KCRocket88

Hey all

been thinking a lot about a fuel injection kit for my ‘57 88. Anybody currently running this application on this era car? Advice on best kits for the money, ease of installation, and reliability?

fleming442

I assume you are referring to one of those TBI EFI in a box deals. Personally, I wouldn't bother; they're way more trouble than they're worth. Get your carb rebuilt and replace the plumbing. You'll be further ahead.

Olds64

I've read good reviews about the Holley Sniper EFI kit.

Tedd Thompson

Your car, but doesn't that make it some kind of high bread and for what purpose?... Tedd

BangScreech4-4-2

What's "high bread", Tedd?

Tedd Thompson

Pardon my slang, but for what purpose are you wanting to inject your 371? Seems you will be betaking value away from it with little return. A 4gc can be made very reliable, doubtful much HP will be gained, and everyone who knows anything about mid-fifties Oldsmobile would shake their head while walking away. It's yours do what you want. There is no nostalgia in a Sniper for another 50 years...Tedd

gs72

If you are seriously considering it look here. They base there systems on GM TBI systems and use GM parts.

https://howellefi.com/

fleming442

Good reviews don't account for how many people have taken them off and gone back to carbs. They're all junk. I know of 4 Holleys off the top of my head, all with different problems:
-injectors randomly drop out
-won't trigger fuel pump when hot
-dies while driving
-manufacturer defects (pinched wires)
2 of the 4 have mysteriously fixed themselves, but it would always be in the back of my mind.

BangScreech4-4-2

First off, is there anything actually wrong with the 4 GC or do you just feel like making a change?

Charlie Jones

Another big complication of installing a FI system ( or even a non-stock carb) is the throttle valve linkage.
This is the linkage between the carb and the transmission.
It "tells" the trans how far the throttle is open, so it may shift at the proper time.
This linkage must be installed and adjusted properly or you risk transmission damage and poor performance.

While FI may use slightly less fuel, you would have to drive it into the next century to get a return on the investment.

griffey57

Make it a J2. That is the flavor of 57 olds. If you are going to spend money, make it more valuable with a J2 setup!! Just my 2 cents

gs72

Agreed, The J2 setup looks way more bad ***!!!

Olds64

That may be partially true, but Sumiit and Jegs sure make big bucks on those FI kits.

This would be the biggest reason not to run FI on a 371. I tried to install an Edelbrock carburetor on the 394 in my 64 98 and was never able to get the TV functioning properly.

Tedd Thompson

A J2 setup would put a smile on my face with cool factor, but they also come with issues. That vacuum actuated secondaries on the front and back carbs works like a toggle switch if not adjusted correctly and they are often troublesome to keep in tune. I still would go with that rather than a FI unit..Tedd

griffey57

You can change it over to progressive linkage. That's what I have on my 57

Charlie Jones

J-2's, at least the manifolds, are still plentiful:
oldsmobile tri carb manifold J-2 for sale | eBay