Trashing mid 80 Electronics in swap

[Peternell]

I've come accross a rebuilt 383 that is built for pulling. My 85' full size Blazer has a basically stock 350 w/a 700R4. Thought is swap the 383 into the truck and use the 350 long block in the Z (getting tried of waiting for all the $ need to complete the 406) Anyway this would get the Z rolling and I could work out the bugs, BUT before I violate the "if it ain't broken don't fix it rule" with the Blazer I have a few questions.

 

1) As part of the swap I want to junk/trash the computer controlled HEI and Q-jet and replace them with good old pre computer parts.

 

2) Also around here it's "Emission controls, we don't need no stinking emission controls".

 

QUESTIONS Are:

1) Is there a computer between the fuse box and HEI?

2) Can I just run a hot lead from the fuse box to the HEI and eliminate any brain boxes?

3) Will this back to basics swap effect the 700R4?

4) Is there vacumm hose routing that if removed will effect the 700R4?

5) Is this as simple as finding the hot HEI, connecting it to a pre 80' HEI, bolt on a Holley spreadbore and trash the computer controlled HEI and Q-jet?

 

If this doesn't create too much greif then the Z get a proven running engine, even though its in stock 1985 (lame) form.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Modern Motorsports Ltd]

"I've come accross a rebuilt 383 that is built for pulling. My 85' full size Blazer has a basically stock 350 w/a 700R4.....BUT before I violate the "if it ain't broken don't fix it rule" with the Blazer I have a few questions. "

 

well on that ain't broke/don't fix it...why not put the 383 into your Z and leave the blazer as is? perhaps a cam change if needed but doing the blazer etc can open up extra's obviously.

 

"1) As part of the swap I want to junk/trash the computer controlled HEI and Q-jet and replace them with good old pre computer parts."

 

Just be sure to have a correct TV cable hookup on your 'new' carb. Non-comp. HEI only needs one power wire so that's easy, tach is optional

 

"QUESTIONS Are:

1) Is there a computer between the fuse box and HEI?"

 

if your HEI is truly computer controlled then their is something controlling the timing curve, it would be fused.

 

"2) Can I just run a hot lead from the fuse box to the HEI and eliminate any brain boxes?"

 

I'd setup a relay to ignition & the JTR oil psi safety switch and keep any current possible out of an OEM Z fusebox.

 

3) Will this back to basics swap effect the 700R4?

 

you will need to wire up the TC lockup, can be a toggle switch on your shifter and a release on your brake for full manual control. Other than that your 700 needs the TV cable hookup and that's it, nothing vaccuum controlled on a 700.

 

4) Is there vacumm hose routing that if removed will effect the 700R4?

 

nope

 

5) Is this as simple as finding the hot HEI, connecting it to a pre 80' HEI, bolt on a Holley spreadbore and trash the computer controlled HEI and Q-jet?

 

pretty much..from what you're building/described I assume you've played with HEI's and carbies so nothing to technically daunting involved. I'd sure be swayed to either leaving the 350 in place in the blazer, or leaving it's topend, manifold/carb/HEI at a minimum in place to run on the 383 in the blazer as that carb etc should still run that 383 fine if it's a stump puller as you say. Some jet changes might be needed but your plugs will tell you that. Then you've only really have one 'all new' system to setup/troubleshoot if the blazer induction/spark is left as is. Just some options.

[Peternell]

Ross thanks for the quick reply.

 

The 383 is the ideal engine for my Blazer, but even with a cam change is not ideal for my Z for my intended purpose, which is go very fast, hopefully in a straight line.

ALL wiring in the Z was yanked out and will soon be replaced with a painless kit. Also the 700R4 stays in the Blazer, the Z gets a mystery TH400 (you know the kind, all prepped, never run, bought form a firend of a friend)

 

Compression in the 383 is too low (for all out strip and maybe street engine in the Z) and engine was built well, but parts were not chosen/prepped (ie rings, rod bolts, cast pistons) for the Z's intended purpose. good for low RPM pulling though.

 

Even if the 383 went into the Z it would be swapped in the near future (12 months hopefully) for the well prepped 406. But if it goes into the the Blazer then thats one project finished.