88 k5 tbi worth fixin?

[no1uknow]

Just picked up an 88 with a tbi for cheap, the engine needs some work. Is it worth it to fix it or just dump a 454 in it? How much power and torque does the tbi have? its all stock. thanks in advance..

 

[4X4HIGH]

Since you live in California if you decide to install a 454 be prepared to visit your local referee station for the first smog inspection. The engine also would have to be the same year of the vehicle or newer and have all emissions for the year of the engine. With that being said i'm sure it would be easier to repair what you have and drive it.

 

[Thunder]

Stock 350 TBI in Blazers is 210 HP. 300 ft lb TQ
What is wrong with the engine?
Beings Blazers did not come with 454. It might be hard to get it thru a smog inspection if you change the engine.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The TBI 350 is a good engine. Decent power and torque and can return good mpg when geared right. Don't compare it to today's 300+ hp truck engines but in it's day it was hard to beat. Same power as Ford's Windsors with half the amount of wiring and expensive parts.

 

[no1uknow]

Not sure what's wrong with the engine, I know one piston isn't working, my mechanic said that I would need to fix the heads, I could have it fixed for about $300 total. BTW I'm now in Mexico so I don't have to worry about smogging the vehicle since it will have Mexican plates. For $500 I can have a used 454 in excellent condition installed. I'm not too worried about gas mileage since I will only drive it to go wheelin'. What is the power and torque difference between my current engine and an early 80's truck 454 engine?

 

[no1uknow]

any specs on the 454? btw, how much difference does a intake manifold make?