N20zuki

I dont disagree with you, it all depends on what your looking to gain. If its a stump pulling low end you want they work fine but dont plan on spinning the motor more then 4500rpm bc it wont make power just more noise.

But usually in the quest the OP has seems to be the search for more power, it just depends on what he plans to do.

1994Vmax

iTrader: (4)

But then really if you want to get right to it, if he wants more than a torquer or mild performer, why is he staying with a TBI truck....... or a 350 for that matter. Guys have made some impressive numbers with a TBI truck but it's dinosaur technology that fewer and fewer people can do much with..... or want to. Most in that case, just stick on a carb and forget about TBI. For a budget build its cheaper to swap a cammed 6 liter than it would be to build up a 350 and then do whatever you are going to do for induction. If budget is less of a concern....... well do whatever you want.

Look at it this way maybe. You can cam an LQ4, dump on a set of headers and make a very mild drivable engine that is 400 Hp and similar torque, or more depending on what you want to live with.

Good luck even getting a TBI 350 to ever run and produce that much power. It's been done, sure. Usually a 383 or 400 would be used though. But I can guarantee you it will cost double what the LQ4 swap would.

cttandy

iTrader: (12)

A big reason to run a Edelbrock TBI performer intake is the OP is from "CALI" so things like EGR are important.

Nobody mentioned it, but on all my TBI trucks I have had, I have set the base timing between 4-8 degrees advanced with the electronic advance disconnected. Some people say that does nothing, but it makes give up a little more off the line take off. Have to run better fuel though, or it will ping.


I am doing a LQ4 swap on my 94 suburban. So I am selling my Edelbrock TBI intake, stainless shorty headers, magnaflow Y-pipe. My 94 TBI won't work, but if you send me pictures of your TBI, I probably have the right base in the shop I can do the ultimate mods to for you. New EGR, IAC, and o2 sensor.

I also have some wire looms and an open element air filter setup.

DR132

At the very least the stock heads need some real valve springs to handle any kind of cam. I forget what the stock cam specs are but the lift is well under .400" i believe. its one of the saddest cams gm ever used. the heads can be improved to some extent but for the money you might as well get some iron world heads or darts or worked over vortecs which will far out perform the Tbi heads.

1994Vmax

iTrader: (4)

92 through 95 uses the same TBI base and pod. 1991 and older had the different pig tails for the throttle position sensor....... So you can try and sell him the entire TBI while you are at it. If you try and sell him the 91 and older setup you are selling him the incorrect parts.

OP mentioned nothing about emmissions...... not my problem, lol...... However.....

If you want to get technical the Vortec head swap is illegal via Cali law too.... as none of the Vortec head to TBI intakes have EO approval..... even the ones with EGR. Oddly enough that Edelbrock TBI to MPFI conversion thing available for Vortec heads is, but that's it.

Even the factory 1996 van intake that was TBI but for Vortec heads won't work as it was a different emission class than a 1/2 ton truck.

California is lame, leave the thing stock, lol.

cttandy

iTrader: (12)

MY TBI base whistles LOUD. I would have to get another one to make it right. It was the first one I had done, mistakes happen.

gmstrong

My tbi350 was at 6* timing when i unloaded it.sum-1103 cam,ported heads,custom chip,LT's,50mm TB,holley projection intake manifold port matched.I was about to stroke it,throw a carb,weiand vortec intake and vortec heads.

Nflddog1000

Don't go back in time man go to the future these LS truck motors are a dime a dozen and should be able to get one for $1000 with all accessories not sure on price of a wiring harness there are a lot of books for $30 to swap LS engines into anything

gonzo 6.2

iTrader: (8)

Im with Vmax and others,you can spend a pile of dough only to make it run a little better

back in 05 did a TBI 350 added trickflow heads, headers and a custom roller cam and chip,of course cat back.ran good,not quite as good as the new 96 250 hp vortec stock ran,that new vortec felt strong it the day.

do a 5.3 or 5.7 or 6.0 transplant


I have never seen a strong TBI 383,heard a lot of guys say they were

matt92extcab

Im just gonna save my money and do a 5.3 or 6.0 swap. In Cali you can get it bar'd by a smog referee so it will pass emissions