Hey guys, question for you all. I am picking up a sbc 350 to drop into my 65 chevelle and was wondering what it would take to keep the motors tbi, or should I just swap it over to a carb? I do not have the new motors wiring harness. I am wondering what all is needed to do this swap if I keep the tbi? I have never worked with fuel injection, so I am clueless. Any help would be great. thanks!
I have been planning to just have a carb, but I am getting a great deal on a 350 with TBI. I was told that it is not AS hard to convert to the TBI as opposed to the newer FI systems. I am not looking to do a huge expensive swap here. If it is possible to keep the TBI without breaking the bank and tearing apart my entire car (again) I will do it, but if not then I will just make it a carb motor.
If you're new to fuel injection and are not looking for a time-intensive project, then I would suggest just swapping in a carb. While it's true that TBI is much easier to run compared to modern fuel injection systems, you're going to see little improvement over running a properly tuned Quadrajet.
Also, starting without any of the electrical systems is going to put you behind. As a first-timer your best bet would be to have the whole swap vehicle so you aren't chasing down every little sensor, wire, vacuum line, harness, and electrical component.
I would finally like to mention that the TBI motor isn't much of a performer. If you're expecting make some power, new heads and cam are in order, in which case- you're still ahead with the carb setup.
I am not looking for an extreme power motor. I have had powerful motors in this car in the past, but now am looking to turn it into a semi gas friendly cruiser. I will run a 700r4 trans as well.
You can buy a stand alone system to use the TBI without having to get an entire harness and computer from an existing donor car. But they are spendy, and you'll be better off using the stock harness from a junkyard.
Here's a site that has some good info to help with the swap if you want to keep the TBI. GM TBI Conversion Tips
What year model is the motor & which trans are you gonna use?Keep in mind if you're planning on using a speed auto from 93 up(4L60E,you will need the correct ECM & harness to control the trans as well. A 700R4 well not need the controller as it is ran by TV cable.
The motor and trans are out of a 2wd 91 suburban. Motor is a stock 350 and the trans is a 700r4 with about 20k.
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