There are few modifications that can be made to an engine that can give both increased performance and better fuel economy. In these days of increased gasoline prices (nearly $4.50 per gallon), fuel mileage is an important consideration for vintage trucks that owners consider their daily drivers. For many reasons, vintage pickups are becoming not just weekend toys but also weekday workers. And one of the best ways to increase both performance and mileage is with an electronic fuel-injection system.

Street & Performance: A Leader in EFI Systems

One of the leaders in bolt-on fuel-injection systems is Street & Performance. For more than 20 years, Street & Performance has helped backyard mechanics get the most out of their vehicles, and S&P does this by providing performance kits that are complete in every way. Take its TPI system for example. This system has all you need to install a proven TPI system onto your engine. S&P can provide the units themselves (or refurbish one you already have), along with the all-important wiring harness and computer mods. All of these things combine to make this not only a great install to do for the daily driver, but an easy one as well.

Real-Life Installation by a Young Mechanic

To demonstrate, this install will be handled by a mechanic who is only 17 years old. He is installing this kit onto his personal GMC pickup that he just received from his grandfather, and he has plans to drive it every day to school. He wanted to have an engine that was not subject to the whims of carburetors.

Necessary Modifications for EFI Systems

One of the things that EFI requires, however, is that the fuel system be a closed-loop setup. It also needs to have a higher fuel pressure than what is normal for a carburetor. That means the stock fuel tank must be replaced with one that has a tank-mounted fuel pump that has provisions for a return line. A call to Rock Valley was all it took to get a new aluminum tank. The tank fits back between the framerails and even holds more fuel than the stock unit that was behind the seat.

Making EFI Accessible for All Mechanics

For those who think that fuel injection (thanks to the computer and the wiring it needs) is beyond their mechanical realm, think again. Or if you are worried that getting all of the parts together will be a huge hassle, think again. Thanks to Street & Performance, if you want to go the electronic fuel injection route, help is but a phone call away.