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What year did EFI start?


Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) revolutionized the automotive industry by improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing engine performance. But when exactly did this groundbreaking technology make its debut? Let’s explore the history of EFI and its introduction to the automotive world.


The Early Beginnings of Fuel Injection


Fuel injection systems have been around in some form since the early 1900s, primarily used in aircraft engines. However, these early systems were mechanical rather than electronic. The transition to electronic fuel injection began in the mid-20th century, driven by the need for more precise fuel delivery and better engine control.


The Introduction of EFI in Automobiles


Electronic Fuel Injection was first introduced in production vehicles in the late 1950s. The 1957 AMC Rambler Rebel is often credited as one of the first cars to feature an electronic fuel injection system, though it was offered only as a limited option. This early EFI system was developed by Bendix and was called the Electrojector. However, due to reliability issues, it was not widely adopted at the time.


EFI Gains Traction in the 1970s and 1980s


EFI began to gain widespread use in the 1970s and 1980s, as stricter emissions regulations and the oil crisis pushed automakers to develop more efficient and cleaner technologies. Bosch, a German engineering company, played a significant role in advancing EFI technology with its D-Jetronic system, introduced in 1967, and later the L-Jetronic system in the 1970s.


Why EFI Became the Standard


By the 1980s and 1990s, EFI had become the standard in most vehicles due to its numerous advantages over carburetors. These advantages include:



  • Improved fuel efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

  • Lower emissions, helping vehicles meet environmental regulations.

  • Better engine performance and smoother operation.

  • Enhanced reliability and reduced maintenance compared to carburetors.


Conclusion


While the concept of fuel injection dates back to the early 20th century, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) began its journey in the automotive world in the late 1950s. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s, however, that EFI became a mainstream technology, transforming the way engines operate and setting the stage for modern automotive advancements. Today, EFI is a cornerstone of automotive engineering, ensuring vehicles are more efficient, powerful, and environmentally friendly than ever before.


Frequently Asked Questions

What year did Honda start EFI?


1982
The CX500 Turbo (a 500cc export model) was the first Honda motorcycle to be sold with fuel injection, in 1982.



What was the first car with EFI?


In 1958, the Chrysler 300D, DeSoto Adventurer, Dodge D-500 and Plymouth Fury offered the Electrojector system, becoming the first cars known to use an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system.



When did GM stop using carburetors?


FWIW, the last GM carbureted engine was built in 1990.



What year did Chevy start using EFI?


The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Super Sport that General Motors proudly paraded around the show circuit nearly 65 years ago was no ordinary Corvette. It was, in fact, a game changer—the first to feature high-performance Ramjet fuel injection.



Is a 1987 Ford F150 fuel injected?


Powertrain and chassis. In a move to further update the F-Series engine lineup, the 4.9 L inline-6 was converted to fuel injection for 1987.



What year did dirt bikes get EFI?


Fuel injection first found its way into production on a mainstream motocross machine in 2008, when Suzuki made it part of the RM-Z 450. Yes, other, smaller brands tried it, like the Cannondale of the late 1990s, but Suzuki was the first to add EFI to a proven platform.



When did EFI become standard?


The first examples started to appear in the 1950s. By the 1970s, fuel injection was appearing in mainstream cars. Since the mid-1990s, it has been impossible to buy a new car without fuel injection in Europe (all newly introduced engines have had to be fuel injected from 1992).



What was the first EFI vehicle?


Electrojector
In 1958, the Chrysler 300D, DeSoto Adventurer, Dodge D-500 and Plymouth Fury offered the Electrojector system, becoming the first cars known to use an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system.



When did Toyota go to EFI?


Engines

YearTechnology developed and applied
1967Twin-cam Type 3M engine developed
1971Sintered-alloy valve seats adopted in the Type 4M engine
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) system adopted in the 18R-E engine
1973Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system adopted in the 18R-C engine



What year did the F150 get EFI?


For 1984, a high-output version of the 5.8L V8 was introduced. The 5.0L V8 was fitted with fuel injection as standard equipment for 1986, becoming the first fuel-injected engine in an American-market pickup truck. The 4.9L was fuel injected on 1987 models.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.