need advice?

**silver89aldo** · 08-23-2009, 06:31 PM

I bought a 88 c/1500 a couple of weeks ago that someone had already swap over to carb.Iwas thinking about changing it back over efi . If I do what will I need and is that the best way to go or should I leave it the way it is?Thanks everyones input. btw the truck is worth it either way

**2COR517** · 08-23-2009, 07:12 PM

The TBI system is well worth the effort to get it going. You need to do some investigating and see how much of the original wiring harness, pcm, etc are still there. If you have a buddy with a similar truck, line em up and look things over.

**2ToNe04** · 08-23-2009, 07:25 PM

What if you put a 5.3 or 6.0 gen III engine that would be pretty sick.

or maybe get a 350 and fix it up.

just my opinion.

**silver89aldo** · 08-24-2009, 04:19 PM

its got a 350 in it now but the carb dont seem to be doing just right and for the cost of a new one I can just about get evrything to change it back to efi.Well I think its a 350 not sure and I am not sure what model it is I do know it has center bolt valve pans . I also got a 700r4 today and took it to have it built.

**2COR517** · 08-24-2009, 06:25 PM

You'll be pleased with the TBI.

**ParisDude** · 08-25-2009, 06:22 AM

I did the swap from TBI to carb on my 88 Silverado but installed a crate 350 HO (330 HP) and can tell you the fuel mileage really suffers. I won't even calculate mileage with the carb since I don't really want to know how bad it is. In my swap to a carburetor, I asked the mechanic to save all that he could of the original wiring etc to the TBI, so it's still there if I want to convert back. If you have a 4 barrel carb on your intake, it's unlikely you have the TBI intake manifold (the TBI is a 2 barrel) which would be a clue that the engine might have been changed out, but most certainly, the intake manifold. The other thing is your fuel pump which is in the tank on the TBI. It pumps about 17 pounds of pressure with the TBI and a carb can only use 6 or 7 lbs. You should find a fuel pressure regulator if your original TBI fuel pump is still in the tank and being used. The original TBIs were very poor performers mostly because of the design of the intake manifold. The carb should provide the best performance between the two. With all it takes to go back to TBI, I would stick with the carb. If you have the bucks, there are several bolt on fuel injection systems for Chevy 350s that must be awesome power makers with great fuel economy and reliability. Holley and Edelbrock are a couple that come to mind. Some report awesome performance with these. Good luck on your decision.

**silver89aldo** · 08-25-2009, 11:13 AM

thanks Parisdude the more I check into it the more it looks like need . I may leave it like it is for now and just put a overdrive tranny in it. I think that will help with mpg alittle bit.I may check into one of the L/S swaps like someone mentioned earlier. Will try to put some pics of the truck on here soon.

**ParisDude** · 08-25-2009, 01:25 PM

My truck has the TH 350 which is a strong transmission, but not very fuel efficient. I was really impressed with the kits from Monster Transmissions http://www.monstertransmissions.com/ who appear to provide all the parts you need to convert to 700R4. I am trying to justify the $1,800 they want for the entire kit, but from what I've seen (youtube videos "monster transmissions"), they look like the way to go. Good luck on your decisions. If you want to convert back to TBI, I have all the stuff I took off my truck including the stock TBI and a Holley 670 CFM throttlebody that could be available. Let me know if I can help.

**silver89aldo** · 08-25-2009, 08:39 PM

That sounds good I could really use some help. I have a computer and some of the wiring harness but tring to work on a deal for everything dont know if it will go through or not.And I am also tring to figure out exactly what and every thing I do need.Does that Holley work pretty good? I have had people tell me good and bad about them .Thanks for your input.