Bought a 94 GMC sierra 1500. Truck originally was a 305 auto(4L). Someone put a 350/th350 in it. Block code came up a 86 & up. Could be 2 or 4 bolt main? Haven’t pulled pan to check. Anyways, it’s a tbi set up. Stock headers. Stock intake. Just looking for the best bang for my buck performance wise. Looking to give the truck a little more of its true potential. Is it as simple as headers, cam, and maybe a better chip for the tbi?
CK5
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350 tbi options
- Thread starter Bdub76
- Start date
Start by looking up upgrades to the ignition system. A strong spark actually helps these a lot. Then an intake with a mild cam never hurts. Yes a chip/tune will be needed, but overall should make a solid runner.
You can still get custom tune chips made.
So you don’t think headers are important?
You got any recommendations for any of them?
I’ve read about a lot of problems. Or atleast alot of trial & error. Just looking to see if I should invest in the tbi set up or switch to carb or even something like the aces Efi stuff.
Aces efi is crap. If you want more power put a ls in it.
What an educated response. I’ve seen many people have success with just about every option out there. Aces efi included. Why would I take a perfectly good small block & spend thousands to switch it to a LS. A small block will do anything an LS will do.
I have this page saved; don't know how old it is
Yes, an LS swap will cost a couple of thousand dollars, but so will the aftermarket EFI system once you're done with a fuel system and all the odds and ends. The difference is you still have old iron SBC heads, iron intake, tiny cam, block exhaust manifolds, etc. In some cases, you still have a distributor, V-belts, and other old stuff. If it's built right, the SBC has a slight advantage in low-end torque, but the LS will destroy it from the mid-range on. A 6.0 with just a cam swap has been shown to make 2x the HP the TBI engine was rated for.
Ultimately, it's your truck and your decision to make. A TBI V8 is the period correct powerplant and people have been getting all the performance and reliability they need from them for decades. There are many headache stories with all of the aftermarket systems and also glowing reviews. You don't really need one or benefit much until you're doing more extensive mods. If your expectations are realistic that you will pick up just a little power and/or just a little MPG, there's no reason not to proceed.
Ultimately, it's your truck and your decision to make. A TBI V8 is the period correct powerplant and people have been getting all the performance and reliability they need from them for decades. There are many headache stories with all of the aftermarket systems and also glowing reviews. You don't really need one or benefit much until you're doing more extensive mods. If your expectations are realistic that you will pick up just a little power and/or just a little MPG, there's no reason not to proceed.
