Video: 1966 Chevelle Gets Holley Terminator EFI Conversion

In this relatively short video put together by Hagerty classic auto insurance, we see Matt Lewis and Davin Reckow install and test a Holley Terminator electronic fuel injection system. The quick and easy install paired with the stunning performance improvements really grabbed our attention. We wanted to know more about this system, and what Holley was up to, so we contacted them and got some more information.

We talked to Bill Tichnor  at Holley, and the first thing we asked about, was the performance improvement. Davin’s 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS saw significant improvements in every measurable aspect of performance: a 9-percent boost of horsepower, an 11-percent increase of torque, and a 25-percent improvement in fuel economy. We asked Bill if those results were normal with the Terminator kit. “Typically we see improvements,” he tells us. “Although it isn’t always that significant, performance generally does get better with the EFI system. The reason for that is partially because of the way this particular EFI system works.

The complete Holley Terminator EFI system.

“The EFI system is constantly checking the O2 levels and keeping itself tuned,” Bill says. “The computer tells the fuel system how much fuel to pump in, and keeps the air/fuel ratio at optimum levels.” Using this system keeps your car tuned at all times, the computer controls make sure that whether you are idling or racing, the air/fuel ratio is optimal.

Not only does the Terminator EFI keep your car running at optimum levels and prevent cold starting issues or other trouble associated with carburetors, Holley offers a different version of this same EFI system that they call Terminator Stealth. The stealth kit functions in much the same way as the standard system, but allows you to maintain the classic look of a four barrel carburetor under your hood.

This is what the Terminator Stealth system will look like.

The video isn’t several hours long, so we don’t get to see exactly how long it takes to install, but Bill says, “give yourself a day.” The most difficult part is setting up the fuel lines and fuel pump, figuring out how to mount everything, and making it look nice. The kit is compatible with nearly ever engine delivering under 600 horsepower, as long as it has a square flange, four-barrel intake manifold.

These are some of the fuel pumps offered by Holley to compliment this EFI system.

The most important thing about installing the EFI system is to follow the instructions. According to Bill, “There are some basic things in there that are crucial. Too many car guys think they can do it without the instructions and end up causing trouble.” It’s also important to know that Holley has a great tech support line that can answer any questions that you might have during an install.

While the Terminator system supports up to roughly 600 horsepower, Holley’s soon-to-be released,  Sniper EFI system comes set up with either four or eight injectors, and can handle up to 1,200 horsepower with the eight injector variation. Set to be released at the end of March 2016, this newer fuel injection system offers more than just support potential for higher horsepower builds. It brings the possibility of fuel injection to any project car, and as Holley says, leaves money in your pocket to “finish or upgrade the rest of your ride!”

This is what the Holley Sniper EFI system will look like once it is released in early 2016.

This is what the Holley Sniper EFI system will look like once it is released in early 2016.

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About the author

Kyler Lacey

A 2015 Graduate from Whitworth University, Kyler has always loved cars. He grew up with his dad's '67 Camaro in the garage and started turning wrenches at a young age. At seventeen, he bought his first classic, a '57 Chevy Bel Air four-door, and has since added a '66 Plymouth Valiant and '97 Cadillac Deville to his collection. When he isn't writing for Power Automedia, he's out shooting pictures at car shows, hiking in the forests of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, or working on something in the garage.
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