Carb verse fuel injection
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Uh oh,..... another crazy thread in the works! LOL
Some STRONG opinions exist on this subject.
I'll start.
You can perfect the tuning better on EFI for any particular driving range, rpm, and throttle position. Costs more.
Carbs are easier for the simpler minds. Cost less.
.
Some STRONG opinions exist on this subject.
I'll start.
You can perfect the tuning better on EFI for any particular driving range, rpm, and throttle position. Costs more.
Carbs are easier for the simpler minds. Cost less.
.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
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From: Nowhere
O_o "Easier for the simpler minds"? IMO, carbs are far more complicated than EFI.
EFI has no jets, no floats, no needles... in other words... a lot fewer moving parts. It relies a lot less on gravity, fluid, and airflow dynamics. EFI systems are typically unaffected by changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature.
EFI systems vary in complexity, in terms of the sensory system that is used to manage the fuel/air mixture, but it really only boils down to two things: measuring air mass and effectively atomizing the fuel. I owned a '78 VW Rabbit that had fuel injection, but without it being electronically controlled. It was a marvel of engineering. It was incredibly simple and effective.
EFI has no jets, no floats, no needles... in other words... a lot fewer moving parts. It relies a lot less on gravity, fluid, and airflow dynamics. EFI systems are typically unaffected by changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature.
EFI systems vary in complexity, in terms of the sensory system that is used to manage the fuel/air mixture, but it really only boils down to two things: measuring air mass and effectively atomizing the fuel. I owned a '78 VW Rabbit that had fuel injection, but without it being electronically controlled. It was a marvel of engineering. It was incredibly simple and effective.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Yukon, OK
I have had both on my bike and I like the carb better...but it does take some work to get the jetting correct so it runs great....
Now this winter i am putting a late model Delphi EFI on mine to see what else i can do....and if i dont like it i will go back to the carb and just ride......
Some people just like carbs......and some of the newer generation like the EFI......I think it comes down to what you feel comfortable with.....
Now this winter i am putting a late model Delphi EFI on mine to see what else i can do....and if i dont like it i will go back to the carb and just ride......
Some people just like carbs......and some of the newer generation like the EFI......I think it comes down to what you feel comfortable with.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
A big plus to carbs in the 'tune them yourself' department and they are far less expensive in every aspect. I've still got a couple of bikes with carbs and really appreciate the aspect of tuning them myself.
EFI is much more complicated and virtually impossible to tune without the help of a competent professional tune tech and dyno. Once you've gone through that expense (read EXPENSE here) you're rewarded with a machine that runs it's best in all situations.
Being able to find a competent EFI tuner is a major hassle and although I now have an EFI machine that runs very well it sure hasn't been easy. The learning curve is difficult and expensive (did I mention the expense?).
EFI is much more complicated and virtually impossible to tune without the help of a competent professional tune tech and dyno. Once you've gone through that expense (read EXPENSE here) you're rewarded with a machine that runs it's best in all situations.
Being able to find a competent EFI tuner is a major hassle and although I now have an EFI machine that runs very well it sure hasn't been easy. The learning curve is difficult and expensive (did I mention the expense?).
Last edited by Leftcoaster; Nov 25, 2009 at 10:17 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
fewer things to go wrong with a carb. If you have fuel in the tank and a spark at the plugs it will normally get you home, not so much the case with EFI. With EFI, one sensor goes and you could be shut down. EFI is nice in the cooler months and normally produces good HP numbers over a wider operating range.
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From: Nowhere
A big plus to carbs in the 'tune them yourself' department and they are far less expensive in every aspect.
EFI is much more complicated and virtually impossible to tune without the help of a competent professional tune tech and dyno. Once you've gone through that expense (read EXPENSE here) you're rewarded with a machine that runs it's best in all situations.
EFI is much more complicated and virtually impossible to tune without the help of a competent professional tune tech and dyno. Once you've gone through that expense (read EXPENSE here) you're rewarded with a machine that runs it's best in all situations.
Typically, you are making minor adjustments and major adjustments require tearing into the carb to replace jets and needles. At least with a third party tuning system, you can make even major adjustments to an EFI system pretty darn easily. In either case, if your butt dyno don't work, you are in way over your head regardless.
Most people (like me) rely heavily on the community's accumulated experiences for a formulaic solution to re-tuning, regardless of system anyway.
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Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
fewer things to go wrong with a carb. If you have fuel in the tank and a spark at the plugs it will normally get you home, not so much the case with EFI. With EFI, one sensor goes and you could be shut down. EFI is nice in the cooler months and normally produces good HP numbers over a wider operating range.
I agree with this... an EFI system requires that all of its components are working or else the entire system will fail. I agree that carbs can continue to work (and i use the term loosely here), even if the system is not in perfect working condition. They are pretty forgiving and less inclined to leave you stranded.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: CNY
EFI is a set it and forget it system. Once you're tuned well you just ride. Carbs require maint. to keep them running well. parts can move out of adjustment, wear out, and even break, but if you know your sh?t you can fix it with out a computer. Just some simple tools. I have seen them rebuilt on the side of the road. To some old bikers thats just part of owning a harley and would'nt have it any other way. I had the ecm in by Street Bob go bad and the dealer had to flash and reprogram it. Corrupt programing. Thats not a problem a carb will ever have. I still like EFI though.