Carb vs FI, is it worth the money to swap?

[77c10diesel]

I am looking at buying another 73-87 truck to use as a daily driver to replace my Cummins Dodge. I was thinking about the FI conversions out there and it got me thinking about some of the gas mileage posts. My truck will be mostly stock, 3/4 ton, but I do not know if I will go big or small block yet, guess it depends on what I find.
I was wanting to know if a conversion over to FI would be worth the money? I know someone here must have done it and can report on the fuel savings. However if the savings is only 1-2 MPG and the conversion is over $1000 it seems that the payoff would be a long time off. As apposed to a good intake and a well tuned carb and engine.
What do you think?
BTW I know a 3/4 ton with a gas engine will never reach the mileage that my Cummins gets, however when I drop the $380 a month payment and drop my insurance down, I can buy a lot of gas. Its only at 17 MPG anyway.

[Layne]

Holley and edelbrock have a drop and go kit that might work with sbc vs bbc, but if you decide on either, Tbi is fairly simple.

[VileZambonie]

If you're going TBI just use a factory system from a donor. AS far as fuel economy goes, don't keep your hopes too high. These aren't economical trucks.

[Captkaos]

My 91 1T with a 350TBI and a 4L80E gets 14city/17highway.
You aren't going to exceed that by much with a standard SBC in a 3/4T truck with low gearing

My 87 1/2T with 305TBI and 700R4 gets 15city/22highway driving 65mph.

I would put a factory TBI on it if you get a donor.  I wouldn't waste my money on aftermarket TBI or EFI systems if you aren't after pure performance.

[fitz]

As far as donor vehicles go do you guys recommend reusing the factory TBI wiring harness or would you go with an aftermarket kit like the one from Painless ($400).

[84c20]

why not try find a diesel, the 6.2 is slow but very cheap to run from what i hear.

[77c10diesel]

Thats good to know. I had a 1989 Suburban 2wd, 454, THM400 and I think the best I ever got was 12 MPG and it was TBI.
I guess if I find a great deal on a donor truck, or happen on the right truck I will go with it, otherwise I will stick with the carb.

[polish pete]

I am looking at buying another 73-87 truck to use as a daily driver to replace my Cummins Dodge. I was thinking about the FI conversions out there and it got me thinking about some of the gas mileage posts. My truck will be mostly stock, 3/4 ton, but I do not know if I will go big or small block yet, guess it depends on what I find.
I was wanting to know if a conversion over to FI would be worth the money? I know someone here must have done it and can report on the fuel savings. However if the savings is only 1-2 MPG and the conversion is over $1000 it seems that the payoff would be a long time off. As apposed to a good intake and a well tuned carb and engine.
What do you think?
BTW I know a 3/4 ton with a gas engine will never reach the mileage that my Cummins gets, however when I drop the $380 a month payment and drop my insurance down, I can buy a lot of gas. Its only at 17 MPG anyway.

why not just get an older 12v cummins instead, it will get great mileage and be fairly priced, just an option.

[VileZambonie]

As far as donor vehicles go do you guys recommend reusing the factory TBI wiring harness or would you go with an aftermarket kit like the one from Painless ($400).

Use the factory harness ($FREE)

[Captkaos]

ditto on what Vile stated.

[grinder1989]

I agree with the others.  Factory TBI units are cheap and plentiful.  You can find a harness, injector and computer at any junk yard.  I prefer carburetors but that's just me.  Go to the junk yard and save yourself a lot of money.