How Much Does EFI Cost?

It depends on what “EFI” refers to. For cars, an electronic fuel injection (EFI) retrofit kit typically costs about $900–$2,500 for parts, with professional installation and tuning bringing the total to roughly $1,800–$5,000. In computing, EFI/UEFI firmware comes bundled with the motherboard at no extra charge. In commercial printing, EFI/Fiery digital front ends range widely—from several hundred dollars for software options to $2,000–$20,000+ for external servers. Below is a breakdown so you can match the price to the context you mean.

What Do You Mean by “EFI”?

The acronym “EFI” is used in multiple industries. In automotive, it usually means electronic fuel injection systems or retrofit kits. In computing, it often refers to the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI), now standardized as UEFI, which is the firmware your PC or Mac uses to boot. In commercial and production print, EFI is also the name behind Fiery digital front ends (DFEs) and workflow software used to drive printers. Each use case has very different cost implications.

Automotive: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Costs

Typical Parts Pricing

For converting a carbureted engine to EFI or replacing/augmenting an existing system, the cost depends on the type of kit and engine output. Here are common categories and price ranges as of 2025.

• Throttle-body injection (TBI) retrofit kits: approximately $900–$1,700 for base kits; $1,300–$2,200 for “master” kits that include fuel system components.
• Multi-port injection (MPI) kits (e.g., performance or crate-engine solutions): roughly $1,500–$3,000+, depending on manifold compatibility and included sensors/ECU.
• Standalone ECUs/engine management (AEM, Haltech, Holley HP/Dominator, etc.): about $900–$2,500 for the controller; harnesses, sensors, and additional hardware can add $300–$1,200.
• Ancillary fuel-system parts (high-pressure pump, regulator, filters, lines, tank mods): typically $300–$900, depending on flow needs and vehicle layout.
• Wideband O2 sensor/controller (often included): $100–$250 when purchased separately.

Most street builds land in the lower-to-mid ends of these ranges, while high-horsepower or custom applications trend higher due to added components and calibration needs.

Installation, Tuning, and Total Out-of-Pocket

Labor and tuning can equal or exceed the parts cost, especially on complex builds. Expect the following in most U.S. markets in 2025.

• Installation labor: 8–15 hours for TBI kits; 12–25 hours for MPI or custom systems. At $100–$150/hour, that’s roughly $800–$3,750.
• Dyno or road tuning: $300–$900 for initial calibration; more for forced-induction or race applications.
• Incidental fabrication/wiring: $100–$500 if brackets, return lines, or harness work are needed.
• Total typical project cost: around $1,800–$5,000 for a straightforward TBI conversion; $3,000–$7,000 for MPI or advanced systems, depending on parts, labor rates, and tuning time.

If you’re comfortable with DIY installation and basic calibration, you can save substantially, but plan extra time for troubleshooting and data-logging.

Ongoing Costs and Considerations

EFI often improves drivability, cold starts, and fuel economy, but there are maintenance and regulatory considerations to factor in.

• Maintenance: periodic fuel filter changes; occasional sensor replacement (e.g., O2) every few years depending on usage and fuel quality.
• Fuel economy: modest gains are common vs. carburetors when tuned properly; results vary by engine and driving style.
• Emissions/inspection: check local rules—some jurisdictions require EO-certified kits for road use.
• Support and updates: premium systems may offer firmware updates and better logging/diagnostics, which can save time and money long term.

For most drivers seeking reliability and consistency, EFI provides a strong value proposition over time despite higher upfront costs.

Computing: EFI/UEFI Firmware Costs

In the PC world, EFI (UEFI) is the boot firmware built into your motherboard. It is included in the price of the hardware, so there’s no separate line-item cost for EFI itself.

• Motherboards (with UEFI): roughly $80–$500+ depending on features and chipset.
• Related security features (Secure Boot, TPM): typically included; standalone TPM modules, when needed, run about $15–$50.
• Enterprise management: costs are tied to platform management suites or OS licensing, not UEFI itself.

If you encounter “EFI password” or “firmware lock” issues on Macs or PCs, resolution costs are tied to service policies or board replacements—not the firmware license.

Commercial Printing: EFI/Fiery Digital Front Ends

In print production, EFI (the company) is associated with Fiery digital front ends (DFEs) and workflow tools. Prices vary by printer model, throughput needs, and whether you choose embedded or external servers.

• Embedded Fiery options (add-on kits licensed through the printer vendor): commonly $500–$3,000.
• External Fiery servers (hardware DFEs for higher volume/color-critical work): about $2,000–$20,000+, scaling with CPU/GPU, RAM, and feature packs.
• Workflow software and options (imposition, color management, automation): ranges from several hundred dollars one-time to recurring subscriptions; exact pricing depends on edition and seats.

Because Fiery configurations are tightly coupled to specific press models and duty cycles, accurate quotes usually come via the printer OEM or an authorized Fiery reseller.

How to Pin Down Your EFI Cost

Given the acronym’s multiple meanings, the fastest way to get a solid number is to define the context and gather a few targeted quotes.

1. Specify the domain: automotive (vehicle/year/engine/output), computing (motherboard/system), or printing (press model/workflow needs).
2. List required features: for cars, TBI vs. MPI and horsepower goals; for printing, color management and automation; for PCs, security/management needs.
3. Request itemized estimates: parts, labor, tuning/calibration, and any ongoing software or service fees.
4. Compare support and update policies: firmware/software updates and tech support can affect total cost of ownership.

A clear scope helps vendors price accurately and helps you avoid surprise add-ons later.

Summary

“EFI” pricing hinges on context. Automotive EFI retrofits typically run $900–$2,500 for parts, or $1,800–$5,000+ installed and tuned, with higher totals for advanced systems. In computing, UEFI firmware is bundled with the motherboard at no extra cost. In production print, EFI/Fiery solutions range from hundreds for software options to $2,000–$20,000+ for external servers. Define your use case, features, and support expectations to get an accurate quote.

How often do you need EFI service?

every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
It’s important to service them at least every 30,000 to 50,000 miles– to ensure they run as efficiently as possible. However, operating under harsh conditions where the engine doesn’t favor too often or using cheap oil could lead to more frequent fuel injection system servicing.

How much is an EFI service?

Based on our research, the price is usually between $150 and $200, and when combined with a throttle body cleanout, it may have a bundled price of around $250 or $300.

How much does EFI fuel injection cost?

An EFI conversion generally costs $950 and includes our fuel rails (#8, or #10) cut, tapped, and machined for your injectors, stanchions to mount the fuel rails, injector bungs and their proper placement, and the welding + labor to get it all on there.

Is fuel injection worth it?

Because a fuel injection system can more precisely control the air to fuel ratio, it results in a more efficient use of fuel, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions. The electronic system can constantly tweak the balance depending on the engine’s needs, resulting in less wasted energy and better fuel efficiency.