Tbi conversion ?s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mudgutsandglory · 06-14-2005, 09:54 PM

Hey all,
gonna start on the TBI swap on the truck soon, but i have one question...can i use the existing fuse box from my '82 or do i need one from an '87 truck? i have a complete TBI engine harness, intake, TB, computer and distributor, and the bulkhead connector looks the same between the two, that why im asking.
thanks
later
Dan

Russell · 06-14-2005, 10:32 PM

Get yourself a TBI fuse box, make it into a bolt in jobber for yourself

screwballl · 06-15-2005, 08:42 PM

i would keep a carb on there... parts for TBIs are ALOT more expensive and upkeep is a lot worse with them.. i am planning on converting my 91 burb to an Edelbrock 750cfm carb taking off the damn TBI when i get the chance...

SSC's76 · 06-15-2005, 10:08 PM

Ive considered the swap before

You could use your exsisting box but would have to re pin a blank spade or run to a fused lead for ECM power and fuel pump relay. It's just about the same amount of work either way you go.

Russell · 06-16-2005, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screwballl

i would keep a carb on there... parts for TBIs are ALOT more expensive and upkeep is a lot worse with them.. i am planning on converting my 91 burb to an Edelbrock 750cfm carb taking off the damn TBI when i get the chance...

Its true that parts are more expensive, but if you have any idea how to diagnose a EFI system, it is wayy easier

When something goes on my TBI (which is rare) I am usually able to figure it out immediately. The computer is also very helpful, it'll tell you what section is messed up, and points you in the general direction of the issue.

Most people hate EFI simply becuase they don't understand how it works. If carburators were truely the better choice, all new vehicles would have them, lol

Technology is your friend, if you know how it works

screwballl · 06-16-2005, 09:37 AM

EFI is a bit different then TBI.. EFI generally has more informative computer feedback where as a throttle body injector uses the computer to lean it or enrich it and seldom gives you a usable code from the computer...

Russell · 06-16-2005, 10:07 AM

Its true that TBI is a more crude setup, but essentially it is basically the same thing. Got a computer that controls injectors to maintain a proper mixture, with a few sensors to provide other information to base that mixture on such as the engine temperature (if its too hot, richen the mixture, too cold, lean it out) engine vaccum (we all know that a well tuned carb produces more vaccum than a badly tuned one, same goes for a TBI, the ECM uses the MAP to generate the best vaccum), throttle position (no brainer, lol) knock sensor for timing, etc.

Really quite simple overall, esspecially compared to some of the newer EFI systems.

I dunno, I can see how EFI of any sort is typically not nearly as nice as a carb on a hot engine designed to race, but as far as ease of use goes, it really cannot get any easier than occasionally changing an easy to access sensor / actuator and turning the key to start it up

Just need to be able to diagnose the issues that do come up (and carbs can be the same way, gets jet stuck etc)

I guess, its a generational difference. I was raised with electronics, so its easy for me to figure out. I can diagnose most issues with a fuel injection system, but when it comes to a carb, I am as in the dark as you are with EFI, lol

06-14-2005, 09:54 PM	#1
mudgutsandglory Certified Truck Nut Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Elizabeth, WV Posts: 187	Tbi conversion ?s Hey all, gonna start on the TBI swap on the truck soon, but i have one question...can i use the existing fuse box from my '82 or do i need one from an '87 truck? i have a complete TBI engine harness, intake, TB, computer and distributor, and the bulkhead connector looks the same between the two, that why im asking. thanks later Dan __________________ 1982 GMC Sierra Classic 1500 Longbed 350, TH350, 3.73 10 bolt soon to be slammed

06-14-2005, 10:32 PM	#2
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Get yourself a TBI fuse box, make it into a bolt in jobber for yourself __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

06-15-2005, 08:42 PM	#3
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,754	i would keep a carb on there... parts for TBIs are ALOT more expensive and upkeep is a lot worse with them.. i am planning on converting my 91 burb to an Edelbrock 750cfm carb taking off the damn TBI when i get the chance... __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

06-15-2005, 10:08 PM	#4
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Ive considered the swap before You could use your exsisting box but would have to re pin a blank spade or run to a fused lead for ECM power and fuel pump relay. It's just about the same amount of work either way you go. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

06-16-2005, 09:37 AM	#6
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,754	EFI is a bit different then TBI.. EFI generally has more informative computer feedback where as a throttle body injector uses the computer to lean it or enrich it and seldom gives you a usable code from the computer... __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

06-16-2005, 10:07 AM	#7
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Its true that TBI is a more crude setup, but essentially it is basically the same thing. Got a computer that controls injectors to maintain a proper mixture, with a few sensors to provide other information to base that mixture on such as the engine temperature (if its too hot, richen the mixture, too cold, lean it out) engine vaccum (we all know that a well tuned carb produces more vaccum than a badly tuned one, same goes for a TBI, the ECM uses the MAP to generate the best vaccum), throttle position (no brainer, lol) knock sensor for timing, etc. Really quite simple overall, esspecially compared to some of the newer EFI systems. I dunno, I can see how EFI of any sort is typically not nearly as nice as a carb on a hot engine designed to race, but as far as ease of use goes, it really cannot get any easier than occasionally changing an easy to access sensor / actuator and turning the key to start it up Just need to be able to diagnose the issues that do come up (and carbs can be the same way, gets jet stuck etc) I guess, its a generational difference. I was raised with electronics, so its easy for me to figure out. I can diagnose most issues with a fuel injection system, but when it comes to a carb, I am as in the dark as you are with EFI, lol __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)



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