When did Ford start electronic fuel injection?
Milestones in Ford's EFI timeline
Below are the key milestones that mark Ford's transition from carbureted to electronically controlled fuel delivery.
- 1983 model year: First production electronic fuel injection appears on select Ford engines, using throttle-body injection (TBI) to replace carburetors in some V8 configurations.
- Mid-to-late 1980s: Introduction of multi-point fuel injection (SEFI) on more engines as the EEC (now EEC-IV) computer matured, improving atomization and emissions control.
- Late 1980s through the 1990s: EFI becomes widespread across Ford’s passenger cars and light trucks; emissions standards drive broader adoption, with sequential injection and the transition toward more advanced diagnostics (culminating in the mid-1990s with the move to OBD-II by 1996).
Impact on performance and reliability
Electronic fuel injection brought more precise fuel metering, improved cold-start performance, and lower emissions compared with carburetors. Ford’s EFI also enabled onboard diagnostics and easier maintenance through computerized control, aiding compliance with tightening emissions standards during the 1980s and 1990s.
Today, Ford uses increasingly advanced EFI systems that combine port/sequential injection with direct injection in many modern engines, especially in EcoBoost and other contemporary powertrains. The core principle—electronic control of fuel delivery—remains the foundation of Ford’s combustion technology.
Summary
Ford began EFI in the early 1980s, with the first production EFI engines appearing in 1983. Over the next decade, the company moved from throttle-body injection to multi-point and sequential injection, achieving broad adoption across its lineup by the mid-to-late 1990s. This shift reduced emissions, improved fuel economy, and paved the way for today’s sophisticated engine-management systems.
What year did Ford trucks stop using carburetors?
Ford trucks stopped using carburetors at different times for different models, with the phase-out occurring mostly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For the Ford F-Series, this transition was completed by the 1988 model year for all engine options, while some other models like the 460 V8 were carbureted through the 1987 model year before switching to fuel injection in 1988.
- F-Series (5.0L V8): Converted to fuel injection for the 1986 model year.
- F-Series (4.9L inline-six): Converted to fuel injection for the 1987 model year.
- F-Series (5.8L and 7.5L V8s): Converted to fuel injection for the 1988 model year.
- 460 V8: Offered with a carburetor for the 1987 model year, and fuel injection in 1988.
- F-Series (up to 11,000 lb): The last models were carbureted through 1987.
- F-Series (motorhome chassis): Some models continued with carburetors up to the 1992 model year.
Which F-150 years are worth avoiding?
2004-2008
We recommend avoiding 2004-2008 F150 models due to spark plug ejection issues with the 5.4L V8 engine. The 2015-2016 models, while not bad, had some early aluminum body production quirks that Ford resolved in later years. Always research specific model years and have any used truck inspected before purchase.
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.
When did Ford start using EFI?
Ford began using electronic fuel injection (EFI) in the early 1980s, starting with the 1983 Escorts and 2.3-liter Mustangs and Thunderbirds, and making it standard on V6 and V8 engines in 1986. In trucks, fuel injection was introduced with the 1985 5.0L engine, followed by the 4.9L in 1987 and the 351W and 460 in 1988.
Early adoption
- 1983: Ford offered its first multi-port fuel injection (MFI) on the 1.6-liter Escorts and the 2.3-liter Mustangs and Thunderbirds.
- 1984: The company introduced its first Central Fuel Injection (CFI) on the 3.8L V6 and 302 V8 engines.
- 1985: Fuel injection came to the 5.0L V8 engine in trucks, making it the first fuel-injected engine in an American pickup.
Standardization
- 1986: Multi-port fuel injection (MFI) became the standard system for all of Ford's V6 and V8 engines.
- 1987: Fuel injection became standard on the 4.9L inline-6 engine in trucks.
- 1988: Fuel injection was introduced for the 351W and 460 V8 engines.
