My TBI

HOWELL T.B.I. KIT INSTALL

This is the current status of my Howell T.B.I kit: (01/29/02)

I have changed the stock air cleaner to a K&N unit with a prefilter cover. I believe the stock filter housing was restrictive.

The T.B.I. unit now sits atop a fresh A.M.C. 360 and replacing the injectors with 350 injectors was necessary. You do not need to change or reprogram the chip. Gas mileage went down a little but not by much. I believe the reason for this is the fact that I can't keep my foot out of the gas pedal. The unit performs better than ever after installing the 360.

I installed the oxygen sensor in the header collector but the collector doesn't retain heat well and I soon had to wrap my header collector with header insulation from Summit Racing to make the oxygen sensor work properly. The engine immediately performed better and ran smoother.

The install..........

Scroll down, there's lots here!!.

(01/18/00) I received the Howell T.B.I. kit today. The kit consists of an E.C.M. (electronic control module), a throttle body unit, an oxygen sensor, a coolant sensor, a wiring harness, a jumbo fuel filter, a Walboro fuel pump (15psi), a G.M. T.B.I manual and install instructions, miscellaneous connectors, and a T.B.I to manifold adapter.

A lot of parts that didn't come with the kit (but for the money should have) are: Fuel hose, clamps, a cover to replace the mechanical fuel pump, fittings to adapt the electric fuel pump to existing lines, S.E.S. (service engine soon) light, extra fuel filter for the line going into the electric fuel pump, and throttle linkage adapter. These parts are just the first things discovered, that I'll need to complete the job. I am sure a few others will pop up. So far I have spent an extra 69.00 to "complete" the kit supplied by Howell.

(01/19/00) Got most of the old parts removed.

Got the throttle body and adapter installed.

Came up with a way to get the gigantic plugs on the wiring harness through the fire wall. Had to cut a square out of the fire wall and fabricate a plate to cover the new hole. I drilled a 1-1/4" hole through the new plate and installed a 1" grommet for the wire. I had to split the plate and grommet to get the wire bundle in. It doesn't look half bad.

I am worried about mounting the E.C.M. under the dash. My windshield frame has been known to leak from time to time and short the stereo.

(01/20/00) Installed the wiring harness, T.B.I. unit, coolant sensor, and oxygen sensor.

I have replaced the thermostat with a 180dg thermostat. I did this because the old thermostat was a 160dg t-stat and I thought that the new 180dg t-stat would help the T.B.I.

(01/21/00) I have taken the day off from the project. I did hit the parts store though and picked up hardware to mount the pump properly and a few different ball studs for the throttle linkage. I picked up an S.E.S. light and some 5/16 compression fittings and barbed 5/16 nipples for the fuel line. I will have more details soon.

(01/22/00) Worked all day on the jeep. I completed everything but mounting the E.C.M. (electronic control module) and the S.E.S. (service engine soon) light. The T.B.I works very well as long as I don't shut the engine off. If I shut the engine off, the injectors will not re-fire until I remove the ground wire from the ignition module, crank the engine, replace the ground wire, and crank the engine again. Then it will start. I have given up for the day.

(01/23/00) Well with the help of fellow internet T.B.I. enthusiast, all existing problems have been solved, seems I didn't follow the wiring instructions close enough..bleh!!

and the verdict is in.......INCREDIBLE!!!!!

At first estimate, the jeep seems to have about 5% horse power gain, 10% torque increase, which should translate into much better on and off road drivability. Either the old carburetor was in worse shape than I first thought or the T.B.I. is more of an improvement in technology over the old carburetor than I thought, or maybe a combination of both. So far I see no need to get rid of my Duraspark Distributor as yet. This thing runs sooooooo darn good, I hate to start screwing around with a good thing. I retained my stock air cleaner assembly for now. It fits perfect and I see no need for more air flow to the T.B.I. I put the E.C.M. (electronic control module) behind the glove box and the fuse block just to the left of it. I put the S.E.S. (service engine soon) light in the dash behind and to the left of the steering wheel. I used a light with a blue bulb so that it would be unique to any other lights in the dash.

A lot of work and a lot of money invested but "so far" it was all worth it.

UPDATES

(03/7/00) Since the install of the Howell kit, I have recorded an increase of 8 mpg highway and 4 city. The power increase was further enhanced by upgrading my ignition with Ford parts which I have documented on my Duraspark site. I am thoroughly satisfied with the Howell T.B.I. even though the engine is a little rough on really cold mornings. It starts ok but runs a little rough until it is warmed up. I have recently taken the jeep out and put it through it's paces and the results are great. The jeep is much more maneuverable and reliable now. I can't wait to get to the Rubicon!!!!

(04/29/00) I learned a new trick today! My T.B.I. has a way of flooding and stalling the engine when I try to move the jeep before the engine has a chance to come up to speed after starting. Here's the trick: If you flood your T.B.I. equipped engine, just remove the injector wires from the throttle body and start the engine. It will soon die but the engine will now be cleared of fuel and will start properly with the throttle body wires re-connected.

(01/13/01) The T.B.I. is still functioning perfectly.

(01/06/02) Finally had to replace the oxygen sensor. I hasn't worked since I replaced the exhaust system. Got a new one at Kragen, Borg Warner part number 12014.

(01/17/04) It's been quite a while since I installed the Howell T.B.I. on the jeep and so far I can say that it has been a wonderful experience and I recommend this kit to anyone that wants to enjoy their jeep to it's fullest!

Here are a few pictures of the prep and install.

General install

TBI1 | TBI2 | TBI3 | TBI4 | TBI5 | TBI6 | TBI7 |TBI8 jumbo fuel filter TBI9 coolant sensor | TBI10 oxygen sensor |

TBI11 | TBI12 after | TBI13 parts removed |

Total invested so far:

Howell supplied kit with shipping - 1238.00

Extras- Hose, clamps, misc. hardware - 121.00

Total 1359.00

If you have any questions, email me.

THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED 10/01/2006 This site is about my Jeep. My goal is to help you to better your Jeep through my experience. Thanks for visiting..... Trailhed.com

JEEP PARTS FOR SALE

DISCLAIMER: Any usage or adaptation of any or all of the information provided here or on any or all of my web pages is purely at your own risk. You must take into account your own circumstances and vehicle requirements when attempting to utilize any or all of the information provided on any or all of my web pages. I assume no liability or responsibility for any results, damage, or unforeseen circumstances related in any way to the usage or adaptation of any or all of the aforementioned information. Enjoy

VIDEO

Steamboat geothermal Home Page

GUEST BOOK

VIEW

SIGN