Re: Holley ProJection vs 4BBl carb

[Darrel <darrelK@domain.elided>]

Vinnie Moscaritolo wrote:

> I suspect that I will get as many opinions as there are list members. on
> this. Some folks are telling me that they have had crappy performance from
> the ProJection or the  Howell  TBI and others are raving about it.. Still
> some are telling me put a 4bbl manifold and drop a carter or edelbrock on
> it..
>
> I am looking to use the scout for everyday driving, lots of mountain trails
> (can you say cold..) and some highway.. It seems that the 304 isn't a bad
> choice for these kinds of things..
>
>  but what I would like to hear is some success or horror stories. If the
> TBI dint work (assuming you are using the closed loop systems ) what was
> the problem.. I have heard issues about high vs Low end?
>
> Vinnie Moscaritolo

Vinnie,
 I've used both the 2 and 4 barrel analog Projections with the O2 sensor,
Holley 2 and 4 barrels, a Carter AFB, an Edelbrock, and a few Q-Jets on various
vehicles. IMHO, the Projection (with O2 sensor) runs more consistent and is
more reliable then any carburetor, and the new digital Projection is even
superior to the analog versions that I used.

The one bad point of the fuel injection is that if it breaks down there's a
good chance you won't be able to make it home under your own power. Usually,
you can nurse a bad carburetor home. Bill Thebert carries a spare carburetor
just in case. The only failure I ever had was a bad throttle position sensor
(TPS) on a brand new 2 barrel Projection.

I think most problems are due to poor installation. You need to take your time
and do things right, especially with the electrical connections and fuel lines.
Make sure the gas tank and lines are clean internally.  Also, adjust the TPS
with a voltmeter, and the fuel pressure with an accurate gauge. I have a
permanent fuel pressure gauge on my 900 CFM Projection.

One concern I have with Howell is their ability to correctly program the fuel
tables for a IH engine. The Projection is tuned from the drivers seat.

You could spend $200 for an Edelbrock, plus another $350 for the intake and
have a decent setup. But realize that the Edelbrock will never start as fast as
the Projection and that you'll spend quite a few evenings under the hood tuning
it. Plus, it won't run right at higher altitudes. Not to mention the rebuild it
will need every few years for best performance.

Darrel Kline
Colorado Springs