Sniper vs. Fitech - Which is Better? The Pros and Cons of Each

DISCLAIMER: These videos show my way of doing things. Don't necessarily follow my advice, I could be wrong. You are responsible for your actions. Not me.

I get asked about this as I run one of each on my vehicles. Which do you like better? Sniper or the Fitech. They both have their pros and cons.

[mikeburnett]

I have a FiTech on my 71 big block Nova. Was on the car when I bought it. Runs great, no problems. Taking it on Power Tour next month. Wish me luck

[Bird]

Thank you for your time in putting this together, it helps to hear both sides. .

[anonymouscitizen]

Thanks for the video, you made my mind up, sticking with a regular old school carb.

[bbldb]

Bravo, good job. I’m a retired Chrysler performance technician and you are vary easy to listen too. Man you got me reminiscing. I started in 69 and did research and development till I gave up on the company. 😎 Mopar

[AmericanMuscleCarsR]

Could of taken the air filters off . Good information that makes me just stick with a good ol carburetor

[patrickbrooks]

Great video. I've been researching retro fit EFI systems for my 383 stroker. Reviews and youtube video's show they have many issues an not dependable. Very interested in the Aces Killshot however, because the ECM is external of the throttle body and they claim the ECM is more powerful and robust. You should do a review on that one next!

[daledassel]

Thanks for your input on these systems. Im building a 200 for a 62 Falcon and will be installing the Sniper 1100 full system on it. Your experience will certainly be helpful!

[howdydoo]

I ran the FiTech GoEFI 600 first on my Dodge Magnum 408 with MSD 6AL ignition. I ran the FiTech in 2019, ran OK but the ECU had extreme heat sensitivity. I went through three FiTech's before switching to Sniper. With the FiTech I had a 160 degree thermostat installed, and coolant stayed down between 145-150. FiTech didn't like that because their systems don't learn until 160. I never saw this requirement anywhere in their literature, or the FiTech, Jeg's, or Summit websites. I still can't find the 160 degree requirement published anywhere. It is necessary for learning however. I have a CAI installed pulling air from the fender well, and a 1/2" phenolic spacer. AC is gone too, so has direct air flow from the cooling fan even though it goes through the radiator first. Should have kept the ECU cool enough to prevent failures, but it did not.

On the third strike for the FiTech GoEFI 600 I switched to Sniper, and added a 180 degree thermostat. The throttle linkage on the FiTech worked out a little easier than the Sniper. I also prefer the cable for the FiTech handheld because it was easier to snake through the firewall and up onto the dash. I ran both handhelds from holders that suck down on the windshield - used a cell phone holder for the Sniper. Personally I like the Sniper software for the computer better, and was able to do a better job tuning the fuel and cold starts with it.

However! I have had 2 Sniper ECU's die, and one mechanical failure with the throttle shaft bearings. I was thinking hard about going to a carb, but I require a good TPS signal to my Mopar 46RE transmission that is controlled by E-Transcontrol. Just not much confidence in the add on TPS mechanisms. So now I have 3 strikes on Sniper, and Holley has no replacements, nor ECU's anywhere. Not Holley, Jeg's, Summit, nor Speedway. Nobody knows when these will be available again either. It is August 2022. I did purchase a 3 year warranty from Jeg's on the Sniper, so I hope that will work out in the end.

Except!!! I am now purchasing a FiTech Mean Street just to keep my truck from sitting for 3+ months. I have purchased the extended warranty from Jeg's for the Mean Street. Fortunately these replacements have been covered by warranties and help from Jeg's. I remain astounded at the lack of reliability of these units since they are all $1000 or more. Guess I'll try swapping to a 1" spacer. Don't know if an RPM Air Gap might help, but sure couldn't hurt. So, as "build it in your garage" says below, it is likely best to purchase a system that has the ECU separate so that it can be located away from the engine heat.

[coldblazinfire]

rides! I appreciate the info. Researching for my 66 Chevelle Malibu powered by a GM crate 350.

[jacklander]

I was on the fence about which one to buy... now I'm really not sure what to get haha. I like that direct ignition system I think I'm going to get that first. great video thanks

[JakeHarrington]

Sounds like you've got a good amount of knowledge on these setups! I am installing a FiTech 800hp kit on my Nova! I can't wait!

[kurtvanluven]

Riverside? I'm from San Bernardino. Not anymore though. I'll be sure whatever I buy, I'll make my own harness. As an electronics tech, I am not going to waste time with RF problems. Thanks for the video.

[Campbase]

I have thought about taking my Sniper off. Right now it just stalls once when the engine hits 160. When I smooth the tables, it runs worse. Other than that, I like that I can change timing on the fly, and control fans, and see engine temperatures, and see Rpm, and see voltage, and see mixture. Lots of advantages but its not reliable.

[nickreese]

What brand, or style of sensors did you say the Fitech uses? I would like to purchase new genuine sensors for mine.

[builditinyourgarage]

Thank you for the input on the systems. I have been looking at this as well. I also don't like the idea of the controller on the carb, that is why I am going with the Holley Terminator 4150 which has a separate controller. I would like to hear your thoughts on that over what you currently have installed. I have ran terminator controllers on several LS engines with little to no issues.

Also I think the Terminator 4150 requires a external fuel regulator, which would also solve the regulator issues you have had.

[metalbill]

I just don’t trust the failure points with these. My carburetors will always get me home. I enjoy being the ECM for my carbs.

[kevintimothyshields]

At 14:06 you refer to an "old video" with Sniper install advice. Would you kindly reply back with a link to that video? I looked in your video list and I am not finding it... many thanks in advance!

[KDTAV]

When a ECU fails what happens? First they thought it was my ECU now they think it’s the fuel pump in tank.

[daviddavid]

Side note: I'd be a lot more amenable to Holley if that hyper spark distributor wasn't so comedically expensive.

[kellvinb]

Great comparison video !
Thanks !
Very helpful