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Hi guys, I'm coming back from a deployment and will have a couple extra bucks. I'm looking at obviously checking compression first, but if it's bad, get a rebuilt 12A. I'm then looking at an MSD 6al ignition system, and a FiTech EFI injection setup. Of course I'll upgrade the exhaust too. You guys have any suggestions or changes to the plan? I'm looking for fun and reliability. Is there anyone that can recommend a 4bbl intake for the 12A? I can't locate one. Just as a heads up, I'll have around $2k.
Obviously I'll get a paint job too. Maybe just a garage job, but when in doubt, black it out. And that $2K is after about $2K for an engine if I need it.
FITech is problematic on the 12A from what I've read here. Here is an excellent read from a guy who went through a lot installing, tuning, etc. I am not sure he ever got it to work to his satisfaction. The whole thread is a good read but this link goes to where FITech starts.
For fun and reliable I'd just stick with the Nikki, keep the rats nest/air pump stuff if it's working. You could do the MSD or just use a direct fire ignition for the leading based on the GM HEI igniters and a couple of new coils like t_g_farrel did in his excellent thread:
Thanks Toruki! Some good reading while at work tomorrow I'm sure. I knew someone was talking about FiTech a while ago, but I had lost the thread.
I figure you guys are the best at this. Mechanics get paid, but most of the guys on here are doing it for fun, and that's where the enthusiasm is.
As far as the Nikki, I have a Weber dcoe 45 sidedraft on there. I didn't install it, and don't have the original. Would I be better off getting that rebuilt/tuned and keeping it or buying something else for it? I read that the Weber 48's are good, and Holly has a setup on racingbeat... Suggestions? Trying to do all my research ahead of time.
Keep the weber until you get the rest sorted. Stay far away from the Holley on a rotary whether its RB or not. Same for the EFI, its money and time wasted on a 12A.
The weber may need larger venturis and rejetting to really drive that 12A at maximum without porting. Whether its a 45 or 48 doesn't make a huge difference, its all about the venturi size and jets selected, especially for a stock 12A.
Rather the the msd 6al ignition system, I'd recommend the DLIDFIS. There's lots of write ups on the forums on how to do it. Also amazing write up found here DLIDFIS
Word on the street is it's way better then any msd setup, unless you want the two step launch control