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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: ssapach on February 24, 2011, 01:12:00 pm

Title: Opinions: Carb or aftermarket EFI
Post by: ssapach on February 24, 2011, 01:12:00 pm
My 1986 GMC 1 ton is currently running the stock 454 on propane.  In the future I'd like to put a diesel engine into it, but for the time being I'm planning on converting it back to run on gasoline.

I have a few options in front of me, such as new intake/carb and let it roll, new aftermarket EFI setup or else try to find a stock TBI setup for a 454.

I'm not having any luck with the stock TBI setup around local wreckers.  The odd time I'll find an engine for sale with a TBI setup, but I don't want the engine attached to the TBI, I just want the TBI.

So I'm curious, are there any aftermarket fuel injection setups anyone here would like to suggest?  I've been snooping around the Holley and Edelbrock sites and they each have their own, both of which look nicer and neater than what the stock TBI would look like.  Of course everything comes with a price.

I will tell you this though, even though I plan on putting a diesel in this truck in the future (most say don't bother with the gas for now) but when it comes time to remove the 454 I have a 1981 GMC 3/4 ton sitting with a pooched 350 that could be the new home for the 454.  This is partially why I would even bother converting the 454 to gas at the time.

Who knows, maybe if I get the 454 setup just nicely I won't want to convert it to diesel.

So.....opinions, let me hear them!

Thanks in advance.

And just for the record, and if it matters, the truck has a manual transmission.
Title: Re: Opinions: Carb or aftermarket EFI
Post by: VileZambonie on February 24, 2011, 07:59:25 pm
Just carb it then if it's not going to be it's permanent home. Put a blower on it and forget the diesel  ;D
Title: Re: Opinions: Carb or aftermarket EFI
Post by: slammed79 on February 24, 2011, 11:26:10 pm
Quote from: VileZambonie on February 24, 2011, 07:59:25 pm
Just carb it then if it's not going to be it's permanent home. Put a blower on it and forget the diesel  ;D

Uhhuh!!! What he said!
Title: Re: Opinions: Carb or aftermarket EFI
Post by: ssapach on February 25, 2011, 10:41:27 am
Carb would probably be the more affordable and quicker way to go....

Any suggestions on preferrable brands or models to look at?  I'm not well versed in the field of engine building and modifications....
Title: Re: Opinions: Carb or aftermarket EFI
Post by: VileZambonie on February 26, 2011, 06:43:34 am
What's the compression ratio? Have you taken that into consideration? Go with either an Edlebrock or Qjet for the sake of ease.