Howell TBI: Air intake install and C.A.R.B concerns

[Techlight]

Hi All,

So i bit the bullet on a TBI kit and have been prepping the Jeep for it when it gets here tomorrow. Hopefully I wont run into too many issues installing it.

I've been trying to find a air cleaner assembly but I'm not sure what will get me past smog here in CA. I know the kit is CARB certed but it doesn't come with an air filter assembly. Does anyone have any experience with this here in CA? The instructions list quite a few options but none of them have a CARB number. Maybe I'm missing something. Anyone know if I can just slap a round air cleaner on there and be good? Assuming I use one listed from my instructions from Howell...

Any help would be great. Links to products would also be great. I was trying to spend around 100 bucks but I guess if I have to I can buy some expensive intake.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Torxhead]

I did see once where a guy reworked the oem air cleaner so he could use the fresh air intake. There are air cleaner suggestions in the Howell instructions, I use the 9" diameter K&N with a 3" air filter so it clears the power brake unit. Whatever you use will require the hose from the rear of the valve cover to go into the air cleaner like the oem air filter did. Since I installed my kit, I have had no problems passing smog. When setting mine up, I did look for all the help I could get in the form of what guys put in the net. One thing I did was to run the alternator "Sense" wire to the hot line on the gas gauge. This allowed full charging voltage to the Howell fuses under the dash along with the fuel pump. So when the vehicle is running I get 14.5 volts thru out the vehicle. What the smog man does is look at the C.A.R.B. #s on the yellow sticker an works with those.

 

[Techlight]

I'll order the 9" if it clears everything and will get me passed smog. I just wasn't sure how the smog peeps dealt with everything. I didn't want to drop a hundred bucks and still be stuck with something that kept my jeep in the driveway for another week or so.

I will i say it felt great to junk all those vacuum lines and pull that carb off my motor haha. Cant wait to get it finished and drive it. I'm sure it will be like night and day. One hopes anyway...

Thanks Torx...appreciate it

 

[Torxhead]

For me changing over to f.i. was a whole new can of worms. If you can get a larger air filter to fit, I would suggest going for it. I had a 2" tall filter and it still needed more air, just going to a 3" made a difference. Also set up a location just behind the t.b.i. for a fuel pressure gauge. The fuel pressure can be adjusted somewhat at a location under the t.b.i. between the inlet and return fuel lines with a screwdriver. I have heard it is best to go to a CS style alternator as it provides a better charging rate than the SI style which is oem. Especially if you have the small 40 amp version as you now have to keep an electric fuel pump running.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Go to a referee station and ask. They will be able to hand you a print-out of what you are allowed to use.
Good luck,
LG

 

[Techlight]

To update:

The install was pretty straight forward. I did freak out a little and just stare at the wires after I cut the loom open haha. After that I just started cutting per the instructions and was good to go. I did 12 hours on Saturday and another 6 on a Sunday and it was done. This includes some driving around for parts time and a few shoot the **** breaks with my neighbor.

The 9" K&N (part # in the Howell manual) went right in. Thanks for all the suggestions. They didn't even blink at the smog shop. Just asked for my CARB sticker and traced a few lines. Passed fine on the dino and I was good to go.

It's a completely different Jeep with the TBI on there. Have to be a bit careful on the throttle lol or I"m chirping through gears. I did have this fiasco the following weekend where I went to peel out (I know I know...shouldn't tempt fate but I was showing off for the kids) and snapped my drive shaft literally in half . Fixed that the next day, and won't be doing that again haha. You can call me techlight-foot from now on

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Great news!
With this change. Will you have to go to a referee station before your next SMOG test?
The OEM, D/Ss are very thin walled and doesn't take much to twist or bend.
LG

 

[Techlight]

Hey LG. I was due for a smog and couldn't get the jeep passed with the carburetor. After the install I went to a place I usually take it which is a test only. So no referee at all. The smog people told me I didn't have to put my sticker on either but to seal it in a bag to protect it and put it with my registration or file it and bring it with me when I smog. Completely painless really.


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[Techlight]

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[Lumpy Grits]

Hey LG. I was due for a smog and couldn't get the jeep passed with the carburetor. After the install I went to a place I usually take it which is a test only. So no referee at all. The smog people told me I didn't have to put my sticker on either but to seal it in a bag to protect it and put it with my registration or file it and bring it with me when I smog. Completely painless really.


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That's great
Glad things work'd out so well .
After my last SMOG test. I had to replace the 4"&10" vacuum switches on the firewall. What a PITA to find them.
Nice DS
Your run'n the same muffler I have had in mine, for the last 20 yrs.
LG