AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => Fuel Systems. => Topic started by: abzman on April 04, 2018, 12:48:27 PM

Title: New fuel system options (which carb/TBI do I choose)
Post by: abzman on April 04, 2018, 12:48:27 PM
It has reached a point where I need to rebuild/replace my fuel and air delivery system for this stock 1984 eagle with a 258 in it. Originally I had a problem with stalling before the vehicle is completely warmed up (idle tubes?), and now after winter (not driving it for quite some time) the carb's not passing fuel at all (because I let it sit for six months).  My options are these:


Anyone have advice or personal experiences with these options? I am leaning toward the ebay TBI kit for the ease of installation/finding parts but with the holley being not significantly more expensive that seems like a better option.  In the mean time I think I'll try rebuilding a carb but that will not be the final solution for this vehicle while I own it. 
Title: Re: New fuel system options (which carb/TBI do I choose)
Post by: mudkicker715 on April 04, 2018, 01:11:52 PM
I would keep it simple and stick with the carter.
Title: Re: New fuel system options (which carb/TBI do I choose)
Post by: AMC of Houston on April 04, 2018, 04:14:14 PM
Ditto on keeping the BBD.   Rebuild it correctly - drill out the idle bleed tubes, and get the metering rod and acc pump height adjustments dead-nuts-on (they are very picky about those adjustments); and your fuel system will be a happy camper!
Title: Re: New fuel system options (which carb/TBI do I choose)
Post by: vangremlin on April 04, 2018, 10:12:46 PM
I am currently switching to #6 after previously installing #4 about 8-9 years ago.  The Motorcraft carb has been pretty decent but I've had some funky things going on lately that I believe are related to the carb and I just don't want to deal with it anymore.  And one thing I like about the TBI package off of eBay is that it comes with the distributor and the computer controls the timing.  I think that will be really beneficial for me when I head up to the mountains, since I live in Denver.   And since I use the car as a semi-daily driver, the easy start up and driveability are really attractive to me.  And if you're not in a big hurry, the supplier on eBay usually runs a $100 off Black Friday deal right after Thanksgiving every year. 

Good luck with whichever option you choose!
Title: Re: New fuel system options (which carb/TBI do I choose)
Post by: amarshall on April 05, 2018, 10:30:12 PM
I've done the Motorcraft conversion.  I don't have much experience with the Carter.  Mine was pretty poor when I got my car, and lots of the vaccuum stuff was already missing.  I had a lot of stalling, idle would wander, etc.  To me, for the $350 or so it cost to change, the process was pretty simple.  I've done about 4000 miles since then, either highway or off-road on dirt.  Average MPG has been around 12, but I have large tires for an Eagle, 235/75-15's.  I probably need to re-jet the carb, there might be a few MPG in there still.
Title: Re: New fuel system options (which carb/TBI do I choose)
Post by: Draekon on April 06, 2018, 07:13:28 PM
I swapped to a Motorcraft several years ago but could never get it tuned quite right for the Eagle. I ended up buying a reman Carter (without a stepper motor) and it works so much better. My vote is for rebuilding a carter.