Thoughts and feedback on 8Stack/IRI setups

quote:

whether or not converting to a 8Stack/IRI induction setup is worth it

Jack, this is a highly personal choice.

If YOU like it, it is worth it.

But first off, be aware you will most likely lose your engine cover. Quella, and probably others,do make a short-stack version that will fit under the screen, though.

Next, pretty much guaranteed you will have to notch your deck lid for the back two stacks. Some do this with a minimal notch cut. The best looking I've seen though was an owner who basically opened up the entire leading edge of the lid about 1 1/2", and then ran the typical black edge-welting all around the new-sized opening. Subtle and looked stock until you looked close.

In LA you really have stable weather and no elevation change. On the other hand, if you didn't have that stability, those are two good reasons to obtain the consistency of EFI.

Personally, the only stack version I would consider is a modern EFI system. If you enjoy tuning, adjusting and climbing into your engine bay, then the others you listed can run just fine with proper attention.

On the other hand, an old school Cleveland and a Holley still just sort of seem to 'fit' in our old school exotics.

Larry

I'm new here on this board, but in Utah, I can go from elevation 4,260' where I live to over 9000' (Big Cottonwood Canyon, Alta) on paved roads in about an hour. Or, a trip to Park City can be up to elevation 8,000' as well. A trip into the High Uintas is about two hours and the west flank highway is near 10,000'. So, I like the benefits of EFI in that the elevation changes don't affect tuning of a carb.

I like IR EFI stacks, but I think it goes without saying that they can cost a pretty penny in addition to what Larry wrote. Have you considered Mass-flo EFI conversion stuff? It runs a Ford computer, sensors, a custom 4BBL throttlebody and a GM mass-air sensor.

Hey Larry & Corey:

Thanks for the info. I to drive from near zero sea level to 8000ft in about 45 miles. (Angels Crest Hwy) I tend to do that drive all the time, a good 110 mile round trip of nothing but sweeping corners and amazing views. Well until it burnt to the ground recently in the fires ;-(.
That said, I have not had any real issues with the 750DP carb that I run now. So not completely convinced that running webers would be all that different.

I do not want to spend too much, and some of the IR efi's seem a little outrageous in price, and some require are quite complex in setup due to additional sensors, ECU's and so on.

That said, I have to admit that I am a sucker for the IR setup. Just looks tight! I have heard that the IDF's are a little easier to deal with than IDA's... but everyone and there mother seems to have a different opinion on the subject.

So if I went old skool, a quad setup of sorts.. what would folks recommend. Unless there is a 8 stack EFI setup out there, that cost 3K?

Let me know.
Cheers JC71

Don't need to cut the decklid, just shave the rear two stacks slightly and they will fit nice (see black car in link).

Jack not sure what you decided...I saw this thread come up today and thought I'd comment. I had a small block Chevy with 48 IDA's choked down to 42's that I ran for three years. Ran awesome, were certainly beautiful to look at. But as posted earlier, they do need some REGULAR (read bold letters...hint) tinkering to keep them in sinc...you wouldn't think once you set them up they would change, but they do. The linkages aren't mongo pieces so you are working with pretty small diameter linkages that won't allow you to apply large amounts of torque to keep every adjustment in place...that maybe why they need regular adjustment could be cured by going to larger, heftier parts (I had stock linkages from Weber). Also the car it was in had a tail section that hinged backwards or could be entirely removed with two pull pins, opening up the entire engine bay which made it 1000% easier access than what you will have with the Pantera.

One of the things I remember distinctly was thinking to myself quite often that "it would be so nice to just have a big 4 barrel on this engine so I could stop tinkering and I would have a consistent experience every time I started it". I never changed out the Webers just because the 48IDA's look so great and perform so well when dialed in...that is if the damn linkages could just stayed in one spot. But I can tell you they don't....and when one gets out of sinc you are effecting 25% of the cylinders...this usually causes the most problems at idle or slightly off idle which is more likely an issue with a street car and stop and go traffic...once you are off idle and at 1/4 or better throttle you're ok, it was a bear keeping it adjusted for idle. With all the obstacles on a Pantera getting in the way to do the usual re-adjustments(rear body sections), I would think twice...as my older body just doesn't like the things I use to do. Although you could probably just lay on the roof with you upper body hanging over the motor (remove your big belt buckles so you don't scratch the roof) with the deck lid off and reach down to do the adjustments....OH but you better have fast reflexes to get out of the way if you get a back fire from the carbs. Good luck, it'll be fun no matter what you choose.

Thank you all, for your feedback and advice. I think after listening to the pro's and con's, that I am gonna stick with my Holley 750 DP. Just sounds a hell of a lot easier, way cheaper, similar performance... and heck I think I am gonna try to get the engine cover back on, so no one will see it anyhow. ;-)
Again, appreciate everyones feedback and thoughts.
Cheers JC71