Carb to TBI conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jared stewart · 02-17-2004, 05:09 PM

Anybody go from Carb to TBI by stripping all the TBI components off a running truck? If so, how much trouble was it and what are some of the things to watch for. I have the intake, TB, ECM, wiring harness, and all sensors. I can't seem to sell them, so I'm going to try to put them to use. It's going on a '81 with a 350, it came off an '87 with a 350.

*1FaastC10* · 02-17-2004, 06:04 PM

im going to do the same thing with my L31 Vortec longblock. the only thing you have to watch out for with your pre-87 block/heads is the angle of the center two intake bolts, which can easily be elongated for use with the pre 86 heads.

**swervin ervin** · 02-17-2004, 06:44 PM

The intake bolt holes can be fixed, but this doesn't do anything for the mis alignment of the intake runners. Vortec heads are about 1/4" or so higher than regular heads. This will hurt performance a bunch.

Pretty shoddy way of doing something if you ask me. Buy the correct intake and do it right or leave it alone.

jared stewart · 02-17-2004, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
Vortec heads are about 1/4" or so higher than regular heads. This will hurt performance a bunch.

So you're saying the '87 heads I took the intake off of are taller and the intake won't work good on my '81 heads?

blazer boy · 02-17-2004, 07:46 PM

i'm about to do the same swap on my 85 2wd and was hoping to get some better mileage. what kind of mileage gains do you guys think i should see??? its a bone stock small block with a 700 and a 2:73 rear i'm getting 10 currently........

**swervin ervin** · 02-17-2004, 07:56 PM

No, I said Vortec heads. I was replying to Jeremy. 87 heads are not Vortec.

*1FaastC10* · 02-17-2004, 11:00 PM

Mike, i'm well aware of that which is why im running a Vortec carb intake with an adapter and TBI from a 454.

02-17-2004, 05:09 PM	#1
jared stewart Silverado Stew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ewing, MO Posts: 184	Carb to TBI conversion Anybody go from Carb to TBI by stripping all the TBI components off a running truck? If so, how much trouble was it and what are some of the things to watch for. I have the intake, TB, ECM, wiring harness, and all sensors. I can't seem to sell them, so I'm going to try to put them to use. It's going on a '81 with a 350, it came off an '87 with a 350. __________________ - 1997 3/4 Ton Ext. Cab LB 4x4 6.5L Diesel - 1979 3/4 Ton Longbed 4x4 "Farm Truck" - 1984 1/2 Ton w/ '99 Vortec 350/700R4 2x4 FOR SALE

02-17-2004, 06:44 PM	#3
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	The intake bolt holes can be fixed, but this doesn't do anything for the mis alignment of the intake runners. Vortec heads are about 1/4" or so higher than regular heads. This will hurt performance a bunch. Pretty shoddy way of doing something if you ask me. Buy the correct intake and do it right or leave it alone. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

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02-17-2004, 06:04 PM	#2
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	im going to do the same thing with my L31 Vortec longblock. the only thing you have to watch out for with your pre-87 block/heads is the angle of the center two intake bolts, which can easily be elongated for use with the pre 86 heads.

02-17-2004, 07:46 PM	#5
blazer boy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: derby ks usa Posts: 115	i'm about to do the same swap on my 85 2wd and was hoping to get some better mileage. what kind of mileage gains do you guys think i should see??? its a bone stock small block with a 700 and a 2:73 rear i'm getting 10 currently........

02-17-2004, 07:56 PM	#6
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	No, I said Vortec heads. I was replying to Jeremy. 87 heads are not Vortec.

02-17-2004, 11:00 PM	#7
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	Mike, i'm well aware of that which is why im running a Vortec carb intake with an adapter and TBI from a 454.



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