A Systems ApproachEach Plug-and-Play kit comes complete with almost everything that you need to install EFI on your engine. The induction path begins with either a cast- or billet-aluminum throttle-body on single-plane manifold kits, depending on the crate motor application. The cast throttle-body flows 750 cfm, and the billet piece moves 1,200 cfm. The Street Ram TPI kit incorporates a billet-aluminum throttle-body and is an ACCEL/DFI-designed TPI-style induction system that is calibrated for the GM ZZ4 crate engine. An OE-quality wiring harness with WeatherPak connectors, along with an integral fuel pump relay, allows for a simple plug-in installation to the distributor, fuel injectors, and sensors, regardless of the installation vehicle and engine. An ACCEL/DFI high-flow electric fuel pump can be mounted either on the frame of the vehicle or in the gas tank. You need to supply only the gaskets, fuel lines, and air filter assembly to complete the installation.
The single-plane aluminum intake manifold is especially interesting since it can accept a carburetor-style round air cleaner assembly. This hides most of the fuel rail and injectors and at first glance will have everyone thinking your engine is carbureted-that is, until you take them for a ride.
Driving ImpressionsWe had the opportunity to drive a selection of vehicles with the ACCEL/DFI Plug-and-Play EFI system. The test cars we experienced ranged from a 302 Mustang to a 502 in an early-'90s Chevy pickup truck. Each engine started instantaneously with a twist of the key despite the -10 degrees F weather Detroit was experiencing during our visit. Without any warm-up, the test cars were then accelerated onto Interstate 96. Each provided seamless power and perfect driveability, even though the coolant temperature was still in the two-digit range. Once warmed, the idle speed was lower than one would expect with a carburetor on the same engine, and according to ACCEL/DFI's records, fuel economy under normal driving conditions is vastly improved.
All of this may make Plug-and-Play seem too good to be true, and there is a hitch, though it is a small one. The calibrations can only be used on completely stock crate engines. Change the cam, port the cylinder heads, or perform any other modification, and the calibration will no longer be accurate. If you choose to take that route, all that would be required is a trip to one of ACCEL/DFI's 150 Engine Management Installation Centers (EMIC) where the company can, for a fee, re-tune the ECM. Feel confident in your own tuning skills? You can purchase the necessary components through an EMIC to tune the system with a PC.
ACCEL/DFI has raised the aftermarket EFI bar substantially with the introduction of the Plug-and-Play kits. It is the first and only install-it-and-forget-it EFI system. With prices for the complete package starting at around $2,499, there is nothing keeping you from transforming your ride into a 21st century cruiser.
EFI Boot Camp Though the acronym EMIC stands for Engine Management Installation Center, it does not even begin to describe what an ACCEL/DFI fuel injection dealer is all about.
Created in 1990 by ACCEL/DFI due to the lack of trained shops that could work with programmable electronic fuel injection, this program still stands alone today in the performance aftermarket. ACCEL/DFI realized that to serve the consumer better, an elite, specially trained dealer network would be required. Unlike other EFI manufacturers that at most require a shop to pass a credit check to sell their products, ACCEL/DFI mandates that all EMICs possess certain skills along with financial responsibility before being considered. Then the shop is required to attend a rigorous Mr Gasket/ACCEL training program in either Cleveland, Ohio, or Carson City, Nevada.