[Ecky]

I don't understand the fascination with carbs. EFI isn't necessarily more expensive or more complicated, and it's definitely more reliable outside of nuclear war.

For EFI, you need:

1. A computer - it's possible to do the processing needed on a <$10 computer so they're practically disposable

2. O2 sensor

3. Spark, be it direct ignition or distributor

4. Injectors


Some added niceties that help clean up emissions and improve efficiency/power but are not strictly necessary:

4. MAP/MAF sensor

5. Engine/coolant temperature sensor

6. TPS

7. Knock sensor


You still need a distributor with a carburetor, and I have no idea how a knock sensor would work without a computer. It's practically impossible to destroy a modern vehicle via detonation, so engines can be less overbuilt (saves on materials costs). As for tuning/tweaking AFR, it's certainly possible, it just requires a different set of tools. There are $5 bluetooth dongles on eBay that can plug into an OBD port and adjust things like timing and mixture from a cellphone or tablet, assuming manufacturers don't lock it down, which they could do with a carburetor too (something like requiring a special tool to make adjustments or gluing them down upon leaving the factory).