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THE TBI THREAD! 305 and 350

263K views 157 replies 64 participants last post by  Graystone 
#1 · (Edited)
THE TBI THREAD! 5.0L 305 - 5.7L 350 and 4.3L V6

Here is the first link > http://www.tbichips.com/ :read: What TBI is. >Throttle body injection
Throttle-body injection (called TBI by General Motors and CFI by Ford) was introduced in the mid 1980s as a transition technology toward individual port injection. The TBI system injects fuel at the throttle body (the same location where a carburetor introduced fuel). The induction mixture passes through the intake runners like a carburetor system. The justification for the TBI/CFI phase was low cost. Many of the carburetor's supporting components could be reused such as the air cleaner, intake manifold and fuel line routing. This postponed the redesign and tooling costs of these components. Most of these components were later redesigned for the next phase of fuel injection's evolution, which is individual port injection, commonly known as EFI. TBI was used briefly on passenger cars during the mid '80s, and by GM on heavy duty trucks all the way through OBD-I (ending in 1995).
 
#27 ·
EFI components, (Ref.) > Typical EFI components
Injectors
Fuel Pump
Fuel Pressure Regulator
ECM - Engine Control Module; includes a digital computer and circuitry to communicate with sensors and control outputs.
Wiring Harness
Various Sensors (Some of the sensors required are listed here.)
Crank/Cam Position: Hall effect sensor
Airflow: MAF sensor, sometimes this is inferred with a MAP sensor
Exhaust Gas Oxygen: O2 Sensor, Oxygen sensor, EGO sensor, UEGO sensor
[edit]
Functional description
A contemporary EFI system comprises a digital computer "engine control module" (ECM) and a number of sensors to measure the engine's operating conditions. The ECM interprets these conditions in order to calculate the amount of fuel, among numerous other tasks. The desired "fuel flow rate" depends on several conditions, with the engine's "air flow rate" being the fundamental factor.

The electronic fuel injector is normally closed and opens to flow fuel as long as an electric pulse is applied to the injector. The pulse's duration (pulsewidth) is proportional to the amount of fuel desired. The pulse is applied once per engine cycle, which permits pressurized fuel to flow from the fuel supply line, through the open injector, into the engine's air intake, usually just ahead of the intake valve.

Since the nature of fuel injection dispenses fuel in discrete amounts, and since the nature of the 4-stroke-cycle engine has discrete induction (air-intake) events, the ECM calculates fuel in discrete amounts. The injected fuel mass is tailored for each individual induction event. In other words, every induction event, of every cylinder, of the entire engine, is a separate fuel mass calculation, and each injector receives a unique pulsewidth based on that cylinder's fuel requirements.

It is necessary to know the mass of air the engine "breathes" during each induction event. This is proportional to the intake manifold's air pressure/temperature, which is proportional to throttle position. The amount of air inducted in each intake event is known as "air-charge", and this can be determined using one of several methods, but this is beyond the scope of this topic. (See MAF sensor, or MAP sensor.)

Note: The right pedal is not the gas pedal; it is the air pedal. The throttle pedal determines the air, and in turn, the air mass determines the fuel mass. The same is true for carburetors, only carburetors were volume, not mass based devices. With some recent systems, the right pedal isn't even an "air pedal"... it has evolved to a "power demand pedal" - it isn't connected to the throttle at all, it signals the CPU how far the driver has depressed the pedal, and the CPU determines how far to open the throttle using an electric motor. This has many benefits some of which include: controlling emissions during transients, cruise control, traction control, engine start/cranking, driveline clunk, idle speed control, air conditioning load compensation, etc.

The three elemental ingredients for combustion are fuel, air and ignition. However; complete combustion can only occur if the air and fuel is present in the exact stoichiometric ratio, which allows all the carbon and hydrogen from the fuel to combine with all the oxygen in the air, with no undesirable polluting leftovers.

To achieve stoichiometry, the air mass flow into the engine is measured and combined with the fact that the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio is 14.64:1 (by weight) for gasoline. The required fuel mass that must be injected into the engine is then translated to the required pulse width for the fuel injector.

Deviations from stoichiometry are required during non-standard operating conditions such as heavy load, or cold operation, in which case, the mixture ratio can range from 10:1 to 18:1 (for gasoline).

Note: The stoichiometric ratio changes as a function of the fuel; diesel, gasoline, ethanol, methanol, propane, methane (natural gas), or hydrogen.

Additionally, final pulsewidth is inversely related to pressure difference across the injector inlet and outlet. For example, if the fuel line pressure increases (injector inlet), or the manifold pressure decreases (injector outlet), a smaller pulsewidth will meter the same fuel. Fuel injectors are available in various sizes and spray characteristics as well. Compensation for these and many other factors are programmed into the ECM's software.

In summary, the vehicle operator opens the engine's throttle (right pedal), atmospheric pressure forces air into the engine past sensors that indicate air mass flow. The ECM interprets these signals from the sensors, calculates the desired air/fuel ratio, and then outputs a pulsewidth providing the exact mass of fuel for optimal combustion. This process is repeated every time an intake valve opens.

The modern EFI system treats each injection as a discrete event, which when all strung together, perform one, smooth, seamless experience. An oversimplified analogy is that it is not unlike a motion picture that appears to move from a series of individual images.
 
#29 ·
A good read from Hogg.
Hogg said:
There are a couple different marine intake manifolds.

If you have a Vortec headed engine than this is the intake you want.
http://www.sfatek.com/images/efi.jpg

I have this intake on my truck with 24 pph injector that flow 28.4 pph at 60 psi FP. This intake is great for the 1996-2000 trucks that came with 5.0(305) and 5.7L (350) engines because the stock truck intakes have poppet style injectors that are 19 pph and CANNOT be replaced my larger injectors.
the GM/Mercruiser Vortec marine intake(pictured in the link above) uses a normal conventional external fuel rails and normal injectors which come in a variety of sizes. the stock 19 pph poppets of the 96-2000 OBS trucks limit naturally aspirated hp to roughly 400 gross crank hp and forced induction to around 350 gross crank hp. teh GM?Merc marine Vortec intake is an excellent choice for 96-00 Vortec 305.350 truck owners because ALL the L31 supercharger kits and air intakes will fit as the mounting measurements are the same and the throttle body is in the EXACT same position on BOTH teh truck and marine intake. I am using the stock 75mm t-body from my truck on the marine intake manifold, the stock linkage and cruise control all work flawlessly, the sensors are all in the stock position.
the Vortec PCM can support ANY high impedance fuel injector that is made, the largest is about 60 pph IIRC. You just need to change the IFR(injector flow rating) table in the PCM if you use larger injectors. This lets teh PCm know what injector flow you have installed so it can fuel the engine accuratly.
I wouldnt use this intake on a TBI truck because you can use a Vortec style carb intake with the TBI unit on top of it using an adapter plate. If I had a TBI truck that i wanted to use Vortec heads on, I would use the Edelbrock Vortec style Performer RPM Airgap ijtake manifold. This intake produces VERY even exhaust port temps indicating that the intake distributes air and fuel very evenly from cylinder to cylinder.
OR
I would use the GM Performance Part Vortec/TBI conversion intake. p/n 12496821 - Vortec Manifold With TBI
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/performance_parts/store/catalog/Product.jhtmlPRODID=2840&CATID=995.html

This intake allows you to use Vortec heads on any TBI truck. I saw 1 go for $250 on ebay. This intake was designed for the 1996 EXPORT model trucks that were equipped with Vortec style heads AND the TBI fuel injection. This means that this IS a proven intake manifold.

I assume there are a few marine TBI intake manifolds that are used on TBI equipped marine engines. The main difference between a marine intake and a normal truck intake is that if teh intake is iron, the water passages are normally coated with brass to prevent it from rusting from constant exposure to water without antifreeze and salt if used in the ocean.

Since marine engines are used for long periods at meduim to high rpms and are always under a lot of load and that they have to get a big heavy boat up out of the water to get it on plane, they are designed to make big low-medium rpm torque and decent medium -high rpm power. They are well suited to the needs of a truck IMO.

There are a few different Vortec style raised runner heads on the market now.
1. Standard L31 GM truck heads 170cc intake port
2.GMPerformance part Smallport Bowtie Vortec heads 175cc intake ports
3. GMPP Largeport Bowtie Vortec heads 207 cc intake ports(d shaped exhaust ports)
4. GMPP Fastburn aluminum cylinder heads 210cc intake ports, d shaped exhaust ports (these heads were used on the limited ZZ430 crate, 430 engines built that made 430 hp@6000rpm from a ZZ4 engine with the GM Hotcam kit, also used on the ZZ383 that makes 425hp @5400 rpm and 460 lb/ft @ 4500 rpm.)
5 Edelbrock Etec 180 alum. heads with 180cc intake ports
6. Edelbrock ETEC 200 alum. with 200cc intake ports

All of these heads will bolt up to the 8 intake bolt raised runner Vortec intake manifolds.

GMPP Vortec heads http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3129/GM-Performance-Parts-Cylinder-Heads.htm
12558060 Cast Iron L31 Vortec SB Chevrolet Cylinder Heads Assembled $269.75
25534351 SB Chevrolet Bare Small Port Vortec Bow-Tie Cylinder Head $299.95
25534371 SB Chevrolet Bare Large Port Vortec Bow-Tie Cylinder Head $328.95
25534421 SB Chevrolet Complete Small Port Vortec Bow-Tie Cylinder Head $489.95
25534431 SB Chevrolet Complete Large Port Vortec Bow-Tie Cylinder Head $499.95
12464298 Fast Burn SB Chevrolet Aluminum Cylinder Head $609.95

the edelbrock ETECS http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/1125/Edelbrock-E-Tec-Aluminum-Heads.htmE60979 E-Tec 170cc SB Chevy Assembled Cylinder Head $529.95
E60959 E-Tec 170cc SB Chevy Bare Cylinder Head $442.99
E60989 E-Tec 200cc SB Chevy Assembled Cylinder Head $559.95
E60969 E-Tec 200cc SB Chevy Bare Cylinder Head $458.99

Seeing that the normal Voretc 350 L31 heads dont accept over 0.475" lift cams stock, have pressed in rocker arm studs and that the Vortec large and smallport heads accept up to 0.530" lift stock and have screw in studs and flow much better on the exhaust than the stock L31's. it might make sense to get a set of Smallport Bowtie Vortec heads instead of the normal truck heads. To get mor elift on teh stock Vortecs, either you have to machine for a larger spring pocket, machine for more retainer valveseal clearance and machine and install screw in studs, it may be cheaper to just buy the Bowtie Vortec head in the 1st place.

If you want a larger intake port head, the Etec 200 is an excellent choise as it has the normal exhaust port rather than a d0shaped exhaust port like the GMPP Vortec Bowtie LARGE port head and teh GMPP Fastburn 210cc intake port cylinder heads have. Either you have to run D shaped headers or headers with a large enough primary tube to correctly seal up over the D shaped exhaust port. 1 3/4" primary tube ehaders work just fine. Some have actually welded up headers and ground the ports down to match the heads D shape. LT1 and LT4 manifolds and headers also have the appropriate D shape port. Headman makes D shaped headers and Dougs headers makes the D shaped flanges if you want to do some fab work on a set of existing headers.


I think a set of smallport Vortec Bowtie heads( these smallports have the conventional exhaust port and will work with ANY header or manifold ports) with either the GMPP TBI/Vortec conversion intake or an Edelbrock Vortec Performer RPM airgap intake with a TBI conversion plate to attach to the TBI injection unit with some 65pph police car TBI injectors or some 80-90 pph 454 bigblock TBI injectors (depending on year and fuel pressure) would flow more than enough to satisfy any 350 combo you could dream up.
A 1996 LT4 Corvette roller cam with 203°/210° duration at 0.050" and lift of .476/.480" lift (1.6:1 rockers, .446"/.450" with 1.5:1 rockers) on a 115° LSA. Would work nicely and be faily easy to tune. This cam would be nice on stock L31 heads due to their lift limitations, if you use the Vortec Bowtie heads, use a cam with higher lift, or add 1 7:1 rockers on teh LT4 cam for about .506"/.510" lift or you can setp up to the ZZ4 cam with its 208°/221° duration at 0.050" and lift of .474"/.510" with 1.5:1 rocker or even better ad some 1.55 or 1.6's to bump the lift some on a 112° LSA. The ZZ4 cam has a nice lope idle but makes stong torque and great power.
These cams are assuming you install a complete Vortec block that is allreday equipped wit a roller cam or take teh TBI engine block and buy a roller cam conversion package.

A set of 2462 HKR 1 5/8" x 2 1/2" full longtube headers( come with O2 sensor bungs for the TBI trucks) would be a very powerful and driveable setup for a truck. These headers are $180 for painted or $350 for ceramic coted or $550 for all stainles steel. I have been using teh ceramic coate dheaders for 7 years, daily driving even through the salty Canadian winters, they have heald up well. I had a set of Headman pinted headers and every spring for 3 springs running I had to install a new set of headers. 3 sets of headers in 3 years. It wasnt a problem with Hedman headers probably, but just the lack of coating.

The 2462 HKrs along with a PCM tune(fastchip ed Wright 100% TM disable 87 octane) dropped my 1/4 mile time by 3/4 second. It felt as though I literally dropped in a 383. the truck lept out of the hiole from a dead stop.
There is also a 2806 hkr with 1 3/4" x 3" collectors they are $400 for painted and $725 fro ceramics, these headers are true equal length. Install is a bit more involved, I would suggest these for a forced induction or stroker application, teh 2462 are work great for a 350 truck application.

Here is some TBI injector info.
http://impalassforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=008825Here is a straightup TBI type head
10125377 HP TBI SB Chevrolet Cast Iron Cylinder Head $359.95


Well sorry about teh long post hopefully you or someone else can get some useful info out of it. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

peace
Hog
 
#31 ·
so whats a good set of headers to get?
 
#33 ·
for our older trucks it is a actual rom chip that instals on top of the original rom

I listed every thing with GM part Number

Compression Ratio ..............................................9.1:1

Block ................10105123 - Cast Iron 4-Bolt w/ One Piece Rear Main Seal

Crankshaft ..........................................14088527 - Nodular Cast Iron

Connecting Rods ..................................10108688 - Forged Steel

Pistons ...............................................12361371 - Cast Aluminum

Piston Rings .........................................14089025

Camshaft ........................................24502476 - Lift: .435" Int., .460" Exh

Camshaft Duration @ .050"......................................212° Int., 222° Exh

Heads..................12558060 - Cast Iron Vortec 64cc Combustion Chambers

Intake Valves ........................................ 10241743 - 1.94"

Exhaust Valves ......................................12550901 - 1.50"

Valve Springs .......................................10212811 - 1999 L31Vortec

Rocker Arms .........................................Proform Aluminum Roller Rockers - 1.5 Ratio

Valve Lash .......................................................Zero

Spark Plugs ......................................................R44LTS - Gap at .045"

Ignition Timing ...................................................10° BTDC @ 700 RPM
Thanks, lethalyoyo, There are many combos for TBIs
 
#34 ·
A very nice all that you want site for Injection repacement parts or upgrades.http://www.fiveomotorsport.com/Injector_SetsGMTrucks.asp
Special Note to our customers: Some of the fuel injectors on this page are not the OE parts. All have been carefully cross-referenced to the engines listed. The flow rate and electrical characteristics are identical to the original equipment fuel injectors.

Prices shown, where applicable, are for either six (6) or eight (8) parts. You are purchasing a "set" of fuel injectors.
All are brand new parts as listed, zero miles, but may have scratched paint because of bulk storage.
1996-00 7.4L Truck
Ford Motorsport
Flow-matched set
$298.50
3 Year Warranty

In stock - ready to ship! 2001-04 8.1L V-8
Brand New Sets
No core charge
3 Year Warranty
$329.50

Check listing below for
your vehicle. 2001-04 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 V-8
Brand New Sets
No core charge
3-Year Warranty
$329.50
1999-00 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 V-8
Brand New Sets
No core charge
3 Year Warranty
$329.50

Check listing below for
your vehicle. 1992-95 CPI "Spider"
Central Port Injection
New & R/R Parts*
3 Year Warranty

$179.50 Plus Core
SEE BELOW for FREE shipping on this part.


Bosch/Ford Motorsport - 19lb
8/Set: $298.50

Set of 8


Fitment:
1999-00 Express 3500 7.4
1995-00 C-, K-, 2500, 3500 7.4
1996-99 Suburban, P-30 7.4
1998 G3500 7.4
1996-97 G30 Express 7.4
1997 G30 7.4

This Ford Motorsport part has been factory flow-matched. Spec flow rate is 19lbs/hr at 43.5 psi.
This part has identical specifications as your original GM parts.
No modifications to any part of your engine.



See below
1996-00 7.4L V-8
Reconditioned Sets
Sold with a
1 Year Warranty

Call before ordering this reconditioned part - not always in stock.



Delphi Multec
8/Set: $298.60
Plus $80 Core Deposit

Returned cores receive $80 refund.


Fitment:
1999-00 Express 3500 7.4
1995-00 C-, K-, 2500, 3500 7.4
1996-99 Suburban, P-30 7.4
1998 G3500 7.4
1996-97 G30 Express 7.4
1997 G30 7.4

This injector is the original equipment replacement for the vehicles listed. These parts are the identical specifications as your original GM parts.
Delphi Mini
8/Set: $329.50
No Core Deposit
Set of 8

Flow rate: 270cc/min (26#)
Fitment:
2002-04 Avalanche 2500
2001-04 Silverado 2500 HD, 3500
2001-04 Surbanban 2500
2001-02 C3500 HD Chassis Cab
2001-02 Express 3500
2001-02 Silverado 2500

The above injector set is the original equipment replacement for the vehicles listed.




See below
1999 Silverado
4.8, 5.3 V-8
Sold as-new
No core charge
3 Year Warranty
$329.50




Fitment:
1999 Silverado/Sierra 4.8
1999 Silverado/Sierra 1500, 2500 5.3
2000 Silverado/Sierra 1500 w/manual trans
2000 Tahoe/Yukon 4.8 w/manual trans

Delphi Mini
8/Set: $329.50
No Core Deposit
Set of 8

Flow rate: 225cc/min (22#)
Fitment:
2003-04 Express, Trailblazer 5.3
2003-04 Envoy, Savanna 5.3
2003-04 Express 4.8
2003-04 Savanna 4.8
2002-04 Denali 6.0
2003-04 Express, Silverado 6.0
2003-04 Savanna 6.0
2002-04 Alvalanche 5.3
2001-04 Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe 5.3 (T)
2001-04 Sierra, Yukon 5.3 (T)
2001-04 Silverado, Tahoe 4.8 (V)
2001-04 Sierra, Yukon 4.8 (V)
2001-04 Silverado, Suburban 6.0
2001-04 Sierra, Yukon, Denali 6.0
2004 SSR 5.3
2004 Envoy 5.3
2001-03 Silverado HD 6.0
2001-03 Sierra 1500 HD 6.0
2001-03 Silverado 2500 5.3

This injector is your original equipment replacement.
For Supercharger upgrades see our high performance page.






2002-04 V-6 CPI
Sequential fuel injectors
Brand New & rebuilt parts -- SET 6

Parts are shipped in hermetically sealed packaging.
IN STOCK - Ready to ship!
You are purchasing a set of 6 sequential central port injectors. The core charge will be added and is refundable upon receipt and inspection of your old parts. Call for individual part sales.

Complete Set 6 - $219.50
Plus $60 Refundable core charge
Your net cost is $38.25 each

Fitment: 4.3L SCPI
2002-04 Astro-Safari
2004 Blazer-Sonoma
2003-04 Express, Silverado-Savana, Sierra

The above sequintial injectors are rebuilt with new clips, hoses, and rebuilt popits.



Delphi Mini
8/Set: $329.60
No Core Deposit
Set of 8

Flow rate: 225cc/min (22#)
Fitment:
1999-00 Silverado 2500 6.0
1999-00 Sierra 2500 6.0
2000 Silverado, Suburban 5.3
2000 Tahoe 5.3
2000 Yukon, Sierra 5.3
2000 Tahoe, Silverado 4.8 (A/T)
2000 Sierra, Yukon 4.8 (A/T)
2000 Suburban 6.0
This injector is your original equipment replacement.
For Supercharger upgrades see our high performance page.





1996-2003 V-6 CPI
Sequential fuel injectors
Brand New & rebuilt parts
SET 6

Box shown for o.e. clairification only. Parts are shipped in hermetically sealed packaging.
IN STOCK - Ready to ship!
You are purchasing a set of 6 sequential central port injectors. The core charge will be added and is refundable upon receipt and inspection of your old parts. Call for individual part sales.


Complete Set 6 - $199.50
Plus $60 Refundable core charge
Your net cost is $33.50 each

Fitment: 4.3L SCPI
1998-03 S-10 Blazer
1996-03 S-10
1999-02 Express, Silverado
1999-01 Trailblazer(W)
1996-99 P30
1996-98 C1500, K1500
1998 G1500, G2500
1996-97 Blazer, G10, Express, G20




The above sequintial injectors are rebuilt with new clips, hoses, and rebuilt popits.



1996-2003 V-6/V-8
Sequential Regulator

***Brand New Part***
Each - $49.95


FREE SHIPPING: Purchase a new regulator with your 6-set or 8-set of 1996-03 sequintial injectors. CPI "Spider" V-6
Complete Unit: $179.50
Plus $90 refundable core deposit

Send your CPI unit in for exchange - don't pay the core charge and receive FREE return Priority shipping.
Pay only $179.50
SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

17113673

Fitment: CPI Unit
1992-95 Astro 4.3
1992-95 S-10 4.3
1992-95 Jimmy, Sonama, Safari 4.3
1992-94 Safari (W)
1992 S-15 Sonama 4.3
1995 Blazer 4.3
1992-94 S-10 Blazer 4.3
Olds: 1992-94 Bravada



*NEW AND RECONDITIONED PARTS - Reconditioned central port injector, with a brand new regulator, new hoses and rebuilt injector nozzles.



1996-2003 V-8 CPI
Sequential fuel injectors
Brand New & rebuilt parts -- SET 8

Box shown for o.e. clairification only. Parts are shipped in hermetically sealed packaging.
IN STOCK - Ready to ship!
You are purchasing a set of 8 sequential central port injectors. The core charge will be added and is refundable upon receipt and inspection of your old parts. Call for individual part sales.

Complete Set 8 - $266.50
Plus $80 Refundable core charge
Your net cost is $32.50 each

Fitment: 5.0, 5.7 SCPI
1999-02 Express 1500/2500 5.0
1999-02 Express 1500/2500/3500 5.7
1996-00 C/K2500, C/K3500 5.7
1996-00 Tahoe 5.7
1998-99 K2500 5.0
1996-99 C/K1500, C/K2500 5.7
1996-99 Suburban 5.7
1996-99 C/K1500, C2500 5.0
1998 G1500/2500 5.0
1998 G1500/2500/3500 5.7
1996-97 G10/G20 Express 5.0
1996-97 G10/G20/G30 Express 5.7
1997 G20 5.0

CADILLAC:
1999-00 Escalade 5.7

The above sequintial injectors are rebuilt with new clips, hoses, and rebuilt popits.

If your vehicle is not listed call our order desk for availability and price (562) 867-4999
FIVEO GUARANTEE: All TBI fuel injectors are sold flow-matched and hermetically sealed for total quality control.

Chevy and GMC Truck
7.4L TBI 220 - 85#
5235231
2 - Injectors Chevy and GMC Truck
7.4L TBI 220 - 90#
17112560
2 - Injectors Chevy and GMC Truck
5.7L TBI 220 - 65#
5235206
2 - Injectors Chevy and GMC Truck
5.0L TBI 220
5235279 or -307
2 - Injectors Chevy and GMC Truck
4.3L V-6 TBI 220
17112521, 17111468,
5235203
2 - Injectors

TBI 220 fuel injectors
Pair(2) - $139.50
plus $70.00 refundable core chg.
831-14102


Fitment: 7.4L
Throttle body injection:
1987-88 R-20, Suburban
1988-89 C-30, G-30, K-30, R-20
1989 Suburban

This is a reconditioned pair (2) of GM TBI220 fuel injectors. Flow-matched to mfg. specs and guaranteed to be within 2ml. or each other. Excellent for original equipment replacement, or street performance upgrade for 7.4 or 5.7.

In stock - Ready to ship! TBI 220 fuel injectors
Pair(2) - $139.50
plus $70.00 refundable core chg.
831-14113


Core refund only for same part number shipped. All customer-returned cores are flow tested before deposit is refunded.

Fitment: 7.4L
Throttle body injection:
1990 C-10, C-30, G-30, P-30, K-30, R2500 Suburban, V-30
1991 R-30, R2500 Suburban, V-30
1991-93 C-10, C-30, G-30, P-30, K-30, R2500 Suburban, V-30
1992-93 C-20 Suburban, K-20 Suburban

This is a totally rebuilt pair (2) of GM TBI220 fuel injectors. Flow-matched to mfg. specs. Excellent for original equipment replacement, or street performance upgrade for 5.7.
TBI 220 fuel injectors
Pair(2) - $129.50
plus $70.00 refundable core chg.
831-14109


Fitment: 5.7L
Throttle body injection:
1987-94 Blazer
1987-95 Suburban
1995 Tahoe
1988-95 All C, K Models
1991-94 G10, G20

This is a reconditioned pair (2) of GM TBI220 fuel injectors. Flow-matched to mfg. specs. Excellent for original equipment replacement.


TBI 220 fuel injectors
Pair(2) - $119.50
plus $70.00 refundable core chg.
831-14103


Fitment: 5.0L
Throttle body injection:
1987-95 C-Series
1987-95 K-Series
1987-95 G-Series, Blazer




1989-93
Caprice LTZ/Police Special
5.7L TBI 220 - 85#
2 - Injectors


Police Special
Pair(2) - $129.50
plus $100.00 refundable core chg.
831-14114

Core refund only for same part number shipped. All customer-returned cores are flow tested before deposit is refunded. TBI 220 fuel injectors
Pair(2) - $119.50
plus $70.00 refundable core chg.
831-14119


Fitment: 4.3L V-6
Throttle body injection:
1993-95 C-10, C-20, C-30
1991-95 K-10, P-30
1989-95 G-10, G-20, G-30
1988-95 S-10, S-10 Blazer
1993-94 M-10 Astro
1991-92 C-10, C-20, K-20, M-10 Astro
1989-90 M-10 Astro

All prices shown are sets of fuel injectors plus shipping. Call for single injector prices.
Customer Comments - See what buyers have to say about Fiveomotorsport fuel injectors.
****FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING**** ON YOUR CPI UNIT - Only U.S. Postal Money Orders are accepted for payment.
If you are purchasing a Central Port fuel injector unit, from the above listing, for 4.3 liter V-6; send your old unit in for exchange. -- We will ship a replacement unit back to you the same day!
FOR PRIORITY SERVICE - You must send a U.S. Postal Money Order in the amount - $179.50 along with your old CPI unit. (CA residence add $15.00 Sales Tax). SEND Old CPI UNIT TO: Fiveo/Cores - 4932 Pearce Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712
FOR EXPRESS 2-DAY SERVICESend a U.S. Money Order in the amount - $199.50 along with your old CPI unit.
 
#45 ·
Just adding to the info.

What is TBI?
TBI stands for throttle body injection. This was one of the first mass-produced fuel injection systems on GM trucks starting in 1987 for the final year of the square box body style. GM introduced a redesigned body style the following year in 1988, which would last 11 years from 1988 to 1998. TBI-equiped motors included the 4.3L V6, 5.0L, 5.7L and 7.4L engines. The 7.4L version aptly resided in 454SS trucks and production ran from 1990-1993. The 5.7L TBI engines were produced from 1987 to 1995, with power levels that ranged from 185-210hp. These pre-Vortec engines used hydraulic non-roller camshafts.


What’s a Vortec engine?
In 1996, GM introduced the 5.0L and 5.7L Vortec engines were that included several key enhancements: hydraulic roller camshaft, new higher flow Vortec cylinder heads, central sequential fuel injection (CSFI), OBDII, etc. These enhancements allowed the 5.7L Vortec engine to produce 250 hp and 320 lbs-ft of torque. Production of these engines ran until 1998 when GM redesigned the Chevy and GMC trucks for the 1999 model year, ending the smooth body style now referred to as the old body style (OBS).


Are there any cheap ways to make more power and get better fuel economy?
Well it depends on how much of the work you can do yourself. There are free or relatively cheap mods for sure, like the infamous reverse air lid trick on TBI engines, the ultimate TBI mods, and making your own AFPR for your TBI engine. You can also learn how to burn your own PROMs for a small investment that will pay you back huge as you keep upgrading your motor with better fuel economy and power. But unfortunately, more power requires a significant investment in time and money. Speed costs money…How fast do you want to go?

Better fuel economy can come with more power. How? Because it takes less throttle to get going and less pedal to keep you going. On the highway, you’ll especially notice the difference when your engine doesn’t have to downshift in order to get up hills. It is power that you can feel and it will save you money at the pump. The other factor is driving-style. Light throttle saves you money at the pump. Not always easy, but that’s the key to saving money on fuel costs. Let’s be honest here. V8 engines, despite their “advanced” fuel injection, are only capable of about 17-18 miles per gallon on the highway. If you wanted fuel economy, you would have bought a hybrid car instead.


What should be the first thing I do to my TBI/Vortec engine?
The first thing you should do to your engine is to make sure it has a complete tune up and is in proper running condition. This means replacement of the spark plugs and wires along with a new distributor cap, and rotor. The TBI or throttle body unit should also be cleaned thoroughly. This requires taking it off and cleaning all of the small passages that run along the bottom side of it. Cleaning or replacing the PVC valve is also crucial. You will also want to check your serpentine belt and coolant and vacuum hoses. They get old and crack and break down over time and this would be a good time to replace them. Finally, you will want to check your timing. The factory setting for the L05 (TBI) 5.7L engine is 0* but check your engine’s emission sticker under the hood for the factory timing setting for your truck. You can advance the base timing if you want, but timing is mainly controlled by the engine’s computer. A custom chip will add more timing under the curve to improve low RPM torque, so adjusting the base timing is pointless. You may have to run a higher octane fuel though so you will have to consider that. After your truck has received a full tune up you can start to consider your first modifications.


What is involved in a performance tune-up? What are some regular maintenance items to replace?
A complete tune-up includes: new air filter (cleaned reusable filter), new distributor cap/rotor, new spark plugs set at the appropriate gap, test and replace faulty spark plug wires, check timing, check and/or replace PCV valve, check and replace faulty vacuum hoses, check coolant level, oil/oil filter change, check transmission fluid level, check steering pump and brake fluid levels, check windshield washer fluid, check and readjust TV transmission cable (pre-93 trucks), remove slack from throttle linkage, clean terminals on battery.

Some common replacement items in general and preventative maintenance: Fuel filter, O2 sensor(s) (replace after 65,000-80,000 miles), PVC valve, belts, wiper blades.


I want to clean my IAC because I’ve heard that it can affect engine idle. How can I do this?
The quick way: remove the IAC and lightly spray carb cleaner on it and inside the chamber. Wipe the residue off with a shop towel. Reinstall.

The detailed step-by-step, careful approach:
1). Remove the IAC. It can be found on the pass side of the TBI.

2). After you have done so, reconnect the IAC connector and place a bag or towel around the IAC so the pintle doest go flying off. Once this is done, jumper pins 'A' + 'B' in the ALDL connector. Once jumpered, turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the car. The ecm will eject the IAC pintle. Turn off the ignition and remove the IAC and its components.

3). Next step is to clean the parts. I like using lighterfluid or naphtha. Cleans and leaves no unpleasant odor once it evaporates. Use a toothbrush to remove all the carbon deposits from the guide, spring, and the threads on the pintle shaft. Once dry lightly coat the pintle shaft and guide with a light grease or oil.

4). Reassemble. Place the spring over the pintle and place the pintle shaft in the guide slot in the IAC. It wont just go in as there is an armature with gear teeth on it. Screw the IAC pintle in until the guide slots on the pintle shaft just meet up with the guides in the IAC main body. From there gently rock the IAC pintle back and fourth while applying light pressure until the pintle gets partially back into the IAC.

5.) Reinstall the IAC. Screw it in by hand and if you feel any sort of resistance, STOP!!! The pintle has bottomed out. Reconnect the IAC and pull the jumper out of the ALDL if you have not yet done so. Lightly depress the gas pedal and start the car. Let it run for about 30 secs and shut down. Hand tighten the IAC and add about 1/16 additional turn is about all that's necessary. And you’re done. The vehicle is ready for use.


How do I adjust my TPS?
On TBI engines, the TPS is not adjustable. Just leave it alone. You can test it for proper operation using a volt meter, but there is no need to adjust it. Here’s a link that will help you to test your TPS using a digital volt meter: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/faqs/l/aa042603a_1.htm. It also includes instructions on how to test other sensors for proper operation and may help to fix common engine problems.


Will using higher octane fuel add power?
No. If your 350 TBI is stock and running the stock base timing setting of 0* advanced, then there is no need to run higher than 87. Even with 0* you could possibly still hear knock. This could be caused by excess carbon deposits that are creating detonation usually found in high mileage motors. Seafoam top engine cleaner or equivalent (GM top engine cleaner) can be used to remove these deposits and prevent detonation. Higher octane fuel may be required for engines that are running high compression ratios or advanced timing curves from a custom chip or tune. Running higher octane fuel than is needed for your application will not clean your engine or add power to it. In some cases it may actually decrease power because of an incomplete combustion.


Now that my engine has a tune up, what areas should I start to mod/upgrade?
An extremely popular first mod is removing the stock air intake snorkel assembly and replacing it with an open air element or cold air intake (CAI) kit from K&N, AirRaid, etc. An open element will sit flat on top of your TBI unit and allow you to remove the spacer ring that surrounds the perimeter of the top of your TBI unit. Before you look into serious mods like heads and a cam you need to address the other weak points of the truck, such as the exhaust system and fuel system. A complete exhaust upgrade from the exhaust ports back should be installed as the first major mod to take the full advantage of future upgrades. Also, the stock fuel pump will not be able to effectively support the power your motor will make with a new cam and heads. Installing a larger fuel pump will not affect the fuel pressure of your current setup since the pressure is modulated by the fuel pressure regulator, not the pump. An adjustable fuel pressure regulator and a fuel pressure gauge should be added to adjust fuel to match your power upgrades as you go along. Lastly, you will want a performance chip/tune. The best approach is burn your own chips, but there is a steep learning curve. The next best option is to have tuners such as Wester’s Garage, Wait4Me, TBI Chips, etc, burn you a custom PROM for your application, particularly if you’ve changed the displacement, heads, and/or cam on your engine. On a mostly stock engine, chips and tunes from Jet Performance, Hypertech, etc. will work fine.


How do I do the ultimate TBI mods and are they worth it?
The ultimate TBI mods are a set of modifications that improve the airflow and fuel into your engine. They include: removing the ridge on the injector side of the TB unit, shaving the throttle shafts, installing an injector pod spacer. There are two great tech articles on how to do this below and they are pretty straight forward once you have a grinder and TBI unit in your hands. It will improve airflow by about 5%, but more importantly unshrouds the injectors for a cleaner air entry + fuel atomization. This added flow will help at higher RPMs. Companies like CFMTech and XtremeFI also manufacturer TB with larger than stock 46mm holes (48mm and 50mm). These units already include the ultimate TBI mods mentioned performed on the TB.

Ultimate TBI mods instructions: http://www.thirdgen.org/ultimatetbi and http://www.thirdgen.org/ultimatetbi2
Pics of the ultimate TBI mods: http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tb...owing-tbi.html


Will a larger TB make more power?
IMO this should be your last upgrade. I’ll say it one more time. Most people overestimate the CFM requirements of their engine. For a more accurate estimate, use the Wallace Racing CFM calculator: http://www.wallaceracing.com/intakecfm.php. I like it because it also takes into account the type of intake manifold. Engine CFM requirements highly depend on the Volumetric Efficiency (VE) of your engine at red line. It automatically calculates the compensatory 120% to 150% of the engine's base requirement using the dual plane intake. If you were to use a single plane intake (yes one exists - the Edelbrock MPFI unit is a single plane design), the percentage over the engine's base CFM requirement is between 110%-130%. Most factory engines are between 65-75% VE at redline. On a mildly upgraded 350 engine (i.e. headers, exhaust, chip) with stock heads and cam, the VE hits about 72%. If you were to change cams, you're looking at about 78% VE. Change heads and cam, about 85-88% VE.

Stock TB cfm on a 350 engine is 490 cfm at 1.5inHg. Redline on the stock engine (or mine at least) is 4500-4750 RPM. Like I said before, the stock engine's VE is about 66%. Input the numbers into the calculator and what do you get: 381 to 476 cfm. So that's why the engineers at GM chose the size of TB that they did. Now let's now say you've changed the cam plus all the other performance goodies, redline now at 5000 RPM, stock heads, VE now at 78%: 474 to 592 cfm required. You could still use the stock TB easily with no major bottleneck in power. Ultimate TB mods would give you 520 cfm. Even with a cam change and other performance goodies, the stock TB is still pretty decent. You could upgrade to the CFM-Tech unit rated at 590-620 cfm if you wanted to.

What if you changed heads/cam now and redline at 5600 RPM, VE now at 88%: You'd need 613 to 766 cfm. The CFM-Tech TB would work, but the larger 50mm TB would be better. It's rated at 690-750cfm, depending if you believe the upper figure quoted by XtremeFI or not. The 454 TB (also 50mm) is rated at 670 cfm at 1.5inHg w/o the injector pod according to airdeano's tests. I'd tend to believe airdeano's numbers more because they're pretty bang on: TBI AirFlow.

A 383, stock heads, with cam, Redline at 5000 RPM, VE again at 78%: 519 to 648 cfm. Either the CFM-Tech or XtremeFI TB would work. The stock TB even with the ultimate TBI mods (520 cfm) would be too small IMO.

The bottom line is: calculate the CFM requirements of your particular engine. Most likely, you won’t need to buy a larger TB unless you’ve made extensive upgrades to your engine. The ultimate TBI mods are relatively easy to do yourself and will increase your TB airflow to about 520 cfm. More than enough to support your performance upgrades. (Note that the required cfm of your engine has nothing to do with hp!!)


What is a TBI spacer and does it add power?
A TBI spacer is just what it sounds like. It is a piece of plastic, wood, phenolic resin, or aluminum that bolts in between the TBI unit and intake manifold. It helps increase the intake manifold plenum size and is designed to add power. It also acts as a thermal insulator between the TBI unit and intake manifold. Resin and plastic materials may be more effective than aluminum and since they will not conduct as much heat into the TBI unit. There are two paper gaskets between the TB and the intake manifold so you be the judge. Most people claim that they have improved throttle response and mid-range torque after installing their spacer. A TBI spacer usually requires a little tweaking of the throttle brackets and TV cables (for pre-93 trannys) to keep it from pulling the throttle open. Make sure you properly adjust your TV cable. Failure to do so could result in transmission failure. Any service manual has an instruct set on how to properly adjust your cable. An on-line service manual is available from Autozone’s website: http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=RG001&UserAction=processModel&Par ameters=005

Also, keep in mind that if you upgrade to a larger TB, it is a good idea to have your throttle body spacer and intake manifold machined to match your intake tract.


What is an injector pod spacer and do they add power?
An injector pod spacer is a plastic spacer that raises your injector pod up 1/4" to unshroud the injectors for better air and fuel delivery. They can be found on ebay and are also sold by Jegs and Summit Racing. This mod is considered a component of the ultimate TBI upgrade. Do they add power? No dyno tests have ever proved it but when combined with the Ultimate TBI mods, your truck engine will gain both fuel economy and power: http://www.cfm-tech.com/trucksarticle.htm


How much power can my stock fuel pump support?
The answer is not much. On the typical 350 TBI engine with an AFPR, up to 240 hp. Past this, and you need larger injectors or a larger fuel pump. A high flow unit will supply enough power to your TBI system no matter what mods you go with. Popular choices include, stock GM TPI pumps, Walbro 190lph and 255lph, and the Holley 255lph. Each of these pumps can support gobs of power but will work safely with your TBI set-up because your fuel pressure regulator will keep the fuel entering into your TBI unit where it needs to be. For Vortec engines, fuel injectors are rated at 19#/hr at 42.5 psi. Max hp is about 300 hp because of the limitations of the fuel injectors. Unfortunately, there are no larger replacement fuel injectors for Vortec engines or direct-fit AFPR that can boost fuel pressures to support more hp. Some Vortec owners have gone so far as to replacement their Vortec induction with the marine version, which uses 24#/hr fuel injectors. This way, the induction system won’t be the bottleneck in making big power.

What is an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, who makes them, and are they worth it?
A fuel pressure regulator does just as it sounds. It limits the amount of fuel that enters into your injector pod. There is no set value that came from the factory, but most are setup between 11-13 psi. Adding performance mods to your engine may require that you adjust the fuel pressure a bit to allow more fuel in. You can make the existing TBI fuel pressure regulator adjustable at the following link: http://www.thirdgen.org/tbi-afpr. Jet Performance also makes a replacement unit. If you want one that varies with RPM you will need to look into the GM vacuum adjustable regulator. This regulator changes based on a vacuum source and will rise as RPM does. It is still adjustable so that you can tune down the pressure at idle to avoid running rich, yet have enough pressure at wide open throttle to avoid going lean.


What are the major troublesome areas to overcome in TBI engines to make awesome power? In Vortec engines?
TBI engines (1988-1995): Quite a few, unfortunately.

Airflow: The TB is relatively small at 490cfm at 1.5inHg. The ultimate TBI mods can be performed to raise this to 520 cfm. If you’re changing heads, cam, displacement, or adding a supercharger, this won’t cut it and you need more air. Larger TB that are direct replacements for your stock TB are made by CFM-Tech and Turbo City (590-620 CFM), or XtremeFI (750 cfm). The 454 TB can also be used (rated at 670 cfm at 1.5inHg), but there are some incompatibility issues with the IAC (Idle air control) and TPS (throttle position) sensors. These issues can be overcome by splicing the 454-style TPS and IAC sensor wires to the wires from the small block TPS/IAC. Keep in mind that all small block TBs aren’t the same. There are slight changes in design in the production years from 1988-1995. Ask for a TB from your model year or send them your original to be modified. Holley also makes a replacement TB (750 cfm) with larger 68#/hr injectors. I think it gets a bad wrap because it doesn’t improve the performance (or sometimes worsens the performance on TBI engines). If your using the Holley TB, you need a custom chip to make it work properly for your application. The computer thinks it still has the smaller injectors with less air going into the engine. The fuel tables need to be recalibrated via the chip to make this unit a performer. Something Holley doesn’t tell you.

Heads: The L05 5.7L head is a swirl port design, meaning that there are these ridges in the intake runner and under the valves to promote better fuel atomization and improve low RPM torque. The truth is it works – at low RPM (3500 and under). Problem is most people are looking for gains in top end hp and these heads are at a mechanical disadvantage to provide adequate airflow for high RPM power. The solution: either port them or replace them. Popular replacement options include using Vortec heads or aftermarket cylinder heads. Because of their centerbolt head design, they are few options for aftermarket heads and some are more expensive than others. The poorest performer IMO is the Edelbrock centerbolt head, but it seems to be the most well-known head for TBI engines. There are also the Torquer S/R from World Castings, AFR 180 or AFR 195, Canfield heads, Pro Topline heads from Racing Head Services (RHS), and Trick Flow heads. There are three factors that you need to decide which head is right for you: head airflow characteristics (the higher the better), intake runner size (max should be 195cc for a 350 otherwise will start to dramatically lose low speed torque characteristics), and combustion chamber (stock 350 is 64cc for roughly a 9.3:1 compression ratio). AFR 195 heads, for example, are arguably the best performing head with huge airflow numbers to generate tons of hp. Unfortunately, the smallest combustion chamber version you can buy is 68cc, so without a thinner head gasket or shaving the heads, you will lose engine compression (and therefore hp) compared to a similar head with slightly less airflow numbers and a smaller combustion chamber. I chose the Trick Flow 195 heads for my engine: good airflow, 195cc intake runner, and a 62cc combustion chamber. In Dyno 2000, these heads made slightly better power than AFRs when corrected for engine compression. So make sure you remember these important factors when choosing heads for your engine. If I had a 383 or larger displacement small block, I’d choose the AFRs hands down since larger displacement will raise compression and AFR’s larger combustion chamber heads will keep the compression under 10:1 and ability of the engine to run on cheaper pump gas.

Camshaft: one word - wimpy. Less than 0.400” lift and small (172/180 at 0.050"), it is just a horrible design for making good power. Great for towing and low speed torque, but newer camshaft designs today can improve your low speed torque and provide major hp increases when combined with other performance upgrades. Please read later in the thread on how to choose the right camshaft for your truck. Depending on your engine combination and whether you’ve changed heads or not, there are several performance options that are available.

Exhaust: There were many different styles of exhaust from 1988-1995. All were a 2-into-1 design using a catalytic converter. Older designs used AIR injection with a smog pump and a less efficient pancake-style (pellet) catalytic converter. It is unclear when monolithic (high flow) converters were introduced. Some say in 1996 with the introduction of the Vortec engine. I just took the stock catalytic converter off my 1994 350 truck and it was a monolithic design and replace it with a high flow unit from MagnaFlow. Don’t know if the stock one is considered high flow or not, but it was pretty plugged so any comparisons would be meaningless. What do you want for exhaust? Replace everything!! Now with what? You have several options again. The best exhaust system IMO is long tube headers with 2.5” true dual exhaust (2 mufflers, 2 catalytic converters, etc.). Another option is shorty style headers (direct-fit), stock or aftermarket y-pipe, 3” intermediate pipe. If you choose not to run a catalytic converter, this combo can be used to make good hp if you’ve changed heads/cam on your engine. On a TBI engine with stock heads and cam, running a 3” catalytic converter WILL NOT greatly limit the hp potential of your motor. A 3” high flow cat can roughly flow 360 cfm of air. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but most people overestimate the required air for their engine. A stock 350 TBI engine with performance exhaust only needs 355-444 cfm of air with a 4500 RPM redline and 65% VE. A section on the effect of larger TB is listed earlier in this thread.

Vortec engines (1996-1998):

Fuel injectors/Intake manifold: The fuel injectors on Vortec engines cannot be replaced with standard aftermarket injectors (rated at 19#/hr). As far as I know, there is no direct-fit AFPR that is available for their engines. Perhaps the stock one can be modified or a universal AFPR can be used, but it will require some creativity and ingenuity. Increasing the fuel pressure would support more horsepower and 400 hp is doable. In fact, Vortec Stroker has a 383 using the stock Vortec induction making 400 hp, so it is possible to make big power using this setup: L31 383 Stroker Dyno #'s. Airflow is the biggest bottleneck in the Vortec system since the fuel injector poppets are in the intake tract. A direct bolt-on marine version of the Vortec induction system is available that uses larger 24#/hr fuel injectors that are mounted outside of the intact tract and allows better performance up to 5800 RPM. This is one way to get around this potential bottleneck. Another way is to replace the whole induction unit with another MPFI system, like the Holley Stealth Ram or GM’s RamJet.

Heads: The Vortec heads are great heads, but there are not without their problems. The valve springs only support up to 0.470” lift camshafts. Since the Vortec engines use hydraulic roller cams, it would be silly not to upgrade the springs in order to take advantage of today’s high lift roller camshaft designs with lift in excess of 0.500”. Chevy High Performance has an article on upgrading your springs here: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...ort/index.html. In this example, the valve seats are machined and larger springs are installed. Springs are also available that will increase your valve lift without machining the valve seats. Comp Cams Beehive 26915 or the Beehive 26918 springs can be used as direct replacements without machining the heads and will allow up to 0.550” lift. Contact Comp Cams or Crane Cams and ask them directly for which springs they’d recommend if you are unsure. Here’s another article on everything you wanted to know on Vortec heads: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/ho...458/index.html.

Camshaft: better than a TBI engine and it’s a roller camshaft, so it’s pretty good, right? Nope. If you want to make big power increases, you have to change the camshaft. This bottleneck is intertwined with the previous two bottlenecks. With more fuel and heads that support high lift, a 400+ hp engine is entirely possible. Again, the combination of parts selection is the key here. Installing a camshaft in a stock Vortec engine is not going to perform miracles, but will improve performance. Please read later in the thread on how to choose the right camshaft for your truck.


I want to add a supercharger to my engine. How do I do that and what are my choices?
First off, supercharger kits are mainly designed and calibrated for the stock engine. It will tolerate mild performance upgrades such as headers and low-restriction exhaust systems, but if you want to start changing cylinder heads and camshafts, you’re going to need to find someone to custom tune your engine or do it yourself. Be prepared to troubleshoot A LOT when adding a supercharger to your engine. It is not as easy as it seems, although the power gains (and particularly the torque gains) are outstanding and well worth the efforts. Depending on your power output, you may need to upgrade the transmission as well, so keep this in mind before investing in a supercharger kit.

TBI engines:
There are three quality manufacturers that I know of: Whipple Industries, Weiand, and ATI ProCharger. Each has their selling points. The Weiand emissions-legal kit is the least expensive at under $3000, but hood space is definitely an issue since the TB sits on top of the unit. There is also a super-cheap $1500 non-emissions kit available that uses a carb setup. Here is an article from someone who has done this to their 350 engine: http://www.thirdgen.org/weiand142install. Definitely needs a cowl induction hood and you may need to modify it to make room for the air filter. A shorter open element filter with K&N Xtreme filter lid may work, but since I don’t have one I wouldn’t know. It uses a 144 roots-style supercharger that adds between 25-30% additional hp/torque. The potential for more boost is possible, but it is limited by the enormous heat that is generated by the roots-style blower. The Whipple supercharger is popular because of its efficiency and low-RPM performance, adding 40-45% more power. Full boost is achieved at low RPMs making this an excellent choice for trucks that need to tow. The ATI ProCharger is the only centrifugal supercharger available from a major company. It is intercooled and therefore provides 8-9 pounds of boost (2-3 more than the Whipple supercharger). Power is improved by 65%, but it is mainly in the upper RPMS. Don’t count on this supercharger to improve your towing capacity significantly around town. On the highway, sure, but you won’t have the torque that the Whipple unit provided down low.

Vortec engines:
In addition to Whipple and ATI mentioned above, there is also Vortec Engineering and Powerdyne, both of which are centrifugal supercharger designs. These superchargers will add up to 50% more power.


Will roller rockers or higher ratio rockers improve power?
Yes and maybe. Roller rockers will reduce frictional parasitic losses on the valvetrain components to free up a few ponies. Higher ratio rockers have their applications: useful on stock cams to improve lift and therefore flow more air, maximize the airflow potential of aftermarket heads and camshafts. They also have their drawbacks: Stock TBI heads have low flow potential and using higher ratio rockers with an aftermarket camshaft may not improve power over the aftermarket camshaft alone since the maximum airflow of the heads have been reached; Vortec heads only allow valve lift up to 0.470” and installing higher ratio rockers may surpass the valve lift depending if you’re running the stock cam or not. With the stock cam, 1.6 ratio rockers are dangerously close to that upper limit, but still under. So how do I decide? Guess it depends on your engine combination and what your future upgrade plans are. Keep in mind that higher ratio rockers will increase the advertised duration of your cam. Comp Cams now has a new XFI series of camshafts designed to use their beehive springs and 1.6 ratio rockers. There are both hydraulic and hydraulic roller versions of the XFI cam. The advantage is that you precisely know the advertised duration of the camshaft with its higher lift potential.


How do I choose the right camshaft for my engine?
Oh man, probably the most common question on this forum and the one with the most answers. You can get really technical answers or very simple rule-of-thumb answers. The reason there are so many different answers (and camshafts for that matter) is because it highly depends on your engine and transmission combination and how you plan on using your truck (towing, racing, daily driver, etc.) Transmission? What does that have to do with it? Well first of all, you can choose slightly more duration with a standard transmission because you can essentially adjust the stall of the engine when starting out from a stop. Automatic transmissions don’t have that luxury and usually stall at about 1100-1300 RPM. If you choose a high duration cam with a narrow LSA (lobe separation angle) for a lopey powerful engine, you’ll gain hp up top, but lose torque down low. More importantly, installing a large duration cam in TBI engines with their torque-producing, low RPM cylinder heads is a major mismatch. The heads will not be able to support the power above 4000 RPM where the cam will be making its most power. The results = a dog of an engine down low and on the high end.

Here are my recommendations for cam choices based on the engine combo you have (all of which need custom chips or performance tuning to work properly and maintain fuel economy. This is required for ANY camshaft upgrade.)

TBI 5.7L with stock heads, stock or 2000 RPM stall torque converter: Duration at 0.050” lift 206/216 with LSA 112. The Crane cam 113904 is my top choice, but as long at you stick to intake duration under 206 degrees, you’ll have a safe computer-friendly cam with gobs of power 4500 RPM and lower. Good for towing and performance applications and good all-round choice. Power level maxes out at 280-300hp.

TBI 5.7L with after market heads, stock converter: Highest lift possible is the key here to take full advantage of your performance heads. My choice would be Comp’s 260 XFI hydraulic camshaft, 216/223, 0.499”/0.492” lift with 1.6 ratio rockers or the Crane 113904 with 1.6 rockers (0.461”/0.484”). Expected power levels will be around 320-345 hp.

TBI 5.7L with after market heads, 2500 RPM stall converter, 3.42 or higher rear end: "XFI" 268 Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft, 224/231, lift 0.520"/0.515" w/1.6 Rockers, or Comp’s Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled XE262H with 1.6 rockers (218/214 at 0.050” lift, 0.494”/0.501”). Dyno simulations of these combos produce 365+ hp at 5500 RPM. Yes, from a TBI. Tuning and proper fuel deliver is a must.

Vortec 5.7L engine without spring upgrade: Crane’s 109815, 204/214, 0.429”/0.452” lift.

Vortec 5.7L with spring upgrade: Comp cams Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled XR254HR (206/212, 0.480”/0.488”) or Comp cams Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled XR264HR (212/218, 0.488”/0.495” lift).

Vortec 5.7L with performance Vortec heads (i.e. Edelbrock 170 E-Tech heads with max valve lift of 0.575”) and fuel/induction system upgrades: Comp’s 260 or 268 XFI hydraulic roller series, 210/218 or 218/224 at 0.050” lift, 0.560”/0.555” or 0.570”/0.565” lift, LSA 113, 1.6 rockers. You could even go with 280 XFI cam with a 2500 stall torque converter. How does 450+ hp sound?

Can I install a hydraulic roller camshaft in my TBI engine? What do I need to know?
Yes, the TBI engine blocks have all the provisions for hydraulic rollers, including the bosses for the spider. Unfortunately, they are not pre-drilled. Therefore, you should disassemble the engine first to avoid getting metal shavings in your engine. There are two terminologies that you have to watch out for here: Retrofit roller cams are for pre-87 blocks: OEM roller cams are for 87 and later blocks. The best way to convert to a hydraulic roller is to buy a kit available from camshaft companies like Comp Cams (K-kit) that includes almost all the parts you need for the swap. The only additional parts needed are the spider, retainer plate, and the roller rocker arms. Total cost however is about $1000.
Read the following article for more info on installing a roller camshaft: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...ler/index.html


Is there any way to predict what kind of hp I’d expect from my performance upgrades?
You bet. I did a series of common engine upgrades using the stock TBI engine to illustrate the utility of dyno simulation software. Here’s a link to the thread: TBI performance mods - Desktop Dyno. The most current version of the software is available through Comp Cams. It is an invaluable resource in helping to choose the right camshaft or the right performance heads. You can also couple your engine with the Drag simulation software to see how your engine upgrades will perform on the street. You can try out different rear ends, different transmissions, or the effect of a higher stall torque converter with your engine/truck combo. Spending some quality time with this software could save you thousands of dollars in selecting the wrong parts. I can not say enough about the utility of this software.


What TBI and Vortec intake manifolds are available for my truck?
There are 3 aftermarket TBI intake manifolds that are out on the market today. Holley makes one that has 2” bores but requires you to use an older style EGR. GM performance parts make one that also has 2” bores but is designed to be used with Vortec heads. They will not work with non- Vortec heads since the intake runners are much taller. The only real bolt-on without any modification is the Edelbrock Performer TBI intake. It is a direct replacement for teh stock intake manifold with no modifications required. Its only downfall is that it uses the stock size inlet bores that don’t allow you to use a larger TBI unit as previously mentioned. Your local machine shop can make easy work of this and the intake can be bored to accept 2” TBI units. The last option is to use an intake design to work with a carb and use a TBI adapter plate (i.e. GM or Trans Dapt). Some people go this route and have a tremendous amount of success.

The only direct Vortec-compatible intake is the marine version that I mentioned earlier. It allows the use of standard aftermarket fuel injectors. There are also some other modifications that are required to use this intake. The conversion link is here: http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=317. There is also a Vortec-compatible TPI base manifold available if you'd like to switch to TPI induction.


Are there any other intake systems I could use for my Vortec engine?
Definitely. Some people have moved over to the GM RamJet for Vortec engines. Edelbrock also makes a MPFI system for Vortec heads. More and more manufacturers are making Vortec- compatible intakes and fuel injection systems. A less expensive option may be a TPI conversion (L31 Intake Manifold alternatives - ATT Pauly and others). Visit Summit Racing for an up-to-date listing of Vortec-compatible systems. Weiand, for instance, has their new Stealth Ram for Vortec heads and even the weiand supercharger units for Vortec heads. Any of the products would be used with TBI engines that use Vortec or Vortec-style performance heads as well.


What about Edelbrock’s MPFI conversion for TBI engines or engines with Vortec heads? Is it worth it and how much power does it provide?
Another common question. Here is a good article on this kit: http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0310or_edel/. Edelbrock did their own testing using their performance parts (cam, heads, exhaust, etc.) and came up with about 270 hp. I use it, but I’ve matched it with Trick Flow heads and a cam from Comp Cams with more duration and higher lift. My engine is rated at 358 hp. Here are the pro's and con's on this kit.

Cons:
1. relatively expensive for the performance return,
2, some improvement in fuel economy, but not much (this is all relative of course because more power means less pedal on the highway going up hills),
3. you can achieve similar performance from a TBI/chip for less money BUT you'll have to change injectors and do the ultimate TB mods to match your power output (stock 350 injectors are good until 270 hp with maximal tuning/FP; 300 hp with 68#/hr injectors, 330 hp with 454 injectors - this is all with stock fuel pump of course),
4. need a custom chip if you use any camshaft or cylinder head other than Edelbrock,
5. Some say it has a rougher idle than TBI, but I haven't experienced that even with a larger computer-friendly camshaft.

Pros:
1. You can get past the horsepower barrier of the TBI fuel injectors. I called Edelbrock and the supplied injectors are rated at 20.5#/hr at 43 psi. With tuning and maximal FP (~80 psi), these injectors are good up to 400+ hp. You can also swap the injectors for larger ones, so you'll never exceed the hp limit with this engine (particularly if you're thinking of adding a supercharger later or thinking about using a roller hydraulic cam setup with performance heads good for 450-600+ hp),
2. least expensive manufactured multiport fuel injection system on the market that's brand new.
3. single plane intake design that works well with high flow heads/camshaft upgrades.
4. There is an aftermarket adjustable FPR available for it. There are several manufacturers, including Holley, Jet, Automotive, etc. I purchased the Holley one (512-502) and switched the output connector with an AN-6 one (Barry Grant 140028). Easy peasy. There is a schrader valve for a fuel pressure gauge off the driver's side fuel rail. It can be swapped out to work with an inexpensive underhood Autometer fuel pressure gauge. In order to make this work, you'll need to exchange the position of the fuel rails (driver's side fuel rail to passenger's side and vice versa for passenger's side fuel rail) and rotate them 180 degrees (Edelbrock engraving towards manifold). The fuel lines hook-ups will still be at the back, but on the opposite side. You will also need to drill a hole in the throttle cable mounting bracket to easily access the AFPR with you allen key.
5. Custom chip - save some money by ordering the 3502 kit, which is the same system w/o the Edelbrock-supplied chip. Under $1000. You'll need one anyway to make an awesome combo so might as well get all the goodies along with it. I recommend Wester's to provide your chip.

This kit isn't for everyone and some would say it is cheaper to run TPI (and look cooler). I thought about that conversion too, but it has its own inherent problems as well (including poor flow over 4500 RPM). But for off-idle/low RPM torque using the stock heads, I don't think there is a better combination out there. It is becoming more difficult to find a donor setup with all the necessary parts. Even the scrap yards sell it for inflated prices. You can easily find one on ebay.

So to answer the question - is it worth it? On a mostly stock engine with stock heads - no. In a performance application over 300 hp, then yes IMO. Most people would do other performance upgrades first before attempting this swap though.


What is involved in a TPI swap for my TBI engine?
This was a popular swap about ten years ago. I still think that this swap is economical and it has an important application in trucks since it is designed to produce a broad flat torque curve. Read these articles for more specifics on the conversion: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te.../148_0207_tpi/ and http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/90759/. There are also entire books dedicated to this swap, such as the Chevy TPI Fuel Injection Swapper's Guide available through Summit Racing or at your local performance parts store. There is more involved in this swap than a short paragraph will allow. Here is a well put-together article detailing the swap on a 94 Suburban: http://www.edgesz28.com/edgesZ28/sub...an-tpiswap.htm. If you’re thinking about a TPI setup, I would try to choose your components to maximize torque/power under 4500 RPM. There are ways to improve top-end breathing on TPI engines, but the parts are expensive and not readily available. Adding these components can produce a 400hp TPI engine, but the added expense of the components will no longer make this an economical swap. If you want a 400 hp small block or high RPM performer, I’d consider using the GM Ramjet or Holley Stealth Ram instead. It will be cheaper to buy these systems than modify the TPI system for high RPM power.


What cylinder heads can I use on my truck?
There are a few choices that you can go with. A popular set of heads are those found on TPI Camaros/Firebirds/Corvettes, called the L98 head. They do not have the swirl port style of the stock TBI heads, but have the same combustion chamber size as your stock heads. They can be found in cast iron and aluminum, the aluminum being the most desirable because of their smaller 58cc combustion chamber. IMO though, there are better aftermarket heads available for TBI replacements. Choices include AFR, Edelbrock, World Products, Trick Flow, Pro Topline, and Canfield. Personally, I love the Trick Flow heads for a few reasons: 62cc combustion chamber, direct bolt-on design, excellent flow characteristics, aluminum, and relatively inexpensive. They come with several spring options to support 0.550”+ lift hydraulic and hydraulic roller camshafts. AFR has the best head on the market right now their newly designed Eliminator SBC head with unreal airflow numbers, but they are pricey. Vortec cylinder heads are also an option for TBI replacement heads, but I’ll refer discussion of these heads in its own separate question below.

Vortec heads are a good head from the factory, but also have their limitations (see “What are the major troublesome areas to overcome in TBI engines to make awesome power? In Vortec engines?”). At minimum, I would upgrade the springs on these heads to support high lift roller camshafts. If you are looking for more power, you will need to upgrade or replace your fuel induction system and should consider aftermarket Vortec heads. There are many heads available and here is a recent article on some of the more common choices: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...tec/index.html. To save you the extra reading, the Edelbrock 170 Etecs are the best performing head on the market right now with valve lifts up to 0.575”. Awesome head. These heads are used on Edelbrock’s EFI 440hp 350 crate engine, which would make an outstanding turn-key drop in motor for any 88-98 OBS truck.


I want to use Vortec heads on my TBI engine. What is involved with the swap and what kind of power increase can I expect?
Oh man, if I got a dollar for every time this question is asked…OK, this swap is not as easy as swapping heads as you’ve probably figured out. There are a lot of hidden costs involved that add up very quickly. You need: 1. Vortec-compatible TBI manifold – currently only GM Performance Parts sells this and it is pricey. 2. driver’s side manifold needs to changed to utilize EGR. Can be pulled from a parts yards or buy headers for 96-99 5.7L trucks. 3. EGR tube - again get from a wrecking yard. 4. Vortec heads have low lift potential and will require either machine work or different springs for high lift cams. If you're changing heads, you might as well change the cam at the same time. Summit racing and others sell Vortecs heads with these modifications already performed. 5. You will need a custom chip regardless of what you do in order to maximize the potential of your engine. 6. You may need to upgrade your fuel pump, run an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, or run larger injectors to make sure you have enough fuel to support a substantial increase in horsepower over stock. Just adding Vortec heads may add only 20 hp because the TBI camshaft is so weak. To take advantage of these better flowing heads, you need to change the camshaft in your engine. All told, it is going to cost more than $850-1000+, not including the cost of the heads to make it run right and to avoid disappointment. If you have headers from your TBI engine, you'll need to weld-in Edelbrock's #2899 kit to retain EGR. With careful parts selection, you can achieve 320+ hp easy with a performance exhaust setup.


I want to use a 4 barrel 900 CFM Holley TBI. Can this be done?
Sure! Some methods are easier then others though... You won’t need it until your pushing over 400 HP or 6000 RPM on an extensively modified engine. At power levels below this, an upgraded 2-barrel TB can meet the required demands. You can either run an external injector driver and learn prom burning or go promless and do your own source coding to control it, or you can use an aftermarket ECU. Your choice.


Fuel injection is not for me. How do I swap my TBI (or Vortec CSFI) for a carburetor?
I know – I get it. You have a ton of experience with non-computer controlled vehicles and when properly tuned, they can perform just as well as EFI, right? Plus, there is no dreaded computer to deal with and the thought of controlling your advanced curve and air:fuel ratio using metering rods and jets gets your heart pounding. While of course it is possible to run a carb on these engines, there are some things to think about before plunging into this swap. If you have the 4L60E transmission (install on most 93 and later GM trucks), you will need to use an aftermarket controller kit with a specialized throttle position sensor designed for carburetor “retrofit” applications. As for the engine, the key to a successful swap is to remove control of the computer to engine parts. Therefore, you need to replace the EFI system with a carb/intake combo and replace your computer-controlled distributor with a non-computer controlled distributor, ignition module, and coil. You will also need to modify the fuel system by installing an in-tank fuel pump or installing a 3-port, return style AFPR inline before the carb to lower the fuel pressure to a carb-friendly 5-8 psi. There are also some minor modifications that need to be made, such as throttle linkage, vacuum lines, etc., but essentially you’re done. Ok, you’re still convinced on performing the swap. Instructions are here: http://www.thirdgen.org/carbswap. An article on the different types of carbs available is here: http://www.thirdgen.org/pickacarb.


Can Seafoam improve the performance of my engine?
Maybe. The reason to use Seafoam (or GM top engine cleaner) is to remove the carbon deposits from your combustion chambers. Why? Two reasons: 1) To promote cleaner combustion, and 2) Because these deposits can artificially increase the compression of your engine by taking up free air space. You won't notice using the stock chip, but if you use a performance chip with aggressive timing, it may cause the engine to ping when under load (WOT) and using 87 octane fuel. On TBI and Vortec engines, there is a knock sensor that decreases the timing if engine knock is detected. Using Seafoam in this case, may remove engine deposits and lower engine compression back to the stock configuration, eliminating the engine knock. The result: you regain the lost power and performance of your engine.


What is a good exhaust system for my truck and will too big of a system take away low end power?
A 3” exhaust will not decrease low end power at all. A dual 2.5” exhaust system is optimum. Also, you’ll want to decrease back pressure as much as possible and many people get this confused with scavenging. A full exhaust from headers, dual or single high flow cat(s), and cat-back really provides a major power boost. The stock exhaust is horrendously restrictive. Buy a pre-fabricated exhaust kit or have an exhaust shop make your exhaust from scratch. It is not much more money believe it or not. A little reading in this exhaust section should help you make an informed decision.

Are there any aftermarket y-pipes available that are mandrel bent?
Yes, Edelbrock makes them and they are 2 1/2” down pipes into a 3” intermediate pipe. It is sold as an off-road unit, but it would be emissions-compatible with the addition of an O2 sensor bung and a 3” catalytic converter. It is pricey are $160. Another option is using Magnaflow’s y-pipe for 94-95 trucks, 2 1/4” mandrel bent tubing and includes their high flow catalytic converter for $150 – a great deal. Although it is listed for direct-fit applications for 94-95 trucks, it can be used in 88-95 trucks by cutting the 3” end off and welding on an intermediate pipe to connect to you muffler.

Another option for a true dual exhaust setup that is mandrel bent is to use Magnaflow's catalytic converter/head pipe replacement unit from the 96-98 5.7L. It has 2 1/2" pipe and two high-flow cats. Cut the ends off and run 2 1/2" pipes to dual mufflers and you've got yourself a true dual exhaust setup. Cost on the Magnaflow unit is $316.


Do I need a catalytic converter? Will removing it make more power?
This is somewhat of a loaded question. We all know that catalytic converters are designed to reduce noxious gases that harm our ozone and contribute to global warming. Their fault lies in the fact that they can restrict exhaust airflow and therefore can limit hp. Some people remove their catalytic converter in the quest for more power. Is this the right thing to do? Well let me provide some objective evidence and you can make the decision yourself. A recent article in Sport Truck magazine tested the airflow characteristics of Magnaflow's high flow catalytic converters against stock GM, Ford, and Dodge units. Here’s where auto math becomes important. As mentioned earlier, most people over estimate the CFM requirements of their engine. CFM requirements are based on 3 factors: max engine RPM, intake manifold design, and volumetric efficiency (VE) of their engine. VE? What the heck is VE? Probably the most important factor influencing CFM engine requirements. To estimate your CFM requirements, go to this link: http://www.wallaceracing.com/intakecfm.php. Don’t all assume you have a performance engine. If you haven’t changed heads or cam on your TBI engine, VE at 4500-4700 RPM is only 67%. On a 350 TBI engine, CFM requirement is 383-473 CFM. Shocking I know!! If you have a hydraulic roller camshafts, performance heads and other performance goodies, you can choose a VE between 90-100%, but I bet there is <5% of the TBI crowd out there with that engine combination.

Back to the Sport Truck article, their 3” cat is rated at 360 cfm at 1.5inHg (quoted 422 cfm at 28” H2O) and their 2.5” cat is rated at 307 cfm at 1.5inHg (quoted 360 cfm at 28” H2O). This was surprising and I now know why catalytic converter manufacturers don’t cite their airflow characteristics. No one would buy them!! This is just a misinterpretation of the kind of airflow needed for an exhaust system. Let’s take our TBI engine above with performance exhaust – needing 383-473 CFM of air. Will a single 3” cat suffice? – Sure. Will it affect hp – a little bit, but limits it only by 2-4% or about 4-8 hp. Most people wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference. Let’s say now you’ve got an all out performance 350 with the works, hydraulic roller cam, long tubes, the best performance heads money can buy (95% VE – it is rarely 100% at max RPM!!), shifting at 5700 RPM (computer-limited). You’ll need a lot of air - 658 to 823 cfm and dual 3” catalytic converters (2 x 360 CFM = 720 CFM). Most engines are not that potent though. My engine, for example, with Trick Flow heads, Comp hydraulic camshaft, shifting at 5500 RPM has a VE of 83%. My engine needs 555 to 693 cfm. Dual 2.5” cats are more than enough not to limit hp. However, TBI engines only come with a single 3” cat and it is certainly not high flow. Removing the cat on a 2-into-1 exhaust system will improve power on a heavily modified engine – there’s no question. So depending on how you feel about saving our environment versus the additional expense of 2 catalytic converters and a custom exhaust, only you can make that decision. All I can say is TBI engines with stock heads and cam do not need to remove the stock catalytic converter, unless it is plugged or faulty (or the ancient pellet-type). There is no significant change in power with or without a high-flow catalytic converter. Vortec 350 engines already come with 2 catalytic converters from the factory that is more than enough to meet your performance upgrade potential.


What is a smog pump (on pre-93 trucks) and can I remove it?
Your smog pump (AIR pump) is simply what it sounds like. It is a pump that sends air to your catalytic converter via a little round tube. This helps complete the combustion of residual exhaust gases in your catalytic converter along with quickly heating up your cat during cold starts. Replace the catalytic converter with a modern unit and the AIR system becomes redundant. It is located on the lower side of your accessory bracket right underneath the AC compressor on the passenger side. It has an upper and lower bolt that attaches it to the bracket. These bolts can be removed and your smog pump will come right out. Here is an article on smog pump removal: http://www.thirdgen.org/serpentine


I have a lot of performance components already on my 305 engine, but I want more power. What should I do?
Well, any performance upgrade that you can do on a 350 engine can also be done on a 305 engine. If you want more than that, then add a supercharger or buy a 350 long block or 383 short block with aftermarket heads and swap over the parts you want. 350 engines are so plentiful that IMO, there is no excuse for not having one for the serious performance-minded individual.


I like the 454SS, but I have a small block in my truck. Would you recommend a 454 engine swap in place of my engine?
Well, any engine swap is possible. There is no doubt the 454 engine is super cool and you can swap it into your truck, but because of the extra torque, you’ll need to upgrade the transmission, preferably to the 4L80E or Turbo 400. The upgraded 4L65E found in performance trucks/cars may also be used, but right now they are relatively new and difficult to find in the wrecking yard. A new transmission would be pretty expensive, but like I said, anything is possible. Another option is to buy a World Products assembled small block short block. They make these up to 454 cid (http://www.worldcastings.com/prods_pages/101202.htm). I think the “most wanted” of all the big block swaps is the 572 GM Performance Parts engine. Man, that engine would be so cool in an OBS truck. If you can afford that engine, then you can afford the swap.

Personally, I think doing a LS1 swap is very affordable right now. There are enough donor vehicles in the wrecking yard from crashed Vettes, Camaros, and Firebirds to make this an awesome engine swap project. Jimmy P is currently installing one on his 1989 Silverado project: http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/...d.php?t=144018. Another modern engine swap would be to use the 5.3L out of the NBS trucks.


Are there any nitrous systems designed for my TBI or Vortec truck?
Yup. Nitrous Works, Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS), and Venom Performance all make nitrous oxide systems for 88-95 TBI-powered trucks. For Vortec-powered 96-98 trucks, NOS and Venom have systems available. Visit their respective websites for more information and where to buy. You can add up to 125 hp with these kits. Nitrous kits on trucks get a bad rap from the ricer market, but they can safely add power for not too much money. Kits are priced between $600-800 and can be easily installed yourself. It provides the same power as a supercharger, but at a fraction of the cost. When used properly, a good nitrous system is a welcome addition to any truck engine. The problem is you can only use it at WOT and you have to keep refilling the nitrous bottles.


Where can I find TBI-engine related performance parts for my truck?

Performance Chips:
Wester’s Garage - http://westers_garage.eidnet.org/Index2.htm
Wait4Me - http://www.wait4meperformance.com/
TBI Chips - http://www.tbichips.com/

Larger Throttle bodies:
CFMTech - http://www.cfm-tech.com/index.htm
XtremeFI - http://www.xtremefi.com/
TurboCity – http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?cPath=16

TBI injectors:
TurboCity – http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?cPath=16


What are performance chips or performance tunes and how do they work?
Performance chips are essentially a memory chip that contains a set of instructions that tells your computer (and your truck engine) how to respond to incoming sensor data. Performance tunes differ in that the set of instructions are contained on flashable memory housed inside the computer. Therefore, there is no chip to replace. Chips are available for both the TBI and Vortec Engines. Jet Performance, for instance, makes performance chips for Vortec engines. Other performance chipmakers are out there as well, including Wester’s Garage, Wait4Me, TBI Chips, (Ed Wright) Fast Chips, etc. They can vary in price from under $100 to over $500. Burning your own chips can save you some money or at least allow you to fine tune your engine as you continue to upgrade your engine.



What is chip burning and is it necessary?
Chip burning is simply making your own custom PROMS. You will find that the biggest gains on these engines will come from burning your own chips. The stock chip is very weak and can barely support the factory set-up. Anytime you mod your truck you should look into burning a new chip to maximize its potential. You can get away with the stock chip with basic bolt-ons, but once you add a major upgrade (i.e. new camshaft) chip burning is a must. Alternatively, you can have a performance tuner make one for you, but it will be difficult to get your engine dialled in properly since the chip is made using info on your engine combination, but it is not YOUR engine without any feedback to see how well the tune is working. The solution: datalogging. There is free software available that you can install on a laptop computer and use a special connector to plug the laptop into your cars diagnostic (ALDL) port. Driving the truck while this software is running will collect performance-related data about your engine. These data will tell you what your engine is doing with respect to timing, air:fuel ratio, etc. at respective engine RPM. You can save this data and send it to a chipmaker that will burn you a chip based on the info you sent them. Retest with the datalogging software and finetune the chip again. This strategy will essentially accomplish the same thing as if you were burning the chip yourself. You can find this program from the following link.
Link to data log software
Link: Good starting post for TBI prom tuning


Is my TBI or Vortec speed limited?
Yes, the ECMs have a fuel shut-off circuit once the vehicle reaches the maximum limited speed. Any chipmaker or aftermarket chip/tuner will remove the governor circuit to allow higher speeds. There is no RPM limiter, but max RPM on Vortec engines seems to be 5800 RPM. This is written into the computer code. Some people are trying to develop ways to get around this.


How can I learn how to burn my own chips for my TBI or Vortec engine?
Lots of good resources here/lots to read and way too much to cover:
How to burn Proms for TBI trucks
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tb...free-tune.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...uide-book.html
EPROM Tuning Software
Yeah! Full pcm edit program now available for our trucks!


What is a torque converter and how does it work?
The torque converter is an amazing piece of automotive engineering that connects the output of the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. It is a fluid-coupling device that also acts as a torque multiplier during initial acceleration. Torque converters are rated in terms of stall speed. Stall speed refers the RPM that a given torque converter (impeller) has to spin in order for it to overcome a given amount of load and begin moving the turbine. In other words, it refers to how fast (RPM) the torque converter must spin to generate enough fluid force on the turbine to overcome the resting inertia of the vehicle at wide open throttle. Most torque converter are rated using a reference load of 230 ft-lbs at 2500 RPM. Engines producing more than 230 ft-lbs at 2500 RPM will give you more than advertised stall speed. The opposite is true for engine with less than 230 ft-lbs at 2500 RPM. The increase or decrease in advertised stall speed is only 100-200 RPMs.


How do I choose the right converter for my application?
Choosing the right torque converter is similar to choosing the right camshaft. It can be difficult and it is easy to get bogged down in technical information. The main factor is related to your camshaft choice, since this affects the powerband of the engine. A good rule of thumb is for advertised cam durations up to 260 degrees, a 2000 or 2400 stall converter is a good choice. Advertised cam durations up to 272 degrees, a 2400 or 3000 stall converter is a good choice. Advertised cam durations over 280 degrees, a 3000 to 3600 stall converter is a must.


What are the drivability concerns of a higher stall torque converter?
Proper torque converter selection is the key. You will not have any drivability problems if the torque converter is matched properly to your application. Mismatched components are where problems come in. For instance, if you have an engine that needs a 3000 RPM stall and you install a 2200 (2000 to 2500 RPM) stall converter, it will normally not even provide a 2000 RPM stall, but act very similar to the stock converter you just replaced. How come? Because the engine needs to operate in its optimum RPM range and since the stock torque converter is below that range, it is not getting enough load from the crankshaft side to operate as designed. In other words, the low-RPM torque is much lower on this engine and therefore reduces the advertised stall speed of the converter to under 2000 RPM, similar to the stock unit (around 1600-1800 RPM). Symptoms include engine stalling when in gear while stopped, low stall speed, hesitation when at going to WOT, and bogging of the engine when leaving from stop under WOT. Likewise, too high a stall speed is not good either. Symptoms include high “revs” to pull away from a stop, “marshmallow” accelerator feel when driving at part throttle, transmission and possibly engine overheating, and a pronounced engine rev when nailing the throttle from a cruising speed.


How do I determine the stall speed of my torque converter?
You should be able to footbrake stall the converter to its rated stall speed. If your torque converter has a 2400RPM stall speed, you should be able to footbrake stall the converter to about 2400 RPM.


So when should I upgrade my torque converter?
IMO, not until you’ve upgraded your camshaft. A 2500 RPM stall torque converter installed on a stock TBI engine is a major mismatch. A 3000 RPM stall converter on a stock TBI engine is just plain ridiculous, and you’ve just lost the majority of your engine’s powerband.

What are some ways to improve automatic transmission performance?
There are two commonly found 4-speed automatic transmissions: 4L60/700R4 or 4L60E. GM rated these transmissions up to 370 lbs-ft of torque. The heavy-duty 4L80E had a much higher torque capacity rating and was used in 1991 and later GM vehicles, but its use was limited to 454SS OBS trucks only. If you want to really improve the torque capacity of your transmission, you need to rebuild it using a performance rebuild kit that include performance bands and clutch packs from companies like TCI automotive (Pro Super kit) and Jet Performance. This will improve your transmission’s torque capacity up to 470-500 lbs/ft or enough to support over 450 hp. Some high performance heavy duty kits will even support up to 650 hp. Whole transmissions can be also be purchased. Monster Transmission and Performance (http://www.eatmyshift.com/) has 2 levels of upgraded 700R4 and 4L60E transmissions available starting at $1895, no core charge, and free shipping.

There are also simple ways to improve your transmission’s shifting performance and increase the life of the transmission bands by installing a transmission shift kit and installing larger servos from Sonnax (or Jet Performance). A popular upgrade is to install the Corvette (or even larger billet) servo that activates the 2-4 band assembly to guard against slippage while in 2nd gear. It will also help to quicken the 1-2 shift. There is also a 4th gear servo that can be installed that helps to firm up the 3-4 shift and hold the shift band tighter to prevent wear. A shift kit will provide stronger, quicker shifts through out the transmission bands. Either of these upgrades can be perform alone or in conjunction with one another. However, these upgrades will not improve the torque capacity of the transmission, but they will help to reduce wear (slippage) of the transmission bands and may prolong the life of your transmission.

If you have a 4L60E transmission, B&M also makes a product called the Shift Improver Plus+ that splices onto two wires leading from your ECM to the transmission. It has a rocker switch that has two settings on it: firm and extra firm. It serves to electronically increase the line pressure to hold the transmission bands and quicken shifts (similar in function to the TV cable on 700R4 transmissions). I’ve used one on my truck and it does work. This would be a good option for those that occasionally tow or want performance shifts, but not all the time.


What about rear end upgrades? Any good?
We’re talking rear end gears here. This discussion goes hand-in-hand with tire size, because with many truck owners are installing larger 20” or 22” wheels, and it is not unheard of now to have tires that are between 29-32” and much taller than the factory-supplied tires. Take my factory tire for example. It was a 235/75R15 or a 29” tall tire. I’m running a 265/50R20 tire or a 30.5” tall tire and my truck has a 3.42:1 rear end. The addition of these tires to my truck would be equivalent to a similar truck with the stock 29” tires and a 3.25:1 ratio rear end. In order to restore the performance that I had with the stock tires, I would theoretically need a 3.60:1 rear end. Since one isn’t made, the closest one would be a 3.73:1. For 33” tires, I’d theoretically need a 3.90:1 rear end. A good rear end ratio calculator can be found here: http://www.idavette.net/tech/ratioc.htm.


What about rear end differentials? What kinds are there? Do I need one?
Most trucks these days come with mechanically locking differentials, although there are both 2WD and 4WD trucks that have open differentials. Find the RPO codes on your truck (usually in the glovebox) and then check here: Ultimate RPO Database. The mechanically locking differential is a speed sensitive design that reacts to wheel slip by sensing when one wheel is spinning substantially faster than the other. So most of the time it works as a regular open differential, but as soon as wheel slip happens, going forward or reverse, the locker immediately kicks in. Note axle lockup can only occur at speeds below 20 mph. A simple design and it works well. For some reason, it gets knocked down in favor of the limited-slip differential. GM uses the Eaton G80 mechanical locking differential: http://www.traction.eaton.com/prod2.htm. A better design is available with the Eaton E-locker, which is essentially a mechanical locking differential where the driver has complete control of when and what gets locked.

Another design is the limited-slip differential (http://www.traction.eaton.com/prod3.htm). It uses input torque rather then wheel slip to activate the locker. A common misconception is a limited slip differential provides traction to both wheels all the time. With normal or light throttle applications on dry pavement, only the drive wheel receives torque (or power) - just like an open differential. Detroit Locker makes a clutchless design with no clutch packs to wear out called the Detroit TruTrac (http://www.detroitlocker.com/DT.htm). A great design and should be standard for all limited-slip differentials.

Another new product is the Detroit Electrac (http://www.detroitlocker.com/DE.htm), combining the utility of the TruTrac limited-slip differential with electronic user activation of a full locker controlled by a switch mounted on the dash. The ultimate combination and the best of both worlds.

Do you need one and which one? Well, in most cases, no. But there are times where a limited-slip or mechanical locking differential is extremely useful, especially in a truck. Winter traction is a good example, particularly with 2WD trucks. While the limited-slip differential is an excellent way to control traction in street rods, light duty/street performance pickups and all types of tarmac running racecars, it isn't the best solution for the serious off-road vehicle. Why? Because it's input torque, not wheel slip that determines when power is transferred to the other wheel. So for winter roads, the boat ramp, and the back-woods, two-track, gotta-get-over-the-mountain types, choose the mechanical locking differential. IMO, either of these two is better than the open differential design.


Will an MSD or equivalent ignition box improve the power and performance of my truck?
IMO, a MSD ignition box will not outperform a well-tuned and maintained stock HEI setup. I think they have their applications with superchargers and nitrous systems, but not on a mildly modded 350 engine. And it’s debatable whether or not it improves fuel economy with more complete combustion. Does it start faster or easier in winter? I don’t believe so – that’s a myth. Quicker throttle response? Again – a well-tuned HEI distributor works just as well – no difference in throttle response. So why use one? I can think of a couple reasons: 1) RPM limiter capability, 2) some have the capability to adjust your timing/retard without having to play with the distributor, 3) may make up for a poor tuned HEI system, bad/faulty wires, etc. – not a great reason, but it will make your ignition user friendly and resistant to the common faults of poor maintenance, 4) more consistent ignition and higher speak energy when above 6000 RPM. IMO save your money for performance upgrades that are proven to make more power. The stock ignition can easily support 400-450 hp and operate flawlessly to 6000 RPM.


What about power or underdrive pulleys? Do they make more power and how do they work?
I have March Power Pulleys – IMO you won't notice any difference in power. They are designed to slow the fan speed at higher engine RPMs, so that's where your benefit will be. Unfortunately, TBI's only rev to about 4500-4700 RPM, so I don't feel they are worth it, particularly if you have a clutch fan setup. With the clutch fan engaged, they probably improve power (see next question), but I wouldn't buy them again and get electric fans instead. They can also reduce the amperage of your alternator at idle despite the smaller alternator pulley. This is particularly important at night with your lights/fog lights on, stereo pumping, A/C or heater on full blast, and you’re at the stop light with your brakes on. Oh yeah, you know what I’m talking about.


What about electric fans? Do they make more power and how do they work?
I wouldn’t expect performance miracles from an electric fan. They do improve power, but not in the way that you’d think. I’d called them more of a power retainer than a power adder. Here’s how they work. Installing an electric fan on your engine removes the parasitic action of the motor turning the fan to facilitate air flow across the radiator. Normally, a clutch fan helps to reduce to the fan speed when the engine does not need maximum cooling from your engine-driven fan. Removing this fan improves power, but like a 2-3% hp improvement versus a clutch fan. OK so how can these electric fan manufacturers claim a 20+hp improvement? Well it does happen, but on a HOT engine with the clutch ENGAGED. Yup, that’s right – they are also including the hp that you would normally lose due to the engaged fan. So e-fans really do work.



What about suspension upgrades? How can I make my truck handle better?
The easiest way is to replace your rubber suspension mount bushings with polyurethane bushings. At a minimum, you should replace your front sway bar mounts and sway bar end links. Make sure you use lots of grease before installing them or they will squeak. Energy suspension also sells sway bar mounts with greasable zerks. Next upgrade would be to add a rear sway bar available from companies like Hotchkis, Belltech, or Hellwig. I installed the Hellwig rear sway bar on my truck. It works well and improved the cornering capability considerably. I would recommend getting the axle mounts tack welded in place (any muffler shop will do it), because they will not hold with the U-clamp design. Another option is using sway control bars from Summit or other auto parts stores (http://www.autopn.com/autoparts/swaycontrol/index.html). They are cheaper than adding a rear sway bar. Of course, you can also install a drop kit, particularly one with drop springs and drop shocks. Lower center of gravity and stiffer springs and shocks will definitely improve your handling, but your ride quality may suffer. Too harsh of ride? Use spindles or drop LCAs instead and you can retain your stock front springs. There are also rear shock extenders that will allow you to use your stock length shocks. Another option is bagging your truck for better handling and ride quality.


OK, I’ve got ALL the right performance parts, heads, cam, tranny upgrades. Is there something I’m missing?
Could be. I’d say the most commonly overlooked areas that have a huge impact on performance is fuel supply and computer tuning. “Yeah, but I’ve got a performance chip, an AFPR, and larger injectors so I’m covered.” You may think so, but in most cases your truck is not meeting its potential. How many of you guys datalog to make sure your performance components are working at their maximum potential? How many of you guys install a fuel pressure gauge when you install your AFPR? You’re not alone – in fact, a majority of people don’t and yet it is the easiest way to both improve your engine’s power and fuel economy!! What’s that, you say, better fuel economy? Oh yeah, baby!!

Most people do not understand how much fuel they really need. With ANY performance upgrade, you may need to make changes in the amount of fuel delivered and WHEN it is delivered for your truck to run tip-top. Many will buy an AFPR and play with the pressure settings, but they fail to purchase a fuel gauge!! Please read my tutorial of properly matching fuel to your performance upgrades: Tutorial: Are you getting enough fuel to support your performance upgrades?. In order to refine the fuel deliver for the best power and fuel economy, you have to be able to adjust the computer settings. This is why doing your own chip burning is so important. Please refer to the chip burning section in this thread for ways to either do it yourself or empower yourself with “datalogging” so that a chip/tune specialist can properly make a chip/tune for your engine.

Another method for fine tuning your engine is to adjust your fuel mixture via the O2 sensor and a digital volt meter. Keep in mind that the ECM controls fuel tables as well, so if you’ve changed heads/cam or injectors, but haven’t changed your chip to recalibrate your fuel tables– this is not going to work. However, if you’ve done mild mods or re-calibrated your ECM for your engine mods, this is a good way to fine tune the air:fuel mixture for optimal performance. The article is here: http://www.thirdgen.org/o2tuning.

If you’ve spent major dollars on performance upgrades, you owe it to yourself to properly tune the combination that you have. Guaranteed this is the single best way to make power. Assuming you have the right parts is like throwing money (and hp) away and defeats the purpose of why you are upgrading your engine in the first place.

What is OBDI and OBDII?
OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. There are two major formats OBD-I (84-95 cars/trucks) and OBD-II (96 to current). It's essentially a self-diagnostics system that uses sensor feedback from your running engine (i.e. oxygen sensor, EGR system, fuel delivery system and engine control module) to fine-tune engine parameters such a ignition timing, fuel injector pulse width, etc. to improve engine performance and emissions. OBDI was pretty decent for its time but it had its limitations, including a lack of adapter standards and standardization between different makes and models of vehicles. Another limitation of OBDI was that it could not detect certain kinds of problems such as a dead catalytic converter or one that had been removed. Nor could it detect ignition misfires or evaporative emission problems. Furthermore, OBDI systems would only illuminate the MIL light after a failure had occurred. It had no way of monitoring progressive deterioration of emissions-related components. OBD-II was introduced to address these problems and it significantly improved standardization across makes and models.


Generally speaking, what do I need if I want to do my own PROM tuning for OBDI-equipped trucks?
Checklist:
1. Laptop computer
2. Chip Programmer
3. extra computer chips
4. ALDL (Assembly Line Data Link) cable
5. Programming software
6. Datalogging software
7. ECM/PCM and ALDL definition files (2 files) to calibrate your programming software


What do all these acronyms stand for?
ECM - Electronic (or Engine) control module
PCM - Powertrain Control Module (name changed to reflect computer control over engine and transmission parameters)
ALDL - Assembly Line Data Link - also called Diagnostic Link
PROM - Programmable Read-Only Memory, also known as computer chip


When do I need a chip?
Any truck can use a performance chip to improve performance. Once you start changing engine displacement, camshafts, and cylinder heads - chip tuning is a must for optimal performance. For example, chips have input parameters for number of cylinders, cylinder volume (i.e. engine displacement), and fuel injector size. Chip tuning can also improve the performance of mild performance bolt-ons items such as exhaust systems, headers, and cold air intake systems.


Any good resources for computer tuning OBDI on the internet?
Here are some good filtered resources for the basics of tuning and advanced tuning tips that I have found useful. Third Gen (http://www.thirdgen.org) has some great resources for DIY PROM tuning (including its own section in their forum). I wish FSC had something like that here (hint, hint).

Tuning Basics:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...ack-magic.html
http://www.diy-efi.org/gmecm/ecm_inf...730/qanda.html
http://www.edgesz28.com/edgesz28/sup.../Super8ecu.htm
http://www.diy-efi.org/gmecm/papers/tunetip.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/promintro
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...uide-book.html

Advanced Tuning techniques:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tb...cam-hints.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...arget-afr.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...yyyy-down.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...el-ve-2-a.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...gh-rpm-ve.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tb...ing-issue.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...cold-idle.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...=accell+enrich
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...-follower.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...cs-anyone.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/di...ad-vs-mph.html


What about for OBDII? How do I do it?
I'm no expert on OBDII tuning, but the principles are the same. You need to adjust the parameters for fuel, power enrichment, and timing just as you do with OBDI tuning. Shawn West has written several articles in CHP magazine on computer tuning that are a great read for the average truck enthusiast. Check out one of his latest articles in CHP on ODBII tuning using HP tuners software: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...rtrain_module/. He gives you a simple step-by-step account of the art of tuning OBDII systems. If you didn't spot his article in the list of references above for OBDI systems, I've provided it for you here: http://www.edgesz28.com/edgesz28/sub...it_all-200.pdf


Where can I find software to program my own PROMs?
I'd invite you to read the first link in that long list of weblinks listed above for an excellent discussion on the basic requirements for PROM tuning. There are certain basics that I'll assume you know - like needing a laptop computer, but those are exceedingly cheap these days. You can easily pick up a 5 year old laptop for under $150 or less (or sometimes even FREE). Most of my discussion will focus on OBDI PROM tuning since this is what my 94 truck has.

For ODBI trucks (87-95 TBI trucks) TunerPro and TunerProRT are powerful low cost options. There is also TunerCat for OBDI, but it is much more expensive. TunerProRT also has the capability to to datalog as well without the need for any additional datalogging software. TunerPro and TunerProRT can be downloaded at: http://tunerpro.markmansur.com/. A $30 voluntary registration fee is requested with TunerProRT, while TunerPro is free (Yes - FREE). Payment can be made using PayPal.

If you have OBDII however (96 and later trucks), you'll need to use TunerCat or HP Tuners software. There is an excellent discussion of TunerCat for OBDII-equipped trucks on the FSC forum: Yeah! Full pcm edit program now available for our trucks!. TunerCat software can be found here: http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html


Where can I find the hardware to program my PROM?
Best place to find a quality programmer for OBDI trucks IMO is Moates (http://www.moates.net/). They have chips, burners, emulators, and cables for you. You could start PROM tuning for as little as $160 with Moates BURN1, a chip, and USB ALDL cable. Some chips are re-programable and these are the preferred models. If you make your own ALDL cable, you could be burning chips for under $100!! Yes, tuning trucks has never been this affordable. Moates also has the cool 3-in-1 AutoProm and the Ostrich Emulator. If your truck has a blue MemCal, you'll also need the $35 G1 piggyback adapter (http://www.moates.net/g1-memory-adap...-etc-p-32.html). Another manufacturer of quality hardware is Xtronics with their Pocket Programmer. Their products can be found here: http://xtronics.com/


What is datalogging?
It's a coined term to describe the act of recording sensor data from your ECM/PCM in real-time with the ability to play it back later for further analysis. Unfortunately, datalogging software does not have a magic self-tuning wizard that recommends changes automatically for you to improve your performance. Wouldn't that be nice, eh?!? It could be done I'm sure, but I don't believe any software out there currently has that capability. Most tuners use a few common techniques (i.e. maintaining BLM data around 128 in closed vs. open circuit operation) to optimize their fuel tables and spark advance curves. Many of these techniques are mentioned in the weblink tuning resources listed earlier. Some people have gone so far as to import the data into Microsoft Excel and construct template formulas to make this process a little easier for 2D and 3D tables.


Do I need datalogging software?
It's a good idea to datalog the performance of your truck as feedback to know exact how your truck is responding to your various PROM changes. Pre-93 trucks (non-electronic auto transmission) use the relatively slow 160 baud ALDL connection to communicate with your computer. Besides TunerProRT, you can also use the popular (and free) WinALDL software to datalog your ride. The software can be found here: http://winaldl.joby.se/. 93-95 TBI trucks with the 4L60E auto tranny use the 8192 baud interface for improved performance. Unfortunately, WinALDL does not currently support these PCMs. Either use TunerProRT or another commercially available software called Datamaster (http://www.ttspowersystems.com/diagnostic.htm). Datamaster can also be used to datalog OBDII trucks.


Where can I find ECM/PCM and ALDL definition files for my truck?
Each computer box in your truck has the ECM/PCM number listed on it (usually 8 digits) and a four-letter broadcast code. The broadcast code is essentially the version of the chip program for your truck. There may be many different versions or broadcast codes that are used in different years of trucks. Try to use the same broadcast code as listed in your vehicle. Don't worry though if you can't find one though. The changes between versions are very minor.

So what do you need? Well, I'll give you the example of my 94 truck. It has the 16197427 PCM and the BJLH broadcast code. This is the stock setup. Each truck from GM came with a ECM (called a mask or BIN program) that contains the stock parameters. Mine uses the $0D mask. You can lookup which mask program you need here: http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/ecm_sup.html#trucks, www.xtronics.com/memory/t-cat_supported.pdf, http://www.cruzers.com/~ludis/idxref.html.

Luckily, all the files you need are freely available on the internet from Moates, DIY-EFI.org, and other sources. Moates files can be found here: http://www.moates.net/fileman/. DIY-efi.org files can be found here: ftp://ftp.diy-efi.org/pub/gmecm/bin_lib/. Not every BIN file is located in its respective ECM/PCM folder. Search the main directory as well to see if your broadcast code is listed there as well. In addition, you'll need a datastream definition to allow your ALDL port to "talk" with your computer. They are found on the Moates site. Note that you can also use the definition files available to download from the TunerPro website. You need to load both the BIN and ALDL definitions for your particular truck. They have the common $0D definitions available for free downloading.
 
#46 ·
Written by 88GMCtruck on FSC

88GMCtruck said:
Here is what you need and price:

Knock off intake on ebay (comes with filter) - $40
4' or 3" black PVC pipe - $5
15 degree 3" black elbow - $5
PVC clear or black cement - $1
K&N filter (or equvelent) for 96-98 vortec *optional*- $45
Bolt and Nylock bolt, 2 washers - free
Vacuum hose (i think 3/8") - free

If you buy these things you should have everything you need. I also suggest buying an intake with the all metal box (the plastic ones like mine seem to be hard to seal, i used a a thick self adhesive foam)

Start by removing your old intake.


Once you have that, you will need to install the new center rod in the TBI unit for the intake box.


There are two ways to do this.

-----------------------------------------------------------
If you want the filter to be installed on the pass side, you wont need any of the PVC, bolt, etc. Everything you need will be in the box. *note* if you have a TBI spacer, the filter will hit the hood in this setup, so you can change the angle like I did with PVC pipe and elbow. This is my pass side setup for my TBI spacer.


-----------------------------------------------------------

If you want the filter to be on the driver's side (better IMO), position the box the opposite way. You will need to swap the breather lines, one with nome new rubber hose (including swapping the grommets in the valve covers). You can see the new lines in these pictures.



Next, grab some pipe and decide how long to make them. Test fit them WITHOUT glue. Once you have the filter where it won't hit the hood, you'll need to make a bracket (i used the bracket the intake came with). At this point an extra set of hands helps you, have someone hold the intake tube up while you bend the bracket to the right shape. Drill a hole and bolt this bracket to your fender.


Test fit the intake again, and secure the intake tube to the bracket with a hose clamp. At this point if everything fits right, glue the intake together and re-assemble.




From my findings, I'm getting a bit better gas mileage, and the motor wraps up the RPM's quicker. I also noticed the motor makes the noise of a blow off valve while shifting.....
 
#47 ·
Adjusting Fuel Pressure on a GM TBI
Compliments Walter Sherwin

Subject: Re: adjusting fuel pressure on TBI - Various Options

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assuming the common GM 2bbl TBI's (NOTE: most garden variety 2bbl TBI regulators were factory set for a range of 9-13psig, but be aware that there were also some identical looking ones that were set for "other" ranges. So, it's best to check where you're at before swapping). Some options also apply to other TBI applications.
Options are as follows:
Bolt on Aftermarket
A step beyond
A little bigger step beyond
Add vac compensation
Adjust stock regulator
External Regulator
But before you make a change, you should consider these 2 points:
Variable pressure or fixed pressure
Max TBI pressures

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bolt on an aftermarket adjustable TBI regulator from Turbo City, Hypertech, JET, etc. All of these will adjust up to about almost 15psig, depending upon your setup and pump voltage. This would be a logical replacement for a factory 9-13psig unit, for an engine that has been warmed over with a few mods.

A step beyond....GM TBI regulator P/N 17113186 is a direct bolt-on jobbie, and will give you about 18-20psig fuel pressure. Additionally, this regulator has vacuum compensation capability. If you hook the included vac port to manifold vacuum, then you'll get a part throttle fuel pressure decay of roughly 1psig per every 2"Hg manifold vacuum. This comes from certain marine and HT502 applications.

A little bigger step beyond.......GM TBI regulator P/N 17113079 is a direct bolt-on jobbie, and will give you about 26-32psig. It does not have vac compensation. This comes from some of the late 90's BBC applications.

You can add vac compensation to any TBI regulator, if you have the time and patience to get creative. Basically, you just need to make the can assembly that surrounds the backside of the diaphragm "sealed", and then plumb it to manifold vacuum. You can either do this thru sealing/welding shut the existing can, or machining a new can. The shop manual tells you not to disassemble these regulators, but in truth they are quite easy to dis/re assemble if you are careful.

You can change the setpoint of your stock regulator by roughly +/- 2psig, quite easily. Sometimes without even having to disassemble it. Remove the whole fuel meter cover and regulator assembly from your TBI and flip it upside down in your left hand. You should note a rectangular window cut in the side of the regulator can, with the end of a tang visibly located somewhere between the extreme ends of that window. The tang is attached to the spring perch within, and it's relative up/down position is roughly proportional to the setpoint of the regulator. Move tang up, more pressure, move tang down, less pressure. Now, look at the bottom of the can and you will probably see a beefy collar with what appears to be a screw tack welded in the middle. You can either dremel away the tack weld and manipulate the screw, or, you can try this next approach. Firmly grasp the collar with a good set of vice grips or channel-lock pliers, and gently attempt to force the collar counter clockwise. Chances are pretty good that the tack welds between the can and the collar will snap, and you can then proceed to turn the whole collar assembly counter clockwise to raise the pressure slightly. If this does not work for you, or if your regulator does not have a collar (as some don't), then you'll have to disassemble the regulator to modify it. Again, spin the perch counter clockwise on the screw shaft to compress the spring and raise the pressure.

The external regulator approach.........You can also leave your stock TBI regulator in place (no need to gut it unless planning to get really wild with pressures, and fear a burst diaphragm), and then graft-in any flavour of external regulator, into the TBI return fuel line, remote from the TBI assembly. The external regulator can either be a "fixed" pressure jobbie without vac compensation (intended to continually override the setpoint of the stock TBI regulator), or, it can be a "variable" vac compensated jobbie (intended to provide more fuel when needed and then cut back and allow the stock TBI regulator to take control during cruise).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Important Issues
Whether to run a fixed pressure, or a variable pressure, at the TBI injectors all comes down to your personal level of comfort with the TBI software at hand. The most elegant approach is to select a fixed pressure operating point, then modify the software injector BPC's to suit, and then cal the VE's to suit your engine mods (this carries with it the assumption that you will either measure or calculate your new injector flow rates at your new pressure setpoint). But, if software modifications are troublesome, then variable pressures can be used to at least get things pretty durn close, and then rely upon the INT/BLM features to reign things into control.

As a general rule of thumb, I've found that most GM Rochester TBI injectors will comfortably tolerate up to 30'ish psig without issue, assuming that they are connected to individual 4/1 amp drivers. There are some TBI injectors that can be driven has high as 70psig, but they are an exception rather than the norm.
 
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