Help a Brotha Out...TBI/EFI

[Kay86K5]

Hey Guys, I have a question for anyone that has done a TBI or EFI swap. I just sold a 97 tahoe that I inherited from my dad. The body was really rough, but it ran really good. My original plan was to pull the 5.7 vortec and 4l60e out of it and swap it into my K5. The sole purpose of doing this was to get fuel injection. My 383 runs pretty good, but I am getting so sick of dealing with carbs. Also, I decided I didn't want my Blazer out of commission for as long as it was going to take me to finish the swap. So I decided just to sell it and use that money to try to purchase an aftermarket EFI setup. I have been looking at FAST EZ-EFI, Howell EFI, Affordable EFI, Atomic EFI, and so on. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what they have used and why? Or what you think would be the best bang for the buck. I don't need a kit that can handle big power, more interested in reliability when on off-cambers. I think I would rather purchase a kit for convenience instead of piecing a TBI system together. I am looking to spend around $1300 - $1500. Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[sweetk30]

the injection section here has lots of tbi stuff.

and eagle mark is a chip burner guy for this stuff.

but you could use all stock parts basicly for tbi swap to yours for less money than fancy stuff with a little tunning help . nothin wrong with the fancy stuff tho .

also start looking for a new/used tank from 87-91 blazer for the tray in the bottom and get the sender unit for it . make the fuel pump job a lot cleaner and reliable when done.

i love my junkyard parts truck tbi i swaped over with my cab years ago . truck had not run in over 7-8 years . swaped in tbi motor at same time i had on hand hooked up battery and vroom fired right off.

and do some reading on tunning problems with some ofthese basic 1 fitz all kits. lots of people need a new chip to fix the problems .

 

[paratrooper307]

I think most of the systems you are talking about are closer to $2000+ when you are talking about the complete kits that have everything you need to get it running. Convenient, yes, but not the cheapest way to get EFI. I think there are some kits that are cheaper, but they often have power limitations or the need to purchase extra parts. Some people have been happy with the powerjection III system, runs about 1700-1800 and includes everything you need.

Affordable Injection will probably end of being the cheapest if you get a TBI system. I believe their kits are based off modified factory components.

 

[eagle mark]

You could easily do a TBI with all factory parts and maybe buy a harness to simplify. Or if you have time rewire a stock harness into your truck, it's basically what AFI does. If you buy the harness don't skimp out on the knock sensor. Painless is also good for a harness as are others.

With the 383 you will need an adjustable fuel pressure regulator or BB injectors to supply enough fuel. Tune the chip and you;ll be a happy camper!

The other systems are nice but very expensive, I've not seen one that runs better then a factory TBI, although they will handle some monster built motors better.

Biggest reason to use what GM already has is reliability and ease of service and replacement parts. Just look at all the old aftermarket EFI systems for sale for next to nothing? Because they are obsolete and can't be repaired or fixed. With a TBI system you can buy every part from any parts store anywhere anyday!

 

[72blazerguy]

I installed the Fast EFI on my 383. Used the stock tank and modified the sending unit for more return. Overall, I am pleased with the system. Throttle response is much improved, no hiccups in off-camber situations, basically all of the reasons people want to fuel inject.

On the downside....I was missing a few parts (fuel filter, fuel pump relay) in the package and the Fast customer service sucks. They still haven't made good on the missing parts.

I did not want to deal with trying to get a custom chip for a stock gm setup, but if you have time for that, stock tbi would definitely be the way to go.