Author Topic: Needing ideas for TBI mods  (Read 16479 times)

Offline chevytruknut

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Needing ideas for TBI mods
« on: January 07, 2011, 09:50:54 PM »
I have an 87 silverado 350 TBI that I drive everyday. I'm open to any performance mods that has produced good results. I'm not planning on doing any internal engine work for now so any ignition, throttle body or air intake mods would be good. The only thing thats been done so far is new dual 2 1/4 inch exhaust with turbo mufflers. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Online VileZambonie

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2011, 10:16:48 PM »
Start with a chip and an ignition system
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Offline KY..Rob

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2011, 10:33:00 PM »
Here's a pretty good thread, It has a lot of good links and plenty of reading.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=14848.0

Offline drehm

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2011, 12:01:31 PM »
Have you thought about TPI?
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Offline chevytruknut

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2011, 05:15:40 PM »
Yes I would love to have TPI but there is always this nagging money issue. Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it. I always like to listen to ideas.

Offline Jim Rockford

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2011, 07:51:43 AM »
Heads and exhaust along with a good cam is the biggest bang for the buck. a chip alone will help a little, but you really wont notice it on the ol butt dyno.
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Offline drehm

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Passion for NHRA and My Chevy Truck!                   & Riding my 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster!

Offline 86Chevy3

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2011, 07:32:06 PM »
My buddy put a chip and throttle body spacer on his and said it helped out a bunch

Offline lechez71

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2011, 08:10:07 PM »
i know you asked for tbi mods but what gear ratio do you have? what tranny you running 700r4? a gear swap and a nice stall converter will wake that truck up.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2011, 08:12:51 PM by lechez71 »

Offline chevymotocross

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2011, 12:12:22 PM »
For bolt ons, there is really only so much since the main limiting factor on TBI engines are the heads and cam.

On my 305 tbi, it already came with dual exhaust, manifolds back. I added a cheap injector pod spacer, didn't really see any improvement. Next I added the CFM-Tech TBI spacer and I noticed a nice improvement with that. I also installed an adjustable regulator and gauge to make sure the system was producing good pressure for some mods (13-14), and I found it wasn't, due to a weak pump putting out barely 8.

An open element FLAT base filter and removed the chock collar, that helped some.

Next I want to add full length headers, and an x-pipe system. Last, I will go with a custom burned chip.

Besides that, unless you change out the heads/cam, that's all you can really do to a TBI engine. Down the road, I plan to swap an L31 vortec in, but the nice thing is, I can re-use all my mods (besides chip).

Also, from what I've been told, an aftermarket intake manifold on a stock TBI engine is a waste of money.
1987 Chevy Silverado 2wd SWB: 305 TBI, 700r4, dual exhaust, tbi mods, k&n filter, belltech sway bar

Offline Layne

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2011, 12:06:03 AM »
So the holley or the edelbrock intake is a waste? I Have everything you listed except the chip or the adjustable pressure regulator... Is the regulator worth it?
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Offline 1980c10

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2011, 12:21:11 AM »
do you have headersl if not that would probably be a good next step

Offline chevymotocross

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2011, 05:14:19 PM »
So the holley or the edelbrock intake is a waste? I Have everything you listed except the chip or the adjustable pressure regulator... Is the regulator worth it?

Yes, the regulator is worth it, especially with simple bolt-on mods. From the factory, the psi ranged anywhere from 9-13. If you are on the lower end of the scale, your engine isn't going to be running 100%. With mods, you really want to be in the 14-14.5 psi range and that can be accomplished with the regulator. Check out the JET one or the CFM-Tech one.
1987 Chevy Silverado 2wd SWB: 305 TBI, 700r4, dual exhaust, tbi mods, k&n filter, belltech sway bar

Offline FritzA

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2011, 12:00:31 PM »
The BEST info regarding TBI engine mods is at this guys site.

www.tbichips.com

Follow the link on the left for GOOD TBI MODS and then select Small Block Trucks.

TBI is never going to produce as much HP as a TPI set-up but hey, we are driving trucks on the street/farm/trails, not race cars. TBI is just fine for a daily driver and can put out decent power and torque for the truck.

Like ALL engines, it is really a matter of how they breathe. The exhaust and intake system are good places to start followed by the cam, fuel-pump and throttle-body. The coil is another easy/cheap upgrade that makes a difference.

The old saying: Speed and power costs money. How fast can you afford to go?

Good luck and keep us updated on your mods and how you feel they work.

Fritz

Offline chevytruknut

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Re: Needing ideas for TBI mods
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2011, 07:57:34 PM »
Sorry guys I've been off the site for awhile, I have to many irons in the fire. Thanks for all the help and all the good info.