Carb to TBI conversion

[jared stewart]

Anybody go from Carb to TBI by stripping all the TBI components off a running truck? If so, how much trouble was it and what are some of the things to watch for. I have the intake, TB, ECM, wiring harness, and all sensors. I can't seem to sell them, so I'm going to try to put them to use. It's going on a '81 with a 350, it came off an '87 with a 350.

[1FaastC10]

im going to do the same thing with my L31 Vortec longblock. the only thing you have to watch out for with your pre-87 block/heads is the angle of the center two intake bolts, which can easily be elongated for use with the pre 86 heads.

[swervin ervin]

The intake bolt holes can be fixed, but this doesn't do anything for the mis alignment of the intake runners. Vortec heads are about 1/4" or so higher than regular heads. This will hurt performance a bunch.

Pretty shoddy way of doing something if you ask me. Buy the correct intake and do it right or leave it alone.

[jared stewart]

Originally posted by swervin ervin
Vortec heads are about 1/4" or so higher than regular heads. This will hurt performance a bunch.

So you're saying the '87 heads I took the intake off of are taller and the intake won't work good on my '81 heads?

[blazer boy]

i'm about to do the same swap on my 85 2wd and was hoping to get some better mileage. what kind of mileage gains do you guys think i should see??? its a bone stock small block with a 700 and a 2:73 rear i'm getting 10 currently........

[swervin ervin]

No, I said Vortec heads. I was replying to Jeremy. 87 heads are not Vortec.

[1FaastC10]

Mike, i'm well aware of that which is why im running a Vortec carb intake with an adapter and TBI from a 454.