carbed v. fuel injection/'88 v. '91

[mmason]

Hey everyone,

this is my third post, and if you were to follow my posts, you'd see that I'm getting closer & closer to getting my first Festiva.

I've got two possibilities nearby. Both are 5-speeds and $850, mech nice (+/-180,000 miles), but the exteriors on both are not the best but rust-free. In other word, they're comparable.

The '88 is an "LX" (black) and the '91 is an "L" model (Teal). Obviously, I'd prefer the goodies on the "LX" (and the deletion of at least one standard - the automatic seatbelts!) but was wondering how the carbed motors compare to the Fuel injection models. is it worth it to get the '91 to avoid the carb? anything else I should consider

Any thoughts? BTW, you guys have been great. always answering my posts (two of 'em!!), and I've been reading old posts. lots of good information and overall pleasant, respectful conversations. that can't be said on all forums!

Thanks
Matt

[devon527]

You will get a lot better gas mileage with FI. And there are quite alot more motor swaps available for FI than carb. I have a 88 and absolutely love it. I drive it hard and still get about 36mpg

[Pu241]

MPG of the carb isn't that much different from the EFI.
Due to final gear ratios being pretty close.
MPG is greatly affected by driving habits.
The motor swap are easier on an EFI than a carbie.
Parts for the EFI are more readily available.
Finding some one who know how to diagnose a carbie issue is becoming difficult.
You could always do a weber carb swap if you needed to.

mmason, may I also suggest that you add your location to your profile:

Go to User CP (top of the Page in the blue bar)
Control Panel(left side of screen)
Edit Profile-scroll to bottom of page to location.

[batstiva]

My standard answer here is to always get the black one.

I currently split my driving between a carbed 89 and an EFI 90. The FI car gets better gas mileage than the carby, but only by a couple of MPGs.
We're talking 46 vs. 42 average. If I were handing out advice (seriously this time) I'd go with the FI car, if everything else is pretty much equal. My FI car is much, much quieter at highway speeds than the carbed car. If you have any thoughts at all of doing motor swaps/ upgrades, the FI platform would be a much better candidate. Just my 2 cents, tho.

Don't think you'd be disappointed with either car. After all, they're both Festivas!!!!!ccasion9:

[devon527]

Don't think you'd be disappointed with either car. After all, they're both Festivas!!!!!ccasion9:

x2! I've never had a car that is as fun as my festy, and they are EXTREMELY easy to work on! :festiva:

[NovaSS]

FI car, nothing wrong with running a carb version but if you have the choice....

[freshtiva]

Where are you located ?

[Safety Guy]

Welcome Matt!

Sorry I can't answer your question, unless it would be "get 'em both!"

Karl

[drddan]

If they are both 5 sp there will not be much difference in mileage. The 88-89 models had 4 sp tranny's, Final drive of the 4 sp is 3.85 Final drive, the 5 sp is 3.77, which drops engine rpm, about 500 RPM @ hiway speeds, thus the 5 sp will give better gas mileage. Since they both have 5 sp tranny's, MPG should be close to the same. If a swap is in your future, the FI would be the one to go with as it has the nessesary componets to run most of the swaps.
If a stock DD, then not much difference, IMO.
I am assuming the 88 has had a tranny swap to the 5 sp.

[batstiva]

Welcome Matt!

Sorry I can't answer your question, unless it would be "get 'em both!"

Karl

He makes a valid point.

[Pu241]

I am assuming the 88 has had a tranny swap to the 5 sp.

And you'd be wrong!
The LX's came with a 5spd.

[mmason]

Popular opinion seems to be leaning away from the carbie. I've added my location for those of you who are interested ... Seattle, WA. (Not really, but close enough!)

The FI model is closer to home, so that's a plus. Guess I just better make arrangements to see 'em, eh?

thanks
Matt

[JPT]

Welcome to the site.

Add me to the F.I. crowd. Lots more engine choices if you should decide to do a swap.

[devon527]

Popular opinion seems to be leaning away from the carbie. I've added my location for those of you who are interested ... Seattle, WA. (Not really, but close enough!)

The FI model is closer to home, so that's a plus. Guess I just better make arrangements to see 'em, eh?

thanks
Matt

I am in Monroe, WA so thats awsome!

[batstiva]

And you'd be wrong!
The LX's came with a 5spd.

Correct as usual. When in doubt, there's always this.

http://web.archive.org/web/20010203131900/www.fordfestiva.com/AboutFordFestiva/options.html