There's a new EFI system on the scene that combines the dead-solid reliability of the Ford Mustang 5.0 electronic engine controller (EEC), a lightly modified carburetor intake manifold, and a twist of LS1 to deliver excellent driveability, extreme horsepower potential and improved fuel economy. And it hides in plain sight under the carburetor-type air cleaner of your choice. It's called the MASS-Flo EFI system by Quality Roadsters.
As the manufacturer's name suggests, the MASS-Flo system was designed for use on fiberglass Cobra replicas whose owners want the hassle-free reliability of 5.0 Mustang power but don't want the buzz-killing looks of the Mustang's EFI intake plenum when the front-hinged bonnet is raised.
The Quality Roadsters MASS-Flo system without the mass-air meter.
QR founder, Chris Richards, figured out what it would take to stuff all the benefits of the Ford-based EFI system into a low profile package that fits beneath the popular cast aluminum Cobra air filter housing and came up with the MASS-Flo system. But Richards is a hot rodder so appearances are only half of the MASS-Flo story. By replacing the stock Mustang induction (which Ford designed for torque production, not high rpm horsepower) with a free flowing single plane manifold and 1,000-cfm throttle-body, the system easily supports 2 horsepower per cubic inch.
We drove it and it's a winner. Thanks to a full complement of box-stock Ford electronics, sensors and wiring harness (all included in the MASS-Flo kit), you turn the key and hit the road without any laptop fiddling or dial twisting. Our 347-cube Cobra demonstrator started instantly, idled smoothly in traffic, and cruised without hiccups. But when the throttle hit the floor, the greatly enhanced breathing put us back in the seat and allowed 6,500-rpm powershifts like no stock Mustang intake can deliver.
Look close and you can see the fuel rails that give away the fact there's EFI in this Cobra, but it's still more "correct" than a 5.0-style long-runner intake manifold.
So, do you have to be on the Quality Roadsters Cobra replica 3-year waiting list to get a MASS-Flo system? No way. Richards packages and sells complete stand-alone systems starting at $2,870, or you can buy a changeover system for cars with existing Ford EFI for as little as $1,575.
At present, the MASS-Flo EFI system is available for Ford 302, 351W, 429, and 460 applications. Systems for Ford FE engines should be available soon. The changeover system can be installed on any 5.0 Mustang or EFI Ford for extra power (it plugs right into the stock wiring harness). You could also install the system on a vintage Mustang, Torino, Cougar, Fairlane, Falcon, Deuce, F-150, or whatever, and enjoy EFI driveability without the laptop tuning headaches common to many aftermarket systems.
The biggest news is that Richards is tooling up for Chevy small- and big-block applications, so it's pretty apparent that you'll start seeing these things hitting the street rod market. The Chevy systems will use GM mass air engine management controls, and should also be available about the time you read this.
