Want to maximize your fuel delivery and automation? Upgrading your fuel injector is the best way. The use of fuel injectors is to provide cleaner air and precise air to fuel ratios. However, if done incorrectly, it can give opposite results. The cost of selecting the wrong fuel injector or upgrading it incorrectly is not worth it.
For some people, a stock engine’s power is sufficient whereas others keep looking for better and improved ways to enhance the performance. If you’re one of the latter, this article is for you!
Before upgrading fuel injectors, it is indispensable to gain an insight into how the fuel delivery system works. So, we will help you understand the purpose of fuel injectors, things to keep in mind while selecting one, and what exactly happens when you hit the throttle.
What Is An Air-Fuel Ratio?
As the name suggests, the air-fuel ratio is the ratio between the amount of air entering the engine to the amount of fuel used during combustion. In other words, it is the magic happening inside the combustion engine.
The 3 types of recommended combinations created by laboratory testing are as follows:
- Maximum engine power: achieved when the AFR is 12.6:1
- Perfect combustion (no pollution): achieved when the AFR is 14.7:1
- Best fuel economy: achieved when the AFR is 15.4:1
Still, perplexed about what this ratio has gotten to do with your fuel injector? Well, let us first understand the science behind the air to fuel ratio.
When installing an engine upgrade like the turbocharger, you inevitably increase the amount of air entering the engine. To maintain the right balance, you are supposed to compensate for the air increment by adjusting the amount of fuel.
In simple words, performance upgrade or power enhancement creates more air which in turn requires more fuel to achieve proper combustion. Bigger or upgraded injectors allow you to make up the difference in fuel being delivered while keeping your AFR accurate.
What Are Fuel Injector Upgrades?
A fuel injector upgrade is a process that includes replacing the stock injectors with a fresh set of injectors that deliver a higher flow rate. For instance, a Ford Mustang with a 4.6-liter engine has great stock fuel injectors.
They're capable enough to produce an accurate amount of fuel to the stock engine under any circumstances whatsoever. Now, imagine the same engine with a supercharger attached to it. Stock fuel injectors won’t be able to serve the purpose of supplying enough fuel. If the amount of air entering inside the combustion chamber increases, there has to be a change in the amount of fuel delivery.
The fuel injector set has to be chosen as per the amount of air entering the engine. Here, we’re not changing the overall air to fuel ratio. Rather, we’re trying to maintain it. An AFR of 12:6:1 facilitates maximum engine power. Installation of incorrect flow rate will hamper the overall performance.
High fuel injectors like the 2005-2021 Mustang GT Fuel Injector Clinic 1650cc High-Z Fuel Injectors are the largest high impedance injectors compatible with all race fuels. Covered against failure caused by defects in original manufacture by our lifetime warranty, the injector provides excellent idle performance in street-driven cars while still providing enough fuel to support higher horsepower output on both E85 and gasoline. It is also available with the Plug and Plays Ford ECU Data at http://fuelinjectorclinic.com/FordData.
When Do I Need To Upgrade The Fuel Injector?
If at this point, you’re unsure whether or not to go for fuel injector upgrades, we’ve got you covered. Listed below are all possible cases wherein a fuel injector upgrade might be necessary.
After installing the following, a fuel injector upgrade is a mandate:
- Supercharger
- Turbocharger
- Nitrous oxide injection system (NOS)
You will require a fuel injector upgrade after the installation of the following:
- Performance exhaust headers
- Modified/Reprogrammed Electronic Control Module (ECM)
- Hi-performance cam upgrade
- Modified and/or larger diameter Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF)
You may not necessarily require a fuel injector upgrade but the upgrade can prove to be beneficial for you after installing the following:
- A low-restriction air intake system
- Enhanced intake manifold
- Performance cylinder heads
Note: Whether you need a fuel injector upgrade or not depends on multiple factors, primarily the condition of your vehicle. It is always better to consult a technician in case of any doubts.
Other Components Needed With Air Fuel Upgrades
Do you need other components along with upgrading your air-fuel injector? The answer is yes! Merely achieving the desired air-fuel ratio won’t do wonders. With that, you may need to install few other components like:
- Reprogrammed ECU / Hi-performance MAF sensor
- High flow electric fuel pump
- Adjustable fuel pressure regulator
It is so because replacing a set of the stock injector with high-performance ones does not simply double the fuel delivery. In most scenarios, high-performance injectors often exceed the flow capacity of a vehicle's stock fuel pump. This issue can only be resolved by upgrading or installing the above-mentioned components.
Maintenance of High-Performance Injectors
When investing in a high-performance injector, keeping its maintenance in mind is an intelligent move. Let’s discuss it.
It is always recommended to opt for professional fuel injection system maintenance every 20,000 miles. High-performance fuel injectors require ultrasonic cleaning to function their best.
Note: Always be careful about choosing the right fuel injector. Using the one with the wrong capacity can be harmful to your engine.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the right fuel injector for your ride is crucial for improving your fuel system. Make sure to always make an informed decision before purchasing a high-performance fuel injector. At Mak Performance, you can browse through the best quality fuel injectors, pumps, motor kits, twin-turbo systems, and various other parts for your Mustang.