I'm going to convert my 66 Toronado to EFI. Any advice?

[762]

I'm going to convert my 66 Toronado to EFI and was hoping someone out there could give me some recommendations on manufacturers, available kits etc. for my 425.

[xgecko]

I have been thinking about this for some time. The first question is do you want throttle body injection or port injection?

There is not a huge difference between the two given the fact that we cannot take advantage of the ability to tune the intake runners with port injection. That is the single biggest difference; TBI acts like an electronic, computerized carb in some respects and thus you have 'wet' intake air. TPI (the T is Tuned) implies tuning intake runners to provide maximum power/torque at some specific RPM band and we have no way to do this.

On the other hand, Port Injection is much cooler looking...

TBI is as simple as buying a good TBI system, removing the carb, and dropping the throttle body on the intake, doing some wiring and hooking up the fuel lines (after installing a suitable fuel pump which may come with the kit.) Port injection requires machining of the intake and really needs the Rockwell aluminum intake which has injector bosses cast in place.

As for vendors, I have settled on Holley and their Avenger and HP lines. This is a design that simplifies tuning by using a controller that avoids the laptop and after entering some basic info such as number of cyls, displacement, and some other info starts with a default that allows you to start the motor and then perform some additional 'learning'. It is pretty easy from what I gather.

There are some systems based on boneyard parts from cars like old Cadillacs and such, but in the end you spend nearly as much and have much more hassle.

Expect to spend upwards of $1,600 at a minimum, with port injection likely being north of $2,000.

[762]

I've been out on summitracing.com and after reading your post talking with their tech support, decided on this one here along with some other performance parts.

Holley Avenger EFI Engine Management System,
Speed Density, 4 Barrel, Square Bore, 900 cfm, 375 hp to 525 hp, Kit.
Summit Racing Part Number HLY-550-401.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-550-401/

Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-21511/

Edelbrock Performer RPM Cylinder Heads
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-605119/

It's going to take some time and this is just the first stage of my project, but I'll have an awesome hotrod when I'm done.

[xgecko]

That intake manifold will not fit under your hood unless the throttle body is substantially shorter - which is may be. I would check it out.

[762]

Hmmm, I wondered about whether or not everything would fit. Any other recommendations?

How about something like this?



http://www.efihardware.com/products/1504/throttle-body-4-barrel-low-profile-46.5mm

[xgecko]

Why not use the Rockwell intake sold by Mondello? See links below pic...



http://www.bdub.net/grockwell/

http://www.mondellotwister.com/

[762]

That's awesome, thanks!

Is there any difference between the the 4150 Mondello Posiflow and the Rockwell, or are they the same. Would either of them be better suited for race applications?

I have the Toronado at the body shop to get painted and after that, I'll start the engine work. I'm excited about the project; I'll be uploading photos from time to time so you guys can see my progress.

[xgecko]

There is a very significant difference - the 4150 is a standard style intake. Our Toros have a sunken intake to provide hood clearance. Any non-Toro intake will require hood mods. This is universally true.

What kind of racing are you intending? Presumably not drag racing as the FWD does not lend itself to strong launches...

BTW I went with the Edelbrock heads and they are very nice indeed! Be sure to get a new set of Head Bolts (ARP 3600)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-180-3600/

Also upgrade to HEI ignition. Let me know if you need more info on this.

What cam are you intending to use?

[762]

Thanks for the input in the Rockwell intake; I'll order one of those. The price is right too.

I understand the basic principles of how a cam works and have been looking at hydraulic cams and lifters since they seem to be the better choice, but as far as lift and duration goes... I don't know which one is best for me.

It's true, race cars are not front wheel drive for a reason. Even so, I'd like to take her out on the track and see how she does. Probably will come in last, but I like doing things nobody else is doing.

Although I think interest in the Toronado is going up, you just don't see that many of them and why not do something fun and interesting with such a beautiful car.

[xgecko]

If you are not talking about drag racing then the Toronado is actually pretty good for racing.

Be aware that a flat-tappet cam will need a very specific break-in procedure where you run it between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm for about 20 mins to 30 mins at first startup using a special break-in oil or fortified oil (needs high levels of ZDDP which protects the cam). Roller cams eliminate this and improve performance by allowing a steeper ramp on the cam which allows the valve to be opened quicker and held open at a greater lift for longer. They are, however, two to three times the cost.

I used a Mondello JM-18-20 cam in a Toro motor I built more than 20 years ago and I put a Mondello JM-20-22 in the my current car which will be started for the first time very soon now (it has been two weeks away for about two months... )

The 18-20 was a very strong cam, and the 20-22 should be even stronger. These are flat tappet cams.

And the cars are beautiful for sure...