Builds My Holley Sniper EFI kit install into my 1978 FJ40

[thecrazygreek]

One step forward two steps back...

Okay, got everything lined up and she fired right up. Had to get the timing set, but man o man she really purrs....
But...
Getting smoke out of the exhaust. Also getting smoke out of the exhaust manifold.
Pretty sure I blew the head gasket. How? Well when trying to get the old system running she really backfired a couple of times.
I mean nice and loud.

I think that blew the gaskets. I also think I over torqued the manifold bolts when trying to remedy earlier leaks.
Soooo...
I've ordered an OEM head gasket and a remflex manifold gasket.
Will be installing those next weekend.
So I'm delayed, but think this is a good time to do those maintenance jobs. I think it's still sporting the original head gasket.
While I have the head off I will give it a good look over, and clean it up a bit...

I've done a couple of head gaskets in the past so I think it should be a pretty straight forward job.
Just a pita pulling this all apart again...

 

[thecrazygreek]

I also suspect the head gasket because I'm getting some bubbling when looking at the coolant through the radiator cap.
I didn't let it run too long in this condition, so hoping all is good...

 

[mrboatman]

Well that sucks. But you know it runs good ! I`ve been looking at hooking up the oil pressure reading but just have not done it.
JP

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

@thecrazygreek, curious if you've got this truck running again. Thought on the Sniper install, if so.
Thanks

 

[thecrazygreek]

Yes!!!
Up and running like an f'n champ!!

Holley sniper all the way!
This is an easy install, and with obd2 its a self learning system. With all my other issues fixed, the engine hums....

 

[447xpro]

Can it be made to work with the OEM air cleaner?

 

[GA Architect]

Yes!!!
Up and running like an f'n champ!!.......

I wish I had never opened this thread!!!!........You guessed it, spent a few hours last night researching & reviewing the Sniper!

The "...f'n champ!!" quote above has raised the, what once was a novelty idea, to; "It would be a great benefit to my daily driver!!!!"

Greek, let's see the final engine bay with it installed.

 

[Jdc1]

I wish I had never opened this thread!!!!........You guessed it, spent a few hours last night researching & reviewing the Sniper!

The "...f'n champ!!" quote above has raised the, what once was a novelty idea, to; "It would be a great benefit to my daily driver!!!!"

Greek, let's see the final engine bay with it installed.

Plus you’ll be able to have the Sniper control timing, AC idle up and possibly cruise control.

 

[GA Architect]

Plus you’ll be able to have the Sniper control timing, AC idle up and possibly cruise control.

HUSH YO MOUTH!......(note to self; buy that lottery ticket tonight!)

 

[Jdc1]

HUSH YO MOUTH!......(note to self; buy that lottery ticket tonight!)

There isn’t an “adding fuel to the fire” emoji. I can’t wait to get my hands on this kit. Mated with vintage air and a Dakota setup.....

 

[thecrazygreek]

Can it be made to work with the OEM air cleaner?

Yes it can. You can run a Mr Gasket adapter ( a couple of them to get the correct height )

I will be re-installing my air cleaner soon. I will post some pics of the whole shebang.

 

[SteveH]

I bought the Mr. Gasket adapters, but they looked a bit flimsy, so I made an air cleaner adapter from 5" (6"?) steel pipe (I bought a 1' drop from a local plumbing supply house). The steel pipe adapter requires a chop saw, a welder, and some fab, but is rock solid. I welded a piece of 3" pipe on top of the 'cap' to locate the OEM air cleaner lid. I have since cleaned up the engine a bit, but here's a pix of the adapter.

 

[BrianSanDiego]

Plus you’ll be able to have the Sniper control timing, AC idle up and possibly cruise control.

Nitrous too
... and electric fan control.

 

[Zjohnsonua]

Glad to see it worked well, @thecrazygreek! What all improved?

 

[thecrazygreek]

Glad to see it worked well, @thecrazygreek! What all improved?

Here is a short list of what you can expect with this upgrade...

1. Cold starts are easy. Turn the key, and drive away.
2. No more choke
3. With the new fuel pump I added (WALBRO 392) it's WAY more quite than before running the pump that came with the kit.
4. Extremely smooth throttle response (snappy too!)
5. The monitor included is great at keeping an eye on your vital systems
   1. RPMs
   2. Exact Temp
   3. Timing info
   4. VAC info
   5. TPS Info
   6. Fuel air ratio info
   7. And more!
6. More power!
   1. I can really feel the added power
   2. Freeway driving is easier
   3. Uphill is NO issue
7. Better fuel mileage (still need to get exact numbers)
8. Confidence!
   1. I feel good about taking it anywhere
   2. Long trips don't freak me out anymore

 

[mrboatman]

And no more flooding and heavy gas smell after hot shut down. And the restart is a snap.
JP

 

[1Fine40]

Looking like a sweet setup for sure! That wiring looks like my grandkids could handle it, so I have at least a reasonable chance ..
Is the Walbro pump that much better than what they supply in their kit??

Cheers!

 

[thecrazygreek]

Is the Walbro pump that much better than what they supply in their kit??

Cheers!

Yes!!!
I went through two pumps before the Walbro.
One was the included pump (unknown brand)

The other was one Downey suggested an Airtex E8094 Electric Fuel Pump

The third was the Walbro GSL392

First one was loud but not too loud. (about a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10)
The Downey recommended pump was loud as hell (10 out of 10)
The Walbro is a nice 2

This is what I bought...
Amazon product ASIN B002EPUPUO

 

[roma042987]

Nice write up. I installed one of those AFI kits and man was it a pile of junk. This looks way better.

 

[BrianSanDiego]

Yes!!!
I went through two pumps before the Walbro.
One was the included pump (unknown brand)

The other was one Downey suggested an Airtex E8094 Electric Fuel Pump

The third was the Walbro GSL392

One concern with the high-volume pumps though, all that fuel that doesn't get used on it's trip to the motor has to come back on the return line. You'll need to have the return system in tip-top condition or it will cause your fuel pressure to go high and create problems. I had to re-plumb my return because of the high-volume pump.
Anyway, just something to be aware of.