converting my 65 to tbi

fastcar65 · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:08 pm Post subject: converting my 65 to tbi

i am looking to upgrade my 65 el camino to tbi from the carb i have on it and i was wondering what the bare minimum of running one on my car would be. since it is a 65, i do not need any emission controls what so ever, so all i need to know is what would get it up and running. this is an entirely foreign world to me, so your help would be greatly appreciated.
engine spec (maybe this will help)
350 (bored.30 over), world products sportsman II heads (64 cc sombustion chamber), holley aluminum intake manifold, roller rockers, headers, flowmasters, flat top pistons, 457 lift, 268 duration cam, 650 cfm edelbrock carb,and HEI distributer.

1BadElky · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:43 pm Post subject:

I don't know what the best setup would be, but you could get the parts from a TBI Camaro, fullsize, or other engine. You'd need the computer, distributor, O2 sensors, intake, water temp sensors,smog equipment, and harness.... that's off the top of my head. Oh, you'd also need the fuel system.

There wouldn't be a power gain from the swap because of emissions, etc. TBI isn't really all that great, why do you want to do the swap?

Unless you mean TPI (tuned port injection) but even then, youv'e got alot of work ahead of you.
_________________

Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

fastcar65 · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:00 pm Post subject:

well i wouldnt need the smog equipment because my car is a pre-66. but i was looking to put some sort of fuel injection on because it gets better fuel mileage, WAY less tuning, better throttle response and just all around effinecy. i am constantly fighting my carb, ive got it spot on right now, but it wont be in a few weeks.

i figure ive got around 400 horses, but when the car is running bad, it feels about like 200. so i figured if i could get a reliable setup, i wouldn't be fighting the car every week or so. im not expecting any gains from this, but i definitely don't want any losses. Ive been doing some research on this, but Im still a novice.

will i lose power if i make this swap? i guess i just assumed that it would be able to flow enough air to support my motor, but like i said, i really dont know.

1BadElky · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:22 pm Post subject:

A TPI from a third gen F-body or C4 Vette would work, but still may not support 400HP. This is kinda out of my realm, but you might could use the LT1 system too. the thing with FI is it doesn't like to be modified to my knowledge. but I don't know for sure.

Have you considered a holley FI system or some other HP aftermarket system?
_________________

Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

fastcar65 · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:50 pm Post subject:

thats actually what i was looking at. i was planning on buying a holley tbi system used off of ebay. i really cant afford any other type of FI sense i am a college student and this is my only ride. and i was planning on buying an ECM specific to my setup. i was looking at transplanting a system off of a wrecked car as my second option.

fastcar65 · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 5:36 pm Post subject:

i was just thinking of other options, and i had a thought. will ls1 intakes fit on the older 350s? because the tbi and tpi are limited in there power capabilities. but the newer style FI can handle more power.

cherryelkyls1 · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 8:00 pm Post subject:

Thats a big N O. Gen III parts do not interchange at all with Gen I and Gen II SBC. Ashame I know, but to be honest with a quadrajet, and an overdrive tranny you'll see the same power levels and the overdrive will net better mileage. Quadrajets are way underrated. I just read an article where they made 572 horse on a big motor with a quadrajet, not to mention that the general used that carb for years on a multitude of motors. Unless your willing to go all out on a swap, I stay with a carb.

fastcar65 · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

ok guys, thanks for all you input.

greywolf · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:08 pm Post subject:

fastcar65 · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:38 pm Post subject:

i think instead of the tbi im going to do a multiport setup instead. yes more expensive and time costly, but i think i would really benifit much more from it. i plan on retrofiting a single plain manifold with injector bungs and throttle body. then im going to use a tpi computer and all that good stuff.