to leave a stop light.  I had it professionally adjusted to pass emissions last year and have not "dinked"
with it since.  It seems that it needs a little adjustment every time the weather makes a major change, similar to thier carbs.

Kenny Hall has a 4V system on his Pantera and he and I discussed the pluses and minuses a while back.  I'm sure he can provide some additional input.

I also know of one other person that is running the 4V Pro-Jection on his large GM powered motorhome.  So far, he pretty much enjoys it.   He's keeps dialing in different fuel maps with a notebook computer, but
overall, he seems to like it.

02
Asa Jay

--  --  --  --  --  --  --  --
   Asa Jay & Shelley Marie
   Laughton - Spokane, WA
     1973 Pantera L 5533
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