Adding a fuel injection system for a small block Chevy, Chevy big block, Ford or Mopar (small or big block) engine provides modern power and performance. This includes faster starts, smoother idle, increased fuel mileage, as well as noticeable improvements in horsepower and torque. Aftermarket fuel injection kits also incorporate self-learning technology, allowing the computer to optimize the air and fuel ratio. This takes the guesswork out of dialing in and tuning that would normally be required in a carbureted application.

An aftermarket fuel injection system (for example, fuel injection kit for Chevy 350) works through the computerized management of the fuel and air mixture entering the engine. A high-pressure fuel pump feeds the throttle body or fuel rails. The computer receives information about the engine through input sensors such as the throttle position sensor (TPS), manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor or mass air flow (MAF) sensor, coolant temperature sensor (CTS), oxygen (O2) sensor, and other sensors. The computer then uses the input information to calculate the correct amount of fuel and controls the injector frequency and pulse-width to achieve the best fuel air ratio based on different engine conditions.

Aftermarket fuel injectors are similar in physical design to factory-style injectors. The main difference with an aftermarket fuel injector set is the option to select the specific flow rate and size injector you need to properly feed your engine.

Although there are different custom electronic fuel injection systems in the aftermarket, several main components are used for most setups. Installation of aftermarket fuel injection systems involves the connection of input sensors such as the oxygen (O2) sensor, coolant temperature sensor (CTS), manifold air pressure (MAP) or mass air flow (MAF) sensor, throttle position sensor (TPS), and other sensors. All of these sensors are connected to a central fuel injection computer, which also needs to be provided power from the battery and fuse box. A high-pressure fuel pump needs to be installed into the vehicle with the correct pressure and volume (with either bypass/continuous flow or non-bypass routing, depending on the system) to properly feed the engine. A throttle body needs to be connected to the intake manifold. Many throttle body designs incorporate some of the above sensors as well as fuel injectors. Other throttle bodies are designed to be separate from sensors and use fuel rails with (multi point) injectors installed, which are controlled by the computer. Included with a fuel injection kit is a schematic diagram and instructions to aid with installation.

There are several options to clean an electronic fuel injection system. The first is with an aftermarket fuel injection cleaner that is poured into the gas tank and run through the fuel lines, cleaning internal parts from the fuel pump to the exhaust valves. Another option involves independently cleaning each component such as the injectors, throttle body or rails. Cleaning involves both chemicals (safe to use with the components) and mechanical tools such as brushes to break up contamination and debris. This is important for direct port or diesel injection systems where fuel doesn't wash out the intake manifold as it is injected directly into the combustion chamber.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the best fuel injection system and fuel injection parts that you require for your specific street or racing application.