Converting Carbs to Fuel Injectors

[husky]

I have a 1979 Range Rover classic and find that the original carbs are now showing wear. A machanic suggested I look at converting it to injectors.
Is this a job I can do myself? and what are the benifits.
Has anyone any ideas where a kit could be purchased for this.
Its a 3.5L petrol motor

Thanks

[ArmyRover]

I would look into mega squirt. It's a stand alone fuel injection system.

An alternative would be buying all the components off of a later model rover and transplanting the injection over.

[bartell]

Originally Posted by husky

I have a 1979 Range Rover classic and find that the original carbs are now showing wear. A machanic suggested I look at converting it to injectors.
Is this a job I can do myself? and what are the benifits.
Has anyone any ideas where a kit could be purchased for this.
Its a 3.5L petrol motor

Thanks

Expensive and a good deal of hassles. You will need a compatible intake, plenum and throttle body, fuel pressure regulator and high pressure pump, injectors and sensors, a AFM (air flow meter) and ECU (computer) and a wiring loom for it all along with sundry sensors. These are the basics regardless of what you system you choose, be it one of the LRs or an aftermarket affair like Megasquirt.

Considering the price of these components, (a single injector of 8 can cost you as much as 85 USD) you will either buy used and lower your reliability, or pay thousands.

Your SU carburettors can be rebuilt. That is the cheapest solution. However, it might be time to consider another route. The SUs weren't producing much in the way of bhp OR efficiency when new in 1979. If I were you, I would switch to a modern reliable carb with a good rep, better mileage and well supported.

The best around is a Edelbrock Performer with the Edelbrock intake manifold (if you have a clearance issue, use the Offenhauser Dual Point intake). The Edelbrock Performer you want is a 500 cfm (also called the Weber 500 or Carter 500). The kit (with filter) costs about $600 in the USA and they will jet and needle it for a 3.5. It is an easy install, very easy to work with.

Expect at least an extra 25% bhp and better mileage.

James

P.S. Avoid the Holly 390. Messy thing.

[Paul Grant]

Speaking from first hand experience, I ran the Edelbrock 1404 in my 1985 Range Rover for a few years and can't say enough good things about it. I had brand new, yes brand new SU's from Burlen and they didn't hold a candle to the simplicity and reliability of the Edelbrock. Get it from Summit Racing along with the 2198 intake manifold and you will be a very happy owner. If you have some spare cash shoot for a Mallory distributor to make your Rover even more reliable.

Now, on the other hand if you REALLY want to convert to EFI I have all the bits and pieces you will need from the air filter assembly to the O2 sensors and everything in between. I'm sure we could work out an attractive deal but, in all honesty I would take a look at the Edelbrock as my first choice.
Cheers,
Paul

[bartell]

Originally Posted by Paul Grant

If you have some spare cash shoot for a Mallory distributor to make your Rover even more reliable.
Paul

I could not agree more. We did oscilliscope tests of the 35 series Lucases against a Mallory Unilite. The Mallory spark was remarkable..where the Lucases produced a decidedly substandard spark.

I would avoid their Dual point however and stick with the Unilite.