When did 454's get TBI?

[Leedogg]

I am again searching for a crew cab dually...and I was trying to figure out what year TBI started.

I was also wondering if there was a preferred year? and- What was the standard gear ratio?

I would imagine the newer the better....I am thinking that maybe the 91's had OD, but they are HARD to find. I plan to pull my car to/from the track and car shows. (~6000#) I would love a GV over/under, but I think I'll more likely change the gears to a hwy friendly selection.

[bigblock73]

87 I believe

[Leedogg]

Thanks Jeff- I was thinking 87- but I ran across a 85 on C/L that said it was TBI...maybe it was a transplant.

[rjn72]

87 was the first year of the tbi.

[Leedogg]

RJN- what mileage do you get? double digits or less? I am hoping for at least 10 pulling my car.

[pig rig]

they mostly cam with 4.11 gears I was getting about 10mpg when I first bought mine then I tuned it up and replaced sensors and I was geting about 11mpg empty or towing
once you get it running good and the ecm is all happy theirs lots of little tricks you can do to gget more power and help with the mpg

I was getting 16 out of mine before I started have'n engine problems and I started screwing with things that didnt need to be touched

[Tx Firefighter]

My welding rig gets 10mpg best ever, and the tune and maintenance is 100 percent perfect. I spent way over 500 bucks on the ignition and fuel system, even replaced the worn timing chain...still 10 mpg.

[Hulk Will Smash]

I'm at 7 mpg with my R30. I'd be pretty stoked at 10 mpg and if I could get 16mpg, shoot, I don't even know what to say about that! I don't konw if I could even drive it... way too economical! Way to go Matt!

I know my truck needs some attention on the engine wiring harness and throttle body. I know I'll get to it at some point... ha ha ha.

[rjn72]

I have never seen our trucks with a 454 get 16 mpg. Not to say it couldn't be done, I just haven't seen it. Mine gets about 8 but it is running a little rich and I don't drive it often. I have a four cylinder that I drive to get back and forth to work. I love my truck, but if I had to drive it I couldn't afford the gas. I think the diesels get better mileage but they don't sound as good to me lol. Of course this is just my opinion and answers from my past experiences. I had a 77 swb full time 4x4 with a 350/350 combo and I got 4miles per gallon. That was my first truck. Oh the memories, I don't remember ever having enough money to fill it up.

[Leedogg]

I am headed to NC friday with some friends(they are going to pick up a St Bernard puppy). I have 4 possible trucks en route that I am interested in. The main on being a black 89, that looks to be REAL clean. 454/400, all options work(A/C, cruise, power everything) 141k mile with a fresh trans rebuild. A 454/400 carbed 82 Burban dually. And I just found a 91 diesel with 130K miles- but no other infor- sent a messege asking for a #. Then there's a gray 89 454/400 truck in TN that will be last resort.

Will a crew dually fit on a 22' trailer? at least the wheelbase?

Wish me luck!

rjn- I just traded my 04 ext cab Silvy for the 05 Passat in my sig...in preparation of buying a dually. The TDI knocks down almost 40mpg(diesel). The dually is going to be a tow pig(for the Trans Am)/future bagged project.

[Hulk Will Smash]

I love the look of the 89-91s. Good luck on your search. My '87 is 20'3" long from bumper to bumper so I'd think a 22' trailer would be fine. Only thing I'd be concerned about is whether the outside wheelset hits the trailer fenders. But no biggies. Take them off and throw them in the bed!

Good luck!
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[nutsforchevys]

My 88 454 1 ton still has carb. It is also the 87 body style custom deluxe.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by pig rig

they mostly cam with 4.11 gears I was getting about 10mpg when I first bought mine....

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

My welding rig gets 10mpg best ever, and the tune and maintenance is 100 percent perfect. I spent way over 500 bucks on the ignition and fuel system, even replaced the worn timing chain...still 10 mpg.

If your truck is in proper tune, expect 10mpg. I have had a few friends with these trucks and they all get 10mpg. Empty or loaded doesn't seem to matter as long as its not a tall load.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

If your truck is in proper tune, expect 10mpg. I have had a few friends with these trucks and they all get 10mpg. Empty or loaded doesn't seem to matter as long as its not a tall load.

Probably will get 10 mpg with the engine off, coasting....

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by nutsforchevys

My 88 454 1 ton still has carb. It is also the 87 body style custom deluxe.

Can you tell if it has been converted?

Should be TBI; first year for TBI was '87 model year (fall of 1986 calendar year).

The 454 production was held up a little bit, because the EPA was running behind testing the various powertrain combinations. We launched with the small blocks initially and then brought the 454 in when the certification was complete.

Nice lookin' truck, by the way.

K

[Captkaos]

In 1988 trucks with a GVW rating above 10000lbs, had the carb'd 454 available.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

In 1988 trucks with a GVW rating above 10000lbs, had the carb'd 454 available.

Ah -ok. I either wasn't aware or had forgotten that.

K

[Leedogg]

Does anyone have a link to the specs on 89-91 crew dually's?

Hulk- The rear wheel can hang off if they want...gonna haul it facing forward, the rears won't be close to the trailer fenders.

10 mpg is about what I am expecting....my 04 Silvy only got 12-13 pulling the car.

Hopefully I'll be rolling this tomorrow morning! Sans campershell...lol.

[Keith Seymore]

Try here: http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...vrolet-Trucks/

K

[nutsforchevys]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Can you tell if it has been converted?

Should be TBI; first year for TBI was '87 model year (fall of 1986 calendar year).

The 454 production was held up a little bit, because the EPA was running behind testing the various powertrain combinations. We launched with the small blocks initially and then brought the 454 in when the certification was complete.

Nice lookin' truck, by the way.

K

Thanks Keith,
It is completely original.
I was hoping when I bought it off of a government website that it was tbi but no such luck. It must be different somehow because I always have trouble when I purchase parts I usually have to spec 87 or 86 to get the right parts.
It was a ex rescue truck from Diboll Texas fire dept. When I purchased it the miles were 24k (documented). Now it has about 27k.

[Leedogg]

Keith- Thanks man! I found the info needed...they have a 165" wheelbase.

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Probably will get 10 mpg with the engine off, coasting....

Apples and oranges, but my 2000 Crew (88-98 bodystyle) 4x4 with 7.4l, AOD, 4.10, 265/75-16 does about 13.5 on the hwy going 70-74mph.
It does have a CAI, but I have never realized the gains with those on any truck or car I have done that to.
Maybe a gain in noise...

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by kevinr1970

Apples and oranges, but my 2000 Crew (88-98 bodystyle) 4x4 with 7.4l, AOD, 4.10, 265/75-16 does about 13.5 on the hwy going 70-74mph.
It does have a CAI, but I have never realized the gains with those on any truck or car I have done that to.
Maybe a gain in noise...

It's got to be the Vortec that is giving you the mileage you get. My 454 TBI with OD trans and 4.10 gear won't come close to that. At 55, I get 10. Any faster and it plummets to 8.

[wyattglock]

Originally Posted by Leedogg

Does anyone have a link to the specs on 89-91 crew dually's?

Hulk- The rear wheel can hang off if they want...gonna haul it facing forward, the rears won't be close to the trailer fenders.

10 mpg is about what I am expecting....my 04 Silvy only got 12-13 pulling the car.

Hopefully I'll be rolling this tomorrow morning! Sans campershell...lol.

Thats a nice looking truck! I know they are only pics, but it looks real clean.