Help! buying an 87 350tbi w/700r4, pros/cons on engine/trans

[Lost81c10]

I got some questions with regards to buying me a truck. i have found an 87 350TBI with a 700r4, original/factory. I wanted all this in a truck as this would be my DD to replace my 02 Mustang gt. It will not be to build a hot rod but I do want a kick in it for the occasional need. My question is a two part q, engine and transmission: I have been reading up on 350TBI but I find or get the impression that TBI it not good, that it would be better to get a carb one (pros and cons). Second Q, given the choice, is the 700r4 good/reliable compared to say th350. Again, pros and cons on trans. Please help as I only have a few day to make the buy. What say you all. Thanks.

[Fan2zee]

I have TBI, with no problems as my DD.. 107k miles & counting
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[Goldfinger]

Tbi is pretty reliable. Carburetors reliability vary. My daily driver Is a 305/700r4 and has rolled over too many times to count It is on the original engine and transmission as ordered from the factory. all be it they have been rebuilt a time or 2 they still are reliable. I have 2.73 rear gears which are more for fuel economy but when i tow i have plenty of power because of the 700's gearing. The 700 is bad about over heating but a good tranny cooler will solve that. you can't beat overdrive either. between it and drive i gain 7mpg

[ghettoluxury]

I have a tbi in my crew and she fires up every time you hit the key. If I ever do a 6.0 swap the tbi will get put in my step side. I hate carbs in the winter.

[Zane M]

TBI is very reliable, and I think a great choice for a DD(I have an '87 as well). In fuel injection terms the system is very simple.
A carb engine may be a better route to go if you want to hot rod it, but TBI engines do respond well to mild modification.

[Jonboy]

I like it enough I put that same drivetrain in my '74. You shouldn't have any problems as long as it was maintained decently well. (just like any other 25 year old car/truck).

[nekkidhillbilly]

gm used tbi till 95 i rode probablly a 100k in a 90 tbi. truck never had a issue and had a 100k when they got it. things can go out on them sure but even then there as easy to work on as a carb really only a few sensors 2 injectors.

[meter swinger]

The tbi is a good set-up and easy to work on. Theres a reason the IH scout guys run the tbi on IH motors. I have a tbi 454, it runs great. Wont make gobs of power, but its a nice simple FI system.
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[nekkidhillbilly]

tbi isnt the best efi from a performance and economy standpoint. but it is the most reliable cheapest (in cost to put together not quality)and simplest.

[NYC87chevy]

I have an 87 with the same setup. love it, no complaints about the tbi... have had some bad fuel pumps but otherwise no probs

[cjracing15]

Buy it! Get out of that Furd!

[motornut]

had an 87 1/2 ton 4X4 burb loved it it was my camping winter snow machine
and an 88 last year same specs,loved it too
always started,still does,
in fact still considering changeing the tbi into the 78 jimmy