what's the best way to do what? (with $1500)

[Low87]

I'm selling my wife's old car, looks like I'll get at least $1500 for it. We're using this money to get my truck back on the road since that will leave us with 2 cars. I need to figure out the best thing to do.
The engine is okay, but with about 120,000 miles on it. There's a problem somewhere with the fuel system, no fuel coming from the injectors. I want to keep fuel injection but would prefer TPI. I've got the bottom end (minus cam & rings) of a 383 in the garage.
I'm not really sure what needs to be done. The custom fuel tank seems to be just enough that most mechanics don't want to mess with it, and I don't know of any hi-perf/custom places to take it to for a diagnostic. Anyone have any good ideas or opinions?

[AirMale]

Send me the $1500 and I will send you "SPECIAL" high performance stickers. These will add at least 250hp to the rear wheels.

[BladeX]

give it to me.

or rebuild the engine. new carb.

if your in it for looks do a lift kit and some nice tires or lower it with some nice rims.

maybe switch over to electric fuel pump. kinda pricey.


im a n00b so i dont know much.

[C&C Chevy]

Definitely get the fuel system working. Can't really help on that one.

You can keep the TBI system and build a 383 with your parts and $$$. You'd need to get a 454 TBI or the Holley 670, $200-$300, bigger injectors, $~100, adjustable fuel regulator, $65, and a custom burnt chip, $50, new heads (vortec?), $400, vortec manifold for carb., ~$200, carb-to-TBIplate, $30.

When my engine finely goes, this is the engine I'm getting.

[Low87]

Originally posted by BladeX
if your in it for looks do a lift kit and some nice tires

I'm guessing my screen name isn't too obvious......

Originally posted by BladeX
or lower it with some nice rims.

Beat you to it, damn, why didn't you just click on my webpage link?

[Low87]

Originally posted by C&C Chevy
You can keep the TBI system and build a 383 with your parts and $$$. You'd need to get a 454 TBI or the Holley 670, $200-$300, bigger injectors, $~100, adjustable fuel regulator, $65, and a custom burnt chip, $50, new heads (vortec?), $400, vortec manifold for carb., ~$200, carb-to-TBIplate, $30.

When my engine finely goes, this is the engine I'm getting.

Thanks! Might be able to swing that. Forgot about a well known (except to me sometimes) custom engine shop just outside of town. I might go talk to them and see what they can do.

That engine would look nice in my truck too!

[Captkaos]

Greg, tell me what you have in the way of fuel getting to the front of the motor? Have you verified that you are getting fuel to the TBI?

For $1500 you could just about get an aftermarket MPI unit. In fact, you might could put your own together with that much. You already have the computer and the wiring...

[Low87]

Originally posted by Captkaos
Greg, tell me what you have in the way of fuel getting to the front of the motor? Have you verified that you are getting fuel to the TBI?

I've got the Summit cell like bigblock73, braided hose to the pump (aftermarket, suited for TBI, can't remember what it is though, but it has less than 50 miles on it), filter (ought to pull & check), then factory steel lines to the TBI. I don't know if fuel is getting to the TBI, just that when the truck is trying to start, nothing is coming from the injectors.

Originally posted by Captkaos
For $1500 you could just about get an aftermarket MPI unit. In fact, you might could put your own together with that much. You already have the computer and the wiring...

You mean something goofy looking like you have? I really don't want to spend that much just for an injection unit, I need to stretch it further than that.

[C&C Chevy]

Originally posted by Low87
Beat you to it, damn, why didn't you just click on my webpage link?

I think your link isn't working anymore. It brings up a file directory or something.

[Captkaos]

Originally posted by Low87
I don't know if fuel is getting to the TBI, just that when the truck is trying to start, nothing is coming from the injectors.

You mean something goofy looking like you have?

Verify that the fuel is getting to the TBI and let me know something. I am wondering if you injectors went south due to the water in the system. What did you use to clean it out?

Well, I wasn't talking about spending ALL of the $1500. (that would ALMOST get you my intake....before I converted it... )

I was thinking something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2458691333

In an application like this:
http://www.s10wildside.com/wildside/lt1induction.htm

[Low87]

Originally posted by C&C Chevy


I think your link isn't working anymore. It brings up a file directory or something.

I know, I haven't built the page yet. Just being a smarta$$. Sorry.

[Low87]

Originally posted by Captkaos


Verify that the fuel is getting to the TBI and let me know something. I am wondering if you injectors went south due to the water in the system. What did you use to clean it out?

Well, I wasn't talking about spending ALL of the $1500. (that would ALMOST get you my intake....before I converted it... )

I was thinking something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2458691333

In an application like this:
http://www.s10wildside.com/wildside/lt1induction.htm

I drained as much as I could, and I've used as much ISO-HEET as Wal Mart can keep in stock.

Maybe if you sold that chick Jeep you could finish the project.....

It would make me n00t to see that engine in my truck. Just a matter of being able to piece it together. My luck I'd buy the engine, then find I would need another $500 to get it working in my truck. That's the bad thing about this, I want what I want, but I need whatever I get to work, all within what I sell the car for. If I'm not being a smarta$$, I'm being a pain in the a$$.

[swervin ervin]

Nothing wrong with wanting what you want. I admire someone who does this. Make a decision and stick to it.

Oh, I already knew you were a smarta$$, Now I find out you are a pain in one too. Next I'm guessing you will tell us your nickname is hemroid.

[Low87]

lol, not a bad idea on the nickname! Might have to change my user text now that Eggo stole my saying.

So, perpetually wise Mike, any ideas for me?

[swervin ervin]

Greg,

on the serious side for a second. I know just enough about TBI to make me spend money. I hate it, to be honest with you. Sure a properly tuned TBI starts easy and all, but they are dogs. Anyway, this isn't what you are asking.

I couldn't begin to tell you what is wrong with it. As Chris said, make sure it's getting gas to the throttle body. This should be easy enough, just remove the fuel line. Then, if it is getting this far, I would start looking at replacing the injectors just to see if this does anything. It's very possible the water and other crap may have killed them. I have two old ones you can try. I don't think anything is wrong with them, just some leftover pieces I have laying around the shop. They worked when I last used them anyway. You are welcome to them if you like. Let me know and they will be on the way. PM me your address again if you do want them.

The hardest thing about TBI with me is I'm just an old Q-jet guy. I can take a Q-jet and turn it inside out. I can make one do things most don't think is possible with one. But, TBI and me just don't get along too well. I know it's more simple than a Q-jet for sure, but a Q-jet don't need a computer to make it work.

Anyway, say the word and I'll send them your direction.

[Captkaos]

Originally posted by Low87
...luck I'd buy the engine, then find I would need another $500 to get it working in my truck. That's the bad thing about this, I want what I want, but I need whatever I get to work, all within what I sell the car for.

I was thinking keep the engine and put that intake on it.... What exactly do you want, that is the question.

BUT, to be serious, Check the fuel to the TB, if fuel is getting there the next step is injectors. Does ISO-HEET have Alcohol in it? That may have messed something up also. Basically the only thing on a TBI that does anything is the injectors. Everything else is just sensors trying to make the best fuel/air ratio. If fuel isn't coming out of the injectors something either has to be wrong with them, or something is wrong with how the fuel gets to them.

BTW, I tried to sell the Jeep, everyone wanted me to give it to them. Next you will say I should sell the Vette!

[79BIG10]

Sell the vette sell the vette!!! LOL!!

Greg why not just get a carb and intake and slap it on there with aanother fuel pump. You can get it running then and get rid of that TBI until you can get it all fixed right. This would get you going on the truck enough to get you to and from work easily.

[jon_volk]

Originally posted by Captkaos


Verify that the fuel is getting to the TBI and let me know something. I am wondering if you injectors went south due to the water in the system. What did you use to clean it out?

Well, I wasn't talking about spending ALL of the $1500. (that would ALMOST get you my intake....before I converted it... )

I was thinking something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2458691333

In an application like this:
http://www.s10wildside.com/wildside/lt1induction.htm

step by step insctuctions for lt1 intake conversion


www.lt1intake.com

[Low87]

I'll try to answer everyone here;

Mike, you are truly a good friend. I think I'm close to opening a parts store with the stuff you've sent me.

Chris, I want to build that 383 with TPI, just not likely to be in budget though. If I can just fix the truck for now and have money left over for other uses (bills, boring stuff, etc.) then that would be good. ISO-HEET is almost all alcohol.

Brandon, that might be a possibility depending on how everything else goes.

Jon, thanks for the link, I'll be checking it later today.

[LOHRTBT]

Greg....Just call me when you want some help workin on it.... I need an excuse to get away and bring Renee up to meet you all and have some fun.

[Captkaos]

Originally posted by Low87
Chris, I want to build that 383 with TPI, just not likely to be in budget though. If I can just fix the truck for now and have money left over for other uses (bills, boring stuff, etc.) then that would be good. ISO-HEET is almost all alcohol.

Ok now we are on the same track...

I am wondering if all this alcohol has ruined the rubber in the injectors/system. I am betting you need new injectors. Have you filled up the tank totally with gasoline yet? If not, put some gas in there when you check fuel getting to the TBI and pump alot of gasoline through it to clear all of the alcohol out. If you don't, the alcohol will hold water in the system and rust anything inside. I am betting if you flush it and then clean out the Throttle body, and put new injectors in there you might be ok.

This place will rebuild it for $250.
http://www.affordable-fuel-injection...rebuilding.htm

[swervin ervin]

I would rebuild them all day long for $250.00. They are the single most simple thing to rebuild I've ever worked on. Of course some of the hard items are not cheap.

Anyway, Greg, the injectors are on the way. Like I said, they worked when last used. Don't see why they won't work now. I would do exactly as Chris said, make sure all the junk is out of the tank and nothing but gas only left in it before putting these injectors on and running it again. Alcohol does hold any water which will work with a carb, but injectors are a different animal. They probably wouldn't let the alcohol/water mixture pass through the tiny holes. After cleaning the tank of all the bad gas and stuff, fill it with fresh gas. Then make sure it's getting to the throttle body by taking the fuel line off at the engine. Do this first before trying to start it with the injectors I sent you. If so, hook it back up and see if fuel is coming from these injectors.

Then if this works and all is fine, keep it dry from now on.

Biggest thing is Good Luck.

[Low87]

Chris, TBIs are a sinch to rebuild, I've done it several times. I'll have to add up the cost of the parts they say they'll replace to see if it's worth it.

I thought the HEET was supposed to help remove water, but I guess if it's clogging up the injector then it's not doing any good. I'll get as much drained out as I can then try Mike's injectors. The TBI was just rebuilt, think I'll need to tear it down again to get the water out? Any recommendations about getting the water/gas combo out of the foam in the fuel cell?

[Captkaos]

I didn't know you had rebuilt one, so that is why I posted that. Yeah they are alot easier than a Carb....

Alcohol just mixes with water well, but it also "contains" it, unlike gasoline. I would pull the throttle body down and clean it with Mineral spirits. As for the foam, you should be able to pull it out through the filler hole. It will probably be a pain, but it should be doable. (I have put foam in one, just haven't taken it out.) I would pull it out and let it "air dry", you could probably clean it with mineral spirits too.

[Low87]

Thanks Chris, I wasn't sure if I got the foam out that I'd be able to get it back in.
Just to make sure I'm not doing anything dangerous, to check that fuel is getting to the TBI I can unhook the feed line to the TBI and try to start the truck? Any tips to contain the possible fuel mess? The line is steel and doesn't move much in any way.