So you want performance

[Bow Tie Scottie]

I feel like that I am now standing midstream trying to decide which direction to go. My '86 Scottsdale starting displaying symptoms last fall from running rough, hard-to-start issues to weird high pitch noises around 50 to 55 MPH.

Beginning this year, my mechanic friends and I started some low-budget maintenance projects: oil change, new plugs and wires, EGR valve, transmission fluid and filter change and now a rebuilt Rochester Q-jet carburetor. My friend who did the rebuild of the carb, stated that it is still a little rich and his concern is fuel economy. The truck has improved performance wise, yet he is suggesting at least two routes to take it from here.

1) Keep the current set-up but remove the smog equipment and maybe make some mild modifications

2) Convert from carb to a more costly fuel injection like a LS1 engine

3) or get a bolt-on kit fuel injection kit (one that has not really been discussed yet)

I don't know where to start when it comes to looking for ideas, but I've heard that a fine tuned carb could be better for fuel delivery as it was intended. What are the pros and cons for fuel system conversion? Will it require a engine rebuild or replacement all together?

Please help.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

A pro-built carb "rebuild" goes for around $250 to start, and up to $350 if you have worn shafts. This would be your first option because it is the cheapest.

Next I would think about a TBI swap. They are about the next cheapest.

Then anything else I would seriously consider a engine swap to compliment. Rather LS series or the 96 and later Vortec.

[BigBlocksRule]

Easiest swap would be TBI, there are still a handful of later squares with it, simple as swapping parts over. While TBI is primitive, it still works very well for most that have it. It's not nearly as tunable as even OBDII stuff, but for a daily driver, it's great. Plus you have the option to upgrade trannies to the 4L80E...