Al:
I believe you meant to say "... it does NOT have a knock sensor ...",
right???
In my discussions with Howell, I've learned that their system makes use of
the original distributor (i. e. vacuum operated type) on our engine.
However, in addition, they optionally offer a knock sensor ($45.00) which
then requires an ESC (Electronic Spark Control) ($65.00) and offer a
computer controlled type distributor ($275.00) or you can obtain your own
from an 81-85 Olds V-8 engined vehicle. Excluding the distributor, Howell's
price would be ~ $1300.00 vs. Turbo City's system for $1495.00.
I must say that I know of a couple individuals who have not been enthused by
the performance of their Howell system, although you have had good
performance from yours.
So what do others think about which (Turbo City or Howell) is the better
system for our use? I know Emery, that I left out the Holley system.
Paul Bartz
From: mr.c [mailto:
mr.c]
Sent: Sunday, January 17, 1999 12:15 AM
Subject: Holley TBI
Paul, I agree it does have a knock sensor, and does use the distributor we
have. but it seems to work good. I did lose an injector, but that is a
holly and I understand holly has had some problems. I used it on my last
two trips, where I went from 8,000 ft to sea level and back, and it worked
fine at all altitudes.
Al:
I've been looking at it and also sent them e-mail a couple times with no
response.
However, it's my understanding that the Howell system is not as
sophisticated as the TurboCity one (e. g. doesn't have a knock sensor and
spark timing control).
Paul Bartz
From: mr.c [mailto:
mr.c]
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 1999 12:30 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: GMC Holley TBI
Paul, you might want to also look at the
howell-efi.com and see the one I
bought for the GMC. It is worth looking at.
al
Emery:
I would guess that Holley has fine tuned their TBI system in the intervening
6 years and probably inflated the cost, wouldn't you?? Any knowledge on
what if anything they did??
Does the Holley TBI system control spark timing using a knock sensor like
TurboCity claims to do??
I went to Holley's web site to look at their TBI offering. They have a
number of them. Which system did you install?
Do you have an opinion about the TurboCity TBI system vs. the Holley?
When you say "It must be a high flow type", what gph rating are you
talking??
Paul Bartz
From: EMERYSTORA
[mailto:EMERYSTORA]
Sent: Friday, August 13, 1999 10:02 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: GMC Holley TBI
I've had the Holley system for about 6 years. When I bought it the price
was about $750 which included the closed loop system electronics and O2
sensor. You'll definitely want the closed system because that will
automatically adjust the fuel mixture for altitude, temp, etc.
I've had two problems over the years. I've had a dirty fuel filter going
into the pump which caused a starving condition that I thought was vapor
lock at first. Don't use just any filter there. It must be a high flow
type. The one provided by Holley is a small plastic filter but it works
well. I tried another make first and it still starved for fuel.
My second problem occurred last month. I suddenly lost most of my power on
the expressway. The GMC wouldn't go over 35 to 40 mph. The engine ran well
at low speed but would not rev up. I found that one of the two fuel
injectors had burned out. This is an injector that plugs into the top of
the casting that holds the two injectors. The problem was that the nearest
one I could find was 150 miles away. I rented a car and drove 300 miles
round trip to buy one. It was $69. I have another one on order to carry as
a spare part. I have also carried a spare fuel pump and filters but haven't
had to use them yet.
