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Got the new shoes on

Small chamber and compression is why I want to change them. I still have the l31 sitting on the stand, vortecs just sitting there...and I still have a tbi/multipoint conversion system.

edl_3505_500.jpg

Was thinking of a bored tbi throttle body. Should be good for 670 cfm. Add a FASTefi unit and harness.
 
Big Ray said:
Small chamber and compression is why I want to change them. I still have the l31 sitting on the stand, vortecs just sitting there...and I still have a tbi/multipoint conversion system.

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Was thinking of a bored tbi throttle body. Should be good for 670 cfm. Add a FASTefi unit and harness.
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I have one of these for my 454, you just reminded me.
Are these any good?
@folkenheath , @Bent77
 
I've never used the TBI unit, I'd rather have a 4 barrel throttle body. So I don't have any experience to comment on it.

I think 670 CFM by itself would be enough for a mild small block, for a big block I would want larger, but low RPM (less than about 5000 RPM for a 454) would be usable. And that multiport conversion and aftermarket controller would help a lot.

I'd probably use a Terminator X ECU, best controller in that price range right now in my opinion. I usually stock the Universal Terminator X ECU.
 
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As for the vortec heads, I wouldn't bother, especially with a 400 small block, get a good set of aluminum heads with the proper combustion chamber size, a decent cam, and some long tube headers will really wake it up.


Tires look awesome!
 
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Yep, vortex head were cool 20 years ago. Until you added valve lift or got them warm
Technology has left them behind
 
imiceman44 said:
I have one of these for my 454, you just reminded me.
Are these any good?
@folkenheath , @Bent77
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For free, they are ok. There’s a lot of power restriction in the upper end of EFI era 7.4L engines. Pulling the factory TBI (650 cfm or so) and going to a carb is a significant power boost

For modern EFI, Heath’s on the ball for that too
 
I have a large TPI BBK THROTTLE body that I've had for years. I'm always thinking how to make it work.
 
folkenheath said:
As for the vortec heads, I wouldn't bother, especially with a 400 small block, get a good set of aluminum heads with the proper combustion chamber size, a decent cam, and some long tube headers will really wake it up.


Tires look awesome!
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They ride great. Just a mild hum going down the road. Nothing like those roaring 17 y.o. mudders that were on it!
 
You could easily control the TPI setup with a Holley ECU and get modern EFI control with those parts.

I stock the Terminator X "Universal" that would do just that.

I'd replace the sensors and injectors if you want it reliable, just so the electronics are new.

The high RPM flow is limited with the TPI setup, but if you set it up for low end torque it can work pretty good.

The TPI is much better than the TBI, and you can get any injector you need to fit it. Its just an airflow limitation at that point. But with the long runners its really setup for torque anyway. With a dual sync distributor you could even go sequential injection with the old TPI.
 
The TPI does look pretty trick in there, my brother had a TPI 350 in his 81 C10 stepside for years, worked well. The 400 would have even more torque with the right heads, compression, and cam.
 
82355 said:
Have the rest of the TPI setup?

Martin
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Everything but a vortec base., harness, and ecu. only want to use the vortec because i already have them.
 
Valid point, but is it easier to get a different set of heads or a vortec base for the TPI?

The Holley would come with an ecu, harness, and O2 sensor.

Holley Terminator X
 
I hear ya.

I've been drooling over this for a while. Be great on the 400. Just don't have that kind of $$$ for my toys...

Wish he had some dyno graphs. Be nice to see exactly where it runs out of wind.


 
FAST makes great EFI as well, I have the original EZ on my truck and I have used the XFI before as well.

However, they are currently less features for the money compared to the Terminator X. I used the EZ 2.0 on a friends LS and I was a little disappointed it wasn't sequential for that money, especially when it already has the cam and crank signals to be sequential because it has to for the spark, and it was still batch firing the injectors.

The Terminator X has both self tuning with a handheld and/or full laptop control if needed, plus other features all in one box. The FAST requires two or three boxes to do what the Holley can do with one box. Not really an issue for you if you don't have CnP, DBW, or trans control. But if down the road there is a point you want to tune manually that won't quite tune itself for some odd reason, the Holley can do it with just a cable and the free software.

I'd save your money on the base if you have a std base already, and spend it on the heads, you'll be better off that way and can also select a combustion chamber and intake ports for the compression and RPM range you want to optimize it for.

I think I would be afraid to drill the vortec heads for the 400 steam holes, I don't know if I would trust it.

Actually, for a low budget upgrade you could just put the TPI on your current heads and run it for a while that way with a new ECU and wiring. You'd also want a different fuel pump (preferably a TBI tank with a Walbro in it) and regulator to go with it.
 
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1988 big block Chevy had a tbi to qjet adapter factory. Some early 89s. If you could find one bolt the tbi on that 400 as is. Add the needed fuel pump and sensors.
 
Beautiful truck, nice tires. I have General Grabber MT's but mine are from 2016. Yours have a noticeably more aggressive sidewall. I wanted the color letters but couldn't get them at the time!
 
Thanks. The dogs love it as much as I do. They won't let me go anywhere without them. Lol
 
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