Edelbrock Performer Multipoint EFI

Does your 350-powered '87-'95 Chevy/GMC SUV or pickup need a shot in the arm? Are those pesky new Vortecs and Gen IIIs embarrassing your once-mighty 5.7L TBI powerplant? Edelbrock has the fix in the form of the Performer Multipoint EFI system (PN 3502 for '87-'92 model years, PN 3501 for '93-'95 model years). Also available for 454 applications, Edelbrock's nifty kit is a simple bolt-on swap that'll unleash plenty of newfound power and even a dab of fuel economy -- if you can manage to keep your foot out of it.

We took a trip to the Edelbrock R&D lab to examine the finer points of the small-block Performer Multipoint EFI system. After taking it all in and reviewing some dyno data, the Edelbrock Multipoint EFI System looks like an inexpensive way to add some new zest to the TBI-equipped, small-block Chevy engines.

Though the kit is complete, you'll need to upgrade the vehicle fuel system to supply the MPI system's 42-psi (at WOT, 35 psi in cruise mode) requirement. Stock pressure is 15 psi. All the hoses and fittings are included but not the pump, though Edelbrock offers pumps PN 3581 (in-tank mounted for single-tank vehicles) and PN 3590 (frame-mounted for dual-tank vehicles). These application-specific pumps are sold separately because including both in the kit would be cost prohibitive. Also, the stock computer chip must be replaced. Just fill out the enclosed chip information card and mail it to Edelbrock. The company will burn a chip to suit your needs and deliver it free of charge to your door via UPS Second Day air. The whole multipoint swap is an easy weekend job as long as you have the pump and chip details handled beforehand.

Here's the in-tank fuel pump and strainer for single-tank vehicles (PN 3581). The new fuel pump easily piggybacks onto the existing wiring via the supplied mini-harness. The fuel tank must be removed for pump installation, a task owners of dual-tank vehicles are spared.	A comparison of the pre-plumbed Edelbrock single-plane intake manifold (bottom) and the dual-plane stocker (top) clearly illustrates the superior breathing ability of the upgrade.	Edelbrock design engineers and dyno technicians labored extensively to arrive at the ideal injector mounting position. The fuel spray targets the backs of the intake valves.
Revolutionary 20.5-lb/hr Magnetti Marelli Pico fuel injectors are less than half the size of traditional injectors. The small size allows compact packaging and low-profile fuel rails without compromising fuel delivery capacity.	Here is the stock GM wet-flow throttle body. The dual injectors spray fuel above the throttle blades, a less than ideal scenario because the fuel droplets cannot mix evenly throughout the air stream. It works about as well as a carburetor but is ripe for improvement.	The genius of Edelbrock's conversion process involves converting the existing throttle body from wet flow to dry flow. It takes minutes to do the job on the workbench. Here, the stock injectors are removed.
The kit supplies a steel block-off plate that seals the air inlet area from leaks after the air cleaner is reinstalled. Be sure to treat the factory throttle-body gasket with care because you'll reuse it.	If the stock EGR valve functions properly, it is reused. If it is stuck, buy a stock replacement from the local parts store. The Edelbrock Performer Multipoint EFI systems are 50-state emissions legal.	Even more performance is possible when the stock exhaust manifolds (top) are replaced with Edelbrock. 50-state-legal steel tube headers. Stainless and heavy-gauge mild-steel tubes are offered for most popular light-truck and SUV applications.
Here's a complete MPFI installation in a '92 Suburban plus the Edelbrock Power Package head, cam, and exhaust upgrade kit. This truck makes 266.5 hp and 324 lb-ft. That's almost 40 percent more horsepower than stock, and it's totally legal.	Compare the bone-stock TBI motor on the inset to the MPFI conversion at left. Check out the Dyno Data chart to see how it all stacks up.