Cheap tbi upgrades

Rago · 03-02-2009, 01:07 PM

Let me start off by saying that I know engines. I've rebuilt a couple over the years, & I think I have set up some decent combos in the past. That said, I have NEVER built up a TBI 350. After getting the chance to finally drive my new truck - a 1991 Silverado 4x4 - I have decided that it needs some cajones. First off, I ordered up some new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, & a 14" round x 4" tall open element air cleaner. The ignition stuff is mostly MSD. Hopefully, when this stuff gets in on Wednesday, I can test this out to see how much of an improvement I made. Looks like everything else is up to par, nothing metallic in the oil when I changed it, I'll be doing the tranny next & checking compression when I change the plugs.

If everything does check out alright, I would like to do some more upgrades one at a time. My problem is, I HAVE NEVER built up a TBI 350! I already have a 72 Cutlass & two 71 Chevelle projects, plus this is my daily driver/tow truck/offroad vehicle so I don't have the time or money to put into a complete rebuild right now. Yeah I know I have enough to keep me busy, but I really can't stand the lack of power that this truck has.

I have looked into maybe throwing on some roller tipped rockers, headers, opening up the TB a little, & a few cams. If anyone has any suggestions on headers or cams that have worked, let me know. I don't want to put a chip in, because every one that I looked at requires 91 octane & I can't afford that every day. Also a custom chip is probably out because I am told that the truck needs to be at the shop in order to tune it. Well since I live in the middle of nowhere, there isn't any shops near that does this stuff that I know of. Anything I do will be one part at a time to minimize downtime & a nagging wife. Here are some of the cams I looked at so far:

Voodoo Hyd Cam - Chevrolet Small Block 250/256 - Lunati Power

COMP Cams - Cam Details

COMP Cams - Cam Details

I am open to any suggestions to cams that have worked for others. I would also like to hear comments on exhaust set ups that work. Right now, I have to deal with a single Flowmaster dumped under the truck. Personally I don't care for this, so it might be my first upgrade.

To those that help me after reading this babbling, thank you in advance.

chevyguy · 03-02-2009, 03:34 PM

Build the motor for a 600 CFM carb or youll probally need to do some TBI work. Pretty baisic build.

Rago · 03-02-2009, 08:00 PM

I thought about it. Sure would make things easier, but then I'd lose the fuel economy & off road ability of TBI.

03-02-2009, 01:07 PM	#1
Rago Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 76	Cheap tbi upgrades Let me start off by saying that I know engines. I've rebuilt a couple over the years, & I think I have set up some decent combos in the past. That said, I have NEVER built up a TBI 350. After getting the chance to finally drive my new truck - a 1991 Silverado 4x4 - I have decided that it needs some cajones. First off, I ordered up some new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, & a 14" round x 4" tall open element air cleaner. The ignition stuff is mostly MSD. Hopefully, when this stuff gets in on Wednesday, I can test this out to see how much of an improvement I made. Looks like everything else is up to par, nothing metallic in the oil when I changed it, I'll be doing the tranny next & checking compression when I change the plugs. If everything does check out alright, I would like to do some more upgrades one at a time. My problem is, I HAVE NEVER built up a TBI 350! I already have a 72 Cutlass & two 71 Chevelle projects, plus this is my daily driver/tow truck/offroad vehicle so I don't have the time or money to put into a complete rebuild right now. Yeah I know I have enough to keep me busy, but I really can't stand the lack of power that this truck has. I have looked into maybe throwing on some roller tipped rockers, headers, opening up the TB a little, & a few cams. If anyone has any suggestions on headers or cams that have worked, let me know. I don't want to put a chip in, because every one that I looked at requires 91 octane & I can't afford that every day. Also a custom chip is probably out because I am told that the truck needs to be at the shop in order to tune it. Well since I live in the middle of nowhere, there isn't any shops near that does this stuff that I know of. Anything I do will be one part at a time to minimize downtime & a nagging wife. Here are some of the cams I looked at so far: Voodoo Hyd Cam - Chevrolet Small Block 250/256 - Lunati Power COMP Cams - Cam Details COMP Cams - Cam Details I am open to any suggestions to cams that have worked for others. I would also like to hear comments on exhaust set ups that work. Right now, I have to deal with a single Flowmaster dumped under the truck. Personally I don't care for this, so it might be my first upgrade. To those that help me after reading this babbling, thank you in advance.

03-02-2009, 03:34 PM	#2
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,370	Build the motor for a 600 CFM carb or youll probally need to do some TBI work. Pretty baisic build. __________________ Friends dont let friends use body lifts USMC 92-96 USCG 98 to present

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03-02-2009, 08:00 PM	#3
Rago Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 76	I thought about it. Sure would make things easier, but then I'd lose the fuel economy & off road ability of TBI.