73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: chevytruknut 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
-
Start with a chip and an ignition system
-
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
-
Have you thought about TPI?
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hello; check this out!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-1986-TPI-runners-fuel-rail-and-intake-and-distrib-/120670889844?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c188ba774
-
My buddy put a chip and throttle body spacer on his and said it helped out a bunch
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
do you have headersl if not that would probably be a good next step
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
My 87' was all stock until motor rebuild in 2009. I installed a new Holley TBI with HVH spacer under it. New air intake and 2-1/4" exaust with Flowmasters also with one of these TBIchips as mentioned before. I thought I had a Fuel pressure issue but it turned out the chip I installed was at fault. I returned it and they sent me a new one with no problem! Great people! I then was advised to install a heated o2 sensor for cold weather driving. Problem was fixed and this thing will RUN! Bad news is IT LOVES GAS and and not the cheap stuff either! My advise would be to start with air intake and exaust first before getting too involved in the other upgrades then try the chip, especially if you want to drive it every day. Also, I'm not completely sold that the Holley was much better than what was already there! Just m 2 cents worth! :D
-
Good stuff Smitty. I tell ya, I just got back from 6 months of training down in Texas for the USAF. Got in my truck and I really am impressed with how the 305 with a few mods runs. It's really plenty for I'd say a daily driver and I still have more simple mods to do. I could only imagine a 350.
As for the Holley TBI, I've heard it's a waste.... on relatively stock engines. The stock TBI will flow adequately with some of the simple mods (Ultimate TBI mods: shaving the ridges, the rivets on the butterflies, etc). But I guess the Holley has an adjustable TPS? which I guess is useful.
-
Holleys have a bigger bore (like a 454) so they require a chip to get the fuel right. The factory setup is identical but I don't think the Holley is better for the money.
-
I agree, I can't see spending the $ on an aftermarket tbi set up unless you're loaded but if you're going to do that why not go MPI?