Fuel Injected 350 Vortec possible?

[82oldskid]

Is it possible to convert a fuel injected 350 Vortec into my 86 K20?  I've been thinking about converting my truck to FI, and ditching the carb setup, and thought it would be a good way to go.  But, I can't seem to find any info on this swap.  If anyone has done this before, or knows anything about it, your advice is greatly appreciated.  If it helps at all, currently I'm running a carbed 350, NV4500 5-Speed, and NP205 T-case as my current setup.  Thanks to all in advance!

[square81]

Oh yeah its possible to swap that in. Pretty well all the stuff you have now will bolt right up to the newer engine. I'd try finding a truck thats still running and just swap everything over to your truck its alot easier and your not running around hunting down parts. The only thing that might be a pain is the fuel system and getting the wiring sorted out. Did sorta the same swap but it was a dodge truck and it worked out good.

[bake74]

     In members rides, capt. Is doing the same thing to his 87 r10.

[82oldskid]

Well, i did a little searching today, and came across a guy parting out a 97 1/2 ton, 4x4, 5-speed.  gave him a call, and asked about the motor and all the wiring, and computer.  Gave me a price of $350, i pull it myself.  That dont seem too bad, really.  still would prefer to find a whole truck, but I think I'll go give this one a good look.

[blazing816]

$350 for a running motor, wiring, and computer is not bad at all. Heck you would even have money in there if you wanted to put some money in it. Go throw upgrades, change all the gasket to make sure nothing is leaking, or just pay a shop to give it a good look while its out. I would one at that price and then I would have it completely rebuilt and know that I had a solid motor for miles to come. Just my $.02

[Edahall]

Well, i did a little searching today, and came across a guy parting out a 97 1/2 ton, 4x4, 5-speed.  gave him a call, and asked about the motor and all the wiring, and computer.  Gave me a price of $350, i pull it myself.  That dont seem too bad, really.  still would prefer to find a whole truck, but I think I'll go give this one a good look.

Wow, I wish I could buy a running Vortec 350 engine for that price here in TX.  Everybody wants at least double that price.

[82oldskid]

well...  i think my luck struck again.  i went and looked at this motor tonight.  the fan shroud and the vin both tell me the motor is a 305.  i tried to look at the casting on the back of the block by the bellhousing, but i couldnt get a good look at it.  the guy advertised it as a 5.7, but all the signs are pointing towards a 5.0.  i gave the guy a $50 to hold it, cause he's telling me this motor was replaced, and is not the original so theres a chance it may be a 350, but i'm thinkin i may cut my losses, tell him keep the $50, and keep searching.  I woould rather take a $50 loss, than get stuck with a useless motor that i spent $300 on.  Ya'll know of any other ways i might be able to tell if its a 350 or not?

[454Man]

If its still on the truck then I think The 1996-1999 Vortec 4.3 and 305 also use 1 cat. The Vortec 350 and 454 both use dual cats. All the Vortec engines use 2 precat sensors, the 4.3 and 305 use I post cat sensor and the 454 and 350 use 2 postcat sensors. But if he says its been replaced then all that goes out the window.

[Edahall]

well...  i think my luck struck again.  i went and looked at this motor tonight.  the fan shroud and the vin both tell me the motor is a 305.  i tried to look at the casting on the back of the block by the bellhousing, but i couldnt get a good look at it.  the guy advertised it as a 5.7, but all the signs are pointing towards a 5.0.  i gave the guy a $50 to hold it, cause he's telling me this motor was replaced, and is not the original so theres a chance it may be a 350, but i'm thinkin i may cut my losses, tell him keep the $50, and keep searching.  I woould rather take a $50 loss, than get stuck with a useless motor that i spent $300 on.  Ya'll know of any other ways i might be able to tell if its a 350 or not?

There is suppose to be some number cast into the block way behind but I've never been able to see it.

That said, have you thought about installing a newer 5.3L engine instead?  IMO, they are a much superior engine.  The Vortec 350'w were problematic (intake manifold gaskets issues, cracked heads, spider fuel injection system, etc).  No wonder you see so many of them being replaced.

[Captkaos]

The Pre-LS motors (1999 back in trucks) will bolt right into our trucks.  Just need the harness to make it work.