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From the 1980's and earlier carbureted engines were the majority, with a single two or four-barrel set-up sitting under an air cleaner assembly. While these types of fuel and air induction components work fine, they are prone to requiring regular maintenance and tuning to keep an engine properly running. Since the late 2000's, aftermarket self-learning fuel injection systems have dramatically improved in both technology and price. For those who would like to modernize their engine's power and performance, one such option is the JEGS 16800 EFI Throttle Body System Bandit Series 4150-style setup. This kit offers an easy-to-install upgrade that will improve starting, idle quality, throttle response, fuel mileage, power, and overall performance. You may be thinking, "Converting from carburetor to fuel injection? This might be too complicated to do". With some knowledge and help, it really isn't as difficult as it might sound. Let's dive into what is required for installation and see how to tackle such an engine performance upgrade.
Check out this excellent unboxing and install video from Alexander K (Ak_Strem) on YouTube!
Do I Have To Change My Ignition System When Using A JEGS Bandit Throttle Body?
Only if you are using a race-style ignition system, solid core spark plug wires, or non-resistor spark plugs. Your engine's ignition system will run independently from the JEGS Bandit Series EFI throttle body system and continue to operate as it did with a carbureted setup. This helps simplify installation as well as tuning that would be required if the ignition was controlled by the throttle body system computer. However, electromagnetic interference can affect the electrical signals in the throttle body and computer. This requires resistor-type spark plugs and high EMI suppression spark plug wires to be used, which are commonly found on vehicles with electronic ignition.
What Modifications Are Required To The Fuel System In Order For The JEGS Bandit Throttle Body To Work Properly?
A carbureted fuel system requires between 5-7 psi of pressure for proper operation. However, the Bandit EFI needs 58 psi in order to function. To achieve this, a high-pressure fuel pump and delivery kit is a must. This required setup includes the pump and a pre-filter as well as a post-filter. The pre-filter traps all of the large particles and debris that can damage the pump while minimizing flow restriction as fuel is drawn in from the fuel tank or cell. Once the pump pressurizes the fuel, it is pushed through a post-filter, which will trap particles small enough to clog the fuel injectors. In addition to the filters and pump, high-pressure fuel injection hose and fittings are required to provide a safe and leak-free connection between components. To ensure the proper 58 psi is reaching the throttle body, a fuel pressure regulator is required. In addition, a fuel pump harness and relay kit will provide a safe and adequate supply of power to the high-pressure fuel pump. To keep your fuel lines secure and safe, cushion clamps make a great way to attach them to the frame.
What Type Of Fuel Is Required For The Bandit EFI System?
The Bandit Throttle Body System requires unleaded (non-ethanol) fuel only, as the installation of an oxygen sensor into the exhaust stream is required. This sensor reports the air/fuel mixture to the throttle body computer, allowing required changes to be made for optimum engine performance under all driving conditions. However, oxygen sensors are not compatible with leaded fuel, as it will quickly coat them and cause them to fail at communicating the correct air/fuel ratio (through an electrical voltage signal). If your engine requires leaded fuel, the valve seats in the cylinder heads will have to be upgraded in order to be compatible with unleaded fuel. The required fuel octane level for your engine is based on a combination of ignition timing and engine compression ratio and does not change when converting from carburetion to fuel injection.
What Thermostat Temperature Must I Run With The JEGS Bandit EFI?
The JEGS Bandit Series EFI requires a thermostat with a minimum temperature of 180 degrees. When a fuel-injected engine is first started, the fuel mixture is richened to help warm the engine up. When the temperature sending unit tells the computer that the pre-programmed goal of 180 degrees has been reached (the optimum coolant temperature for most American V8 engines), the fuel mixture is leaned to improve fuel efficiency as well as engine performance. If a lower temp thermostat is used, the computer will continue to force a richer fuel mixture in the attempt to raise the engine coolant temperature. This will lead to reduced engine performance and fuel mileage.
Is The Bandit EFI System Compatible With My Automatic Transmission?
The Bandit EFI Throttle Body only provides mechanical input if your automatic transmission uses a throttle valve (TV) cable, which needs to be properly adjusted in the same manner as a carbureted engine before driving. If your transmission is electronically controlled, it must use its own independent and matching computer controller, as the Bandit EFI system does not provide this function.
Is It Hard To Program The JEGS Bandit Throttle Body System?
Setting up the Bandit EFI Throttle Body System is easy using the included handheld controller (no laptop required). After plugging the controller into the system harness and turning it on, follow the onscreen prompts and input your engine cylinder number, engine size, camshaft type, and other parameters to customize your specific build. Some additional steps will need to be performed such as idle speed and electric fan temperature (if equipped) adjustment. Once completed, the controller can be removed or can be mounted to the dash or windshield for live monitoring of engine information and vital signs.
Watch this very helpful JEGS video that provides an overview for the Bandit Series EFI TBI System.
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