19/05/2019
For years, enthusiasts of classic cars, hot rods, and street machines have faced a dilemma: stick with the traditional carburettor, with its inherent quirks and tuning challenges, or brave the often complex, expensive, and finicky world of aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI). Early aftermarket EFI systems, while promising, frequently suffered from technical glitches, required specialist laptop tuning, and came with a hefty price tag, deterring many do-it-yourself mechanics.
However, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Professional Products has stepped forward with the Powerjection III EFI System, an innovative solution specifically engineered to overcome these long-standing problems. It offers a self-learning, highly integrated, and surprisingly affordable path to modern fuel injection, making the conversion simpler and more accessible than ever before. This article delves into the specifics of this groundbreaking system, particularly the PPFS-70026 kit, exploring its features, benefits, and the profound impact it can have on your vehicle's performance and drivability.
- Understanding the PPFS-70026 Fuel Injection System
- The Powerjection III EFI System: A Game Changer
- Technical Specifications of the Powerjection III (PPFS-70026)
- The Powerjection EMS: Miniaturised Brilliance
- Real-World Performance Gains: The El Camino Example
- Installation Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: Is the Powerjection III truly self-learning, or do I need a laptop?
- Q2: Can the Powerjection III handle forced induction (superchargers/turbos)?
- Q3: What kind of fuel pump do I need for this system?
- Q4: How long does installation typically take?
- Q5: What tools are required for installation?
- Q6: Does this system replace my existing carburettor?
- Conclusion
Understanding the PPFS-70026 Fuel Injection System
The PPFS-70026 is a comprehensive, universal fuel injection kit from Professional Products, designed as a complete return-style system. It’s part of the Powerjection III family, representing a pinnacle of user-friendly EFI technology.
What's Included in the PPFS-70026 Kit?
This kit is truly all-inclusive, providing everything necessary to convert your carburetted vehicle to modern EFI. The key components are:
- Throttle Body: A high-quality, satin-finish throttle body that mounts to a 4-barrel square bore flange.
- Integrated Control Unit (EMS): The compact Engine Management System (EMS) is ingeniously mounted directly onto the throttle body, drastically simplifying wiring.
- EFI Fuel Pump and Filter: Essential components for providing consistent, high-pressure fuel delivery required by EFI.
- Fuel Inlet Kit with Regulator: Ensures correct fuel pressure is maintained for optimal performance.
- Oxygen Sensor and Mounting Kit: A wideband oxygen sensor is included for precise air-fuel ratio monitoring and tuning.
- Injectors: Four 62 lbs/hr injectors are pre-installed in the throttle body.
- Wiring Harness: Minimal wiring is required thanks to the integrated EMS.
- MAP Sensor: Integrated into the EMS, capable of measuring up to 22 PSI boost for forced induction applications.
- IAT Sensor: Intake Air Temperature sensor.
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): Integrated for accurate throttle input.
- IAC Sensor: Idle Air Control sensor.
The PPFS-70026 is designed for universal application, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of hot rods, street machines, and custom cars seeking the benefits of fuel injection without the usual conversion headaches.
The Powerjection III EFI System: A Game Changer
The Powerjection III is celebrated as an industry pioneer in self-learning, carburettor-replacement EFI systems. Its core philosophy revolves around simplicity, affordability, and performance.
Key Advantages of Powerjection III
| Feature | Benefit for the User |
|---|---|
| Self-Learning (Adaptive Learning) | System automatically tunes itself as you drive, eliminating the need for complex laptop tuning for most applications. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Significantly more affordable than many competing EFI systems, making modern performance accessible to a broader market. |
| Ease of Installation | Minimal wiring due to integrated EMS and sensors; often completed in a few hours by a competent mechanic. |
| Compact Design | EMS mounts directly on the throttle body, eliminating bulky control boxes and the need for firewall drilling. |
| Complete Engine Management | Built-in timing control allows for full engine management capabilities. |
| Wideband O2 Sensor | Provides precise air-fuel ratio data for optimal tuning and efficiency. |
| Boost Compatible | Integrated MAP sensor supports up to 22 PSI for supercharged/turbocharged engines. |
| Quality Construction | EMS engineered, developed, and assembled in California, ensuring high standards. |
How the Self-Learning Feature Works
One of the most compelling aspects of the Powerjection III is its "Adaptive Learning" feature. Once installed, you simply input your engine's basic parameters, and the system generates a base calibration. Then, by driving the car under normal conditions, including a few full-throttle runs, the EMS continuously adjusts the fuel mapping. It adapts to varying temperatures, altitudes, and driving scenarios, fine-tuning the air-fuel mixture for optimal performance and efficiency. This means most users won't need to connect a laptop for tuning, making it incredibly user-friendly.
For highly modified engines or specialised applications, the Powerjection III remains fully programmable via a laptop connection, offering complete control for advanced tuners.
Technical Specifications of the Powerjection III (PPFS-70026)
The PPFS-70026 kit boasts impressive specifications that underscore its capability to handle a wide range of performance needs:
- Injection Style: Throttle body
- Metering Style: Speed density
- Fuel Rails: Included
- Throttle Body Mounting Flange: 4-barrel square bore
- Venturi Quantity: 4
- Airflow Rate: 750 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
- Throttle Body Material: Cast aluminium
- Throttle Body Finish: Satin
- Injectors: Included, 62 lbs/hr size
- ECM (Engine Control Module): Included (integrated EMS)
- Wiring Harness: Included
- Oxygen Sensor: Included (wideband)
- Fuel Pump: Included
- Fuel Pressure Regulator: Included
- Fuel Pressure Gauge: Included
- Fuel Filter: Included
- MAP Sensor: Included (integrated into EMS)
- IAT Sensor: Included
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): Included
- IAC Sensor (Idle Air Control): Included
- Maximum Horsepower Support: Up to 550 HP
The Powerjection EMS: Miniaturised Brilliance
The Powerjection EMS (Engine Management System), essentially the system's "brain," is a marvel of miniaturisation. Its most significant design innovation is its direct mounting onto the side of the throttle body. This eliminates the need for a separate, bulky control box that typically requires finding a suitable mounting location under the dash or elsewhere in the vehicle.
Furthermore, this integrated design dramatically reduces the wiring complexity. Unlike other systems that demand extensive wiring harnesses routed through the firewall, the Powerjection EMS requires minimal connections, simplifying installation and reducing potential points of failure. This thoughtful engineering contributes significantly to the system's renowned ease of installation.
Real-World Performance Gains: The El Camino Example
To demonstrate the Powerjection III's capabilities, an installation was performed on a 1970 Chevy El Camino SS 396 with cowl induction. This vehicle, previously running a carburettor, featured a few modifications including an aftermarket manifold, an Edelbrock 650-cfm carburettor, a Crower street cam (276-degrees duration, 0.518-inch lift), and headers.
Pre and post-installation dyno tests revealed significant improvements:
| Metric | Before EFI | After EFI (Initial) | After EFI (Timing Adjusted) | Gain (Initial) | Gain (Timing Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Torque | 281 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 314 lb-ft | +9 lb-ft | +33 lb-ft |
| Average Torque (2500-5000 RPM) | - | +14 lb-ft | - | +14 lb-ft | - |
| Torque at 4200 RPM | - | - | - | +25 lb-ft | - |
| Peak Horsepower | 211 HP @ 4700 RPM | 238 HP @ 4900 RPM | 239 HP @ 4900 RPM | +27 HP | +28 HP |
| Average Horsepower (Full Pull) | - | +16 HP | - | +16 HP | - |
| Horsepower at 3000 RPM | - | ~0 HP diff | - | - | +16 HP |
| Horsepower at 3800 RPM | - | ~5 HP diff | - | - | +18 HP |
Beyond the impressive peak numbers, the system delivered substantial gains across the RPM range. For instance, after reducing the total timing from 38-degrees to 32-degrees post-EFI installation, peak torque jumped an astounding 24 lb-ft to 314 lb-ft, and horsepower at 3,000 RPM increased by 16 HP. This demonstrates the system's ability to not only increase raw power but also to optimise the engine's entire performance curve.
Drivability Transformed
The owner of the El Camino reported that the car's overall drivability and throttle response were dramatically improved. The vehicle started more reliably than before, and the perennial cold-morning choke issues became a thing of the past. The transformation was so profound that the owner described it as driving "a totally different car," exceeding all expectations. This highlights that the Powerjection III isn't just about peak numbers; it's about making your classic ride a joy to drive every day.
Installation Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary hurdles for aftermarket EFI adoption has been cost and complexity. Professional Products addressed both.
Affordable Performance
The typical retail cost of a complete Powerjection III system can be as low as £1,200 (approx. $1,545 USD at time of information, subject to exchange rates). An optional P3 Fuel Delivery & Return Kit, including stainless braided hose and fittings for higher HP applications, adds approximately £200 (approx. $242 USD). This competitive pricing makes high-quality EFI accessible to a mass market.
Cost reduction was achieved by intelligent design choices, such as using four injectors instead of eight and miniaturising the computer to mount directly on the throttle body, which cut down on wiring and connection costs.
Effortless Installation
The Powerjection III was engineered for quick and straightforward installation. Mounting the EMS directly on the throttle body eliminates the need to route a bulky harness through the firewall or find space for a separate ECU under the dash. The integrated MAP sensor further simplifies the process, removing the need for manifold swaps in many cases.
For an experienced mechanic, a complete installation can be done in as little as two hours, with no welding required. Even for a DIY enthusiast, it typically takes only three to four hours. This ease of installation is a significant departure from older, more complex EFI systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Powerjection III truly self-learning, or do I need a laptop?
For the vast majority of vehicles, the Powerjection III's "Adaptive Learning" software will self-tune the system for optimum performance as you drive. This means no laptop tuning is required. Only engines with radical modifications might benefit from, or require, a laptop connection for advanced, fine-tuning. Even then, the system is designed to be much easier to tune than other aftermarket EFI units.
Q2: Can the Powerjection III handle forced induction (superchargers/turbos)?
Yes, absolutely. The integrated 2.5 BAR MAP sensor within the EMS is capable of measuring up to 22 PSI of boost, making the Powerjection III suitable for supercharged or turbocharged applications supporting up to 550 HP.
Q3: What kind of fuel pump do I need for this system?
The PPFS-70026 kit includes an EFI fuel pump and filter, along with a fuel inlet kit and regulator, providing all the necessary components for the fuel delivery system. This ensures you have the correct high-pressure pump for EFI operation.
Q4: How long does installation typically take?
For an experienced mechanic, installation can be completed in as little as two hours. For a DIY enthusiast, it typically takes around three to four hours. The design greatly simplifies the process by reducing wiring and integrating sensors directly onto the throttle body.
Q5: What tools are required for installation?
Standard tools are sufficient, including standard sockets, a ratchet, a drill and bits, a flat screwdriver, and pipe sealant.
Q6: Does this system replace my existing carburettor?
Yes, the Powerjection III is designed as a direct carburettor replacement. It mounts to a standard 4-barrel square bore intake manifold flange, effectively converting your engine from carburettor to throttle body injection (TBI) EFI.
Conclusion
The Professional Products Powerjection III EFI System, exemplified by the comprehensive PPFS-70026 kit, truly redefines the aftermarket fuel injection landscape. By prioritising affordability, self-learning capability, and exceptional ease of installation, it removes the traditional barriers that have kept many enthusiasts from upgrading their classic vehicles. Whether you're aiming for significant horsepower and torque gains, improved fuel economy, or simply the modern reliability and drivability of EFI, the Powerjection III offers a compelling and accessible solution. It’s an investment that not only enhances performance but also transforms the entire driving experience, making your cherished classic feel like a truly modern machine.
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