Carb to TBI or wait for 03+ drivetrain?

[TruckinFool]

FINALLYY picked up a daily driver 71 blazer thats got a carbed 350/350 on 33's. I have another truck which I'm selling shortly to fund an 03+ drivetrain swap but winters coming and im thinking it might have to wait until spring.

My problem is that I live at 8k feet and commute daily down to denver at 5k feet. If I do this for the whole winter the fuel cost is going to KILL ME not to mention the hassle of a carbed winter daily going up and down 3k+ feet.

Whats the average mpg gain from swapping to a junkyard TBI setup on a 350/350? I'm more than comfortable doing the swap so thats not an issue and I'm assuming I can get a complete setup for about $500. Would it be worth it? The current 350 runs strong so if I can get around 13-14mpg from the TBI I'd just keep the money in the bank and sit tight until she lets go.


Curious to hear ya'lls thoughts.


PS
New to Co and this sight so hope to meet some of you guys!

Nick

 

[sweetk30]

if me unless you have the tbi parts in stock and ready to go 100% dont do it.

more power / better fuel economy / tons more tunability = ls series stuff these days.

do the ls swap and 4l65-e tranny that goes with it.

lons of write ups on this around here in the tech section and tthe garage or sub forum the driveway.

power for doller / time = ls motors and basic bolt in .

 

[dave w]

For the money, I think making sure the 71 Blazer 350 carburetor engine is correctly tuned up. It's amazing how well a 350 with a correctly jetted carburetor can work at altitudes of 5000+ feet above sea level. For the money, if the 71 Blazer does not have an HEI distributor, then correctly upgrading to a HEI is a good idea. A new set of points with the dwell set correctly is a good thing to do if the budget is limited to keep fuel MPG reasonable. Planning your trips, can really stretch the $$ for fuel also.

Personally, I like the idea of waiting for the budget to build up to install an 03+ drivetrain.

dave w

 

[TruckinFool]

Hmm I thought of that but wasn't sure what kind of mpg could be squeezed from a carb? Its got a new Edelbrock performer 1405 on it now and I can pick up an MSD Street fire HEI for $130ish, plugs, wires and some time maybe your right.

actually, I might bring it to a shop to tune. The 3k daily elevation change makes me feel like I'm going to be chasing my tail trying to get it right.