TBI 454 vs. TBI 383

[JCampbell]

Just pondering a few things and seeking a little input...

Looking to get a little more juice out of my daily driver '88 K20 Suburban and I'm undecided between building a TBI 383 or swapping in a TBI 454.

Not looking for crazy HP numbers, just looking for a little more oopmh for towing and a little more giddy-up for the green light.

Seems like a 454 would be a little easier from a swap perspective, meaning I could pick up a donor rig and swap everything over. Whereas the 383 would involve some trial and error as far as TBI tunability goes.

Any thoughts?

[Edahall]

Get a 454 or better yet a 502, but be prepared to pay at the pump.

[ericjon262]

tuning is all about the right tools, look into one of these

http://www.dynamicefi.com/EBL_Flash.php

I've got one for my 454 and it's pretty nice.

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Visit www.tbichips.com He can burn you a new chip and give good recommendations for a 383 build up.

[andrewmp6]

I would use the 454 it will be harder on fuel but will handle a load better,But have you thought about a diesel tho?The old 6.2/6.5 will pretty much bolt in and have enough power to tow with.Or money is no problem a 12 valve cummins can be a monster if built up.

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I would use the 454 it will be harder on fuel but will handle a load better,But have you thought about a diesel tho?The old 6.2/6.5 will pretty much bolt in and have enough power to tow with.Or money is no problem a 12 valve cummins can be a monster if built up.

Yup, a built up Cummins 6BT would be nice but probably the most expensive option. That's what I did with my 1990 Suburban. However, fuel mileage literally doubled so now is payback time.

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I would use the 454 it will be harder on fuel but will handle a load better,But have you thought about a diesel tho?The old 6.2/6.5 will pretty much bolt in and have enough power to tow with.

I’ve done a little research and I’m leaning more towards the 454 as well. I’m aware of the fuel consumption (this isn’t my first big block). However, when you compare the RPMs each engine will be turning to produce comparable torque numbers, I have a hard time believing that a 383 is going to net any significant increase in mileage.

Not interested in diesel.

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by ericjon262

tuning is all about the right tools, look into one of these

http://www.dynamicefi.com/EBL_Flash.php

I've got one for my 454 and it's pretty nice.

That's pretty cool. User friendly?

[ericjon262]

I really like mine, it also has a lean cruise mode that can be enabled that adds about 1.5 mpg. it's pretty easy to use, and Bob R. is a really great guy to do business with.

[JCampbell]

Nice. I'll look into it.

[rfmaster]

Originally Posted by JCampbell

That's pretty cool. User friendly?

JC

Drop me a line - I use EBL on all of my conversions (305/350/383). and yes it is friendly, but there is a learning curve involved.....

//RF

[JCampbell]

Will do.

[SSC's76]

454 will be better choice. I would not put the 383 back in my truck for any reason besides it suits the wifes apollo alot better. Her car is just evil quick one day i will convert it to power steering and have some fun. I use mine to pull and I have flat smoked power strokes and cummins up mountain passes with equal loads. loaded on the highway I get 17 mpg and that is no joke. By loaded I mean A bed full of camping goods and a pop up trailer. If I stay right at 65 it seems to do the best. funny unloaded I only get mid 15 but I do tend to drive more at 75. The bb just seems to not work as hard as the 383 did and the 383 was pushing a tad more power. City mileage is not to bad granted that is the one area where the sb ate less fuel but nothing to noticeable unless gas keeps going up in price.

[ericjon262]

Originally Posted by SSC's76

454 will be better choice. I would not put the 383 back in my truck for any reason besides it suits the wifes apollo alot better. Her car is just evil quick one day i will convert it to power steering and have some fun. I use mine to pull and I have flat smoked power strokes and cummins up mountain passes with equal loads. loaded on the highway I get 17 mpg and that is no joke. By loaded I mean A bed full of camping goods and a pop up trailer. If I stay right at 65 it seems to do the best. funny unloaded I only get mid 15 but I do tend to drive more at 75. The bb just seems to not work as hard as the 383 did and the 383 was pushing a tad more power. City mileage is not to bad granted that is the one area where the sb ate less fuel but nothing to noticeable unless gas keeps going up in price.

how are you calculating fuel mileage? every BB truck owner I know is under 14 MPG, my dually gets 9 MPG on the flat ground of FL, unloaded, drafting an 18 wheeler.

Edit: and that's maintaining 55-65 MPH

[USSkoval]

Originally Posted by ericjon262

how are you calculating fuel mileage? every BB truck owner I know is under 14 MPG, my dually gets 9 MPG on the flat ground of FL, unloaded, drafting an 18 wheeler.

Edit: and that's maintaining 55-65 MPH

It seems the truck in question may be a little half ton short bed, I can see where 17mpg may be possible. My 454 Burb has seen 13 mpg... loaded with a wife and five kids, luggage and tools, all while going 75 mph down the highway, with a lot of that being in the mountains.