At Howell EFI, we have helped thousands convert from a carburetor to fuel injection. One of our most popular systems is our Throttle Body Injection kits, based on the popular and reliable General Motors Throttle Body Fuel Injection. We have adapted this rock solid OE quality technology to work with almost any engine that originally came with a 2 or 4 barrel carburetor.

The General Motors Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) system from the 1980s and 1990s was a widely used electronic fuel injection system in many GM vehicles during that time. It was introduced as a way to improve fuel efficiency, emissions, and overall engine performance compared to traditional carbureted systems. Here’s an overview of the system and its benefits:

Overview of GM Throttle Body Fuel Injection:
The TBI system is a type of electronic fuel injection that involves injecting fuel directly into the throttle body, which is located at the entrance of the engine’s intake manifold. The system includes an electronic control module (ECM), various sensors (such as the oxygen sensor, coolant temperature sensor, and throttle position sensor), and an injector unit mounted on the throttle body itself. The ECM monitors input from these sensors and adjusts the fuel delivery to optimize the air-fuel mixture for combustion.

Benefits of GM Based Throttle Body Fuel Injection:

1. Improved Fuel Efficiency: The TBI system allowed for more precise control over the air-fuel mixture, leading to better combustion efficiency. This often resulted in improved fuel economy compared to older carbureted systems.
2. Emissions Reduction: One of the main reasons for the adoption of fuel injection systems like TBI was to meet increasingly strict emissions regulations. Fuel injection systems can provide better control over the air-fuel mixture, leading to reduced emissions of harmful pollutants.
3. Cold Start Performance: Fuel injection systems are generally better at delivering the right air-fuel mixture during cold starts, improving engine performance and drivability in cold weather conditions.
4. Enhanced Engine Performance: TBI systems allowed for more precise control over the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing, leading to smoother and more consistent engine performance, as well as improved throttle response.
5. Adaptability to Altitude and Conditions: The electronic control module could adjust the air-fuel mixture based on factors such as altitude and temperature, ensuring optimal engine performance regardless of the driving environment.
6. Reduced Maintenance: Carburetors required regular adjustments and maintenance to ensure proper fuel delivery. TBI systems reduced the need for such adjustments, leading to lower maintenance requirements.
7. Reduced Vapor Lock: Vapor lock, a phenomenon where fuel vaporizes before reaching the engine, was less common in TBI systems compared to carbureted systems. This contributed to better overall reliability.
8. Precise Fuel Delivery: TBI systems could deliver fuel in a more controlled manner than carburetors, which could lead to better overall fuel distribution among cylinders.
9. Smooth Idle: TBI systems were generally better at maintaining a smooth and stable idle compared to carburetors, improving overall driving experience.