old skool conversion to f-body TBI?

[labrat]

Just a quick question out there, I have a friend who's willing to trade my kickin stereo system for a complete TBI setup off of a late 80's f-body. Is there any way I can make this work without a ton of hassle on a 72 smallblock 350? I searched the forum, and didn't find much. Has anyone made this work, and how much trouble is it? I know the tbi swap manual from jtr says not to retrofit an older engine with the tbi system, but I would really like fuel injection, and the price is definitely right, so any ideas?

 

Thanks guys!

 

Bill

[denny411]

Does JTR say why not to retro the tbi to an older engine? I used the stock tbi on my 88 truck w/ a 78 engine and it seems to work fine.It does run a little rich but I think that is cam related.

[labrat]

I don't know why, i don't actually have the manual, i was quoting a post I saw here. How hard was it to swap the system into a Z? Was there any major hassles?

 

Bill

[strotter]

I Swapped an '89 TBI system onto a '66 327. Mechanically, it was pretty straightforward. I had to tap into a boss on the block for the knock sensor (as outlined in JTR's TBI swapping book - buy it), and I had to get a different (153-tooth?) flywheel to adapt to the T-5. Also, I got a TBI manifold adapter so that I could use a non-TBI manifold. The problem wasn't so much mechanical, as electrical: you'll need the computer, a number of relays and other boxes (including stuff you wouldn't expect, such as the anti-theft control box). The big deal was the wiring itself. I would strongly suggest you contact Painless and get a harness for your application. If you have more detailed questions, email me at strotter@lodinet.com.

[Guest Anonymous]

As mentioned the electrical is the only caviate to the swap (well aside from the knock sensor). A adaptor from carb to TBI is easily made from aluminum (or even bought, they're available). Theres even a few hop ups that can be done to spice it up a bit. (Chevy 454 TBI injectors and throttle body for one). Its actually easier from a fuel system perspective as it doesn't require the same pressure at all. The stock lines would easily handle it better at like 12-15 psi of pressure. While not quite as acurate as a multiport system, theres nothing wrong with a TBI system at all, its still infinitely better than a carb.

As a side note, if you use a big throttle body from the 454 , you can actually convert to multi point just by having a manifold either made or bought with multiport injector bosses in it and then just use a block off plate on the chevy throttle body where the injectors normally hang on the GM throttle body. Of a course change of fuel systems to something with more pressure is required as well as well as the appropriate prom.

If I found a decend TBI system complete I wouldn't turn it down if I had the dollars at the time that is and it was relatively cheap.

 

Regards,

 

Lone

[Mike C]

Th '87 and up small blocks have a different angle on the center bolts on the intake. It is possible to ovalize these to work on and older motor, or you can pony up the cash for an aftermarket TBI intake. FWIW, I have the complete TBI system off of a '90 305 camaro if anybody is interested. Intake, TB, distributor, air cleaner, wiring and computer is yours for the trade of an MSD small cap computer HEI. I bought the motor for the T5, flywheel, accessory drive and distributor to use on my TPI motor. If you don't want to swap, I'll sell for $250