installing a 1989 350 in my 72 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cliff · 10-14-2004, 02:53 PM

hey everone, i purchased a 1989 chevrolet van with a TBI 350 that just had the upper end re-built. I am planning on doing a swap this weekend. My truck is set up for a 4-barrel and I know what is involved in changing over the intake. My question is, how hard would it be to convert my truck to run with the TBI ? What modifications have to be made ? Are there any advantages if i ran the 350 as TBI as opposed to using my 4-barrel. Which is better? Is one more powerful, better fuel economey ? thanks everyone. I need to be decided by saturday !

also what rear-end gears are in the 89 van ? it's supposed to be heavy duty... would the gears be better than the stock gears in my 72 half ton ?

Cliff

*FormerMember* · 10-14-2004, 02:56 PM

Well, the TBI will probably net you better fuel economy.
A conversion harness and a computer re-program will probably make you life much simpler.

I don't believe you can bolt a 4 barrel onto the TBI manifold. You'll need an adapter or a new manifold. Also, the 1989 heads are different, so to use your carb manifold, you'll have to wallow out the holes. The heads use an straight bolt location, which is a wee bit different.

10-14-2004, 02:53 PM	#1
Cliff Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 291	installing a 1989 350 in my 72 hey everone, i purchased a 1989 chevrolet van with a TBI 350 that just had the upper end re-built. I am planning on doing a swap this weekend. My truck is set up for a 4-barrel and I know what is involved in changing over the intake. My question is, how hard would it be to convert my truck to run with the TBI ? What modifications have to be made ? Are there any advantages if i ran the 350 as TBI as opposed to using my 4-barrel. Which is better? Is one more powerful, better fuel economey ? thanks everyone. I need to be decided by saturday ! also what rear-end gears are in the 89 van ? it's supposed to be heavy duty... would the gears be better than the stock gears in my 72 half ton ? Cliff __________________ 1972 Custom deluxe 305/350 C/10 8-foot bed with 1/4 inch diamond plate steel bed floor. Last edited by Cliff; 10-14-2004 at 03:04 PM. Reason: wanted to make an addition

10-14-2004, 02:56 PM	#2
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Well, the TBI will probably net you better fuel economy. A conversion harness and a computer re-program will probably make you life much simpler. I don't believe you can bolt a 4 barrel onto the TBI manifold. You'll need an adapter or a new manifold. Also, the 1989 heads are different, so to use your carb manifold, you'll have to wallow out the holes. The heads use an straight bolt location, which is a wee bit different.



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